Under £50
For budding programmers and tech wizards
DIY Electronics Components Kit with Breadboard
This DIY electronics kit is a proper bit of kit for young tech enthusiasts. With 830 tie-points and a comprehensive set of components, it's just the ticket for hands-on learning about circuits and programming. Rather brilliant for budding engineers who fancy tinkering with Arduino projects.
For sports days and school trips
Silicone Collapsible Travel Water Bottle
This clever collapsible bottle shrinks to a fifth of its size when empty - quite handy when rucksack space is at a premium. Made from food-grade silicone that's BPA-free, it's survived thousands of drop tests, which is rather reassuring for active lads who aren't exactly gentle with their gear.
For cold morning commutes
3-in-1 Bluetooth Winter Beanie Set with Gloves
Winter mornings waiting for the school bus just got less miserable with this 3-in-1 beanie set. The built-in Bluetooth speakers mean he can listen to music without faffing about with earphones, while the matching gloves and neck gaiter keep everything toasty. Dead easy to charge via USB too.
For personalising bedroom spaces
WiFi LED Strip Lights Kit with App Control
We've all seen those TikTok bedroom setups - now he can create his own with these smart LED strips. They sync with music, work with voice commands, and can be controlled from anywhere via the app. A bit of a game-changer for teens wanting to customise their space without permanent modifications.
For marathon gaming sessions
Laptop Cooling Pad with Blue Illumination
If his gaming sessions are constantly interrupted by overheating laptops, this cooling pad sorts that right out. The mesh design improves airflow while the blue illumination adds a touch of style. It's tilted for comfortable typing too, which his teachers might appreciate when homework's actually completed on time.
For protecting precious tech
Dux Ducis Slim Protective Phone Case
Let's be honest - teen boys and phone protection don't always go hand in hand. This sleek case offers solid protection without adding bulk, and the black finish keeps it looking smart even after inevitable drops. No more cracked screens to explain to mum and dad.
For next-level coding projects
ESP32 WiFi Development Board for Python
For the lad who's moved beyond basic coding, this ESP32 board opens up a world of WiFi and Bluetooth projects. It's Python-compatible, which means he can create impressive smart home gadgets with surprisingly few lines of code. Connects directly to the computer with no faff - proper good for budding developers.
For organised school days
ASUS ROG Gaming Backpack
School bags take a proper battering, but this 24L gaming backpack is built to last. With a padded compartment for laptops up to 18 inches and plenty of organised storage for books and tech, it's as practical as it is stylish. The breathable mesh back means no more sweaty post-PE disasters.
For outdoor adventures
Quick-Opening Hammock with Mosquito Net
Summer camping trips just got more comfortable with this quick-opening hammock. The anti-rollover design means he won't end up face-down in the grass (unlike my first hammock attempt), while the built-in mosquito net keeps the bugs at bay. Packs down small enough to fit in a rucksack too.
For fitness-focused teens
Smart Jump Rope with App Tracking
This isn't your PE teacher's old skipping rope. The smart jump counter tracks time, reps and calories via the app, making fitness feel more like a video game challenge. The TPU-wrapped steel rope won't tangle, and it works on pretty much any surface - brilliant for teens getting into fitness.
For hands-on science learning
Build-Your-Own Solar-Powered Car Kit
This little DIY car kit teaches the basics of solar power in a hands-on way that's far more engaging than textbook learning. The assembly process is straightforward enough for younger teens but still satisfying. Once built, it zips along nicely in direct sunlight - a proper little demonstration of renewable energy at work.
For sports and weekend trips
Foldable Waterproof Nylon Sports Bag
Every teen needs a decent bag for their various activities, and this nylon number is surprisingly versatile. It's waterproof (essential for our British weather), folds down small when not needed, and has enough space for sports kit or overnight essentials. The shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry, even when loaded up.
Under £100
For budding young engineers
3D Printing Pen for Creative Modelling
This rather clever 3D printing pen lets young lads create three-dimensional designs without the faff of a full-sized printer. With its low temperature design, it's perfectly safe for little hands - no burnt fingers here! I've noticed how it's brilliant for keeping the kids occupied during those rainy half-term breaks. Works a treat for family crafting sessions too, much like those Sunday afternoon LEGO marathons we all remember.
For digital art beginners
VEIKK A15 Digital Drawing Tablet
This proper good drawing tablet offers a generous 10x6 inch workspace with impressive 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. My colleague in the design department swears by it for digital illustration. The battery-free pen means no charging faff, while the customisable shortcut keys make workflow dead easy. It's compatible with all the standard design software - quite handy for anyone looking to develop their digital art skills.
For competitive gamers
Turtle Beach Pure Air Wireless Gaming Mouse
At just 54g, this ultra-lightweight gaming mouse feels like nothing in your hand, yet delivers serious performance. The dual wireless system lets you switch between gaming-grade connection and Bluetooth - rather useful for both gaming and everyday tasks. With 125 hours of battery life and rapid charging, it'll see you through even the longest gaming sessions. My nephew's been using one since Christmas and says it's transformed his gameplay.
