30 Fun Gifts That’ll Keep 13-Year-Old Boys Entertained

Thirteen marks the beginning of the dreaded teenage years; as a child turns 13, they begin a mental shift in their self-perception. No longer do they see themselves as a child but instead they begin to adopt that “teenager” label. A 13-year-old boy may begin to feel more independent during this time and will certainly want to have their opinion heard and exercise increasing amounts of control over their body, their environment and their need for privacy.

In some ways this makes buying a gift easier as they express quite clear interests and you can purchase something that fits in with these. Many 13-year-olds still desire affirmation from adults, and care about what grown-ups think of them despite expressing the contrary! Choosing a gift that reflects a 13-year-old’s interests and abilities as well as opening up new skills is a great way of showing your approval. We’ve put together a list of 30 gifts that will appeal to 13-year-old boys.

1. DJI Tello Ryze Mini Drone

Drones are still increasing in popularity and appeal to a common interest in technology and remote-controlled vehicles. The DJI Tello Ryze Mini Drone has a built-in 5-megapixel camera so that a 13-year-old has the opportunity to capture stunning images of the environment as he flies.

With an extremely lightweight design and a 13-minute fly-time the DJI Tello Ryze Mini Drone is also programmable to increase technology skills. Drones must be flown responsibly, with different rules governing different areas, and learning about these rules and regulations and then complying with them is a great way for a 13-year-old to develop a sense of social responsibility.

2. Lego Technic Excavator

Lego is an absolutely brilliant childhood toy and many boys will spend hours upon hours making models and creating using Lego bricks as younger children. That doesn’t have to stop just because a boy has reached 13, though it can certainly be extended and the Lego Technic Excavator certainly does that! Encouraging important STEM, that is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, understanding and skills this replica truck model includes plenty of working parts.

Not only are there 7 motors included to move different parts of the model, but it can also be controlled using an app-based system. This kit represents a significant financial investment but is likely to hold interest all the way through into adulthood.

3. Nintendo Switch Lite

A cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers the same popular gaming capabilities, portability and great battery life. The difference is that it does not support output to a TV and is therefore a handheld-only device.

For many 13-year-olds this will be perfect, offering the ability to play on the go. We often think of playing video games as a simple leisure pursuit but they offer plenty of learning benefits too. Alongside increasing skills associated with technology, playing video games can increase physical dexterity in the thumb and fingers, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times and develop critical thinking skills.

4. Minecraft Diamond Pickaxe

Based on the popular Minecraft computer game which many 13-year-old boys play and are interested in the Minecraft Diamond Pickaxe is a physical product that can be used for play or decoration. Some 13-year-olds still enjoy physical, imaginative play which increases their creativity and social skills whilst others have taken their creative expression into computer games or other outlets.

As a young teenager, many 13-year-old boys are beginning to express their individuality and take an interest in expressing themselves through their physical environment, so the Minecraft Diamond Pickaxe would make a great addition to the bedroom of a Minecraft fan.

5. Sphero Ollie Darkside App Controlled Robot

Robots are of great interest to many 13-year-old boys who are not only interested in what the robot can do but also how it works and how it needs to be programmed or controlled. The Sphero Ollie Darkside App Controlled Robot is able to travel at 14 mph and uses Bluetooth connectivity to be controlled by an app on a compatible device (usually a phone or tablet).

Playing with robots is a great way to increase STEM skills and understanding and develop a budding interest in robotics. The Sphero Ollie Darkside App Controlled Robot would certainly be considered a “cool” gift by most 13-year-old boys.

6. Anker Soundcore 2

Around age 13, boys may become much more interested in expressing themselves and their interests and music is one way that they may enjoy doing this. The Anker Soundcore 2 is a portable speaker that uses Bluetooth connectivity to connect with compatible devices and play music.

It has a great battery life with up to 24 hours of play time and is ideal for using indoors or outside which makes it ideal for taking along to the park, or on vacation as well as using around the home. The Anker Soundcore 2 is great value for money and is designed to give an intense bass sound with no distortion at higher volumes.

7. Fjällraven Unisex Backpack Kånken

A backpack makes an ideal, practical gift for a 13-year-old boy as at this age they begin to develop their own hobbies and interests and spend more time independently out of the house. A 13-year-old boy will probably need a backpack for school, and then may need one for school sports kit, any extra-curricular sports or activities and will usually like to have one to take to friends’ houses too. So even if the boy you’re buying for already has a backpack, another will probably still come in useful!

