The best gifts for 16-year-old boys allow them to feel grown-up and yet remain kids. From driving games to electronics and useful gifts we did all the research to find the best high-quality items to impress even the pickiest boys. Do make sure to pick at least one item with an alarm clock feature as teen boys tend to hate waking up in the morning!
| The Best Gifts for 16-Year-Old Boys | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case | Wireless headphones with voice ability | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Norberg & Linden XL Drawing Set | 34-piece quality drawing set that is eco-friendly | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 | Works as a mini television and alarm clock with voice commands | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit | Very versatile technology | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| NEWHEY Oversized Travel Duffel Bag Waterproof Canvas Genuine Leather Weekend bag Weekender Overnight Carryon Hand Bag Brown | Simple and durable for all his things | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
31 Best Gifts for 16-Year-Old Boys
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
With Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case (Latest Model) your son can listen to his tunes anywhere he goes. These wireless headphones connect to his phone or other devices automatically. He can even access Siri to assist him with any task he needs like sending text messages or checking the weather.
These intuitive headphones work with a few double taps or voice commands. Charging is a breeze in the included charging case in very little time. All these features and high-quality audio and voice so he can listen or talk for up to 18 hours or 24 hours of listening.
XL Drawing Set
Moving past electronic gifts, teens may have an artistic bent too, which they can release with the XL Drawing Set. Whether he prefers to draw Manga, landscapes, or people this set provides all the tools necessary for his next masterpiece. All the pieces store in a sleek black case for easy travel too.
With high-quality graphite drawing pencils, paper, charcoal sticks, specialist pencil, sharpeners, erasers, a sandpaper block, blending stamp, pencil extender, and an art knife there is nothing your teen cannot learn to draw if he has the patience. The 34 piece quality drawing set works for amateurs and professionals alike and yet is still eco-friendly for eco-conscious parents or teens.
Finally, gifts like this help teens to explore different avenues for potential careers and provide a valuable learning experience. Let your son’s imagination soar with the right tools for the right job or at least let him explore if drawing is an interest he has for personal growth.
Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Scooter
We have two Ninebot Max scooters and love them. This is an expensive gift for your teen, but these scooters are commercial grade and will last forever. We ride ours every week during the summers and have had them for a couple of years now.
The ride is very smooth for us. The 10 inch tires go over normal sidewalk bumps pretty well but you have to slow down for anything that is over an inch.
We’ve never ridden ours until the battery runs down. The max we’ve taken them is about 14 miles and that took a little over an hour. In Sport mode the MAX will get up to close to 19 MPH. That’s as fast as I would want to go for safety reasons.
Echo Show 5 Compact smart display with Alexa
The Echo Show 5 works as an alarm clock, a mini-television, camera, video phone, voice-enabled assistant, and even a video monitor. With a compact 5.5 inch smart display your son can save time and forget less! As the screen comes Alexa enabled, he can ask her to remember dates, wake him up, help with homework and more.
This device even allows your son to control the thermostat or check security cameras too. He can call friends with video to corroborate on school projects or just play video games together. Also, he can adjust the privacy and the clock face to match his style.
Last of all, from tv to music, the mini-screen can entertain your son and allow him to multitask. It works dozens of apps from Apple or Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Pandora, and so much more so he can access his tunes or listen to a new book.
New Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm)
Keep track of your son with the New Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm). While it may be called watch, it’s so much more. Use it to measure blood oxygen, heart rate, sleep, exercise, and so much more. You can also choose to get cellular or just GPS.
Active teens will love monitoring their workouts while also having their social media literally attached to them! They can share their activity with their friends too and compete too to keep their game up. Use the watch with Apple Fitness too for more
They can have music, books, podcasts, and more at their fingertips. Choose from a variety of bands to suit any style and a few different colors too. Add in a Retina display for a brighter display even in the sun.
Finally, boys can reconfigure the face layout to meet their needs. The features don’t end there as it’s waterproof, tracks the stars, and even has a compass. It even makes phone calls and acts as a wallet with Apple pay!
