37 Christmas Gifts for 17 Year Old Boys Worth Giving

Last updated on November 19, 2025

Posted on

GiftExperts is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us provide free, unbiased recommendations.

What do you get the boy who’s outgrown most holiday traditions but still counts down to Christmas? At 17, the perfect gift needs to acknowledge their independence while celebrating family connections.

We’ve gathered a thoughtfully selected range of holiday presents that resonate with today’s seventeen-year-olds. From innovative tech to practical luxuries, each suggestion has been chosen to create meaningful Christmas memories.

1.
Sony Bluetooth Turntable

Sony Bluetooth Turntable
Why we like it: He plays records during homework now

The turntable arrived when college applications dominated every conversation. Within hours, he’d connected it to his wireless speakers and was spinning an old Fleetwood Mac album I’d forgotten we owned. The automatic arm lifted; he looked mesmerized.

His room sounds different these days. Full albums play while he studies, the record flip creating natural breaks. He texts photos of thrift store finds, builds milk crate storage, researches pressing variations. Even his grandmother noticed: “He asks about my old records now.”

Pros
  • Bluetooth works with existing speakers
  • Automatic features prevent damage
  • Sony reliability at reasonable price
  • Creates physical music collection hobby
  • USB recording preserves vintage finds
Cons
  • Records cost twenty dollars each
  • Plastic build feels less premium

2.
OluKai Moloa Premium Leather Slippers

OluKai Moloa Premium Leather Slippers
Why we like it: Solved the outdoor-shoes-through-the-house war

My son's sneakers lived permanently kicked off by the front door, creating a tripping hazard and forcing him barefoot or back into street shoes for every basement trip. These OluKais solved it because he can slide them on instantly and wear them outside for mail runs without that "I'm wearing house slippers" look.

The leather scuffs near the toe now, from where he props his feet against his desk edge during homework. I've stopped reminding him about shoes indoors because the shearling lining contains the teenage boy foot situation better than his old athletic socks ever did.

Pros
  • Works indoors and outdoors without changing
  • Drop-in heel enables teenage laziness perfectly
  • Quality materials justify the investment price
Cons
  • Requires sizing down from regular shoe size
 

3.
Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Bundle

Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Bundle
Why we like it: College-bound gaming that bridges bedroom to dorm

I bought this after watching my son haul his gaming PC between his room and the living room three times during Thanksgiving week. The Switch 2 solved our “where’s everyone gaming?” chaos—Mario Kart tournaments erupted wherever cousins gathered, from basement to kitchen counter.

His acceptance letter arrived while he was mid-race with his sister; she grabbed the Joy-Con to pause, he docked it to show grandparents on FaceTime. The magnetic controllers survived the celebration tackle. Gaming gear that transitions through milestones—rare find.

Pros
  • Dorm-ready portability with home console power
  • GameChat eliminates separate headset purchases
  • Backwards compatible with existing Switch library
  • Magnetic Joy-Cons fix notorious drift issues
  • 24-player online races satisfy competitive teens
Cons
  • Launch game selection feels thin
  • LCD screen, not premium OLED

4.
Apple Watch SE Smartwatch

Apple Watch SE Smartwatch
Why we like it: Peace of mind meets teen independence

My seventeen-year-old got his license three weeks ago. The Apple Watch SE became our compromise between helicopter parenting and total freedom. Crash Detection gives me comfort during those nerve-wracking first solo drives, while he appreciates looking responsible wearing it to his part-time job interviews.

His workout routine actually stuck this time. The watch tracks his morning gym sessions before school, counts laps at swim practice, even reminds him about hydration. What sealed it as one of 2025’s smartest teen gifts? He stopped losing his phone constantly since the watch pings it.

