Every year Christmas shopping for the Dudes gets harder and harder.
They want less, and what they do want is usually not super cheap, and I find myself going all over town (and by town I mean the Internet) trying to make holiday wishes come true.
This year is no different.
Dude 1 wants tickets to Comicon in 2017, Dude 2 wants a new iPhone and, most challenging of all, Dude 3 wants a Hatchimal (I know, GOOD LUCK). I feel how my parents probably did trying to get me a Cabbage Patch kid when they came out in the 80s.
Or that Barbie dream house. Or the talking Teddy Ruxpin.
Unlike my parents, however, I am not about to buy a knock off version and attempt to pass it off as the real thing.
I am going to get up early on Friday and go stand in line at Wal-Mart hoping to not get tackled by some West Virginian wearing leggings for pants for one.
And by get up early and stand in line I mean beg Mimi to go while I troll eBay to see if I can snag one there.
I don’t do in person Black Friday because I am not about that zombie apocalypse life.
If you have a line on a Hatchimal lemme know so I can make magic.
Looking for some great gifts for boys this holiday season?
We bring you our Annual Dude Approved Holiday Gifts for Boys List –20 awesome gifts the tweens and teens on your list will seriously dig.
20 Dude Approved Gifts for Boys
For Creative’s
Fujifilm Instax Mini 26 Camera. Dude 3 loooooves his instant camera. For his birthday last year we also got him a mini photo book and Disney theme prints so he could photograph his way through Disney World.
HP Sprocket. So. Much. Fun. Dude 3 loves printing off stick pics of the fam and attaching them to all of the things. Honestly, if I didn’t already have one, this one would’ve made my gift list this year for sure!
View Master. It’s the 2016 version of the old school joint we all used to own. The View Master Virtual Reality viewer has been on Dude 3’s list for ages.
For Techies
A drone. All three of my Dudes have drones on their list this holiday season. The Syma X5c is one of the highest rated and most affordable drones for sale on Amazon. Note: I have one saved in my shopping cart right now.
A robot. Another winner for us. There are so many out there, at different price points, and all skill levels. We got Zoomer Dino last year and Mip the year before and both of them are happily played with when they’re fully charged. The only downside is that they are all run via apps that require a device. If your kid doesn’t have one, you’re going to get might tired of handing over your phone for him to play with his robot. Although, if you’re already fighting him off of your apps, at least these are more in the educational vein.
Here’s the hot one to check out this Christmas: Cozmo. They say it’s the robot with a personality and it becomes more fun and interactive the more you play with it. Know that it’s not cheap though. This bad boy rings up for about $180.
For Athletes
Game tickets. We like going to the Warriors v. the Wizards game because seeing Steph and the Golden State fam is a total must do. Snag tickets to your son’s favorite team near you for a fun gift idea the whole family can enjoy.
Cooling headband. Dude 3 rocked his Mission cooling headband under his football helmet when the blazing summer heat made hitting the field almost unbearable. They make a ton of different cooling items –hats, headbands, towels. And, they make a warming line of accessories too. For when the temps drop and another layer is what you need to push through.
Fan fleece blanket. For the fan in the house, Elite Team makes great athlete/team fan blankets. They feature NFL blankets, college team blankets, and a fresh Cristiano Ronaldo blanket line for his hardcore fandom. My major soccer fan loves his!
Fat head. Ages ago we got this Fathead for Dude 1’s room. He loves it and we are ordering another one for the rec room in our basement where the Dudes go to enjoy gaming.
For Adventurers
Stomp rockets. The stomp rockets are always a hit with The Dudes. Bringing them home again this year.
Smart Lab. Since Dude 3 is addicted to science experiments this gift should keep him entertained until all of his potion mixes are gone.
Snap Circuits. We have two sets already and they want another. Snap circuits are fun and educational and okay to give your kids and send them packing for at least an hour.
For Gamers
Speaker chair. Because every gamer needs a comf gaming chair that makes their gaming experience more surround sound and awesome.
A game. Call of Duty Infinite Warfare is on many lists for this season. If your kiddos aren’t old enough for that try Paper Mario Color Splash (for WiiU owners only).
For Music Lovers
Headphones. Wireless headphones are all the rage this year and they are perfect for runners like my Dude 1.
Bluetooth Speaker. A waterproof portable speaker is great for the shower. And trips to the beach or pool come next summer.
iTunes Gift Card. So you don’t have your phone filled up with trap music, unless you’re me and all of the trap music is yours anyway.
Concert tickets. We want to catch Twenty One Pilots next year so I’m looking for tickets. Tickets to see a band your kid digs would be a great gift idea.
For Fashion Lovers
Shoes. A pair of Air Jordan basketball shoes have made the list for my basketball player, but the Curry’s and the KD’s are also loved by my Warrior’s fans.
Backpack. It’s functional and it’s cool, this Under Armour backpack is a hit at our house.
Disclosure: Some of the gifts for boys featured in this post were provided to me, free of charge, for consideration in this gift guide. Other items, are affiliate links. All of the gifts for boys recommendations are highlighted and featured because my kids love them already or desperately want them in their life.