The Fjällraven Unisex Backpack Kånken is a popular, stylish backpack with useful built-in features such as cushioned pockets, lightweight, durable fabric and adjustable shoulder straps. It’s available in a range of colors so you can choose one to suit his look and personality!

8. Ultimate Pokerset

A poker set may not seem like the obvious choice for a gift for a 13-year-old boy but the Ultimate Pokerset can make a brilliant gift for a boy of 13. The set comes in a sturdy, aluminum storage case with 300 chips and 2 decks of cards and could be the ideal introduction to the card game.

At 13 years old, boys increasingly want to feel like adults so involving him in one of your hobbies could be an ideal way to affirm him and include him in your life. Card games like poker are useful for building relationships and practicing social skills and has the added benefit of improving mathematical skills.

9. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids

In wanting more independence and to feel grown up many 13-year-old boys like to imitate the adults in their lives. Many adults now wear fitness trackers and children express an interest in these and their accompanying apps. The Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids is a fitness tracker designed especially for kids. It has a robust design to withstand any bumps and knocks, is water-resistant up to 50 metres (165 ft).

The Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids is a great way to encourage children to stay active and to use technology to develop healthy habits. It also has up to 5 days of battery life so charging isn’t a drama!

10. Lego Architecture The Eiffel Tower

As children get older some of their childhood interests stick with them, and Lego is often one of these. Many adults still enjoy using Lego to create more complex structures and the Lego Architecture: The Eiffel Tower Set is a set that could last well in to adulthood. It will provide plenty of challenge to a 13-year-old with 321 pieces that are put together to create a beautiful display model.

The set includes full instructions, and following these step by step requires significant skill from the 13-year-old as well as plenty of concentration and perseverance. A collectible booklet about the architecture of the Eiffel Tower is also included to further the educational opportunities of the set.

11. Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set

Harry Potter is an incredibly popular enterprise. Based on the books and the movies, this Wizard Chess set is beautifully crafted to look just like the Wizard Chess that Harry and his friends play. The Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set is an official, licensed product, so it’s of a higher quality than any other imitation sets.

Chess in general is a fantastic way to increase problem-solving and logic skills and is a useful social skill too! This specific Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set is an ideal way to capture a 13-year-olds interest and introduce him to the game.

12. Crystal Growing Experimental Kit

Science is a common interest for 13-year-old boys and one that many parents are keen to develop as it has great implications for their academic success and career prospects. Science sets make a great, reasonably priced gift for 13-year-old boys and the Crystal Growing Experimental Gift leaves them with a set of lovely crystals for their efforts too.

The Crystal Growing Experimental Kit includes the materials for seven experiments, and display cases for the crystals grown. This independent educational activity encourages an interest in science and increases understanding of scientific processes.

13. HQ Kites Symphony Beach III

Kite-flying has become increasingly cool, with all sorts of stunt kites now available on the market. The HQ Kites Symphony Beach III makes an ideal gift for a 13-year-old boy who is just beginning to express an interest in kite-flying, or whom you would like to develop a new hobby.

The HQ Kites Symphony Beach III is great for beginners and has no poles or rods, making it incredibly easy to set up and to pack away. It is made from tough, durable materials so can fly in most conditions and face up to the rigors that a beginner may put it through. Kite-flying is an ideal way to encourage more time spent outdoors, and develop hand-eye coordination along the way.

14. Throw Throw Burrito

As children get older, and especially as they enter the teenage years spending time together as a family can become more of a challenge; using games nights to encourage everyone to spend positive time together having fun is a tactic that many families take. Throw Throw Burrito is a game that will really appeal to 13-year-olds and encourage them to join in.

Throw Throw Burrito is a fast-paced card matching game for 2-6 players encouraging quick-thinking, pattern recognition and social skills. It also involves throwing a toy burrito around the room which will definitely suit a 13-year-old boy.

15. Lego Education Mindstorms EV3

Lego with the added benefit of robotics? The Lego Education Mindstorms EV3 is sure to appeal to most 13-year-old boys. Specifically designed to support tech skills and education this kit allows children to design and build programmable robots with all of the technical components they will need to do this.

