Have you ever tried to assist a ten-year-old boy with picking out a toy? My oldest son recently turned 10-years-old and he was lucky enough to receive quite a few gift cards for his birthday! Thinking he would have plenty of ideas on what he wanted, we headed to the store. After perusing toy shelves for what felt like hours, we left empty handed and frustrated.
While there were plenty of toys to choose from, there just wasn’t any one thing that stood out to him as a “must have”. If only we had hopped onto Mommy High Five and seen this list, what a better experience it would have been!
To avoid frustration (trust me on this one), refer to this list of perfect toys for tween boys the next time you’re faced with choosing a gift or toy for a loved one. You can thank me later!
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
There are some things you will want to find out and keep in mind as you’re shopping for a 10-year-old boy. Boys in this age group are usually very active and their attention spans are all over the place. Did I mention they are active?
- What type of toy are you looking for? To cover all types of toys, this list is organized into active/outdoor toys, electronic toys, and STEM toys. You’ll want to narrow down to at least one of those types before shopping! Think about the recipient and if they have siblings that are going to want to play with the toy as well. Many of the toys listed can be enjoyed by multiple age groups!
- Does the 10-year-old you’re shopping for have any hobbies? If you’ve heard John Jr. talking about his latest LEGO build, he will more than likely love a STEM toy. If Bob Jr. has baseball and football trophies lining his shelves, then he might prefer an active/outdoor toy. If you can find out what your gift recipient is into, finding a toy in this list will be a breeze! The best thing is, some of these toys serve multiple interests and will be a hit no matter what!
- What is your budget? You will certainly want to figure out a budget before researching this list. Consider the amount of use the gift will get as well when thinking of how much you want to spend. If my son wants a more expensive gift, I’ll have family members contribute to his savings toward it. This allows him some time to really think over the purchase and make sure that it’s something worth spending more on!
Fun and Unique Gifts for a 10-Year-Old Boy
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
RipStik Ripster Read Review | |
Gabb Wireless Safe Phone Read Review | |
Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet Read Review | |
Lifetime Adjustable Basketball Hoop Read Review | |
K'NEX Imagine Click & Construct Read Review | |
Echo Dot Read Review | |
Electronic Battleship Game Read Review | |
AGPTEK MP3 Player Read Review | |
BestGot Wired Kids Headphones Read Review | |
LEGO Technic Chevrolet Corvette Kit Read Review | |
Cheerwing Syma FPV Drone Read Review | |
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 Read Review | |
NERF Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker Read Review | |
Djubi Classic Slingball Read Review | |
Threeking Smart Robot Read Review | |
NERF Fortnite SMG-E Blaster Read Review | |
NERF Dude PerfectSmash Football Read Review | |
Ivan's Hinge Read Review | |
Capture the Flag Redux Read Review | |
Zing Marshmallow Blaster Read Review | |
Doinkit Darts Read Review | |
Rush Hour Game Read Review | |
Taco Vs Burrito Game Read Review | |
TENZI Dice Game Read Review | |
Flashing Cube Brain & Memory Game Read Review | |
Dude Diary Read Review | |
National Geographic Jr. Metal Detector Read Review | |
5000 Awesome Facts About Everything! Read Review | |
The Dangerous Book for Boys Read Review |
Active/Outdoor Toys
Boys typically have a lot of energy and enjoy using that energy in exciting ways. Here are our favorite active and outdoor toys to help boys get exercise while having a lot of fun.
1. RipStik Ripster Caster Board
The RipStik Ripster Caster Board is a favorite outdoor toy for tween boys. It is a more compact version of the full size RipStik board. Boys can maneuver the skateboard-type platform to ride indoors or out and work on tricks. The smaller footboard is perfect for an adolescent who may struggle with getting the wider stance needed for the traditional RipStik or skateboard. The slip-resistant, concave deck platforms provide stability along with high quality wheels. The durability and quality are excellent, just what you would expect from the RipStik brand.
As with any ride-on toy, a helmet, elbow and knee pads are recommended!
2. Lifetime Outdoor Portable Adjustable Basketball Hoop
If you’re looking for a great way to keep your boy active and engaged, consider this outdoor basketball standard and hoop. Just like other Lifetime products, this one is excellent quality and so much fun.
