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Are you searching for a birthday gift to buy for a boy about to turn 13? Or perhaps you are looking for ideas for what to give a 13-year-old boy for Christmas (because his Christmas list is somewhat vague?!)
I know from experience that it can be hard work trying to decipher what 13-year-olds would like. They’re just at the start of their teen years, tripping over themselves to grow up fast whilst also still being so young. I’ve noticed that some teen boys do a good line of giving only ‘yes/no’ answers and leaving parents and other adults bemused by their teen vernacular.
So, I’ve poured my recent experience of gift shopping for a 13-year-old into a curated list of gifts that teenage boys are actually interested in, will want and love. In short, I’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.
Related: Clever gift ideas for football-loving kids
10 BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR 13-YEAR-OLD BOYS
Take a look through this list, and you will find all the gifts that teen boys of 13 or about to turn 13 will actually want and love.
- Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case
- Catalyst Waterproof Glow In The Dark AirPods Case
- HUVUDSPELARE Gaming chair
- HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset
- Coca Cola (Classic) 4 Liter/6 Can /Mini Fridge
- DJI Tello Ryze Mini Drone
- Squier by Fender Electric Guitar
- LEGO Star Wars Droid Figure Model Building Kit
- CASETiFY iPhone Case
- 60 Minute Under 17's Driving Experience - Virgin Experience Days
13 is a great age to graduate kids up to AirPods. These 3rd Gen AirPods have a MagSafe charging case, which makes life super easy (just what every teen boy wants!)
Teens aren't great at keeping track of their stuff, so an iPod case like this Catalyst one is a really good idea. It can be clipped onto a belt loop or bag, easy to open and close without the AirPods coming out, and this special edition version is glow-in-the-dark.
We have the white version of this gaming chair, but this black and red one is fierce looking! Being a mum, I think it's hugely important to make sure that kids need to have proper back support when they're sitting gaming or at their computers, and this chair does the job perfectly.
HyperX Cloud gaming headsets are super popular within the gaming community. They are lightweight and super comfortable (HyperX has its own signature memory foam), have a swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation microphone and they work across multiple platforms, including Nintendo and PCs.
This is the entry-level version, which is perfectly great for 13-year-olds, there are more expensive versions.
There is a teen trend for having mini fridges in the bedroom. I can't say I dislike the idea. It's perfect to give them a little autonomy for after-school snacks and this Coca-Cola fridge looks super cool too.
I hesitated to include a drone (kids aged 12 can legally fly them in the UK), but I'm emphasising the creativity this palm-sized drone offers.
It can be used to shoot short videos and perform stunts and is programmable using Scratch (the MIT-developed coding system that most kids learn at school in the UK), so kids can programme in their own flight patterns.
Just make sure that you and your 13-year-old are au fait with the UK laws on drone flying.
Got a son who dreams of being in a rock n roll band? Or any kind of band? This Fender Squier is a great starter electric guitar at a great price point.
Ignite your teen's creativity with the LEGO BD-1™ Star Wars Model Building Kit that has1062-pieces. Perfect for Star Wars fans, this set is for building a 25 cm tall BD-1 with posable limbs.
I can 100% vouch that Casetify smartphone cases are unbelievably tough and protective. My 13-year-old's iPhone is still in perfect condition after a whole 18 months, unlike some of her friends' phones.
There are myriad designs to choose from. The prices aren't cheap, but they are so worth it to avoid spending out on smartphone repairs or replacements.
What 13-year-old boy isn't going to love getting behind the wheel of a car? This is a great way to get kids started early on the safety and skills of driving. I have my eye on it as a Christmas gift for my nephew.
THE MAIN THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN GIFT BUYING FOR TEEN BOYS
Q: Is it appropriate to give gift cards to boys aged 13?
A: Absolutely. A gift card for their favourite store or digital platform can be a great gift, allowing them to choose what they want. It can be particularly useful if you’re unsure about their specific tastes or interests.
Q: I want to buy a book as a gift. What genres are popular for 13-year-old boys?
A: Fantasy, science fiction, adventure, and mystery are popular genres among 13-year-old boys. Series like “Harry Potter,” “Percy Jackson,” “Artemis Fowl,” and “Alex Rider” are often well-received. Graphic novels can also be a great choice.
Related: The parents guide to buying gifts for 8-year-old boys
Q: What are some educational gift ideas for a 13-year-old boy?
A: Educational gifts can be engaging and fun. Consider science kits, robot-building kits, telescopes, coding games, or puzzle-solving games. Books on topics they’re interested in can also be educational and entertaining.
Q: What should I consider when buying tech or gaming gifts?
A: Ensure the gift is age-appropriate and aligns with the family’s rules on screen time. If buying a game, ensure it’s suitable for their age (check PEGI ratings in the UK). If purchasing gadgets consider durability, user-friendliness, and whether it needs additional accessories or subscriptions.
Q: I’d like to encourage creativity. What gifts should I consider?
A: Art supplies, music instruments, digital drawing tablets, LEGO sets, and DIY craft or model kits can help stimulate creativity. A journal or notebook could also be a thoughtful gift, offering a space for them to jot down thoughts, ideas, or sketches.
Q: What’s important to remember when shopping for a 13-year-old boy?
A: At 13, boys are transitioning between being a child and a teenager, so it’s a time of change. They might start to desire more independence and develop new interests. While it’s important to consider their hobbies, also pay attention to their evolving tastes. Personalisation can make a gift special – showing you’ve considered their unique interests can make a big difference.
Luci is the founder of Mums Make Lists (Est. 2011). Over the last decade or so, she has used her experience as a mum to create useful guides to organising family life. During that time, she has found the most joy in creating lists of ideas and inspiration to make it easier for busy parents to plan and host kids’ parties and find great gifts. Read more.