Oversized Travel Duffel Bag
An Oversized Travel Duffel Bag might be a well-received and useful gift. Whether for a trip to visit family or a school trip, teenage boys need a large bag to travel with as their clothes and shoes are huge now and take up more space. This bag can even hold size 13 shoes!
Made of waterproof waxed canvas with genuine leather accents the bag meets the aesthetic needs of teens today while standing up to abuse. It’s even airline friendly for far away trips without losing the cool factor. He can grab the bag off the baggage claim with the handles before carrying on his shoulder.
Finally, the 22.83 x 11.8 x 11.8-inch bag comes in three colors, brown, camo, or grey to suit their taste. It has one main compartment, a zipper pocket and two smaller pockets with magnetic button flaps. The timeless design will travel with him for years.
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit
Computer savvy teens may enjoy playing with their own mini-computer called a CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit – 4GB RAMCanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit to build a plethora of items The mini-computer runs a Linux operating system with a USB drive. Add in a mouse, keyboard, and a monitor to use as a web server, a streaming tv, Wi-Fi extender, or a gaming machine.
The kit comes the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (with 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8 CPU (BCM2837B0) 1 GB LPDDR2 SDRAM), the CanaKit 2.5A Micro USB Power Supply and five-foot cable, 2 aluminum heat sinks, a clear case, and a starter guide. Don’t worry if none of this makes sense to you. Kids learn in a snap how to operate almost any technology.
Not only is this a fun device to show off to friends but a useful tool for school. Teens can use this for science or technology projects and show off all their mad skills to the whole school. A great learning tool to help kids learn the skills of tomorrow for a potential career direction as well.
Electric Razor and Beard Trimmer Grooming Kit
Now that your son can grow a little facial hair, he may need an Electric Razor and Beard Trimmer Grooming Kit. The high-quality kit offers five different functions including 5 patterned cutters, rotary shaver, beard trimmer, body groomer, nose hair trimmer and a comb for the rotary brush. This is all in a sleek design that is easy to hold.
Store the piece in the included storage bag or use the included stand to keep the razor on the bathroom counter. It comes with 60 minutes run time with little sound after just a one and a half hour charge. The set provides a precision shave without the need for sharp razors or nicks.
Lacoste Men’s L884S Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a no-brainer for teens. Not only will the Lacoste Men’s L884S Sunglasses look insanely cool, but they’ll protect your boy’s eyes from the brightness of the sun or snow glare. Sunglasses are especially important for new drivers who don’t need any distraction, like sun glare, from paying full attention to the road when driving.
The polarized trendy glasses (which mimic the iconic Wayfarers at half the price!) come in 5 different colored lense and frame combos. Included with these sunglasses is a glasses case sized specifically for these particular sunglasses.
Teens will love the polarized lens on these sunglasses to last through basketball, biking, skateboarding, or any other activity they want to do during their day. The simple or color-coordinated design also works with anything they wear.
Laundry Punching Bag & Hamper
The Combination Laundry Bag, Punching Bag & Hamper comes with a terrible name but is very unique and useful. Teens will love the novelty of tossing their laundry in a punching bag to exercise or release a little tension. Later, they can drag the bag downstairs to wash their clothes.
The bag comes in black or brown which is a fun way to keep clothing off the floor and actually learn to clean up after himself. He can fold the bag up for easy storage or packing that is tough enough to hold tons of grungy clothes.
Also, the bag is sturdy and tear-resistant with a drawstring. Attach the handles to a hook to store on a door or wall. The bag measures 39. 37 x 11. 81 x 11. 81 inches to hold several days of dirty laundry.
Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush
Continuing on personal care, your son will love the Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush to keep his teeth pearly why for the girl he wants to impress. Even better, those braces you paid for will stay clean too with a spinning brush meant to end plaque and gingivitis.
An electric toothbrush can get in more places with more motion to remove any germs or stuck-on food with ease, as well as keep teeth whiter. The set includes a rechargeable handle, 1 cross-action brush head, 1 pro-white brush head, 1 sensitive brush head, 1 charging station with storage for the brushes, and a smart guide for instructions.