My tween boy loves practicing his shooting on this hoop, and his friends like coming over to play on it as well. With a height adjustment from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, it’s great for your boy as he grows and improves his basketball skills. Complete with a sturdy base and shatterproof backboard, this toy is one your boy will use and enjoy for years to come!
3. Djubi Classic Slingball
Djubi (pronounce joo-bee) is a modern twist on the classic game of catch. Using racquets with an ergonomic handle and attached launching hook, Djubi balls are launched up to 125 feet, where another player can catch the ball using another racquet with deep net. This is a great game for the beach, pool, or lake since the specially designed, foam Djubi balls can float!
This is a great gift to encourage outdoor activity and additional sets can be purchased so that multiple kids and adults of all ages can play!
4. Cheerwing Syma FPV Drone
The Cheerwing Syma Drone is perfect for a child’s first drone. With an easy-to-use, handheld remote, this is similar to using a traditional RC car, but with the fun and wonder of a flying drone! The batteries last 5-7 minutes per flight and take 90-120 minutes to charge. Flashing LED lights make for a dazzling display and visibility for night flights. Smooth flying and tricks such as 3D flipping will keep kids entertained and impressed!
This drone is unique in that it has a “headless mode”, meaning no matter which direction the drone is pointed, the controls will work the same. The forward stick will move it forward and the reverse stick will move it backward.
Equipped with an HD camera, this drone can document all adventures. With Wi-Fi FPV, users can see videos and photos they are taking while the drone is flying. This drone has so many features that makes it great for beginners and especially wonderful for boys!
5. Capture the Flag Redux
Capture the Flag Redux is a fun twist on the classic game! Bring the kids outside after the sun goes down for a light up Capture the Flag game! This kit includes over 25 light-up pieces and up to twelve different ways to play.
Players use light-up orbs as flags, territory markers, jail markers for jail boundaries, and light-up bracelets to establish teams. Up to 20 people can play at a time which makes this the perfect game for birthday parties, youth groups, neighborhood get-togethers, and more!
6. Zing Marshmallow Blaster
The Zing Marshmallow Blaster is a bean-shooter type gun that can shoot mini marshmallows up to an impressive 30 feet! This toy is great for indoor or outdoor play. For easiest shooting, let marshmallows dry out a bit before using.
This is a great toy for boys to plan and play their own marshmallow wars year-round! It is also fun to pull out the NERF guns along with this blaster for an all-out war!
7. Doinkit Darts
The Doinkit Darts Magnetic Dart Board is a perfect gift for boys who love friendly competition. Kids can play alone or with friends using darts with magnetic tips that offer a safe way to develop hand-eye coordination.
The dartboard has a hook on the back for easy hanging and balanced, neodymium magnets ensure accuracy when throwing. This dart kit will help kids learn the fun of throwing darts without the hazards of sharp pointed traditional pieces! It’s great for kids of any age, and adults enjoy it as well.
8. NERF Fortnite SMG-E Blaster
If you have kids in the tween or teen age bracket, you know how popular Fortnite is with this age group. This NERF Fortnite SMG-E Blaster gun is inspired by the actual blaster used in the video game. This motorized gun blasts one NERF Elite darts each time the trigger is pulled. The magazine holds 6 darts, which come with the gun.
You’ll 4 AA alkaline batteries for the motor; they aren’t included. This Fortnite NERF gun will be a huge hit with any ten-year-old boy! He can use this with friends in a NERF war or even enjoy playing with it by himself.
9. NERF Sports Dude PerfectSmash Football
The NERF Sports Dude PerfectSmash Football game is perfect for all fans of the popular Dude Perfect series on You Tube! Points are scored by successfully hitting the included target with a Vortex football. The target can be hung, stood, or thrown, making for a fun, competitive game for boys.
In true Dude Perfect fashion, trick shots are encouraged! Kids can make up their own variations to make the game even more challenging and exciting.
Here are some fun water bottle flips from Dude Perfect
10. NERF Fortnite TS-R Super Soaker
Fortnite continues to be a huge craze among tweens and teens. This exciting water gun not only looks cool, it is also really fun to play with. Kids will have hours of fun chasing each other and getting wet, not to mention a good break from screen time! This gun is easy to load and holds 1 liter (36 fluid ounces) of water. The pump action is something kids love; somehow it provides more drama to the battle.
