Buying a gift for a teenage boy is never easy, but with our huge gift guide, you are sure to find something which suits. At the age of 17, boys are rapidly approaching adulthood, and so will appreciate gifts that will help support their new-found independence. There are many possible occasions for which you might be in search of gift ideas for 17 year old boy, such as Christmas, birthdays, graduation, and many more. You’ll find our gift ideas will suit any occasion on which you wish to treat a teen boy to something special.
We have chosen many different types of gift ideas, in order that you will find just what you are looking for. Teenage boys are tricky customers, so it’s important to consider a range of different options until you find the one which is just right. You’ll also find gifts that cater to different budget levels, too. So, no matter your relationship with the boy, the occasion, your budget, or his interests, you are sure to find just what you are looking for within our 50 gift ideas.
Considerations When Buying Gifts for 17 Year Old Boy
There are a few things that must be considered when it comes to picking out gifts for teen boys aged 17. First and foremost, of course, is his age. At the age of 17, your boy is no longer a child, and so it’s best not to choose gifts which might embarrass him if they come across as too childish. You might also wish to choose a gift based on the occasion for which it will be given. For example, for a birthday, it might be a nice idea to gift something with a ’17’ on it, to help him remember the big day in years to come.
Also, think about how much you will spend on the gift. Are you looking for a ‘big’ gift or just a little stocking-stuffer-type item? This will help narrow down the search considerably. Finally, don’t forget to neglect the recipient’s interests when picking something out. It’s best to choose something that he can use often or something which is special to him somehow.
Top 50 17th Birthday Ideas for Boys
After looking at some of the key considerations when picking out a gift, it’s time to move on to the reviews. In this section, you will find 50 great gifts reviewed, so there is sure to be something your boy will love to receive on a special occasion.
1. Travel Scratch Map
First on our list of 17 bday ideas we have the scratch travel map. If your boy loves to travel or is keen to head off somewhere soon, this is an excellent gift. It has a lovely golden design, and is decorated with portraits of explorers of the 17th century. The map is a good size at 16.5 x 24 inches, so it will look great hung on his bedroom wall. As your boy visits the various locations on the map, he should scratch off the surface to reveal the details underneath. The map comes packed in a tube which can have a message written on it to make it more special to your boy.
2. Champion Hoodie
Teens love wearing hoodies, so a good-quality one is certain to go down a treat when given as a gift on a special occasion. This one from Champion LIFE is made from cotton and polyester and has a pull-over design, with a hood with drawstrings and a front double pocket. It’s designed not to shrink when washed, and the ribbing on the cuffs and waist allow for easy and comfortable movement. There are different sizes available to ensure the perfect fit.
3. Nikon 8245 Binoculars
If your boy is looking to get into a new hobby, these binoculars might be a nice, unique gift to choose. This pair is lightweight and ergonomic to hold, and has rubber eyepieces so they are comfortable to use even over long periods. The glass used in the lenses is designed to give bright results under most types of lighting conditions, so he can enjoy the view regardless of the weather. They are easy to focus and have non-slip grips for practicality.
4. Camping Solo Stove
If you’re looking for a 17th birthday idea for a boy who likes camping and hiking, this small, portable stove could be just what you are looking for. It’s designed to not give off too much smoke, and burns natural materials such as leaves and twigs, so it’s not necessary to carry fuel. It has the capacity to cook for one or two people, so it’s ideal for trips with a friend. It burns hotter than many other stoves, and can heat 34 fl. oz. water in 10 minutes or less. The stove itself only weighs 9 oz., so it won’t cause his backpack to become too heavy either.
5. Akaso Action Camera
Here’s another good pick for a 17 yr old guy who enjoys outdoor adventures. This action camera is the perfect way for him to capture video footage of outdoor pursuits, whether it’s skiing, surfing, mountain biking, or anything else. It offers 4K video quality and 20MP resolution stills. There are different angles of view available to choose from as well as an in-built gyroscope for image stabilization. It’s easy to share the photos and videos from the device using WiFi, with a connectivity range of up to 10 meters. A waterproof case is included which allows diving up to 100 feet deep. The battery life is quite good, offering 90 minutes of video footage to be recorded.