Moms will love the included timer to make sure kids brush their teeth for the correct amount of time for a full clean. The brush connects to Bluetooth to work with an app to make sure they follow a regimen to get all of their teeth clean. A good gift idea for boys suddenly obsessed with their appearance.
LEGO James Bond Aston Martin Kit
Yes, Legos are on this list but this set is marked for 16 years and up because the pieces are tiny and it takes a lot of work and skill to build the LEGO James Bond Aston Martin Kit. This is no ordinary Lego Kit, but an intense set for car enthusiast or at least fans of James Bond.
The present makes a great bonding project for a father and son as they build the car from scratch including 007 spy gadgetry built-in to the pattern. Once finished, the car measures 3 x 13 x 4 inches long with over 1200 tiny pieces. Includes detailed interior, exterior, a moving trunk to entertain men of all ages.
Fossil Men’s Ingram Leather Trifold Wallet
As 16-year-olds they are grownups, it’s time for an adult wallet like the Fossil Men’s Ingram Leather Trifold Wallet. Though a little spendy for a wallet, top quality 100% cowhide leather means this wallet can last for years. With handsome stitches and the Fossil name embossed in the corner, the wallet looks good enough for an executive at a corporation.
The wallet measures 4.25 inches by 3.25 inches when folded. With three folds the wallet holds bills, credit cards, business cards, pictures, and id cards easily. He can slide the wallet into his pocket or his backpack without taking up a lot of space. Do teach him to not carry the wallet in his back pocket for too long or it can cause improper alignment for his back and cause pain.
Enno Vatti 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Most teen boys couldn’t care less how their room is decorated but do enjoy interactive posters like the Enno Vatti 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster. With 100 movies with scratch-off spots for top-rated movies, your son can set a new goal to watch critically acclaimed movies. Once scratched, the poster shows a picture that coordinates with the movie.
The timeless design with a black base and coppery gold font and scratch off poster works with any decor even if its dirty clothes and dishes. If your teen likes this one find more to start a new collection of affordable wall decorations. It comes in a premium box easy to wrap.
Last of all, some movies on the list includes Star Wars, Jaws, The Bourne Identity, Monsters Inc, and even The Shawshank Redemption. At 16, most boys are ready for most of these movies but let him know which ones you consider off-limits if any.
Google – Pixel 4a Smartphone
Give your teen boy the gift of communication with the Google Pixel 4a Smartphone. The phone comes unlocked and charges quickly. The battery can last up to 24 hours! It comes with three years of operating system and security updates along with a built-in Titan M chip.
The phone uses Android 9.0 Pie and works with all your son’s favorite Google apps built into the phone. He can use Google Assistant to get things done. You’ll love the personal safety app that he can use in case of an emergency. He’ll love the dual pixel MP rear camera that takes gorgeous day and night photos.
Finally, the lightweight phone includes a 5.8-inch full HD OLED screen for plenty of space for viewing text messages, playing games, or phone calls. Comes with 128 GB of storage space, too! It’s a perfect 16th birthday present!
F1F2 Memory Foam Pillow
Since your son spends so much time sleeping and growing he needs a quality pillow to cradle his head like the Memory Foam Pillow by F1F2. This is no ordinary pillow but a super pillow that has little cube sections of foam to support the curvature of the spine. A point support system improves sleep by improving alignment during the night.
The pillow promises more deep sleep for a more rested teenager. As the pillow uses a soft, absorbent modal fabric it is skin-friendly while it also absorbs sweat. It even includes two sides, one softer and one firmer for individual preference.
Some parents may not like that the pillow uses 100% polyurethane, but it includes the cover to go over the foam. The unique design can only come from foam. Not just any foam, but zero gravity memory foam, soft yet strong enough to hold any weight and bounce back. No more “throw away a pillow” once it goes flat!
Divoom Tivoo Retro Bluetooth Speaker
The Divoom Tivoo Retro Bluetooth Speaker is the neatest speaker available on the market today. Not only does it come with a vintage television look and knobs, but it allows you to customize the mini television screen too with pixel art.
