What Do 10-Year-Olds Like? Gift Ideas for Tween

Being 10 years old is an intriguing point of time. Not quite a child, not quite a teen, there’s a lot of crossover as playing with toys starts to develop into serious hobbies, and tastes begin to become more sophisticated.

Gift giving for these tweens can become a bit tricky as they cling to parts of their childhood while rejecting anything else they see as too young for them. As such, finding that sweet spot for presents and toys can be a perilous task.

However, 10-year olds also have brilliant and diverse interests, and as they start to explore new trends and activities, you can actively encourage and support these with gifts that won’t gather dust. Whether buying for your own child, a friend or relative, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding the 10-Year-Old Mind

Developmentally, 10-year-olds are starting to think a little more independently, wanting to strike out on their own while still seeking the comfort of a reassuring voice. Peer influence will start to get stronger and individual interests will become more complex.

Navigating life can start to feel a little more intense too, with secondary school fast approaching and dramatic changes on the horizon. Friendships and social dynamics may start to shift and change, so the desire to feel more ‘gown-up’ can surface from time to time often conflicting with an enjoyment of play and imagination.

Certain subjects and activities may generate a lot of enthusiasm and energy, while things they previously enjoyed may bring about a sense of self-consciousness for being too ‘child-like’. Balancing new maturity with a lingering childhood can be tough and letting them find what they really enjoy can take some time.

This complexity can pose a challenge for gift buyers as they try to ensure they pick up something that will be played with but won’t cause embarrassment. Individuality is a huge concern at this age and that desire for variation from the norm can play to your advantage but also means there isn’t a one size fits all solution to gift giving. One child’s “awesome” could be another’s “boring” so knowing the specific child is what matters most.

Gift Ideas for Tweens by Their Interest

For Creative Types

For children that love arts and crafts, there’s plenty of creative kits to sink their teeth into. The difficulty lies in knowing what they want from their artsy endeavours. As they start to develop their skillsets beyond activity and colouring books, they may want to explore more individual projects, so painting, colouring or drawing sets, and stationery may all be good ways to encourage their flair without limiting them in what they can make and create.

There’s also plenty of cool gifts and gadgets for the more musically talented tweens out there. The sing-along toys may be passé for them, but karaoke mics and speakers could really appeal to the performer within.

For the Techy Savvy Child

Technology is an increasingly prevalent presence in our lives and young people are starting to take an interest in it earlier too. While some parents may baulk at the idea of introducing them to video games and consoles too young, there are plenty of family friendly and educational games out there that make them worthwhile.

However, if you want to avoid screens for a little while longer than there are plenty of cool and quirky electronic toys that will captivate. Take, for example, a Tamagotchi, that can provide an outlet for pet lovers who also get a buzz out of gadgets and gizmos.

For the Active and Outdoorsy

Promoting getting outdoors is something all parents want as it keeps young minds occupied while burning off excess energy and helping keep them fit. These also rarely go out of fashion but as tweens start to move away from play and more into activities, outdoor items are a great gifting option.

Skateboards are a great, cost-effective choice which can help encourage children to get more fresh air and undertake physical play while also carrying that ‘cool’ factor that makes them appealing to all parties. Similarly, roller skates hold a level of excitement that transcends generations and keeps them relevant year after year.

For the Bookworm and Learner

Ten is the age where reading for pleasure really starts to set in and individual tastes can see them devour whole series in no time at all. What’s more, if there’s a popular book series that they’re passionate about, there’s bound to be plenty of associated memorabilia too.

Harry Potter is fantastic fantasy fiction to get them into reading and to unleash the magic of words. With seven books, plus spin-offs, and films and games to boot, there’s more than enough reading material plus games and plushies of characters and scenes from the books and films, to really amp up their interest.

From here, they may develop an interest in other iconic fantasy series like The Lord of The Rings, Percy Jackson, Disc World and more. Find a genre they like, and you could instil a love of reading for years to come.

There’s also some great ways to encourage educational fun out there with curious minds starting to form interests in science and engineering, there’s some amazing STEM kits out there that combine play and scientific principles, or things like MECCANO which uses the basics of engineering through exciting builds that move and work like the real things they imitate.