6. Tommy Hilfiger Wallet
A wallet is a great gift for a boy who is becoming older and more independent, and this one from top brand Tommy Hilfiger is certainly a great choice. There are six different designs and colors to choose from, and each is made from 100% leather for optimum quality. This one pictured below has a cotton lining as well as various pockets inside. There’s an ID window, two slots for notes and eight card slots, so there is plenty of storage for everything he might need. It comes packed in a very nice box, making it ideal for giving as a gift.
7. Under Armour Sweatpants
These comfortable fleece pants from Under Armour are sure to be a hit with teen boys – they are ideal for sportswear, loungewear, or leisurewear – he won’t want to take them off! They are made from 100% polyester and have a soft, fleece layer inside to keep boys warm. The pants are lightweight and breathable too, as well as stretchy for a full range of movement. The waistband is elastic and has a cord for adjustment, and there are pockets on either side. They have a straight fit, and come in a range of sizes.
8. Under Armour Short-Sleeve Hoodie
Here we have another nice item of clothing from Under Armour which is an ideal gift for 17 year old boy who has everything. The short-sleeved hooded top is made from cotton, polyester, and rayon, for a product which is sweat and odor-wicking as well as fast-drying. It has a loose fit and is available in all sizes to ensure a perfect fit. There is a kangaroo pocket on the front and there are two color options available – black or gray and black.
9. Osprey Backpack
This lightweight backpack is ideal for school, starting college, or for taking day trips, so your boy is sure to find a good use for it. It comes in a whole range of color choices, so he’s sure to find one which matches his tastes. There are various compartments and pockets to keep the belongings well-organized inside. Inside the bag, there is also a sleeve which can be used to safely store a laptop up to 14 inches, or a tablet. The back and the straps of the backpack have mesh for maximum airflow and comfort when carrying.
10. Adidas Sack Pack
Here is another useful bag which might make a good gift for an older teen, particularly those who are interested in playing sports. It has mesh side pockets, a front zippered compartment as well as the main compartment which can be secured using the drawstrings. When empty, the bag takes up very little space, as it can easily be folded up or flattened, so it’s ideal for taking out and about or when traveling.
11. Swiss Army Knife
This classic Swiss Army Knife is an excellent pick when it comes to gifts for teen boys – you never know when they might need to use it! This one comes with 15 functions, including a knife, scissors, screwdriver, saw, and much more. It’s great for taking camping or working on hobbies and projects at home – ideal for learning some new skills. All the tools fold inside the knife and it is a compact size, easy for carrying around. We’ve shown the classic red option here, but there are many more colors and designs to choose from.
12. Muifa Headphone Hat
Our next pick is this awesome music-playing hat, which uses Bluetooth to connect to your boy’s device and play his favorite music. Not only can he hear his music with crystal-clear quality, but the hat will also keep his head warm during the winter. There is a small panel on the side to control the playback – pausing or skipping between tracks. It’s designed to fit all sizes and should be hand-washed when necessary.
13. Harry Potter Bathrobe
If you’re looking for gifts for high school boys who love Harry Potter, this bathrobe is an excellent pick! It comes in four options – one for each of the Hogwarts houses and is made from 100% polyester. It has a tie waist closure and is officially licensed, so you can be sure of the quality. It’s super-soft and has a lovely embroidered house crest design.
14. Stance Crew Socks
Socks are perhaps one of the most popular gift ideas for teen boys, and these stylish crew socks are sure to be welcomed. They come as a pack of three pairs, each with different colors of stripes. The socks are made from combed cotton and polyester, with elastane and nylon. They are ribbed across the calf and around the arch, for support and comfort.
