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Crafts/hobbies for tween and teen boys

14 replies

Smorgs · 24/09/2026 13:23

I'm looking for ideas for craft type activities that would appeal to my two DS, 12 and 14, and keep them off screens.
Yes I know they can do the same crafts as girls but the packaging and marketing is often so targeted to girls that it puts them off.
Lego is still v popular with both. Hama beads with the 12 year old and drawing was popular with the 14 year old but now he never seems to.
Would love to hear suggestions based on what your DS enjoy.

OP posts:
amyds2104 · 24/09/2026 16:35

Warhammer is a good shout but is expensive but good fun. I sometimes do it too and it’s quite therapeutic

backinthebox · 24/09/2026 16:40

My just turned 16 DS is busy hammering rivets and studs onto all of his clothes, and buying t shirts, jeans and leather clothing from charity shops and customising them. It’s slightly alarming when he goes out dressed head to toe in black studded clothing, but he’s designed it all himself and it’s quite cost effective. And it’s a definite look!

HalzTangz · 24/09/2026 21:00

Pottery painting, glass fusion, Indian block painting

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 24/09/2026 21:19

Music lessons & practice

Needmorelego · 24/09/2026 21:20

Airfix models.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 24/09/2026 21:49

Badge making, acrylic moulding, lino cutting, carpentry - making planters for example, carving, gardening

Pashazade · 24/09/2026 22:07

3d printer and painting what they make, cheaper than Warhammer!

Smorgs · 25/09/2026 11:30

These are all brilliant ideas, thanks!

OP posts:
something2say · 25/09/2026 11:34

Pickup Music guitar, bass or piano. £15 per month.

Game changing for those who like music.

beaglescurleduplikebagels · 25/09/2026 11:41

Lego.

HorseandHeron · 25/09/2026 11:45

Both my DC like D&T type craft at that age. They made radios and electric guitars, small stools and boxes. Also a raspberry pi computer, electronic gadgets that sounded an alarm if anyone entered their rooms Grin.

DS1 also got into making abstract art - we bought cheap canvases from Tiger and used up ends of house paint, mixed with glue so he could add texture with found objects etc. Some were pretty cool and are still hanging in the house.

HorseandHeron · 25/09/2026 11:46

They also got into cooking: spag bol and chillies, home made pizzas, brownies, banana bread etc.

CherryKerry · 27/09/2026 11:37

I help a teenage boy with knitting, crochet and wool felting.

My DS liked making things with wood, e g bird boxes but you ideally need outside space for that.

Smorgs · 29/09/2026 17:31

I'd love them to get into knitting or crochet but they've seen too many examples of it being an 'old lady' hobby and they've been brainwashed sadly 

The youngest was doing piano and guitar last year but has dropped both... Well I made him drop them as he wasn't practising and it was a lot of money. Pick Up Music is a great idea - I can test out his motivation to continue without spending too much.

We have outdoor space and tools so bird boxes etc is a good idea actually. I need to look up some designs.

Thanks so much everyone

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