29 Great Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys Who Love to Play

Being 10 is a time of change and transition; children of this age are beginning to welcome the approach of adolescence and are firmly in the ‘tween’ age bracket.

Self-identity and self-esteem become much more important around this age as children develop more of a sense of who they are and how they fit into the world. For some children this age there will be a change in school, depending on the schooling system where they live, for others they will begin to experience different social settings in clubs and extra-curricular activities. Social interaction is increasingly important at this stage and children will become more skilled socially; being more able to navigate conflict, control their emotions and negotiate solutions with peers.

If you’re searching for a gift for a 10-year-old boy, this list may help you to find something special. We’ve put together a range of options, catering to different interests and skills so you will get plenty of ideas of what to buy.

1. Lego Technic Porsche 911

The Lego Technic Porsche 911 set gives a 10-year-old boy the chance to construct a classic car model out of Lego bricks and pieces. Constructing in this way encourages concentration and logic skills as he has to follow the instructions step-by-step and as this is a more complex build with plenty of realistic details there is also a chance to develop perseverance.

The Lego Technic Porsche 911 set is great for boys who have enjoyed using Lego throughout their childhood but now need more of a challenge.

2. Nintendo Switch Lite

A cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers the same popular gaming capabilities, portability and great battery life. The difference is that it does not support output to a TV and is therefore a handheld-only device. For many 10-year-olds this will be perfect, offering the ability to play on the go.

We often think of playing video games as a hobby or leisure pursuit but they offer plenty of learning benefits too. Alongside increasing skills associated with technology, playing video games can increase physical dexterity in the thumb and fingers, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times and develop critical thinking skills. This is a gift that would really delight a 10-year-old boy.

3. Ozobot Bit 2.0

Coming with free apps to code and program, the Ozobot Bit 2.0 has won prizes for being the “Best Robot” at the Consumer Electronics Show and the International Toy Fair. These cool robot toys are a great way to encourage or develop an interest in robotics and technology.

The Ozobot Bit 2.0 is a set of great robot toys that is recommended by teachers for its educational value. As the world moves on and becomes more technologically advanced skills with technology, like programming and coding, are becoming more and more in demand. This robot toy helps to develop coding skills, and is ideal to meet the interests and educational needs of 10-year-old boys!

4. Spikeball Game Set

Spending time outside is good for all humans as it lowers our stress levels, keeps us physically active and healthy and helps our bodies to produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to natural sunlight. Keeping 10-year-olds active can sometimes be a challenge as they require a lot of novelty and interest. The Spikeball Game set is a resource that might just help!

The Spikeball Game Set is an innovative outdoor game that comes with a lifetime guarantee and is easily portable in its own storage bag. The game requires keeping a ball in the air, passing it between players or bouncing it off of the net, this will improve hand-eye coordination.

5. Lego Boost Creative Toolbox Robotics Kit

The Lego Boost Creative Toolbox Robotics Kit is an ideal gift for a 10-year-old boy as it combines Lego building activities with robotics and coding. Robotics and coding are popular interests with this age range reflecting the growing global interest in technology and the requirement for these skills.

It includes a Lego Move hub with Bluetooth connectivity so that the set can be connected to a range of compatible devices, and is also a great way to continue to improve construction skills.

6. Star Wars Bluetooth Speaker

With a design based on Star Wars, this Bluetooth speaker would make a great gift for a 10-year-old boy who loves Star Wars. Around about age 10 children develop their own personal taste in music and may have a selection of favorite songs, or enjoy a particular genre or band. The Star Wars Bluetooth Speaker has both wireless Bluetooth technology and the opportunity to plug a line in.

A 10-year-old can use this speaker indoors or outdoors and can stream music from up to 30 feet away. With rechargeable batteries, children can use the speaker to listen to their own music and express their personality, without the need to constantly replace batteries.

7. Z-Man Games Pandemic

Board games are a great way to improve social skills as children can develop their patience by taking turns, and control their emotions and behavior by following the rules, playing fairly and winning and losing. The Z-Man Games Pandemic is a game for 2-4 players that can be played with friends or family.

The Z-Man Games Pandemic comes in a metal case for easy storage and is ideal for developing skills related to strategy such as critical thinking and problem-solving. This would make an ideal gift for a 10-year-old who is starting to enjoy playing more complex board games.

8. K’Nex Thrill Rides

K’Nex is a great open-ended construction resource that can be used throughout childhood, well into the teenage years and even has some more specialized sets designed for use by adults. The K’Nex Thrill Rides set is a K’Nex kit with 744 parts allowing children to construct thrilling fairground rides with motorized rotation.