Pros
  • Crash Detection for new drivers
  • Tracks swimming and gym workouts accurately
  • Find My iPhone saves daily searches
  • Silent alarms preserve household peace
  • Apple Pay teaches financial responsibility
Cons
  • Requires iPhone Xs or newer
  • Battery needs nightly charging ritual
 

5.
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face Trimmer

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face Trimmer
Why we like it: He stopped avoiding the mirror

I found him examining his jawline, OneBlade humming quietly. “Mom, look—no red bumps.” His fingertips traced where razor burn used to bloom. The bathroom counter held zero shaving cream cans, just this slim device charging beside his toothbrush.

His confidence shifted. Morning routines shortened; he’d grab it mid-shower without hesitation. I noticed cleaner necklines before school, experimental stubble patterns on weekends. Even packed it for his college tour—tucked between phone charger and deodorant.

Pros
  • No cuts or nicks ever
  • Works wet or dry anywhere
  • Blade lasts months beyond advertised
  • USB charging, no special adapters
Cons
  • Replacement blades add ongoing cost

6.
Samsung Q990D Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos

Samsung Q990D Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos
Why we like it: Bass travels through floors at midnight

The subwoofer sits behind his gaming chair now, after three room rearrangements trying to minimize vibrations reaching his sister’s room below. Worth every furniture shuffle though; he finally hears footsteps behind him in Valorant matches.

Setup took twelve minutes including unboxing. No cable runs needed for rear speakers meant he handled installation solo while I made dinner. Also works perfectly on my Christmas gift guide for 17-year-old girls since his sister commandeers it for K-drama marathons.

Pros
  • Wireless rear speakers eliminate cable management
  • Auto-switches to gaming mode instantly
  • Dialog clarity at reasonable volumes
  • Built to outlast college moves
  • Q-Symphony enhances Samsung TV integration
Cons
  • Bass penetrates apartment walls easily
  • Requires substantial room for proper placement
 

7.
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub

Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
Why we like it: Solved his college laptop crisis instantly

My son borrowed my Anker hub for a film editing project last spring. Two weeks later, I found him researching his own. His refurbished MacBook Air only had two ports, and juggling external drives, monitors, and charging cables during AP Computer Science presentations had become impossible.

I bought him one in October. Now his desk setup rivals mine: dual monitors for college essays, SD card reader for photography club, all while keeping his laptop charged. Yesterday three classmates asked where he got it after he saved their group presentation.

Pros
  • Transforms limited ports into full workstation
  • No drivers needed, works immediately
  • Aluminum housing survives daily backpack abuse
  • Small enough for front pocket carry
Cons
  • Easy to leave in classrooms
  • Requires existing charger for power delivery

8.
DJI Mini 4K Drone with Camera

DJI Mini 4K Drone with Camera
Why we like it: Outdoor hobby that builds actual marketable skills

The battery clicks in with this satisfying snap, then thirty seconds of propeller calibration before it lifts. He’s outside every weekend now capturing coastline footage, adjusting altitude in ten-foot increments until the composition matches what professional travel videos look like.

His YouTube channel passed 2,000 subscribers in October. The footage quality convinces people he’s using thousand-dollar equipment. I watch him study wind patterns before launching, calculating battery reserves for the return flight. Real technical judgment developing through something he chose himself.

Pros
  • Professional 4K quality at accessible price point
  • No FAA registration required under 249g
  • GPS auto-return prevents losing expensive equipment
  • Develops spatial awareness and creative composition skills
Cons
  • Twenty-five minute flights require multiple battery purchases
 

9.
Metal Detector with LCD Display

Metal Detector with LCD Display
Why we like it: Lost AirPods became treasure hunting obsession

Rain hammered the windows while my son crawled through wet leaves, sweeping methodically. The detector’s numbers jumped: 84, 52, 31. His muddy knees meant nothing compared to finding his friend’s AirPod case buried under October mulch.

Beach trips transformed. Instead of scrolling under umbrellas, he wades knee-deep, headphones on, following beeps. Found three rings, countless coins, someone’s car keys. The shovel bent immediately; we use a garden trowel. His friends borrow it constantly.