The first year I ever purchased water soakers for my boys, one of my rules was not to spray each other, thinking they would just aim for plants, etc. Well, that’s when my oldest asked, “Then why did you buy two?” Touché! These water soakers are made to play and battle it out in the hot days outside!
Games
When it’s time for game night, nothing beats gathering around the table with friends and family to enjoy a classic game. Even better, though, are the nights that a new game is introduced! The games below are all suitable for 10-year-old boys and will become fast favorites! Some are made for individual play while others are perfect for 2 or more people.
11. Fat Brain Toys Ivan’s Hinge
Ivan’s Hinge Challenge game is made for individual play that helps cognitive development. Critical and creative thinking will be utilized to form “Ivan’s Hinge” into several various patterns using the provided challenge cards. Once patterns are mastered, players can time themselves to see how fast they can solve the challenge! This game will keep minds occupied and hands busy as kids attempt to solve the puzzles. It’s great that kids are learning as they are playing, and they don’t even realize it! Your boy can enjoy playing the Ivan’s Hinge Challenge game at home, school, or even while traveling.
12. TENZI Dice Game
The TENZI Dice Game is perfect for two to four players who love fast paced fun! The object of this game is to be the first player to roll all ten of their provided dice on the same number. Players yell “Tenzi!” when they have rolled all ten of the same number.
Instructions for 8 other TENZI games are included, ensuring that this game will be a constant request on family night! This is a perfect game for just a couple kids or get multiple sets of dice for a party. It is sure to be a hit with kids and adults as well!
13. Rush Hour Game
Rush Hour is an internationally best-selling game with over 10 million units sold worldwide. For boys who love a challenge, this is a perfect mind-stimulating game for them! The game features a red car that is stuck in traffic. Moving the surrounding cars and pieces, players must help the red car reach its destination.
Each round is different, so the game doesn’t get boring and your kid won’t master it right away. Kids can alternate turns with other players or play independently. Four difficulty levels ensure that the game stays interesting and builds critical thinking skills!
14. Electronic Battleship Game
The classic Battleship board game gets an upgrade with the new electronic edition! Lights, sounds, and super weapons are added to the fun as red and white pegs are used to mark hits and misses in this classic Naval battle game.
A convenient carry case keeps everything packed away and portable for on-the-go gaming. Battleship is a game that has stood the test of time and has proven to be a staple in any family game closet! Your boy will love playing this game with his friends or siblings.
15. Taco Vs Burrito
Your boy is going to love this game! Created by a young boy, Taco Vs Burrito is a great game where you try to make the most creative food using a variety of strange and disgusting ingredients. You can sabotage your opponent by starting a food fight or stealing ingredients. It takes only about 10 minutes to play.
Not only is this a fun game for kids, parents love it, too. This award winning game is sure to become a favorite.
16. Flashing Cube Brain & Memory Game
This handheld electronic game offers four easy to learn memory building light games. One mode invites you to rapidly chase the red lights before they disappear and another mode challenges you to repeat a sequence of flashing lights.
Your 10-year-old boy will pick up on the games easily but it will take skill and patience to master them. Its small size and adjustable volume make it ideal for travel. Just make sure to pack three AAA batteries since they aren’t included.
Electronics
Electronics are a popular gift choice for 10-year-old boys as they are always changing and improving what is available. The list of popular electronic toys for tween boys below offers some great choices, especially for those boys interested in all types of technology!
17. Gabb Wireless Z2 Safe Cell Phone
If your boy is anything like mine, he wants a cell phone. My son is not ready for a smartphone, but he does want to communicate with his friends and family members. Thankfully, we found Gabb Wireless. This phone looks like a smartphone, but it doesn’t have any internet capabilities. It does have a unlimited talk and texts as well as a camera, calculator, Bluetooth, radio, and even GPS tracking.
You can choose the Gabb Plan with talk, text, and GPS or the Gabb Plus Plan which has the same features but adds group text and photo texting capabilities. Best of all, there is no contract. You pay by the month and can cancel at any time. Go through our link and you will get $10 off the Gabb phone.
18. Echo Dot Speaker
Kids love their music, and a Bluetooth speaker is a great way for them to enjoy their favorite tunes. The Echo Dot is small but has great sound quality. With this unit, users can stream music from from Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Sirius XM, and others.