The K’Nex Thrill Rides is compatible with other K’Nex kits so that play can be extended and expanded if the 10-year-old boy you are buying for already has a few K’Nex kits, or is likely to receive more.

9. Portable Table Tennis Set

Get ready for some big-time fun with this exciting gift. A friendly and action-packed game of table tennis is ready to go anytime and anywhere with this portable ping pong set by Pro-Spin. If the 10-year-old you’re trying to find a gift for loves to stay active and enjoys the thrill of competitive sports, this is the gift he’ll want.

This portable table tennis set includes retractable nets that can be easily clamped onto any surface, instantly transforming it into a ping-pong arena. It also comes with quality paddles and balls, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. Playing table tennis offers various developmental advantages for young boys. It enhances hand-eye coordination, agility and reflexes as they swiftly respond to the fast-paced nature of the game. They also develop focus, strategic thinking and sportsmanship skills as they engage in friendly matches with friends or family members. Whether it’s in the backyard, at a picnic, or even in the basement, this set guarantees endless hours of active entertainment.

10. Intex K2 Challenger Kayak

This is an idea for a 10-year-old boy who is confident in water and looking for his next adventure. This strong, inflatable kayak can be used in pools, at the beach, in lakes and at outdoor pursuits locations. It comes with paddle supports and a repair kit so you can rest assured that the necessities are taken care of.

The Intex K2 Challenger Kayak is designed for comfort and space and encourages confidence in the water and adventure, with the added benefits of getting kids outdoors doing something practical. This is definitely a great gift for a 10-year-old boy with a sense of fun and adventure.

11. Ravensburger Harry Potter Knight Bus 3D Puzzle

10-year-olds have likely mastered a range of jigsaw puzzles throughout childhood but this one offers something a little different. The Ravensburger Harry Potter Knight Bus 3D Puzzle is a 214-piece puzzle based on the popular Harry Potter books and movies, however, it is also a 3D puzzle meaning that it needs to be built like a model rather than a flat 2D picture.

The Ravensburger Harry Potter Knight Bus 3D Puzzle would make a great gift for a 10-year-old boy who is a fan of Harry Potter and would certainly encourage concentration and perseverance, as well as improving construction and fine-motor skills.

12. Waterproof Action Video Camera

Here’s a gift that a 10-year-old shutterbug is going to want to have with him for his next adventure. This waterproof digital camera by Prograce is the perfect piece of kit to take along for outdoor excursions, sports games or any occasion that is worthy of capturing the moment to enjoy for years to come.

This rugged camera is made to go wherever he does, even in deep water. This camera is designed to work in water up to 100 feet deep. The bright screen is visible even when submerged which makes taking high-definition pictures and videos effortless. It also features 4X digital zoom, burst shooting, time-lapse and built-in filters for added fun and creativity. Aside from being a source of entertainment, this camera promotes essential developmental skills. It enhances creativity and develops observation skills, as he learns to frame shots and find beauty in the world. This is a fantastic way to start learning the fun of photography, a hobby he can carry with him into adulthood.

13. Multifunction Waterproof Sports Watch

This stylish timepiece would make an excellent gift for a 10-year-old who is ready to have his first grown-up watch. This multi-functional watch by Dodosky was created with durability in mind. It’s waterproof so it’s great for outdoor adventures or playing sports in the rain. The rugged build also means it’s resistant to rough play, bumps and drops. It’s designed to keep up with an active lifestyle.

Beyond telling time, this watch offers a range of features that make it a fun and educational gift. It includes a built-in stopwatch for timing exciting races and challenges, a countdown timer to build anticipation and an alarm function to help young boys stay on schedule. The watch also features a backlight for easy reading in low-light conditions, perfect for nighttime adventures or camping trips. Wearing this sports watch develops time management skills, responsibility and independence as they learn to manage their own schedules and track activities. It also promotes an active lifestyle by providing essential tools to measure and monitor physical activity.

14. Molten Pro League Fiba Basketball

If the 10-year-old boy you’re buying for is interested in sports in general, or basketball in particular then the Molten Pro League Fiba Basketball will make a great gift for him. This ball meets industry regulations for the official size and weight and is the official ball for many professional leagues, which will give him a chance to play with the same equipment as the professionals.

The Molten Pro League Fiba Basketball is a brilliant way to continue to develop an interest in sports and basketball and to encourage plenty of physical activity. Basketball as a sport is great for developing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness too.