15. CardNinja Card Wallet
If your boy is always going out without his wallet, make sure he never forgets his cards or cash again with the CardNinja. It’s a fabric wallet that can store up to eight cards as well as some cash, and attaches to the back of a smart device. It’s compatible with the majority of smartphones as well as cases which they might have fitted. There are different colors to choose from, so you can pick the one which appeals the most. There’s also the possibility of including a RFID plate which prevents the card details from being stolen by skimming.
16. MLB 47 Cap
This classic baseball cap is a fashion accessory all teen boys will love wearing, especially when you choose the option which bears the logo of their favorite MLB team. The cap is made from 100% cotton and has an adjustable closure at the back to ensure it fits all sizes well. The logo is embroidered on to the front of the hat, and the hat itself is colored accordingly to the team chosen.
17. Cally of Duty Modern Warfare
When it comes to 17 year old games, Call of Duty is possibly one of the most popular. Boys will love being able to play against their friends, and meet new players, in the online multiplayer mode. They can also join squads and play cooperatively with others in various missions, suitable for all skill levels, from new players to experts. Boys will love the narrative surrounding this game, which is sure to keep them absorbed and engaged as they play. The graphics are also stunningly realistic in this CoD game. It is available on either Xbox One or PS4.
18. Bloodborne
Here we have another excellent game for older teens to enjoy on their PlayStation 4, this time it’s Bloodborne, a horror game. The game requires players to use strategy as well as quick reflexes to take down the enemy and survive. There are various challenges to overcome, which change all the time, and can be completed with friends or alone. This is a unique and captivating RPG which is sure to keep your boy hooked for hours.
19. Magic the Gathering
This is a classic card game that is hugely popular with teenagers. This set comes with over 120 individual cards, as well as four booster packs, each containing 15 cards, to enhance the game. The set is ideal for building a deck by picking our favorite cards, before starting a battle with friends. Playing the game requires the use of strategy and art, and it is sure to keep your boy and his friends hooked for hours.
20. PlayStation 4 Slim
Teen boys love gaming, so treating them to a new console such as the PlayStation 4 Slim is sure to make you the most popular parent around! It has an impressive 1TB hard drive which is ideal for downloading and saving data from many games, and the console can also be used to access TV shows and music. The Slim console is lighter and thinner than the classic version, so it will take up less space, and also looks sleek and stylish.
21. Madden NFL 20
If your boy is a fan of the NFL as well as gaming, this is surely a dream come true! Players can choose whether to play as a football player, a coach or an owner, and can play through an entire NFL career. There’s also the option to build an ultimate fantasy team from current and past players, and compete against other players in this mode. Boys who have previously owned or played Madden games will see some familiar features, as well as some new modes, such as Pro Bowl, Superstar X-Factor and QB1 – there are endless possibilities for entertainment.
22. Optoslon VR Headset
Perhaps the coolest electronic gift for teenagers is something like this virtual reality headset. It can be used in conjunction with just about any smartphone with dimensions between 4.7 – 6.2 inches, including most Android and iPhone. It’s similar to Google Cardboard, but it made from durable plastic, and works in a similar way to 3D glasses, allowing two images to be combined. It’s a lot more basic compared to something like the Oculus Rift, but it’s much more budget-friendly.
23. Xbox One S
If your boy isn’t interested in gaming on the PS4 or using a virtual reality headset, perhaps this Xbox One S console might pique his interest more. It’s an all-digital edition, which means you won’t have to have discs lying around and risk getting them scratched or lost. There is access to hundreds of games online, and many of them can be played in multiplayer mode with friends. The console has a 1TB hard drive so there is plenty of storage space available. It also comes with a wireless controller.
24. Batman Car Seat Covers
If your boy has recently gotten his own car, or will be getting one for his 17th birthday, these Batman seat covers are great for giving it a bit of customization. There are two covers included, for both front seats, and they are designed to be universal fitting for bucket seats. They are made from polyester and have a foam backing for added comfort when sitting in the car. They are machine washable too, so it’s no problem if something gets spilled on them.