Pros
  • Actually finds lost items quickly
  • Waterproof coil enables beach hunting
  • LCD shows specific metal types
  • Adjustable height fits teen properly
  • Creates legitimate outdoor hobby
Cons
  • Included shovel bends first use
  • Headphones uncomfortable and too quiet

10.
Pyle-Pro 50W Professional Megaphone with Siren

Pyle-Pro 50W Professional Megaphone with Siren
Why we like it: Team captain role needs actual professional equipment

The soccer coach handed my son practice management duties in September. His voice couldn’t reach the far goal during drills. This megaphone solved that problem immediately; instructions now carry across three fields without straining.

He keeps it by the garage door with his cleats and clipboard. The detachable mic lets him stay mobile while directing formations. I underestimated how seriously he’d take equipment that treats his leadership role like the real thing.

Pros
  • Professional volume reaches across multiple fields
  • Detachable mic enables movement during coordination
  • Durable construction withstands outdoor field conditions
  • AUX input plays drills or music
Cons
  • Eight C batteries become expensive ongoing cost
 

11.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Smartwatch

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Smartwatch
Why we like it: Stress spikes during finals became visible, measurable

The watch face stayed dark through first period, conserving battery. By lunch, vascular load readings spiked red during his calculus exam. He texted me a screenshot without explanation; the numbers told the story his tight responses wouldn’t.

His cross-country coach mentioned improved pacing before I noticed the Running Coach syncing every morning. The graphite band accumulated sweat stains from double practices, survived showers, never came off. Sleep scores fluctuated with his college essay deadlines, creating a health journal neither of us planned.

Pros
  • Health metrics spark difficult mental health conversations
  • Running Coach adjusts to teen training intensity
  • Two-day battery outlasts forgotten charging nights
  • Withstands constant wear without visible damage
  • Energy Score quantifies consequences of late studying
Cons
  • Band sizing problematic for athletic builds
  • Price steep for potentially careless teen

12.
Wise Owl Outfitters Portable Camping Hammock

Wise Owl Outfitters Portable Camping Hammock
Why we like it: He studies in trees now

I found my son suspended between our oak trees, calculus textbook balanced on his chest. The hammock had migrated from his camping gear to daily homework spot. Even his girlfriend brings her laptop over; they study side by side in the nylon cocoon.

The straps show dirt lines from constant repositioning. He’s rigged it indoors with wall anchors, outside for stargazing, even in his friend’s garage during band practice. My skepticism about another “adventure” purchase dissolved watching him actually choose it over his gaming chair.

Pros
  • Genuinely portable at 16 ounces
  • Triple-stitched holds 400 pounds safely
  • Complete kit includes tree straps
  • Machine washable parachute nylon
  • Sets up in under three minutes
Cons
  • Requires sturdy anchor points
  • Single size limits sharing
 

13.
Mighty Mug Untippable Insulated Tumbler

Mighty Mug Untippable Insulated Tumbler
Why we like it: Laptop survived when his backpack knocked the tumbler

The backpack strap caught the cup’s edge during a frantic search for calculus notes. Cold brew stayed put against the desk while his gaming PC hummed inches away. He lifted it straight up afterward, testing the grip with deliberate sideways pressure.

Morning coffee sits beside his monitor through Discord calls and homework sprints. The 360-degree lid lets him sip without looking away from code compilation errors. Melted ice pools inside by afternoon, the stainless steel sweating slightly where his palm grips.

Pros
  • Grips desk when accidentally bumped sideways
  • Protects electronics from catastrophic spill damage
  • Insulation keeps ice frozen for hours
  • Lifts smoothly for normal drinking motion
  • Fits car cup holders for driving
Cons
  • 16oz capacity smaller than popular tumblers
  • Bottom grip weakens after years of use

14.
Coleman North Rim 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag

Coleman North Rim 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Why we like it: Winter camping gear that earns Scout trip bragging rights

The wildland firefighter review sold me—three months of professional field use meant my son would survive winter Scout camps without me worrying. His first trip, twenty-degree weather, he slept through while tentmates layered sweatshirts. The mummy hood looked strange hanging in his closet, but it kept frost off his face.