For the Social Butterfly

New friendship groups start to form at this age as children begin to assert their independence and discover their own personalities. This can lead to many different circles that see them playing with others all the time.

As such, board games are a great way to get multiple people involved in play, help build social skills and have a great time. Similarly, for sunnier days there’s always outdoor toys to encourage active play together.

Experience Gifts They’ll Love

Memories always mean more than physical things and as children get older, they start to appreciate that too. Finding something they’re passionate about and giving them an experience to hold onto for a lifetime can help build those bonds.

If they’re developing an interest in theatre, why not look at investing in some drama classes to really help them express that creativity and get more involved in stagecraft. Alternatively, why not take them to a theatre show. For example, if they love the Wicked films, the original stage show is sure to delight.

Likewise, if they’re into sport, why not look at a trip to their favourite team’s stadium. Football clubs quite often do stadium tours or, if it’s in your budget, why not go to a game? Adventure days out like go karting or laser tag, can also make an event of the day itself and bring something slightly different from the norm to the table.

Creative workshops can be a fun and fulfilling thing to do as well, with everything from pottery classes, photography lessons or even jewellery making workshops.

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas for 10-Year-Olds

If you’re on a tight budget, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on gifting, as there are some fabulous choices out there that don’t break the bank and are still great for 10-year-olds.

• £10 – £20 Range: Novels from their favourite series of books are a great place to start at this price range and encourage reading. An art supplies refresh for the regular crafter will also be gratefully received and doesn’t have to cost the world.
• £20 – £40 Range: Medium complexity LEGO sets offer up fun challenges to build and then great playsets once you’ve completed them. Likewise, more engineering focussed sets like MECCANO can also stimulate minds and be great for play as well as other types of science kits.
• £40+ Range: Tech and gaming accessories can enhance a young gamer’s setup, and quality sports gear and musical instruments can add more to hobbies and passions.

Gift-Giving Wisdom from Parents

Always check with parents first before gift giving. They will have greater insight into their child’s wants and needs, as well as what is acceptable to give them. If its art supplies or anything messy, subscription services or anything with ongoing costs, or video games and other things with age ratings, it’s always best to check in to ensure you’re not getting anything they wouldn’t give their child.

Ask the child what they would like directly. We know sometimes this isn’t possible, but children know what they want best and this way, it shows you value their opinion and makes them feel respected.

Shop early for popular toys to avoid disappointment and check if it needs batteries or other things to be set up to play with. Don’t forget, tweens still love unwrapping gifts and creativity so unique wrapping can add a little extra special flair to a gift.

FAQs About Tween Gift Giving

What’s the most popular gift for 10-year-olds?

LEGO remains the biggest selling toy across most age ranges and is always immensely popular, but the truth is, the answer to what a 10-year-olds wants will vary massively. Tech is also incredibly popular but knowing what the individual child wants, alongside respecting their parents’ wishes, is key to a successful gift.

Should I buy educational gifts or fun gifts?

The best gifts do both inform and entertain and STEM toys and construction sets can bring a sense of wonder and fun together through learning and play. Match these to a child’s interests and they’ll have genuine fun learning along the way.

What if I don’t know the child well?

Gift cards may not seem exciting but they are a great way of ensuring a child gets what they want. It can also provide them with the excitement of discovering something new at the toy shop as well as the valuable lesson of managing money. It’s always worth asking parents what the child would like though.

Should I ask what they want or surprise them?

Try and balance the two by asking for suggestions or getting to know their interests and then opting for gifts that match those. Who don’t need to ask for exact specifics just get to understand what they enjoy and go from there.

10 is a magical age where genuinely thoughtful gifts are appreciated and loved for long time. There’s still a childhood enthusiasm for imaginative play but it’s no longer the case of “any toy will do”. The payoff for getting it right though is genuine warmth of feeling and memories that will last a lifetime.

The best gifts consider individual interests and respects their growing maturity. Whatever you choose, matching the gift to the child is what is most important. Fortunately, we’re here to help with our toys for 10-year-olds section and present finder, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift in no time.

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