I have a boy one year older, and it’s a hard age for presents! I think anything Nats right now (a hoody, the official World Series locker room tshirt, etc.) or a portable speaker (Sony has one that sells thousands on amazon) are great ideas. A Patagonia snap t pullover is also great, but you would have to really shop for a sale, maybe on Black Friday.

Another vote for the hoodie. My DS lives in them and his favorite are UA or his sports team. You can’t go wrong with any of the brands suggested by PP. TJ Maxx and Marshalls frequently have them on sale. He’s more particular about shoes so I’d stay away from those.

My teen wouldn't like or care about most of those things. Maybe the mom can find out what he really wants.

Anonymous wrote:Ditto the hoodie. Go for Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. You can get at Dicks on sale and/or with a coupon.

My teens (B and G) both live in hoodies and both have several.

This or at Marshalls or TJ Max. Doesn't need to be a hoodie, but shoes, clothing or a backpack too. Ask him.

My 14 yr old son used his Birthday money to buy a portable speaker. It is waterproof and came with a hook so he can securely hang it on things. It has been a great purchase. He can play music inside or out and it is nice when friends are over.

I vote for the speaker, just include a gift receipt and you will be golden.

OP here thanks all for the ideas. He defin. has hoodies but he likes the Nats and the Bears (Dad is from Chicago) so maybe one of those. He does have a phone and I've defin. seen him using headphones but one of the things is his parents dont like is when he zones out of family interaction on his phone/headphones. Maybe one of those portable speakers would be better?

I have a 14yo boy and agree with the hoodie idea - brands above are great, favorite sports team would be even better if he has one.

Ditto the hoodie. Go for Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. You can get at Dicks on sale and/or with a coupon.

My teens (B and G) both live in hoodies and both have several.

Anonymous wrote:Why do boys like hoodies?

Because they are comfortable?

Does he have a cell phone? If so, a power bank for charging on the go. Or a pair of bluetooth headphones.

Why do boys like hoodies?

I love how generous and thoughtful you are. I have a 14 yr old ds and I was going to suggest a hoodie. My ds loves hoodies and lives in them. I recently got him an Adidas one that has the three stripes on the sleeves and that zips up. I think that one came from costco and was reasonable.

Does your friend's son wear athletic wear and hoodies?

The hydroflask was brilliant.

For 30 -50, maybe a nice hoodie or if you wanted to go a little higher wireless earbuds.

I am looking for a present for my good friend's son. His younger sister is my goddaughter so I buy both of them holiday presents for fairness. Hes 13 and in 8th grade.

The thing about my very dear friend (his mom) is that she is thrifty -- not bc she cant afford things its just her personality -- she wont buy those cool, unnecessary things that middle school kids REALLY want. Last spring for his birthday I got him a Hydroflask and he was SO SO excited about it. His mom laughed and called me crazy bc she would never spend $40 on a water bottle but it was a real home run. Now I find myself needing to match my earlier success; looking to spend between $30-$50. My only child is under 2 so middle school boys are not my area of expertise.