He unzips it halfway during mild trips, using the draft tube like a temperature dial. The stuff sack lives in his car trunk now alongside emergency supplies, ready for spontaneous camping invites. His friend’s cheaper bag soaked through during spring rain; this one dried fast and went straight into our washing machine.

Pros
  • Handles genuine zero-degree winter conditions
  • Fits growing teens up to 6'2"
  • Machine washable for inevitable mud disasters
  • Five-year warranty covers through college years
  • Draft tube adjusts warmth without full unzip
Cons
  • Too bulky for serious backpacking adventures
  • Mummy style feels restrictive at first
 

15.
XP-PEN Artist12 Drawing Tablet with Screen

XP-PEN Artist12 Drawing Tablet with Screen
Why we like it: Commission payments started appearing in his PayPal account

Three cables snaked across his desk permanently now. He’d figured out client communication, pricing structures, revision limits. The stylus pressure sensitivity let him render character details clients actually paid for, not just homework doodles.

His hand moved across the screen surface without cramping through four-hour sessions. Color accuracy meant logo work translated properly to client screens. The shortcut keys became muscle memory. Portfolio pieces multiplied faster than I expected.

Pros
  • Stylus feels like actual pencil weight
  • Screen colors surpass most laptop displays
  • Pressure sensitivity supports professional commission work
  • Six shortcuts customize to individual workflow
Cons
  • Three cables require permanent desk real estate
  • Stylus nibs wear down with heavy use

16.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Why we like it: Spatial audio transformed his gaming setup completely

He unwrapped these Christmas morning and disappeared into his room for two hours testing spatial audio with every game in his library. The noise cancellation surprised me when I walked in to ask about lunch and he heard me without pulling them out.

By New Year’s he was wearing them through calculus homework, gym sessions, and his weekend shift at the grocery store. The case charges wirelessly on his nightstand. Last week the Find My alert led us to his winter coat pocket after a panicked search.

Pros
  • Spatial audio creates immersive gaming experience
  • Conversation Awareness lets parents break through focus
  • Find My tracking locates misplaced earbuds
  • Wireless charging eliminates cable hunting
  • IP54 survives sweat and unexpected rain
Cons
  • Open design allows earbuds to slip out
  • Only compatible within Apple ecosystem
 

17.
JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Why we like it: Bedroom speaker became whole house soundtrack

My son’s room went silent after his gaming headset broke. Within two days of getting the JBL, I heard music drifting from his bathroom during showers, then from the garage where he was detailing his car.

The speaker migrated through our apartment; kitchen counter during breakfast, coffee table for homework, balcony for friend hangouts. Even I borrowed it for yoga. His younger sister negotiated speaker time for her dance practice.

Pros
  • Survives teenage chaos and water exposure
  • Twelve-hour battery handles full days
  • Compact enough for small apartment living
  • PartyBoost links multiple speakers together
Cons
  • USB adapter sold separately

18.
GoPro MAX 360° Action Camera

GoPro MAX 360° Action Camera
Why we like it: He films everything twice without asking

My son’s skateboard videos kept missing the landing. Either his friend filmed wrong or the tripod caught nothing. This Christmas, I gambled on the GoPro MAX. Now he captures tricks from every angle simultaneously, editing different perspectives from one take.

His bedroom floor disappeared under SD cards. College application deadlines approach; his portfolio grows stronger each session. Friends pay him to film their bands. That invisible selfie stick effect makes content nobody else can replicate. Worth every penny, despite the scratched lens.

Pros
  • Records everything around simultaneously
  • Invisible selfie stick looks professional
  • Waterproof for any adventure
  • Teaches real video editing skills
  • Creates income opportunities filming events
Cons
  • Lens scratches require immediate protectors
  • Massive files need external storage
 

19.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller

Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller
Why we like it: Professional equipment validates teenage gaming passion

My son’s fingers moved across the rubberized grip, adjusting thumbstick tension while his friends watched. The weight registered immediately; this controller meant business. His competitive Rocket League matches shifted—not because equipment made him better, but because frustration from missed inputs vanished.