As well as increasing tech skills and developing a growing interest in robotics, the Lego Education Mindstorms EV3 has all the benefits of traditional Lego; improving construction, concentration and fine motor skills and developing an ability to carefully follow instructions.

16. Wikinger Classic

Sometimes known as ‘Viking chess’ Wikinger is an ancient outdoor game that will really appeal to 13-year-old boys. Not only is it a game which is played outdoors, but it is also a very physical game involving throwing pieces to knock other pieces down! This increases physical skills and hand-eye coordination.

Wikinger can also be very sociable as it’s suitable for 2-12 players and would make an ideal gift for a 13-year-old who likes playing games and competition. Competition in and of itself helps with the development of social skills as children learn to navigate winning, losing and encouraging others.

17. Anki Overdrive Fast And Furious Edition

Car racing games seem to hold an age-old appeal and the Anki Overdrive: Fast and Furious Edition is an extremely modern take on classic car racing games. With plenty of track, and expansion packs available, a 13-year-old boy can create a range of different courses for the cars to race along.

The cars themselves are controlled using an app which improves technology skills and encourages an interest in racing. The Anki Overdrive: Fast and Furious Edition can be played by numerous players, making it more of a sociable pursuit, so long as they have compatible devices available.

18. Ravensburger Globe 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

By 13-years-old children need a sufficiently challenging jigsaw puzzle if it is to hold their attention for any length of time. This means something complex to put together and plenty of pieces and the Ravensburger Globe 3D Jigsaw Puzzle takes this a step further by adding the 3D element. This 3D jigsaw enables the user to construct a 3D model of the globe, with no glue required!

As well as presenting an opportunity to develop concentration and perseverance the Ravensburger Globe 3D Jigsaw Puzzle helps to build an awareness of the globe and locations of countries and continents as a 13-year-old builds it.

19. Intex Explorer Pro Boat Set

Water sports require plenty of confidence in the water but by age 13 many children are confident and competent swimmers and are seeking out that next water-based adventure and thrill. The Intex Explorer Pro Boat Set includes the pump and paddles needed and has a 265 pound weight limit.

This boat promotes outdoor, physical play helping children to stay active and be healthy whilst continuing to build their confidence and physical skill in water. A great gift for a 13-year-old boy who likes water sports!

20. Lego Brick Storage

This Lego Brick Storage makes a great practical gift for a 13-year-old who has spent his childhood amassing a large collection of Lego bricks and sets. Lego is a toy that can get out of control pretty quickly, and almost every parent knows the pain that comes with inadvertently stepping on a piece of Lego, so this gift is ideal for encouraging independence in keeping toys and belongings tidy.

The Lego Brick Storage is shaped like a Lego Brick, so it looks very attractive in a teenager’s room and is available in a range of colors so you can choose which will suit him best. Storing up to 3.2 gallons of Lego this makes a fantastic, practical gift.

21. Lego Technic Mack Anthem 2 in 1 Garbage Truck

This one is for fans of complex Lego builds! The Lego Technic Mack Anthem 2 in 1 Garbage Truck allows for a very realistic replica of the truck to be produced in Lego by following the full step by step instructions. Carefully following instructions and preserving are excellent skills for a 13-year-old to learn.

The Lego Technic Mack Anthem 2 in 1 Garbage Truck is not only sufficiently challenging for a 13-year-old but also features functioning parts supporting an interest in engineering.

22. Lacoste Analogue Classic Quartz Watch

At age 13 some boys begin to become a little more fashion conscious and may want to express themselves through their style. A watch makes a lovely gift for a teenage boy who is starting to become more interested in their image.

The Lacoste Analogue Classic Quartz watch has a classic, clean and sporty design and is made with high-quality materials. Water-resistance means that it can stand up to being worn by a 13-year-old and it comes with a gift box and 2-year warranty, making it an ideal gift for a teenage boy.

23. Apollo Saturn Model Kit

Space and space exploration are popular interests for 13-year-old boys and the Apollo Saturn Model Kit is one way to encourage and develop this interest. Craft kits are often a popular gift for younger children due to all the important skills they help develop, but by age 13 children are considered to have grown out of them. The Apollo Saturn Model Kit might just be an answer to this as it is a craft kit that will appeal to more mature interests in space.

All the materials and full instructions are provided so that a 13-year-old boy can work independently on producing an accurate, model replica of a rocket.