For creating bedroom cinema experiences
S30 MAX Portable Smart Mini Projector
This pocket-sized projector is surprisingly capable for its size. With WiFi connectivity and Android built-in, it'll stream content without needing to faff about with cables. The projected image can reach up to 120 inches - perfect for impromptu movie nights or gaming sessions. I've seen similar models used for garden film screenings during those rare warm summer evenings we get. Not cinema quality, mind, but quite decent for casual viewing.
For aerial photography enthusiasts
V168 GPS Drone with 8K Camera
This impressive drone packs serious tech into a compact, foldable design. With an 8K camera and obstacle avoidance features, it's a solid choice for aerial photography beginners. The one-click return function means it'll find its way home even if your navigation skills are as dodgy as mine. A mate who's into photography got one recently and says the 22-minute flight time is ample for capturing decent footage without breaking the bank.
For aspiring filmmakers
Anamorphic Movie Lens for Smartphones
Film buffs will appreciate how this clever little lens transforms smartphone videos into cinematic-looking footage. The 1.55X anamorphic design creates that distinctive widescreen look you'd normally need expensive kit for. It clips onto most smartphones and creates those horizontal lens flares you see in proper films. I tried one at a tech show and was genuinely impressed by how it elevated basic phone footage into something that looked rather professional.
For upgrading video sound quality
Canon DM-E100 Camera Microphone
This compact Canon microphone sorts out the biggest problem with most amateur videos - dodgy sound. It mounts directly to compatible cameras and draws power through the connection, so there's no battery faff to worry about. The included windscreen helps reduce those annoying gusts that plague outdoor recording. Not professional studio quality, but a significant step up from built-in mics. Just the ticket for anyone looking to improve their video content.
For cross-platform gamers
Logitech G332 Gaming Headset
These gaming headphones deliver solid sound through their 50mm drivers without costing a fortune. The flip-to-mute mic is dead handy for quick conversations, and the volume control sits right on the ear cup - no fumbling about mid-game. They work across all major gaming platforms too, which is rather convenient. I've noticed they're particularly popular with teens who game across different devices and don't want the faff of multiple headsets.
For music anywhere and everywhere
JBL GO3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Small but mighty, this little speaker delivers surprisingly decent sound for its size. It's perfect for the teen who's always on the move - chuck it in a backpack for impromptu music sessions at the park or attach it to a bike for some tunes on the go. The battery lasts a fair while too, which is always a bonus.
For old-school gaming on the go
MY ARCADE All Star Arena Nano Player
A bit of nostalgic fun that doesn't require Wi-Fi or monthly subscriptions. This palm-sized arcade machine packs in over 200 retro games that'll keep them entertained on long car journeys or when they're meant to be revising. The built-in speaker can be turned down (parents, you're welcome) or they can plug in headphones.
For organised tech enthusiasts
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
This rather smart charging station sorts out the eternal problem of tangled cables and devices scattered about. It charges an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at once, with a clever tree-like design that looks quite stylish on a bedside table. No more excuses for a dead phone when it's time to get up for school.
For competitive play at home or away
Merytes Portable Table Tennis Set
Table tennis is having a bit of a moment with teens, and this portable set means they can play just about anywhere with a table. The rackets are decent quality with proper rubber that gives good spin, and the expandable net fits tables up to 175cm wide. Perfect for settling sibling rivalries or challenging mates.
For comfortable study sessions
StarTech.com Adjustable Laptop Stand
This adjustable laptop stand might not seem the most exciting gift, but trust me, it's one they'll actually use every day. It lifts their screen to eye level, improving posture and preventing that hunched-over position parents are always nagging about. The aluminium construction keeps laptops cool during long gaming or coding sessions too.
Under £200
For serious gaming sessions
Razer BlackWidow V4 Gaming Keyboard
Looking for a proper gaming keyboard that does more than just look the part? This Razer BlackWidow V4 is a solid bit of kit with customisable macro keys and RGB lighting that'll make any teen's setup look rather impressive. The magnetic wrist rest is a thoughtful touch for those marathon gaming sessions that seem to go on well into the night.
For turning digital memories into physical keepsakes
Canon SELPHY SQUARE QX10 Portable Photo Printer
This pocket-sized printer is quite clever - it connects wirelessly to your phone and churns out square photos in seconds. Perfect for the lad who's always snapping away but never gets around to printing anything. The photos double as stickers too, so they can personalise everything from laptops to bedroom walls.
For budding young coders
Apitor Robot J Programming Kit
This isn't just another toy robot - it's a proper introduction to coding that doesn't feel like homework. With over 480 blocks and intuitive visual programming, it's brilliant for young minds curious about how things work. My nephew was chuffed to bits when he managed to program it to navigate around obstacles all on his own.
For active outdoor play
NET1 Portable Netball Post
Not every teen wants to be glued to a screen all day. This adjustable netball post is dead easy to set up in the garden or on the drive, with five different height settings to suit everyone from beginners to proper players. The base can be filled with water or sand, making it sturdy enough for those competitive family matches.