His cousin visited during winter break, watched him customize trigger locks between matches. She picked it up, tested the premium feel, then texted her mom: “adding Elite controller to my Christmas list”. The forty-hour battery outlasted their entire gaming marathon.

Pros
  • Forty-hour battery eliminates charging interruptions
  • Customizable tension matches personal preferences
  • Cross-platform works Xbox, PC, mobile
  • Charging case provides organized storage
  • Premium build survives heavy teenage use
Cons
  • Mixed reliability reports concern me
  • Core version lacks full accessories

20.
Lenovo 15.6" Laptop with 32GB RAM

Lenovo 15.6" Laptop with 32GB RAM
Why we like it: College essays saved at 2am without crashes

The kitchen table disappeared under scholarship applications, SAT prep tabs, and his AP History paper. My seventeen-year-old’s borrowed chromebook kept freezing. This Lenovo handles his chaos—fifteen college portals open simultaneously while Discord runs.

Christmas morning, he set it up himself. By January, admissions interviews happened smoothly; the webcam privacy shutter helped his nerves. The 1TB storage means his film project renders won’t delete his essays anymore.

Pros
  • 32GB RAM handles everything simultaneously
  • Massive storage prevents deadline panics
  • Windows Pro feels appropriately adult
Cons
  • Celeron processor struggles with heavy programs
 

21.
Dacasso Walnut & Leather 7-Piece Desk Set

Dacasso Walnut & Leather 7-Piece Desk Set
Why we like it: College essays deserve CEO-level workspace

The walnut gleams under his desk lamp while scholarship applications spread across leather. Senior year transformed my son's chaotic desk into something resembling his grandfather's law office. Each compartment holds its purpose: acceptance letters standing proud, business cards from college fairs sorted.

Christmas morning, he unwrapped what looked boring until he arranged every piece just so. The desk pad's cool leather surface became his signature spot for important documents. His younger brother now asks permission before borrowing pens from the holder.

Pros
  • Transforms teen desk into professional workspace
  • Organizes college application chaos perfectly
  • Transitions to dorm and beyond
Cons
  • Requires leather conditioning teens won't do

22.
Bamboo Valet Tray with Wireless Charging Station

Bamboo Valet Tray with Wireless Charging Station
Why we like it: The pocket dump finally has a permanent home

I watched my seventeen-year-old drop his phone onto the bamboo pad, wallet into the left compartment, keys into the right. No cables, no searching. Every morning since, he's grabbed everything in one sweep before leaving for school.

His dad started using the tray when our son's at work, arranging his own daily carry in the compartments. I caught them both adjusting phone angles one evening, comparing which position charges faster without overheating.

Pros
  • Creates visible morning grab-and-go routine
  • Wireless charging eliminates cable hunting
  • Bamboo aesthetic signals grown-up space
  • Compartments prevent keys scratching phone
Cons
  • Requires precise phone placement for charging
  • Slower charge than plugging in directly
 

23.
CIGA Design Blue Planet Mechanical Watch

CIGA Design Blue Planet Mechanical Watch
Why we like it: Planetary gears turning transformed his wrist into conversation

The single hand sweeps past beveled markers that catch gymnasium lights during assemblies. He angles his wrist deliberately now, watching inner gears rotate through sapphire crystal. Numbers mean nothing; the orbital display tells time through position alone.

Ceramic bracelet arrived too loose. He researched pin removal, ordered proper tools, spent an evening adjusting each link until the clasp sat flush. Rubber strap stays coiled in his drawer. The automatic movement stops if unworn; he winds it carefully each morning.

Pros
  • Genuine mechanical craftsmanship at teen accessibility
  • Unique planetary display nobody else owns
  • Two included straps offer styling versatility
  • Marks adulthood transition through tangible quality
Cons
  • Thousand-dollar risk on unproven reliability reports

24.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Gaming Console

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Gaming Console
Why we like it: He actually joins us downstairs now

My son’s ROG Ally solved our biggest holiday headache: cousins fighting over the TV during Christmas gatherings. While younger kids monopolized the living room Xbox, he’d game peacefully on the couch, occasionally letting his ten-year-old cousin try Rocket League on the handheld screen.

