Best Toys for Older Kids 2025

Finding the best toys for older kids and teens can become a struggle. Due to being influenced by their friends, school and their own interests, their taste can change and develop quickly. One minute, they may want birthday gifts that revolve around a particular show or film – the next, they may not want anything to do with it. Whilst they may seem too old for certain toys, like playsets and figures, it’s important to remember they haven’t outgrown play. What play means to them has just evolved. It’s less about a toy box and more about finding things that spark their new, growing passions.

This guide focuses on fun presents for growing minds to help you better understand what gifts would be perfect for your older kids.

What are the best toys for teens?

The best toys for teens are the ones that don’t always look like toys. They can be tools to fuel their hobbies, gadgets to grow or develop particular interests, and projects they can dedicate serious time to. Fun presents for them should acknowledge their growth and developmental stage—they probably won’t want role play toys, for example, because they don’t conduct imaginative play in the same way they did as a child.

Instead, focus on their interests and how they like spending their time. If they’re active, lean into that. If they aren’t, but they love puzzles, look into different puzzles you think they may like. Previous shopping experiences can also help with this – what toy did they last ask for? Did it develop another interest or hobby, and is it something you can focus on?

Is 13 too old for toys?

Absolutely not. Thirteen is a fantastic age to play. It’s just that play is different now from when they were younger. Popular presents for older kids and teens revolve around them being able to de-stress from school, to explore genuine, potentially life-long interests and develop complex skills in their formative years. The need for fun and escapism doesn’t change – the nature of what they need to do it does. There are still many toys for older kids that will excite them, influence them and help them develop as they grow older.

Best toys for older kids

The best toys for older kids and teens are ones that challenge them—toys they find cool but also offer some form of developmental benefit that they enjoy. These aren’t just fun toys for 10-12 year olds; many of these can be enjoyed by teenagers all the way up to becoming adults.

Gaming accessories for kids

At this age, gaming can become a huge part of their world. They can join their friends online and play fun, popular games together. Whilst it’s understandable to be concerned about the amount of time they spend gaming, it’s crucial to be open to it because it does have many benefits. They aren’t just playing a game – they are socialising, strategising with their friends whilst learning about teamwork and developing their communication skills. Gaming accessories for kids help them build on this hobby using high-quality and versatile tools. Smaller gaming toys can also let them play on public transport or when travelling.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: My Arcade Pocket Player Pro Galaga Portable Gaming System
• Best Value: Oniverse Nebula Infinite Black LED Gaming Headset
• Most Popular: Iconic Arcade All-In-One Gaming Cabinet with WiFi and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can help them socialise and teach them important skills, like how to work in a team.

Cons

• Like everything, it’s only good in moderation. Make sure they don’t spend all evening playing games!

Games and puzzles for teens and older kids

Puzzles for teens and older kids can be brilliant because they distract them from pinging notifications and their all-consuming phone. Complex jigsaws and puzzles can engage them for hours, perfect for quiet, dedicated concentration. Family board games can help them relax and unwind from a hard day at school. Larger jigsaw puzzles can keep them entertained for hours if not days, leading to a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment when the final piece is placed.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Trivial Pursuit Drop Trivia Game
• Best Value: WASGIJ Mystery 21 Highway Hold Up 1000 Piece Puzzle
• Most Popular: Risk Shadow Forces Board Game

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can challenge them to strategise and develop their ability to think critically.
• Can teach them patience and, in the case of larger jigsaw puzzles, can keep them engaged over a period of days.

Cons

• Make sure to keep pieces together. A lost jigsaw piece could lead to frustration at being unable to finish it.

Collectables for older kids and teens

Playsets and figures may be a thing of the past, but it doesn’t mean they can’t have fun with collectables! They are no longer just a toy, a gateway to imaginative play, but a passion project designed to express their enthusiasm for their favourite game, film or TV show. Collecting teaches older children about organisation, patience, and how to appreciate the more minor details. Collecting and model-making gives them a sense of independence, ownership and expertise in a topic they love, which is a great confidence booster.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Street Fighter II The Final Challengers
• Best Value: Blokees Transformers Optimus Prime Model Kit
• Most Popular: The Simpsons Angry Homer with Green Paint 12cm Premium Collectible Figure

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Collectables help older kids express their love of a story in a creative and unique way.
• There are many different types of collectables, so there is bound to be a collectable that’s right for your child.

Cons

• Remember to tell your child to handle collectables with care – one drop on the floor and you may need to fetch some superglue!

Construction sets for older kids

A challenging LEGO set or one of the more advanced construction sets for older kids is more than just a toy. It becomes a project – an exercise in patience and problem-solving that can express their enthusiasm for something they are truly passionate about. These construction toys are classed as STEM toys, as building them can help children develop a love for engineering and design without feeling like schoolwork.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: LEGO Star Wars Captain Rex Helmet The Clone Wars Construction Set
• Best Value: Nanoblock Tower Bridge Deluxe Edition Construction Set
• Most Popular: LEGO Icons Bouquet of Roses Flower Construction Set

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Complex sets can keep them engaged for a long time.
• After completion of the set, they have a cool new collectable to display, showing their perseverance and hard work.

Cons

• Small pieces could get lost or end up on the floor.
• The complex set could lead to frustration if they are unsure how to build it. As such, they may need some assistance at various points.

Garden toys for older kids and teens

Garden toys for older kids and teens are more involved and complex – you need more than just a set of swings and a slide to keep them engaged now! Getting fresh air and remaining active are vital components to a healthy childhood, so whether they want a high-powered water blaster, a new scooter or a game with their NERF blaster, it’s a great sign that they want to play and explore outside. These outdoor toys for older kids encourage them to escape their screens and get some much-needed vitamin D.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Li-Fe 200w Electric Lithium Scooter
• Best Value: XSHOT Chaos Meteor Blaster by ZURU
• Most Popular: XSHOT Hyper Gel Trace Fire Blaster by ZURU

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outdoor toys get kids outside enjoying the fresh air.
• Toy blasters and super soakers are great toys that the whole family can become involved in.

Cons

• Playing outside is weather-dependent.
• If, for example, two children are playing with blasters, make sure they are wearing appropriate safety gear to avoid injuries.

How do I pick the right toys for older kids?

Finding the right presents for older kids involves understanding their hobbies and interests and finding cool toys that will complement their skills. Pay attention to what they talk about, what they watch, and what their friends are into. Your goal is to find a fun, engaging educational toy that doesn’t feel like more schoolwork.

For a kid who loves building and creating things, look at art and creativity toys and advanced craft kits. Consider a challenging strategy board game for a kid who loves puzzles, which can be a great pastime for the whole family. For a kid wanting to learn, consider discovery and science toys, science sets, electronic toys, and robots.

Ultimately, the best birthday gifts or Christmas gifts are the ones that show them that you see them for who they really are. See more of our toys for big kids to learn more about our range.

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