15. Lego Technic Tracked Loader Dumper

The Lego Technic Tracked Loader Dumper is a 2-in-1 set from the popular Lego Technic range. The Lego Technic range focuses on teaching engineering concepts through hands-on construction, this set for example lets the builder construct realistic gear elements so they can learn how they are built and how they work through this construction.

The Lego Technic Tracked Loader Dumper set can make either a model of a loader truck or a dumper truck, so it is not simply completed once one has been made. In constructing, children will improve their fine motor skills as well as their concentration! A great gift for a 10-year-old boy who has an interest in either Lego or engineering.

16. Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set

Harry Potter is an incredibly popular enterprise. Based on the books and the movies, this Wizard Chess Set is beautifully crafted to look just like the Wizard Chess that Harry and his friends play. The Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set is an official, licensed product, so it should be of a higher quality than any other imitation sets.

Chess in general is a fantastic way to increase problem-solving and logic skills and is a useful social skill too! This specific Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set is an ideal way to capture a 10-year-olds interest and introduce him to the game.

17. Beginner Acoustic Guitar Kit

Get ready to rock with this impressive gift! This electric acoustic guitar kit isn’t just a toy guitar. It’s a genuine musical instrument that will be perfect for any 10-year-old that wants to start brushing up on his rockstar skills. Crafted with precision and quality, this guitar offers a comfortable playing experience and produces rich, resonant tones that will captivate both the talent playing and the audience.

The guitar features nylon strings that deliver a bright and vibrant sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Nylon strings also make holding down the strings easier which reduces finger fatigue while learning to play. Learning to play guitar promotes patience, discipline and perseverance. It will also enhance hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and finger dexterity. The biggest benefit though is being able to express individuality and creativity through music. Whether the young man you’re shopping for dreams of strumming tunes by the campfire or rocking out on stage, this guitar is the perfect gift to nurture musical aspirations.

18. SuSenGo Titanic Building Block Kit

The SuSenGo Titanic Building Block Kit allows users to construct a large and very impressive replica of the Titanic ship using 1021 pieces. This kit is suitably challenging for a 10-year-old-boy but comes with full instructions to keep his project on track.

Concentration and perseverance can be built through using the SuSenGo Titanic Building Block Kit and it is also ideal for improving fine motor skills and construction skills as small, careful movements are needed to join pieces together in the right way. The kit is also compatible with major brands like Lego so it can be used in different ways too.

19. Snazaroo Face and Body Paint Kit

Face and body paint may not seem like the obvious choice for a 10-year-old boy but the Snazaroo Face and Body Paint Kit is likely to be well-received. By age 10 children still love experimenting with dressing up and costumes and usually have a whole host of parties, festival and events to attend throughout the year too.

Some 10-year-olds will take an interest in applying face paint to others and may like to express creativity and imagination with their designs. The Snazaroo Face and Body Paint Kit meets EU and FDA regulations for cosmetics, is skin-friendly and is easy to apply and remove making it suitable for this kind of experimentation and play.

20. Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster

The Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster is ideal for fast-moving games and fun. It comes with 25 darts and can fire these from a motorized barrel at up to 5 darts per second which will certainly keep things moving quickly!

Playing with Nerf blasters is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and develop spatial awareness as a 10-year-old handle and aims the blaster. This can be a popular social activity for 10-year-old boys who often like to play imaginative, strategy-based games with their Nerf blasters, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

21. Anki Overdrive: Fast And Furious Edition

Car racing games seem to hold an age-old appeal and the Anki Overdrive: Fast and Furious Edition is an extremely modern take on classic car racing games. With plenty of track, and expansion packs available, a 10-year-old boy can create a range of different courses for the cars to race along, and the kit will last him a good number of years.

The cars themselves are controlled using an app that improves technology skills and encourages an interest in robotics. The Anki Overdrive: Fast and Furious Edition can be played by numerous players, making it more of a sociable pursuit, and improving social skills along the way.

22. Ourlife Water Proof Camera

The Ourlife Water Proof Camera is a video camera especially designed for kids to capture their own everyday lives and adventures, which will suit a 10-year-old’s interests perfectly. Plenty of 10-year-old enjoy watching vlogs; that is videos of other people’s everyday lives and adventures, on YouTube, so this camera gives them the chance to make their own.

It’s easy to bring the Ourlife Water Proof Camera out for adventures as it can be carried, or mounted on bikes. It features a waterproof case and can be used in water up to 10-meter-deep adding plenty of exciting filming opportunities! With a robust design, and easy operation 10-year-olds can easily make videos of their own.