25. Super NES Console
If your boy enjoys retro games, he is sure to enjoy playing the Super NES! It’s based on the classic console but comes with over 20 games installed and is smaller than the original. There are two controllers included, so it’s ideal for playing two-player games, some of which are included. It also comes with a brand new game, Star Fox 2, which wasn’t available on the original console. Unlike the original, this version comes with a ‘rewind’ function which allows players to create demos based on their saved points in the game, and rewind back a minute or so before these points.
26. X Rocker Gaming Chair
Here we have another great pick for boys who love gaming, this time, it’s a gaming chair to enhance their gaming experience. It can hold up to 275 pounds, and the seat is 25 inches wide, so there is plenty of space for growing boys. The seat can play audio wirelessly, with two speakers by the headrest. There’s also a subwoofer to add feeling to the back when playing an intense moment of the game. It can work with most gaming systems as well as for playing music or watching DVDs, so boys are sure to get plenty of use from this great gift.
27. Bengoo G9000 Gaming Headset
If you want to spend a little less but still give him a similar experience as he would have with the chair above, how about this gaming headset instead? It comes in four different color options and can connect to various platforms. The sound clarity is excellent and users can also experience the shocks related to their game for a more immersive experience. The microphone is designed to reduce background noise allowing friends to clearly hear what your boy is saying. The ear cushions are soft and comfortable and there are also LED lights on the headset to make it look even more stylish!
28. Havit Backlit Keyboard
Here is another cool item a teen who loves gaming is likely to enjoy – the backlit gaming keyboard and mouse set. They are ideal for teens who play on a PC, and there are black or white options available. Both items are wired, and will easily connect to the PC using a USB port – no software needed. The keyboard has all the functions a boy needs for a full gaming experience, and both parts of the set are ergonomic to hold and use, preventing discomfort during a long gaming session.
29. Kan Jam Game
When it comes to 17 year old bday ideas, outdoor games such as this are ideal, because they encourage him to get outside and away from his gadgets for a little while. The game requires two teams of two players each, and each of the two cans should be set 50 feet apart from one another. Players then have to throw the disc and try to hit their opponent’s can, or even try and get it inside the can for an instant win! The game is weather-resistant so it’s ideal for outdoor use, and there’s a lighting-up edition that can even be played at night!
30. Djubi Classic Game
Here we have another fun outdoor game for teens to play with a friend. It’s essentially a game of catch, but with a fun twist. The set comes with two nets and two balls – each ball has a loop and the racquets have hooks for launching the balls using these loops. The balls can fly a great distance of around 100 feet or more, so it’s great for playing in a large, open area. The nets are deep to make catching the balls quite easy – it won’t rebound.
31. FlipBelt Storage Belt
Next on our list of cool presents for teenage guys we have this unique storage belt, which is perfect for keeping his belongings stored safely when he is exercising outdoors. It has four openings – two each in the front and the back – and no fastenings to cause discomfort when wearing. It’s designed to be sweat-wicking and quick to dry, and it can also be machine washed and tumble dried for easy care.
32. Spikeball Game Kit
Here we have another fun game for teens who enjoy spending time outdoors – Spikeball. This set comes with everything you need to play the game, which was featured on Shark Tank. It is played by four players, who must bounce the ball off the net, in any direction, and the other team then has up to three touches of the ball to return it, if not, the other team gains a point. The game is easy to set up and is ideal for either indoor or outdoor use – it works well on most surfaces, as long as there is enough space.
33. Grow the Heck Up
If you are looking for a gift for a boy who will soon leave school, this book is a great pick. It teaches boys important life skills they can’t learn from school over the course of 110 pages. Some of the things boys can learn about from this book include prepping for an interview and changing a car tire. There are 40+ step-by-step guides, which are both serious and sarcastic – the tone is guaranteed to appeal to teens and teach them something new whilst also entertaining them!