High-quality hardware with a small volume bass dynamic compensation allows for a stellar listening experience. The unit also includes 360 degrees 3D space compensation 75 signal-to-noise ratio and Bluetooth or AUX support your kid will love the fun sound-making machine.
Although, their favorite feature will be connecting to their Android or iOS device to change the pixilated picture. They can also use the speaker for media notifications, an alarm clock, to check the weather, and play games, all with this funky, retro device. It works as a functional decoration for all teens to impress their friends.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro 12.9in can completely replace the need for a computer especially if your teen already has a school computer in their backpack. Anything they need to do can be done on the 12.9-inch screen which is super portable and compact.
Pick the features that fit your budget and needs. Start with storage starting at 64GB up to 1 TB. If your son plans to store a lot of information on the computer choose a larger amount of storage or plan to pay a small monthly fee for iCloud storage. You can also pick Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and cellular if you don’t mind increasing your cellphone bill.
Add a keyboard for more functionality to use with word processor apps. Teens can also use the iPad for games, social media, texting, video calls, reading, and even for art if you add in the Apple Pencil. This intuitive device makes life simpler and up-to-date with all the latest technology like Face ID and impressive built-in cameras.
TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker
The TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker & LED Lights comes with tons of features straight out of the future. Even though your teen can drive, this provides a fun and unique mode of transportation and can go where a car cannot. A unique toy to impress his friends.
This model works for kids up to adults which means if your teen shares, younger siblings can enjoy the hoverboard too. It comes in three colors including black, blue, and gray. Also, the board is lightweight and easy enough to store with a small design teens will love.
However, the best feature besides an automated ride with gripping footbeds is the built-in Bluetooth speaker for tunes on the go. Plus it also has built in LED lights. Teens can try out several modes including adult, self-balancing, and non-self-balancing all with an auto shutdown, adjustable speed, and more.
Finally, the hoverboard meets all safety certifications with a one-year warranty. It even includes a built-in light for better visibility, although you may want to avoid using it at night. Perfect for long drive-ways to check the mail too!
Would like to find more hoverboard ideas? Check out our list here.
The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set
If your teen is an avid reader, he will appreciate the The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set wrapped up just for them. We all know the books are better than the movies, which means your teen needs to read this set before the movies show up on streaming tv for free. Then they can pass the boys down to younger siblings to make the money spent doubly worth it.
The dystopian society series follows Thomas as he shows up locked in a crazy prison with no memories. A maze surrounds the stone walls making escape impossible as creatures guard the maze. Then a girl arrives with a message. She tells the boys to run.
With a total of five books and almost 2,000 pages, teens will forgo everything to turn the next page as they are riveted to this new world. Author James Dashner is quite famous because of this intense series no one will forget. For the next birthday or Christmas, you can get your son the movies!
Anker Wireless Charger
Why bother to plug your stuff in when you can just set it and forget it? The Anker Wireless Charger is a BuzzFeed and iMore favorite. This charger is universally compatible with Apple and Samsung devices as well as many other popular phones or headphones. You don’t even have to take off the case – it works through the case!
The 4-foot cord works well because it gives enough space to go to the top of a dresser or nightstand in your teen’s room. And you can rest easy because this charging pad has temperature control, foreign object detection, and radiation shielding, along with an 18-month warranty.
One thing that is important to know is that this charger doesn’t come with the AC power adapter that you need. Grab the Anker QuickCharge 3.0 wall adapter to get the most out of this wireless charging pad.
Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair
If you have never heard of a shampoo bar, you are in for a surprise with the Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair. Eco-conscious families will love that the bar reduces waste from plastic bottles as one bar can replace three bottles of shampoo. The bar also takes less space in the shower and is easy to use especially with shorter hair but works great for long hair too.
The bar of soap uses all-natural ingredients like rosemary, juniper, basil, lime, lemon, and orange extracts or oils to balance out oil production. No harsh chemicals for sensitive skin and its free of humectants so your son might not even need a conditioner after. While this comes in a bar the shampoo is 100% soap-free and provides pH balance without stripping hair or drying hair out.