The device migrated from his nightstand to our kitchen counter to his backpack pocket over months. I found him editing his college essays on it during Thanksgiving break; the Windows functionality surprised me. That Gorilla Glass survived three drops onto tile floors intact.

Pros
  • Full PC games, portable anywhere
  • Charges to 50% in 30 minutes
  • Doubles as homework computer surprisingly well
Cons
  • Battery drains fast during intensive gaming
 

25.
Pritent Crossbody Sling Bag

Pritent Crossbody Sling Bag
Why we like it: His wallet stays findable now

The sling bag hangs from his gaming chair, black strap twisted around the armrest. Phone charger coiled in the front pocket, work badge clipped inside, Nintendo Switch nestled against the water bottle compartment—everything positioned exactly where his left hand expects it.

He wore it through Universal's water rides in August; contents stayed dry despite the Jurassic splash zone. The reflective strip catches headlights during his evening shifts at Target. Works equally well for 17-year-old girls who need hands-free organization—same independence, different essentials.

Pros
  • Fits Switch and water bottle together
  • Machine washable after gym use
  • Headphone port actually gets used daily
  • Under $30 for complete organization system
  • Reflective strips for night visibility
Cons
  • Zipper failed after four months
  • Too small for laptop or textbooks

26.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Premium Wireless Earbuds

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Premium Wireless Earbuds
Why we like it: Investment earbuds actually made it through entire senior year

The leather case developed a worn spot exactly where his thumb rested during weekly charges. He’d researched audio specs for hours before adding them to his Christmas list, comparing frequency responses like college acceptance rates. That obsessive preparation translated into meticulous care.

They became his concentration ritual: tap left earbud twice, pull up instrumental playlists, disappear into calculus problems. The transparency mode meant I could still get his attention without shouting. He wiped them down after gym sessions, stored them immediately, treated premium materials like they deserved respect.

Pros
  • Week-long battery eliminates daily charging anxiety
  • Leather case commands respect from careless teens
  • Sound clarity reveals individual instrument layers
  • Wireless charging pad integration simplifies routine
  • Danish design bridges adolescence and adulthood
Cons
  • Phone call quality frustrates frequent talkers
  • Touch controls confuse for first few days
 

27.
Xbox Series X Gaming Console

Xbox Series X Gaming Console
Why we like it: Solved the lag complaints permanently

My son’s old Xbox took forever loading Fortnite lobbies while his squad dropped without him. This console fixed that frustration immediately. Games switch instantly, no waiting, no crashes during crucial ranked matches.

His gaming setup went from constant restarts to seamless marathons. Friends notice his faster spawn times in multiplayer. The silence surprised me most; our old console sounded like a jet engine during intense sessions.

Pros
  • Lightning fast game loading
  • Dead silent during operation
  • Quick Resume between multiple games
  • 4K graphics look incredible
  • Backwards compatible with old games
Cons
  • Storage fills up quickly
  • $500 investment requires consideration

28.
Quiksilver Highline Boardshorts

Quiksilver Highline Boardshorts
Why we like it: Survived being worn as actual pants

I watched him pull these from the dryer, smell them, then wear them to meet friends at the pier. The 4-way stretch meant no complaints about restriction during volleyball or when climbing over jetty rocks. They dried before his shift ended.

His lifeguard certification required daily pool training. Chlorine faded other suits to sad pastels, but these kept their color through April qualifications and into August paychecks. He owns four pairs now, rotation earned through actual durability rather than my nagging.