34. Enno Vatti Movie Scratch Off Poster
If your boy is a bit of a movie buff, how about this poster which shows 100 must-watch movies that he can scratch off as he watches. Under each gold panel is a colorful icon representing the movie, and the poster is A2 sized so it can be framed, if you wish. Boys will love working their way through the various movies on the poster – there are a range of genres and both classic and more modern films included.
35. The Driving Book
If your boy is going to be learning to drive soon, this book is packed full of everything he needs to know. It doesn’t teach what can be learned through taking driving lessons, rather it tells readers things which would normally be learned after gaining more driving experience. Some of the topics include what you should do if you are in an accident or are stopped by the police, so it’s very valuable reading for new drivers.
36. Fisher Space Pen
A nice pen is an excellent gift for older boys, and they are sure to find this one pretty cool. It can be used at any angle, even in zero gravity, and also works in any extreme temperature from -30 to 250F. It comes with a lifetime guarantee as well as a padded case for storage. There are a few different colors to choose from.
37. Tulip Tie-Dye Kit
Here we have something that could be fun for boys who are creative, an easy-to-use tie-dye kit. It comes with everything needed, except clothing or accessories to dye. There are 18 colors of powder and bottles, bands to tie up the shirts and gloves for wearing when using the dye. There are enough materials to use this kit for a party with friends, so it’s a great, unique way to celebrate the 17th birthday and everyone will have something to take home afterwards too.
38. Rokr 3D Puzzle
If your boy loves a challenge, he’s sure to enjoy building this 3D puzzle. It’s one of the best gifts ideas for 17 year old boy as building it will keep them busy for hours, and they can also really use it afterward to project old film frames! It doesn’t require batteries to do this, instead simply turn the handle. Depending on the skill level of the builder, this project will take between 5 – 8 hours to complete. It makes a great talking point when complete.
39. Funko Pop DIY
Funko Pop collectable figures are popular with boys, and if you don’t know which one they might like, how about this DIY figure which they can paint and decorate themselves? It comes with a protective case and stands at around 4 inches tall. Teens can make this figure look like anyone, or anything, they wish, whether it’s their favorite celebrity or even like themselves! To make this an extra special gift, it could even be nice to paint it for him!
40. Medal Hanger
If you are looking for the ideal gift for a runner, this medal hanger is an excellent choice. It allows him to display all his achievements, hanging the medals underneath and inserting photos or race bibs on the top. In fact, it can be used for any sports if photos are hung instead of race bibs. There is a mounting kit included to display the hanger on the wall. It can hold up to 40 medals, so he won’t forget any of his special achievements.
41. NutriBullet
If you are looking for ways to keep your teen healthy, this NutriBullet blender is a great gift idea. It comes with 12 pieces, including two different sized cups which can be used to drink the juices or smoothies after making. There are two different blades too, depending on what you are making. The product is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe to make it even easier.
42. Darth Vader Mug
When it comes to birthday gifts for teenage guys, anything with a Star Wars theme is sure to go down well! This cool Darth Vadar mug is made from stoneware and comes in a colored box to make it easy for gifting. It is microwave safe, but putting it in the dishwasher is not recommended. The mug holds around 16 ounces, so it’s sure to keep boys well-hydrated.
43. Rapid Ramen Cooker
Trying to teach seventeen year olds how to cook isn’t always easy, but with this unique product, you can introduce them to the idea gently. It allows them to make their favorite ramen in just a couple of minutes in the microwave. There is a fill line inside so boys know how much water to add, and the washing up will be easier without having to use a pot, too. The dish is BPA-free for safety and it comes in a wide range of color options.
44. Microwave Popcorn Popper
If you are still keen to find cooking-themed birthday gifts for 17 year old boy, how about this microwave popcorn machine instead? There are more than 15 different color options, so you can pick the one which best matches his tastes. Boys will love making their own popcorn to have as part of a movie night, and it’s great for when they have friends over to share it with too. It makes getting the perfect popcorn easy every time, and there are even handles to safely remove it from the microwave without getting burnt.