23. Sphero Mini Robotic Ball

Robots hold great interest for play and exploration and encourage the development of technological skills and tend to be a big interest for 10-year-old boys. The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball is an educational and learning toy that will encourage a 10-year-old boy’s interest in robotics.

The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball can also be programmed, increasing skill and interest in coding and programming. With different colored shells available you can choose something for the individual based on their preferences. The Sphero Mini Robotic Ball would make a cool and exciting gift for a 10-year-old boy.

24. Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider

The Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider is a new kind of ride-on toy to cater to the growing need for excitement and adrenaline that most 10-year-olds have. Ideal for thrill-seekers, with up to 30 minutes continuous use this is ideal for encouraging some time to be spent outside, and also helps to build an interest in technology and engineering as 10-year-old boys take an interest in how things happen and why things work.

Reaching speeds of up to 9 mph the Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider is designed for drifting and spinning, which helps to build a 10-year-olds skill, coordination and spatial awareness, as well as being a whole lot of fun!

25. Lego Star Wars Yoda Construction Set

Perfect for a 10-year-old fan of Yoda from Star Wars, the Lego Star Wars Yoda Construction Set allows children to build an extremely detailed model of Yoda which can be used at the centerpiece of a Star Wars collection as decoration in a bedroom.

The Lego Star Wars Yoda Construction Set is a complex, complicated build requiring plenty of concentration and skill as the 10-year-old will need to exercise good fine motor skills to place and connect bricks properly as well as following detailed instructions. However, the challenge will certainly be worth it based on the model at the end. A fact plaque is included making it easy to display the finished product impressively.

26. Stomp Rocket Duelling Kit

What’s not to love about stomp power rockets that you can use to compete with? The Stomp Rocket Duelling Kit includes 2 rockets that are launched by stomping on their bases as hard as you can; not only is this great fun but it means that they don’t require batteries either. 10-year-olds will love the physical element to this and build their understanding of cause, effect and physics as they go along.

The rockets can fly up to 200 feet so it is definitely an outdoor only gift, but the Stomp Rocket Duelling set is ideal for playing with a friend or sibling and competing to see which rockets flies the fastest or the highest.

27. Revell Airbus A400M “Luftwaffe” Model Kit

Some 10-year-olds are likely to have developed a more sophisticated interest in planes and vehicles throughout childhood so the Revell Airbus A400M “Luftwaffe” Model Kit would make an ideal gift for them to continue building this interest. The kit allows for the construction of a huge model plane that can be proudly displayed somewhere in the house.

With 212 pieces the Revell Airbus A400M Luftwaffe Model Kit is fairly complicated, but it is designed for those aged 10 and up so it should be accessible to 10-year-old boys. It will certainly help to improve fine motor and construction skills as well as patience and concentration as they tackle the trickier aspects of the build!

28. Exploding Kittens Card Game

Board games, and card games, are a great way to get family and friends together and interacting without the interruption of screens. However, it can be difficult to find a game that will keep both adults and children entertained, but the Exploding Kittens Card Game does just that. It can be used by 2-5 players, is very easy to learn and play and has even won a “Game of the year” award.

The Exploding Kittens Card Game is a lovely way to promote social skills like taking turns, enjoying games together and the whole dynamic of winning and losing. This game would make an ideal gift for a 10-year-old who enjoys social time and playing games together.

29. Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

A backpack makes an ideal, practical gift for a 10-year-old boy as at this age they begin to develop their own hobbies and interests and spend more time out of the house. A 10-year-old boy will probably need a backpack for school, and then may need one for school sports kit, any extra-curricular sports or activities and will usually like to have one to take along to friends’ houses too. So even if the boy you’re buying for already has a backpack, another will probably still come in useful!

The Fjallräven Unisex Backpack Kånken is a popular, stylish backpack brand with useful built-in features such as cushioned pockets, lightweight, durable fabric and adjustable shoulder straps. It’s available in a range of colors so you can choose one to suit his look and personality!

Final words

10-year-olds are at an interesting point in their development and are not always the easiest to buy gifts for as they can seem to slip between the cracks; being too old for traditional childhood “toys” but too young for more teenage or adult gifts like gift cards. However, this stage of development is also a great opportunity to expose children to different interests and activities and to help them to develop their childhood interests further or build brand-new ones.

This list encompasses a range of different interests and opportunities to help inspire you in your search for the perfect gift for a 10-year-old boy. We hope that you have found something that will suit the 10-year-old you are buying a gift for!

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