Last but not least, the eco-friendly soap uses ingredients that can reduce dandruff thanks to the rosemary extract. Teens can take the bar on the road as it’s TSA friendly. It’s easy to use as it foams with less product for cleaner, healthier hair.
Wegiel Ambassador European Chess Board Game
As teen boys love to work on their intelligence and impress their friends, the Wegiel Ambassador European Chess Board Game is the perfect gift for gamers. Of course, they may only play the game when the internet is down, but it’s still a fun game that improves brain function. No matter where your teen goes, someone will act as an opponent in this world-famous game.
The hand-carved board and pieces provide incredible detail. It’s so beautiful your son could use the game as decoration or you can even keep it in the living room as a conversation starter. The board folds up and holds the pieces for easy storage. Being made of beech and birch wood gives a rich luster on the checkered board.
The whole board measures 21.65 x 1.18 x 21.65 for plenty of room for two players. Also, this is a STEM learning tool as you have to think several moves ahead to win the game and out-wit your opponent. Great for a family game night too.
Xbox One S Two Controller Bundle
What teen boy doesn’t want a gaming console? The Xbox One S Two Controller Bundle comes with two controllers so teens can play with a friend or sibling. With one terabyte of memory, your son can save his game thousands of times without deleting previous saves.
With hundreds of games to choose from, boys can play for hours and gain some hand-eye coordination. Though, this works as more than just a gaming console. Boys can even play 4K Blu-ray movie or stream 4K videos on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and even music services.
Microsoft spared no expense to make this the best gaming console on the market. From the built-in power supply, to the solid-state drive, and the slim, sleek design, this device will provide hours of fun without hours of headaches. The unit comes with stellar graphics for more realistic gameplay to make this the gift to top all gifts (except maybe a sports car)!
Rocksmith 2014 Edition Remastered
Gaming isn’t the only reason to get your son an Xbox. He can learn to play the dusty guitar sitting in the closet for the last year too with the Rocksmith 2014 Edition Remastered. The game comes upgraded and improved to turn your son into a star.
The best part of learning on the Xbox is your son can plug in a fake Xbox guitar for long hours of practice and you don’t have to hear any of the noise he makes! Although, he can plug into a real bass or acoustic guitar too with the Real Tone Cable.
Lastly, this game allows boys to learn at their own pace with expanded practice skills and customized learning. With over 50 songs, he can practice classics or purchase newer songs too. The game can save you hundreds of dollars on private or group lessons.
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball provides a great game out on the court. This ball utilizes advanced microfiber composite for better grip and durability. Laid in composite channels improve ball control while a Cushion Core Carcass allows for a softer easier to grip the ball.
Teens can pick from three sizes including youth, intermediate, or official size at 29.5 inches in diameter which is the size most teens need. If they want a more personalized ball others can’t claim, then pick one of six different font colors including royal or navy blue, black, green, yellow, and red. This is a great gift that’s ready to help teens exercise.
Aokung Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop
A basketball needs a net like the Pro Court Height-Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop. Let your son get his game on with this backyard sized hoop with stand and backboard. It is height-adjustable to work for short guys or even super tall guys as it adjusts from 6.5 feet to 10-feet tall. Boys might actually put down their video games for a little time outside at their home court.
The 43-inch impact backboard is practically unbreakable to withstand dunk after dunk. Don’t worry about the base falling over as its fillable with either 77 pounds of water or 88 pounds of sand to stay upright and stable even in windy areas. It has a couple of wheels to roll where you need it to go to, like into the garage during bad weather.
Lastly, the steel tube measures 3.2-inches in diameter. No tools needed to set up the net. A fun form of exercise for your son and his friends to keep them out of the house for a few hours a day.
FEIERDUN Doorway Pull Up and Chin Up Bar
If basketball isn’t your teens forte try the FEIERDUN Doorway Pull Up and Chin-Up Bar to help him get some serious arm and shoulder muscles. You don’t want to encourage your teen’s obsession with their looks and body but this is a great gift to help them build discipline. They can change their scrawny child body into a muscle-laden man’s body in no time at all.