Some of the favorite features of this speaker are voice control for music and games. It can also be used to make phone calls. The Echo Dot comes in 4 colors. It’s a favorite among my children.
19. BestGot Wired Kids Headphones
Headphones are a must-have electronic accessory for tween boys. If they have a tablet, gaming device, or are using a phone to play games or listen to music, quality headphones are a must to drown out other noise and keep them from disturbing others. Trust me–you want your kids to have headphones so you don’t have to listen to every gaming sound or song they choose! The Bestgot Wired Kids Headphones are a great choice!
These headphones feature over ear, cushion padded headphones. An included wire connects to the headphones on one end and into the listening device on the other. The ability to unplug the wire from the headphones is unique and much needed for on-the-go use! Quality speakers make for crisp sound and nice bass as well. With several colors available, these headphones are perfect for 10-year-old boys!
20. AGPTEK A02 8GB MP3 Player
MP3 players have waned in popularity thanks to cell phones that have them built in. However, for young boys who may not have smartphones, an MP3 player is the perfect toy! The AGPTEK MP3 player is perfect for a kid’s first music player.
With 8 GB of storage capacity, this small player can hold a lot of songs! It also allows for an SD card of up to 128 GB, so your boy can store as many songs as he wants. However, you have to purchase the SD card separately.
This MP3 player is lightweight and easy to carry around. And, if your 10-year-old is like others I know, he might be prone to dropping things. Thankfully, the AGPTEK MP3 player has a shock absorbent surface so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.
With over 70 hours of battery, your boy will be listening to songs for days before having to recharge this MP3 player. It is easy to use and budget-friendly! Be sure you purchase headphones or earbuds to go with the AGPTEK, as it does not include any.
21. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2
The Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch will become a favorite toy for kids of all ages. This watch comes packed with features! Two built-in cameras allow users to take selfies and other photos that can then be used as a new watch face wallpaper. Photos can also be customized with graphics and fun characters.
With 55 different digital and analog clock faces, the Vtech Kidizoom can teach kids how to tell time as well! A built-in pedometer promotes physical activity while an included augmented reality game keeps users playing all day long catching monsters. An included cable charges the watch and allows pictures and video to be uploaded to computers or phones. This is such a cool electronic for any preteen boy!
22. Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet
When it comes to electronics, few things will be as popular as a new tablet. The new Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet is sure to be on every boy’s wish list! With 32GB of storage space and expandable memory up to 512 GB, this tablet can hold all your child’s favorite downloads to be viewed on a full high definition 10.1” screen.
Easy to use parental controls allow you to set time limits, allowable apps, and content restrictions to ensure your child’s electronic activity is monitored and safe. An included kid-proof case and 2-year warranty keeps the tablet protected, even in the roughest hands! Parents love that you get 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited when you purchase the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition.
STEM Toys
Toys that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) abilities are becoming increasingly popular to preteen boys. These toys help develop critical and creative thinking, coordination, and other skills necessary to build experience in the STEM field. Below are some of the best STEM toys for kids available today!
23. K’NEX Imagine Click & Construct Value Building Set
The K’Nex Imagine Click & Construct Value Building Set is a perfect starter set of the popular K’Nex system of building toys. This set includes 522 pieces that click together to form any variety of fun builds.
This set comes with instructions to complete 35 different builds including race cars, cranes, and planes! Boys will learn how to follow instructions as they complete these builds. The variety of pieces also allows for kids to come up with their own creations, which is a different kind of challenging fun. If your boy loves to build things and has an active imagination, this K’Nex set would be perfect for him!
24. LEGO Technic Chevrolet Corvette Kit
The LEGO Technic Chevrolet Corvette has a working steering system as well as engine pistons that move up and down when you push the car. This model can also be rebuilt into a Hot Rod, doubling the value of this LEGO set. The entire LEGO Technic line is fun for tween boys, as it takes LEGOs to a new, more exciting level.
Boys will love building this 579-piece set and then playing with it, as opposed to watching it sit on a shelf! This set is also compatible with other LEGO construction sets making for hours of possible play time.
25. Threeking Smart Robot
Robots have become popular as STEM toys in recent years thanks to the robotics field expanding in size. This Threeking Smart Robot is a perfect introduction to the robot toys and their fun capabilities. This model uses either a remote control or hand motions to move forward, backward, spin around, and move its limbs (even thumbs!) in all manner of pre-programmed ways.