Pros
  • Stretch fabric moves through any activity
  • Quick-dry prevents mildew in beach bags
  • Brand recognition without trying too hard
Cons
  • Missing front pockets frustrates phone carriers
 

29.
MOBIHOME Instant Pop-Up 6-Person Family Camping Tent

MOBIHOME Instant Pop-Up 6-Person Family Camping Tent
Why we like it: He camps without asking how anymore

The tent lives in his trunk now. Three weekends running, different groups of friends have crashed at various campsites—beach, mountains, someone’s massive backyard for a bonfire that turned overnight. The setup takes him four minutes solo.

His phone shows photos from inside: five bodies arranged like spokes, gear piled in corners, someone’s acoustic guitar propped against the mesh window. The rainfly stayed sealed through October’s coastal storm. He just texted asking about waterproofing spray.

Pros
  • Sets up genuinely solo in minutes
  • Fits friend groups plus their gear
  • Weatherproof through actual storms
  • Portable enough for spontaneous trips
Cons
  • Too heavy for backpacking trips
  • Takes significant storage space at home

30.
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim Laptop Backpack

Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim Laptop Backpack
Why we like it: Internship supervisor thought he was a college student

His summer internship required business casual and protecting a company laptop during the subway commute. The borrowed JanSport from sophomore year wasn’t cutting it. This backpack changed how people addressed him at the office. Receptionists stopped asking if he needed help finding his parent.

The laptop compartment velcro holds securely enough that he can grab his tablet without everything sliding around. His phone and MetroCard live in that front pocket now. Comes home with the same organized setup he left with, which never happened with his old bag.

Pros
  • Protects expensive electronics through daily commutes
  • Professional appearance transitions through college years
  • Lightweight despite ballistic polyester construction
  • Luggage sleeve simplifies airport navigation
Cons
  • No exterior water bottle pocket
  • Slim profile excludes larger gaming laptops
 

31.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag with Phone Case

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag with Phone Case
Why we like it: Protected everything through his entire senior kayaking trip

I remember my brothers stuffing towels in garbage bags at the beach, everything still soaked by lunch. When my son started planning his April kayaking trip, I ordered the 20L Earth Pak in September. He tested it immediately in our pool.

He packed it for three days on the river last month. Came back with dry clothes, working phone, intact snacks. The waterproof phone case meant I got actual photos instead of his usual post-trip descriptions. Now it sits by the door, perpetually ready.

Pros
  • Five-year warranty covers serious adventures
  • Phone case enables underwater content capture
  • Backpack straps make hiking comfortable
  • Folds small enough for dorm closets
Cons
  • Requires proper rolling technique to seal
  • Bright colors accumulate visible sand stains

32.
HP 14" Student Laptop with Microsoft 365

HP 14" Student Laptop with Microsoft 365
Why we like it: College essays without sibling computer wars

I bought this when my son started drowning in scholarship applications while his sister monopolized our desktop for AP research papers. The laptop lives in his backpack now; he writes essays at the kitchen table, library, wherever deadlines find him.

The rose gold bothered him initially, but having Microsoft Word for college applications mattered more. His guidance counselor noticed he submitted everything early this semester. The 64GB fills fast; he learned cloud storage after losing nothing important, thankfully.

Pros
  • Included Microsoft 365 saves money
  • Light enough for daily carrying
  • Battery survives full school days
Cons
  • Too slow for gaming or video
 

33.
Donner DST-200 Electric Guitar Starter Package

Donner DST-200 Electric Guitar Starter Package
Why we like it: Professional sound without the Fender price tag

The amp feedback shrieked through our garage while my son frantically adjusted knobs on his new Donner. His bandmates arrived expecting another budget guitar disappointment. Twenty minutes later, they’d switched from skeptical to genuinely impressed by the clean tones cutting through their jam session.

He’d saved birthday money for months, researching endlessly. The Donner arrived with everything except the amp—gig bag, cable, strap, even picks. His fingers trace the pickup selector constantly, discovering combinations: bright country twang, thick blues growl, crystalline indie shimmer.