Pick from two sizes to fit the bar securely in your doorway or walkway including 28.3 to 36.2 or the larger size of 36.2 to 45 inches long. The bar includes high-strength PVC Oxford pads to grip the 3mm thick steel pipe. The bar allows for sit-ups and pull-ups to work out the back, shoulders, biceps, core, and abs.
Also, you can place the bar where you need for your son’s height as he builds muscle and tone up. Teens shouldn’t lift too much weight before they are fully grown, and this tool allows them to exercise using only their body weight for lifting. Not to mention, you can save tons of money on a gym membership.
Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard
Skateboards are cool, but longboards are cooler. They’re way better for actual riding and can get your car-less teen from point A to point B. The Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard is a high-quality longboard that is perfect for beginners and pros alike.
This board is Cali born and bred, and it shows. The sustainably-sourced bamboo and hard maple deck comes in a variety of finishes, all with a beachy vibe. The 7-inch aluminum trucks have a gliding reverse kingpin design that makes the board super responsive and less bumpy. The PU wheels come in a rough rock finish and can tackle any smooth surface.
The 44-inch board is a great gift for taller teens. It can hold 220 pounds, which is plenty strong enough for most teen boys. Just be sure to get a cool helmet so that he protects his head, because these things can get going pretty fast!
Softta Space Constellation Duvet Cover Set
If your boy still has the dino or Star Wars bedding you bought him five birthday’s ago you may need to upgrade. TheSoftta Space Constellation Duvet Cover Set is easier to make the bed as you don’t need any sheets or have anything to tuck in. You will need a duvet to put inside the cover and pillows. Trust me, this set will make any boys’ room better as they only have to pull the one piece up over their bed for a nice streamlined look.
The set includes 1 duvet cover and two pillowcases. Pick the size from Twin to California king. Most boys will enjoy the navy blue and white galaxy pattern but you can also pick from black and gray, plaid, blue checker, and a purpler shade of the galaxy. Each piece is 100% pure cotton, hypoallergenic and durable.
Teens can take the set to college with them with no worries of embarrassment. Also, the duvet measures large enough to dangle over the edges of the bed for a fresh modern look teens will enjoy. Easy to wash, just take off the duvet and toss in the machine and then the dryer.
Vans Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes
I know, I know… you are hesitant to get shoes for your teenage boy because he will either A) outgrow them in a month or two, or B) trash them entirely in the same timespan. But, these Vans Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes are totally on-trend and they’re a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift.
Style is all a 16-year-old boy will care about, but you care about the specs, so here they are. These shoes have a synthetic, thick rubber sole. It has the classic waffle texture that not only helps with skating or biking, but makes super cool prints in the snow or mud, so you can identify the perpetrator of the dirty footprints all over your house. The upper has a padded cuff so they won’t irritate the ankles if they are worn with the no-show socks. The suede and canvas uppers come in a variety of colors. The laces are long and thick and do a decent job of staying tied.
Just let the recipient of this gift know that there is a break-in period in which blisters on the heel are a real thing. Power through it and you’ll have a pair of comfy shoes at the end!
Adidas Original Trefoil Hoodie
The 90s are back again. You probably saw these hoodies back in the day (adidas has been around since 1972; yes, you are old), and now you can see one on your kiddo. The Adidas Original Men’s Trefoil Hoodie has a cool throwback nod with the original trefoil logo, but it still looks modern.
This sweatshirt is 100% french terry cotton, so it washes up nice and stays nice. The design is thinner, so it’s a great layering piece any time of year. It has a modern fit that’s loose without being baggy. It comes in over 20 colors, and there are some zip-up versions, too, if that’s more his style. All designs have a kangaroo pocket for his phone because you know that thing is never far away.
Wash this hoodie inside out to keep the logo looking fresh. It’s a thoughtful and cool gift for any teen boy who values both comfort and style.
Milestones for 16-Year-Old Boys
Teen boys seem to only do four things: sleep, eat, play video games, and make lots of noise. Don’t worry, this is all normal. At 16, boys are becoming more independent and personally responsible. Find out what other milestones you can expect over the course of your son’s 16th year.