24. Sphero Mini Robotic Ball

13-year-old boys and robots are a great mix! Robots hold great interest for play and exploration and encourage the development of technological skills. The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball is a learning toy that will encourage a 13-year-old boy’s interest in robotics.

The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball can also be programmed, increasing skill and interest in coding and programming. With different colored shells available you can choose something for the individual based on their preferences. The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball would make a really cool and exciting gift for a 13-year-old boy.

25. Ourlife Kids Action Camera

13-year-olds love to watch YouTube videos about all sorts of subjects, but one genre this age group particularly likes is vlogs; that is videos of other people’s everyday lives and adventures. The Ourlife Kids Action Camera is a video camera specially designed for kids to capture their own everyday lives and adventures.

The Ourlife Kids Action Camera can be carried, or mounted on bikes. It features a waterproof case and robust design as well as being easy to operate. 13-year-olds can easily make videos of their own and will love the exciting possibilities that this gift gives them!

26. Monopoly Fortnite Edition

Monopoly is a fantastic family board game, often played at games nights and family gatherings like Christmas. The Monopoly Fortnite Edition has all the same features as the original, meaning that a 13-year-old boy will learn how to play the original game too, but it is based on the popular Fortnite game so it will appeal to a 13-year-old boy’s interests a lot more.

Playing games together promotes social skills as children learn how to win and lose gracefully, accept the rules and deal with frustrations, which there are plenty of in Monopoly! Under the surface, children begin to understand basic economics and money management skills and improve their numerical skills.

27. Anker Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

The online world holds great appeal to 13-year-old boys and with an increase in demand for computing skills in the workplace this interest is not necessarily a bad thing! However, spending many hours at a desk and on a computer is not brilliant for posture and growing bodies, the Anker Ergonomic Wireless Mouse is a great practical gift for an online gamer or avid internet surfer to bring a little more comfort into their set up.

The Anker Ergonomic Wireless Mouse is designed to keep the wrist in a better ergonomic position to prevent wrist strain and poor posture to compensate for this. It is also more sensitive than an ordinary mouse with integrated next and back buttons to make gaming and browsing much more streamlined.

28. Intex K2 Challenger Kayak

Another idea for a 13-year-old boy who is confident in water and looking for his next adventure. This strong, inflatable kayak can be used in pools, at the beach, in lakes and at outdoor pursuits locations. It comes with paddle supports and a repair kit so you can rest assured that the necessities are taken care of.

The Intex K2 Challenger Kayak is designed for comfort and space and encourages confidence in the water and adventure, with the added benefits of getting kids outdoors doing something practical. This is a great gift for a 13-year-old boy with a sense of fun and adventure.

29. Ravensburger Statue of Liberty Night Edition

Moving on from children’s craft kits the Ravensburger Statue of Liberty Night Edition is a fantastic way to continue to hone 13-year-olds construction skills without seeming childish. The kit is suitable for adults too so it will certainly provide sufficient challenge to a 13-year-old allowing them to develop their construction and fine motor skills by building an accurate replica of this famous landmark.

No glue is required and the finished product makes a great display model, coming complete with lights to light up the model of the Statue of Liberty. This means that it can be displayed around the house, or in his bedroom giving a 13-year-old a real sense of pride and accomplishment.

30. Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

If you’re looking to get the 13-year-old boy you’re buying a gift for started on a new hobby then this may make the ideal gift. The Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit has everything that you need to begin playing Dungeons & Dragons. It is suitable for beginners and includes a guide on how to get started and how to play.

Dungeons & Dragons is a physical game that incorporates many of the imaginative elements found in computer games and is often popular with computer games fans. There are also online versions of the game and the Dungeons & Dragons Essential Kit includes a voucher for 50% off of digital products.

Final words

With age 13 marking the beginning of the teenage years you may feel a little overwhelmed and unsure about buying a gift for a boy as he enters this new phase in life and becomes more mature and independent but it is important to remember that children don’t morph into different people overnight and many of the elements of his personality will remain.

13-year-old boys believe it or not still care a lot about what adults, who are important to them, think and so gifts which build on or develop a new interest will likely be welcomed as some kind of affirmation or direction. The gifts listed here will appeal to a range of interests and personalities and represent the opportunity to develop existing, and learn new skills. We hope that you find something suitable for the 13-year-old boy you have in mind!

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