For levelling up mobile gaming
Backbone One Android Gaming Controller
Transform any Android phone into a proper gaming console with this clever controller. It's a game-changer for teens who enjoy mobile gaming but get frustrated with touchscreen controls. Works a treat with Xbox Cloud Gaming too, so they can play their favourite console games without hogging the telly.
For virtual racing enthusiasts
Hori Wireless Racing Wheel
For teens who've mastered the standard controller but want something more realistic for their racing games, this Hori wheel is just the ticket. With a 270-degree turn ratio that mimics actual driving and fully programmable buttons, it transforms games like Gran Turismo from casual play to proper simulation. The wireless design lets them set up their racing station without messy cables. The battery lasts a strong 10 hours, which is enough for the longest virtual tournaments.
For enhancing gaming and music setups
Logitech Z407 Bluetooth Computer Speakers
These Logitech Z407 speakers are the sort of upgrade that'll make them realise just how tinny their laptop speakers actually are. There is no need to stop gaming or homework to change the settings. They can connect via Bluetooth, USB or aux cable, making these versatile enough for their gaming setup, music listening, or even improving the sound on family movie nights.
For distraction-free listening
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones
When the household gets a bit too chaotic, these Beats Studio 3 headphones are just what teenage sanity needs. The active noise cancelling does a proper job of blocking out siblings, parents, and general life noise so they can focus on their music or studies. With up to 22 hours of battery life (or a quick 10-minute charge for 3 hours of listening), they'll rarely be caught without tunes.
Over £200
For virtual reality enthusiasts
Meta Quest 3 VR Headset (512GB)
Ready to step into another dimension? This Meta Quest 3 VR headset is a proper bit of kit for any tech-savvy teen. With 512GB of storage and grade 'Excellent' used condition, it's like getting a brand new experience at a smarter price.
For tracking active lifestyles
Fitbit Sense 2 Health Smartwatch
Perfect for active teens who fancy tracking their football practice or weekend bike rides. The sleek black design won't clash with school uniforms or weekend gear, and the battery lasts a solid six days—no need to faff about with daily charging. Quite good for building healthy habits without the usual teenage eye-roll.
For budding coders and tech tinkerers
Sphero Mini Education Pack
These tiny robotic balls are deceptively brilliant for getting teens interested in coding without them realising they're actually learning something. Each Sphero Mini in this education pack comes with its own construction set, activity cards, and accessories for hands-on STEAM projects. They can build obstacle courses, program movements, or even create their own games—all while picking up coding skills that'll serve them well in IT class.
For hands-on STEM learning
Sphero BOLT+ Programmable Robot
The Sphero BOLT+ takes coding from boring classroom exercise to genuinely engaging play. With its vivid LCD screen displaying real-time data and over 650 graphics, it's a proper teaching tool disguised as a cool gadget. The programmable sensors and motors let teens create increasingly complex routines as their skills develop, while the durable polycarbonate shell means it'll survive inevitable crashes and tumbles. A solid investment that'll keep them engaged long after other Christmas presents have been forgotten.
For capturing adventure moments
DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera
This DJI Osmo Action 4 is the sort of camera that makes even amateur footage look professionally shot. The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures stunning 4K video even in dim light—perfect for filming skateboard tricks at dusk or football matches on grey winter days. The Pre-Rec feature is dead clever, automatically saving footage from before they hit record, so they'll never miss capturing spontaneous moments. With its waterproof design and impressive battery life even in freezing temperatures, it'll handle everything from mountain biking to swimming. The magnetic quick-release mount means they can switch from helmet to handlebars in seconds without faffing about with screws.
For outdoor exploration
Shengmilo MX06 Electric Mountain Bike
This isn't just any bike—it's a proper game-changer for teens who want independence without the leg work. The Shengmilo MX06 combines a powerful 500W motor with fat tyres that'll handle everything from school runs to weekend adventures through muddy parks. With three riding modes, they can choose between pure electric cruising, pedal assist for longer journeys, or traditional cycling when the battery's flat (or you've told them to get some exercise). The 17.5Ah Samsung battery gives a decent 40-50km range, and the hydraulic disc brakes ensure they can stop safely even in typical British drizzle. Rather good for expanding their horizons beyond the local bus route.
For immersive gaming experiences
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console
The PS5 Digital Edition is the console that'll have them actually answering when you call them for dinner (though they might still be late). This slim version packs all the gaming power of the standard PS5 without the disc drive—games are downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store. The 1TB storage means they can keep a decent library of games installed without constantly deleting and reinstalling. Perfect for rainy weekends and those inevitable holiday gaming marathons.
For the teen who craves outdoor thrills
Electric Skateboard with Remote Controller
Looking for a proper bit of kit to impress the tech-savvy teen in your life? This electric skateboard is a doddle to operate with its remote controller and smart features. My nephew's been banging on about these since his mate got one - they're all the rage for lads who fancy a bit of outdoor adventure with a modern twist. Rather clever how it turns itself off after five minutes to save the battery.