Emotional Milestones
Teens know adulthood is just around the corner, so they spend a lot of time thinking about the future and their shortcomings. They can be very moody and difficult to talk to but less argumentative than in the last couple of years. Watch for signs of depression, though a little sadness is normal.
Hopefully, your teenager needs you less and less as he becomes more independent and less likely to cause family drama or conflicts. You should see better decisions as he has a better handle on his emotions. Don’t be upset when he wants you to stop doing little things for him as he wants to expand his own personal care.
Physical Milestones
At sixteen, a boy’s physical development is in hyper-drive which causes them to sleep more to provide the energy for growth. Meanwhile, they want to stay up later and later to do the activities they are passionate about. Teens are such oxymorons sometimes.
They are also starting to grow facial hair and experience fewer voice cracks, too. Of course, they think they are the manliest men in the world now that they can grow a thin strip of hair over their lip. This and new muscle development makes them obsessed with their looks to impress girls.
Cognitive Milestones
It’s the season of abstract thought. Your kid wants to think outside the box and this helps them to improve their reasoning skills while helping them figure out their opinions on hot topics. All this with improved vocabulary and grammatical skills, hopefully.
Many teens at sixteen over-schedule their after school hours while trying to fit in sports, computers, friends, and other extracurricular activities. This is all in a mad rush to figure out a direction for the college and future looming over their head. Help them figure out what works for them and what doesn’t while making time for relaxation and their increased need for sleep.
Social Milestones
It’s girlfriend season and your son is out hunting. He wants a deeper relationship with a sense of intimacy either platonic or not now that he feels so grown up. His confidence may increase and with some boys, even their cockiness at they want to impress their friends.
The good news is your son should be more resistant to peer pressure. The difficult news is that he is being influenced by his hormones. It’s time to have another talk with him about how to treat a girl and the consequences of physical relationships.
Gifts for Similar Ages
FAQ’s About Gifts for 16-Year-Old Boys
My son seems to be a loner, how can I encourage him to spend more time with friends?
Don’t force the issue. Some boys are naturally loners and that’s fine. They spend a lot of time in their head figuring themselves out which requires alone time with music, video games, or books. The best you can do is find an extra-curricular activity for your son.
Remember though, teenagers spend all day at school interacting with friends and many other people they have no interest in but are forced to spend time with. By the time the school days is done, they often just want to decompress alone. Make dinner time mandatory at the dining table to ensure a little time with him.
How will I know if my son is ready to drive mentally even though he is old enough physically?
The drive-ready meter is different for every teen. Only you will know your son well enough to know if he can handle a vehicle. A few tips though can help you decide.
First, ask yourself is whether your son can multi-task, because that is an extremely important skill for driving. If he can’t walk, tie his shoes, finish his history homework, and eat his breakfast, hide the keys. Second, check your son’s grades. If he can’t pass his classes, his focus needs to go to school and not to the road.
Finally, decide how your son will pay for a car, gas, and insurance. If he isn’t motivated enough to make some money, he probably won’t be motivated enough to take care of his cars and instead he will ask you for money regularly. Do you want to pay for everything?
Now that my son is old enough to drive, will he still want a hoverboard?
Not all teens will want a hoverboard if they have a car. Others will still want one if they don’t have a car while others will want one either way because they are awesome. Each teen is different which is why this list offers all the best gifts for 16-year-old boys and not just for some boys.
Decide if your son will have a car before you buy the hoverboard or if he will still want one as transportation when you won’t hand over the keys. Not to mention, even if your son can drive, hoverboards are an extremely new technology that provides an exceptional form of laziness. This might be right up your son’s alley. Your son may prefer a skateboard so he can do awesome tricks.
Final Thoughts About Best Gifts for 16-Year-Old Boys
The best gifts for 16-year-old boys help them navigate the teen world where they are closer to an being an adult than a child. They want grown-up and cool gifts and activities that leave their childhood in the past while helping them figure out their future. One gift on this list helps them to improve skills and feel older which is the iPad Pro 12.9. Tablets bring the world to their fingertips and help them accomplish their dreams and goals.