45. Cup Cozy
Here we have another of the coolest gifts for 17 year old boys, this handy cup holder pillow so they can always have their drinks handy whatever they are doing. It’s designed to be insulating, keeping the drinks either hotter or colder for longer. The cover can be removed for washing if something gets spilled on it accidentally. It’s great for use at home, in bed, in the car, or outside such as at the beach or on a camping trip – it works well everywhere! It can also be used to hold small snacks or TV and gaming controllers close to hand.
46. Razor Electric Skateboard
Our next awesome gift for 17 year old boy is the electric skateboard from Razor. If he loves to skate, he’s sure to enjoy this even more! It has a motor that allows the skateboard to move at a speed of up to 12 mph and will run for up to 40 minutes at a time. The deck is made from maple which is lightweight yet responsive and there is a wrist remote that allows boys to control the speed easily whilst they are riding. It has urethane wheels that offer a good grip, and it can hold up to 220 pounds so there’s no need to worry about it being outgrown quickly.
47. Oral-B Pro 1000
You might not think of an electric toothbrush when it comes to picking presents for 17 year old boys, but this practical gift is sure to last him for many years, and he will thank you for it when he visits the dentist! It’s said to remove 300% more plaque than using a manual toothbrush. There’s also a timer to make brushing for the recommended two minutes easier, and if brushing too hard, the electronic movements will automatically stop. It comes with one brush head and there are many other types to choose from which are compatible.
48. Braun Electric Shaver
Shaving might not be a teen’s favorite activity to have to do, so why not make life a little easier with this electric razor? It comes with two rechargeable batteries, so he won’t have to worry about it running out during a shave. It’s cordless for easy use, and waterproof up to 5 meters deep, so he can use it in the shower. It gives a close shave and leaves the skin smooth afterward.
49. Davidoff Cool Water
Here’s another nice gift for your boy to use as part of his daily routine – Davidoff’s Cool Water eau de toilette. It comes in a 4.2 fl oz bottle, and is ideal for daytime use. The cologne has notes of lavender, musk, jasmine, and more. It smells great, and as an eau de toilette, it should last well for at least a few hours, depending on activity level.
50. Manicure Set
Our final pick is another grooming item for your teen boy, this time it’s a nail maintenance kit. There are 18 pieces in the set, perfect for fingernails and toenails alike. The tools are made from stainless steel and come in a case with compartments to keep everything neatly stored. Perhaps keeping his nails tidy isn’t the top of his priorities at the age of 17, but this kit is sure to encourage and remind him to do so.
Best Gift Overall
After looking at a selection of 50 of the best gifts for 17 year old boy, it is time to decide which takes the spot as our favorite overall. It has to be the PlayStation 4 console, for many reasons. Of course, gaming is a big interest for many teenager boys, so a new console such as this is sure to make you pretty popular. The slim design and large hard drive size also help add to the appeal of this one.
Best Budget Gift
If you are looking for slightly cheaper birthday or Christmas gifts for 17 year old boy, there are plenty of great options to choose from still. One which stands out is the Kan Jam game, which is excellent for getting boys outside, exercising and socializing with their friends. It’s fun and unique, and the different options available ensure there is plenty of variety to find something which suits.
Gift for 17 Year Old Boy Who Has Everything?
Many older teen boys have just about everything they could ever need, in which case, choosing a gift can be quite tricky. Hopefully, some of our many gift ideas above will be unique items he doesn’t have already. If you are still struggling, how about something personalized? There are many gift companies that offer items that can be personalized, whether it’s adding the recipient’s name, a special message, or anything else of your choosing. This can make a gift really unique and meaningful, and is sure to be suitable for those who have everything!
What Is a Good Gift for a 17 Year Old on His Birthday?
Many of the gifts we have picked out above are suitable for birthdays, just as they are for any other occasion. It’s best to choose something based on his interests, so whatever he is into, he’s sure to love to get it for his birthday. You can also choose something with a number 17 to mark the special occasion, or perhaps something like a t-shirt, mug or keychain with a ‘happy birthday’ message on it.
