This hardly counts, but...

[SunshineGirl]

For each kids' birthday and Xmas, our pattern has been to get one "big" gift and a few smaller gifts, but it has reached the point that I literally cannot think of a "big" gift for my son's 15th birthday. He needs nothing and wants only things we won't get for him (i.e. an Xbox). True badassity would be just giving smaller gifts, but we like giving a larger gift and can afford it. At least rather than scramble for something dumb, I opened up a Sharebuilder account for him and am buying him a share of Apple stock and a share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. (He is interested in investing and is a good saver, so he'll probably appreciate this.) Bonus - for opening the account, I get a $50 cash bonus deposited after making the first trade.

Having said all that, anyone have any good idea for small gifts for a teenage boy?

[WildJager]

For each kids' birthday and Xmas, our pattern has been to get one "big" gift and a few smaller gifts, but it has reached the point that I literally cannot think of a "big" gift for my son's 15th birthday. He needs nothing and wants only things we won't get for him (i.e. an Xbox). True badassity would be just giving smaller gifts, but we like giving a larger gift and can afford it. At least rather than scramble for something dumb, I opened up a Sharebuilder account for him and am buying him a share of Apple stock and a share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. (He is interested in investing and is a good saver, so he'll probably appreciate this.) Bonus - for opening the account, I get a $50 cash bonus deposited after making the first trade.

Having said all that, anyone have any good idea for small gifts for a teenage boy?

I loved remote control planes and helicopters as a kid.  The tech now a days is much higher quality and cheaper.  E Flight is a solid company that sells all inclusive kits.  For under $200 you can get a glider which provides a great day at the park.  I would say this hobby is educational too, as you learn aerodynamic and electrical basics pretty well.

[fitfrugalfab]

Giftcards. When my brother and I were teens (we're in our early twenties now), giftcards were like gold because we had the power to get what we wanted. Another one is technology accessories (headphones, cellphone covers, etc.) Things that you need but you can choose a style that suits your son. My mom also took the same route of a large gift and smaller gifts.

[SunshineGirl]

Thanks for the ideas. I love the plane idea, although it's the sort of gift I've bought in past years that is great at first and then never gets used. And gift cards - yes! He loves movies and going to the QT near his school, so those would be good options.

Thanks!

[partgypsy]

My 12 year old daughter wants a drone, maybe that's an idea (have no idea how much they cost).
In general cash is always good, because then they can save up for the bigger ticket items they truly want.

[Bicycle_B]

If he likes investing, maybe a teen-oriented book on investing?  Or on teen jobs/businesses?