Pros
  • Complete package minus amplifier only
  • Seven distinct tonal possibilities built-in
  • Survives teenage handling and transport
  • Modifiable as skills develop further
  • Professional appearance builds performance confidence
Cons
  • Requires separate amplifier purchase immediately
  • Benefits from professional setup adjustment

34.
We're Not Really Strangers Card Game

We're Not Really Strangers Card Game
Why we like it: Turned awkward silence into actual conversation

My son asked me level two, question fourteen: “What’s something you’ve always wanted to tell me but haven’t?” I wasn’t ready. Neither was he when I answered. The box warns feelings may arise; they did, and we both cried a little.

He keeps it in his nightstand now, pulls it out when conversations stall. His younger brother borrows it for dates. I’m adding it to my Christmas gift guide for seventeen-year-old girls because this generation needs connection tools that don’t feel forced or performative.

Pros
  • Questions progress naturally from safe to vulnerable
  • Works across different relationship types beautifully
  • Treats teens as emotionally capable adults
Cons
  • Requires willingness; can't force authentic engagement
 

35.
Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun

Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun
Why we like it: Settled who throws fastest at Thanksgiving

My son borrowed his coach’s radar gun last spring, then spent three hours perfecting his fastball grip. When I found this Bushnell model in October, I knew exactly what would make his Christmas list worthwhile.

Christmas morning, he clocked his serve at 87mph, then dragged his grandfather outside to test his “legendary college fastball.” Grandpa topped out at 42mph. The device now lives in his baseball bag, tracking weekly progress.

Pros
  • Instant speed readings motivate solo practice
  • Works for multiple sports and distances
  • Professional feel without scout pricing
  • Lightweight enough for practice bag storage
Cons
  • No tripod mount for solo training
  • Needs direct angle for accuracy

36.
AQUAFIT 64oz Water Bottle with Time Markers

AQUAFIT 64oz Water Bottle with Time Markers
Why we like it: Wrestling weight cuts became manageable

I found my wrestler sprawled across his bedroom floor, headache pounding, after cutting weight. The AQUAFIT bottle changed everything. Those printed time markers transformed hydration from nagging to habit. He fills it before dawn practice, tracks intake between classes, refills for evening conditioning.

His coach noticed improved stamina during takedown drills. The bottle lives in his truck’s backseat now, handle looped through his gym bag. Hand-washing takes seconds; he does it while his protein shake blends. Even bought matching ones for his lifting partners.

Pros
  • Time markers create accountability without nagging
  • Holds full day's hydration needs
  • Dual lid suits different situations
  • Reduces sports drink spending significantly
Cons
  • Won't survive drops from bleachers
 

37.
Fiskars Extra-Large Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Fiskars Extra-Large Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Why we like it: Professional workspace for serious teen creators

My son’s cosplay builds were taking over our dining table until I got this mat last spring. Now his bedroom floor hosts marathon construction sessions, with foam armor pieces spread across the full 24×36 surface while he references patterns on his phone.

October brought his first commission: a custom jacket for a classmate. Watching him lay out the entire back panel without repositioning made me realize this wasn’t just protecting our furniture anymore. He’s using the pristine reverse side for paper templates now.

Pros
  • Self-healing surface lasts through heavy use
  • Double-sided extends lifespan significantly
  • Grid lines ensure professional-looking results
  • Protects furniture from blade damage
  • Large enough for full fabric width
Cons
  • Requires flat storage space
  • Too large for small bedrooms

Need more inspiration?

Molly
The Mom Behind GiftExperts

Hi! I'm Molly, mother of 8 wonderful children aged 2 to 17. Every year I buy and test hundreds of gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and family celebrations. With so much practice, I've learned exactly what makes each age group light up with joy.

Every gift recommendation comes from real testing in my home. My children are my honest reviewers – they tell me what's fun and what's boring! I never accept payment from companies to promote products. I update my guides every week and remove anything that's out of stock. This means you can trust that these gifts are available and children genuinely love them.

I created GiftExperts because I remember how stressful gift shopping used to be. Finding the perfect gift should be exciting, not overwhelming. When you give the right gift, you create a magical moment that children remember forever. I'm here to help you find that special something that will bring huge smiles and happy memories.