Ten Gifts for Teen Boys Under $50

If you have a teenager on your holiday list, chances are you want to be sure to purchase the best gift possible for your budget. With a budget of $25 - $50 and the internet at your disposal, you can definitely find some awesome gift ideas. But what gifts will be a hit or a miss with teens these days? Do you have to surrender to purchasing a gift card? Here are ten great gifts for teen boys for $25-$50.

1. Computer or Video Games or Accessories - With most new games retailing around $49.99, it's likely that your teen would appreciate adding another to his arsenal. Some great games that a lot of teens are waiting for is The Legend of Zelda, Twilight Princess and the latest in the Final Fantasy Saga, but some teens have different tastes when it comes to video games. The teen's parents are your best advocate for choosing the best video game for the teen in question, as they know the teen's gaming styles and preferences. Be sure to watch game ratings, and don't be afraid to say "no" to a game you personally find offensive. Accessories like memory cards and wireless controllers are also great hits with teens. Do they have a Gameboy or other personal handheld game platforms? Think batteries or rechargeable packs.

2. Portable MP3 Player or Accessories - In the MP3 player wars, there are two standouts and a newcomer. Creative Zen, Ipod, and Microsoft's new offer of Zune are all in the running for top billing, but there are many varieties of MP3 player out there beyond the well-buzzed trio. Pay special attention to the brand the teen prefers, and to protect hearing, educate your teen on potential earbud abuse. Does your teen already own an MP3 player? Consider accessories or music downloads.

3. Automotive Accessories - Just say no to cheap toolkits, but starting your teen's Craftsman collection might be a well-received gesture. Teens who love their cars tend to appreciate car care baskets full of armor all, turtle wax, and related goodies, a new set of high-end tail lights, and even die-cast miniatures of their car. If in doubt, look at how they treat their car. If they accessorize and keep it nice, things for the car are a good idea. If they're driving a beater and don't do much more than change the oil, perhaps you should focus on something else.

4. Members Only - For teens who love to learn, a museum membership might be a fun way to encourage their curiosity. Other teens might enjoy gym visits or a zoo pass. Consider the teen and think about what he likes to do.

5. Some Assembly Required - A bookshelf, desk, or kit of some form might seem like a strange gift but in time, its use might prove it to be one of the best gifts of the season. Teens aren't always big on organizing their space, but assistance in that direction are great ways to support the teen's ability to rework their room.

6. Electric Razor - Most guys appreciate their first electric razor; especially if they have been using the disposable kind for a while. To make the gift a little more than just a razor, prepare an entire care package. But please, no soap on a rope!

7. Gear - Is your teen a fisherman? How about a filled tackle box. Does he love sports? How about some new gear. Does your teen enjoy Role Playing? Consider getting them some dice and miniatures. Does your teen like to hunt? A set of binoculars and some camo is a great gesture. Think of what kind of gear would go along with your teen's favorite hobby and make it personal! Hobbies are very expensive these days, and knowing what a teen really needs is a great way to give a thoughtful gift.

8. Prepaid Minutes - If your teen uses a prepaid cellular service, minutes are golden. They can usually be purchased in card form and transferred to the phone as needed. This "talk as you go" form of cellular plan is specifically made with teens and simplicity in mind, and can be a great way of giving your teen time on the phone without worrying about overages and fees.

9. Fast Food - One of the most insightful gifts I've seen was a zipper-style wallet full of fast food gift certificates. Now that most fast food restaurants offer the gift card style, you can buy five ten-dollar gift cards (or any preferred amount) and put them in a brand new wallet ready to go. Then, your teen can use them whenever they want a snack. Most teens absolutely love fast food.

10. The Gift of Reading - If your teen loves to read, a book from their favorite genera is an excellent gift choice. For an added bonus, include a reading lamp, fill a backpack, or even consider an alternative like a comic book or magazine subscription.

When you're buying for a teenager, selecting the perfect gift can be challenging. Ask the teen's parents for ideas, and if you're the parent be sure to listen to your son for clues. These ten gifts ideas might not work for every teen, but with luck, one of them will fit your teen's personality perfectly. Good Luck, and have a great holiday season.