Users can also program their own movements in the robot to create fun scenes! This robot talks, sings, and dances, making it a wonderful interactive STEM toy for boys of all ages. A pink model is also available that can be programmed to interact with the blue one! Kids love the fun of seeing this robot respond to the commands they generate themselves.
26. The Dangerous Book for Boys
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden is a must-have guide for every tween boy. This book is packed with how-to’s, what-if’s, and plenty of facts to keep the most inquisitive of boys satisfied. Topics such as how to build a tree house, five knots every boy should know, and how to make the greatest paper airplane in the world are included. It encourages boys to try new things and to be active.
This exhaustive 288-page manual also answers questions about the timeline of American history and the all-important question of why girls are such a big deal. With matter of fact writing with a good dose of humor, this book should be required reading for all boys!
27. National Geographic Jr. Metal Detector
The National Geographic Jr. Metal Detector is perfect for the explorer in your life. This kid-friendly tool detects small metal pieces such as coins up to 6 inches deep and larger metal objects over a foot deep. Discrimination tools eliminate finding unwanted items.
This detector has proportionate volume as it gets closer to finding gold, silver, brass, aluminum, iron, and steel. This metal detector for kids is adjustable, so you can set it to the right height for your child. Imagine your child’s excitement as they find all manner of treasure right in their backyard! As you would expect from National Geographic, this product comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
28. 5000 Awesome Facts Book
The 5000 Awesome Facts about Everything book is another great publication from the minds at National Geographic. If your son is constantly asking “Why?”, then he needs this book! One of the best things about this book is that it spurs curiosity and encourages kids to learn more about the subjects they find interesting.
This book covers everything from survival skills to facts about the human body, history, and math. 5000 Awesome Facts is a great learning tool for family night and any time you need to spur good conversation with a 10-year-old boy! It also helps boys to find interest in subjects maybe they haven’t thought of or known much about before.
29. Dude Diary
Dude Diary is a fun twist on a traditional diary! Geared toward appealing to boys, this journal comes packed with pages of fun, interactive writing prompts that will capture your child’s personality. Spaces to draw, doodle, and create their own scenes are also included. My oldest son has this same diary and loves it! He especially enjoys the included lock and key so that his little brother can’t read his inner most thoughts.
This is a great gift to get your boy excited about writing and to help him communicate his feelings through words. We enjoy doing the writing prompts together as well, which creates fun conversation. I highly recommend this Dude Diary for any 10-year-old boy!
Recommendations
Here are our favorite products from each category:
Active/Outdoor: RipStik
This is a favorite toy for kids around the neighborhood. It is a toy that boys can keep using for years to come, and the quality is excellent.
Electronics: Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet
The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet has all the latest perks in a tablet. It is great at keeping kids entertained, whether for entertainment or learning.
Games: Electronic Battleship
Electronic Battleship is a fun way to get kids away from a screen and use their minds. It’s one of those games that even parents can enjoy playing with their kids.
STEM: K’NEX Imagine Click & Construct Value Building Set
I love that this building set is affordable and fun. Sometimes kids like following the provided instructions to create specific builds. Other times they like to be creative and come up with their own creation.
Shopping for a 10-year-old can be a challenge. At this age, they are not quite teens and not quite a little kid, so it can be hard to know what they want! Hopefully this list has helped you narrow down some popular choices!
FAQs
Is a cell phone a good gift for a 10-year-old boy?
While the question of when to get your child a cell phone is certainly a matter of personal opinion, most 10-year-old boys are developing the responsibility needed to care for their own phone. If you feel like they are ready for a cell phone, the Gabb phone is a safe option because it doesn’t connect to the internet, but your boy will be delighted to talk and text with family and friends.
Are 10-year-olds too old for building toys?
One could argue that boys never outgrow a love for building since adult men often still enjoy activities like constructing model cars. This list outlines several unique, challenging building toys which will stimulate and excited 10-year-old boys, such as the popular K’Nex building set.
What is the best outdoor toy for a 10-year-old boy?
Only you can consider your boy’s interests and personality to determine the perfect outdoor toy for him. However, our list outlines favorites among tween boys including RipStick boards, drones, and any kind of blasters. You can’t go wrong with any of those options!
