iTunes gift cards or gift cards to the movies comes to mind.

I agree with QuiltE ... check with the Church first to see if gift cards are even allowed.

If so, instead of a certain store - check out the Visa gift cards that can be used anywhere they accept Visa. Specific stores (even Wal-Mart) may not be accessible to everyone, especially if the parents don't have transportation.

I would also make up a small stocking with some goodies and some some school supplies.

Please be careful with a gift card to a specific store as many families who live in low income housing do not have cars and must walk or get a taxi to get to the stores.

We have 3 Wal-Marts and none are in walking distance or even in our town to just jump in the car and go for one item.

I would be careful about books by Robert Heinlien. His early books were good but his later books had a lot of SICK sex in them, not something you would want a teenager to read. The last one I purchased I threw away after about 5 chapters.

Why not give them a completed item that does not call for them to "get to" a store should there be mobility problems. What about a boy quilt, a kit to build something, a knit cap or scarf.

YIKES! Our gift trees state the age, sex, and desired items of which it's the giver's choice on how much to fill. You have your work cut out for you! A gift card is a good bet. Nothing wrong with WalMart, but bookstores carry much more than books these days. In this case, I would not give anything homemade. This is probably for a disadvantaged child who would delight in being able to have a gift card to spend.

That's not much to go on. I have four boys, and I know at that age they start getting very picky and self conscious - and they all had totally different tastes. I think a gift card would be the best route, though I'm not particularly a Walmart fan. I don't think any of my boys would have appreciated a gift card from a bookstore. And you might throw in a ball (basketball, football or soccer ball) so he has something he can use immediately. I don't know any boy who couldn't use those along with the socks.

I definitely would check to see if the gift card is allowed; then give a more generic one like the Visa card. He may need to spend it on food, clothes or even medicine for a family member or gasoline. Everything else is so personal and at that age things we consider all boys would like, many boys wouldn't willingly be caught dead with- depending on their peer group. If the church doesn't accept gift cards then the larger organization in town should have a list of acceptable gift items.

I have 3 teenage boys in that age range. If its electronic they would love it! If you want to give an actual gift get headphones, yes no joke! Teenage boys hate clothes if any kind for a gift...just being honest! They do like gloves and hats. Boys go through headphones like you would not believe, a great gift is a decent pair. If they are in need then a 20 dollar pair is ideal (skull candy is an awesome brand) they would love them!! Hope that helps!!

Having a son of my own, I agree with Rachel (QuiltingCrazie)! Please don't get an unknown teen boy a gift of clothing! However, I also have to disagree with the suggestion of headphones, as not every teen (especially low-income, young teens) would have a device that uses headphones.

My son is now in his early 20's but he and his friends (when younger) always appreciated cookies and other edibles. Other ideas -
Flashlight (a good one, even if it has to be a smaller one) w/batteries
Compass (directional type)