Unlock the joy of gifting with ideas that resonate with every tween boy's passions!
Tweens, typically aged 9 to 12, are in that unique phase between childhood and adolescence. It’s a time filled with excitement and awkwardness, where they’re starting to feel grown-up—except when it’s time for chores like taking out the trash or cleaning the kitchen.
Despite the challenges, this period can be an incredible opportunity for both tweens and the adults in their lives. While they may sometimes seem moody or distant, tweens are bursting with new ideas and ready to explore a wider range of experiences.
To help you navigate the gift-giving landscape, we’ve curated a list of gifts for tween boys that are both practical and exciting. While classic gifts like socks are always an option, we believe there are more engaging alternatives that will truly resonate with them. When you asked for their wish list, you likely heard “I don’t know” or a series of items that sound like they belong on a payment plan. Our selection balances popular interests like gaming, sports, and electronics with options that encourage growth and creativity. Happy shopping!
1. BLACK SERIES Axe Throwing Target Set
Release your tween boy’s inner Viking or ninja with this set. Throw (plastic!) axes at the bristled target, solo or against a friend. The set includes three throwing axes and a bristle target board.
2. Pop-A-Shot Dual Shot Sport
For the tween boys who like sports, this arcade-style basketball hoop game will be a slam dunk. Players can choose between 10 different modes to play with family and friends when the competitive itch strikes. The battery-powered hoop set can be used indoors on a rainy day or outside during the summer and is made with durable steel and nylon designed to last for years ahead.
3. Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball
A cushion of air helps this contraption glide on hardwood, tile, short carpets, and even asphalt. It’s perfect for practicing fancy footwork when you can’t make it to the field (and for helping ensure he doesn’t kick a soccer ball in the house and knock over that fragile family heirloom… again).
4. Gel Blaster The Supersized Gel Blaster Surge XL
Let the games begin! Tweens can get their competitive juices flowing with this supersized gel blaster. They can select from three modes — single shot, triple round burst, and auto and can reach targets up to 150 feet away. Additionally, it can be connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone for real-time updates and feedback on accuracy and technique for a more optimal playing experience.
5. Musicbee Bluetooth Hat Beanie
This stylish and functional beanie is ideal for tween boys who want to listen to music on the go without headphones.
With Bluetooth connectivity, they can connect it to their smartphone or other electronic devices to take calls and play their favorite tunes. Plus, the headphones are removable, so they can be tossed into the washing machine for an easy clean.
6. Gentle Booms Sports Obstacle Course
Perfect for the tween boy who wants to blow off steam outside or down in the basement, this assortment of obstacles is all he’ll need to build strength and coordination — or just have fun.
The set comes with two slack lines and various accessories and obstacles. With a weight limit of up to 600 pounds, he can even invite over a few friends!
7. Frigidaire Mini Portable Personal Fridge
Many tweens want to foster a sense of independence and a mini fridge is the ideal way to do that. Made to fit up to six cans, this plug-in fridge can be placed in a game room or bedroom for easy access with the lift of a finger. It’s available in four different colors (red, white, pink, and green) and uses thermoelectric technology to help conserve energy.
8. LEGO Architecture Tokyo Skyline Set
This isn’t a little-kid Lego set. We love this beautiful kit with true-to-form models of real Tokyo landmarks, including Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo Skytree, Chidorigafuchi Park, Shibuya Crossing, and more. Each landmark is scaled to give an accurate representation of the comparative size of each.
9. Exploding Kittens LLC Bears vs. Babies Card Game
From the creators of The Oatmeal and Exploding Kittens, this game is all about building hideous monsters who eat delicious babies! (Don’t worry: The babies are awful.) It sounds scary (and disturbed), but it’s actually family fun for two to five players. Highly strategic and hilarious, each game only takes about 20 minutes.
10. Best Choice Products Football Table
Doesn’t it feel like we all had that one friend with a foosball table in their basement when we were growing up? Every time you went, that’s what you wanted to play. Why not give your tween boy the chance to be that friend? This table set has 10 options for friendly competition, from foosball to pool to ping pong.
11. Spin Master Poker Set
Everyone should know how to play poker, and it’s probably about time your young man learned. This handsome set includes 300 high-quality chips in five different colors, a deck of playing cards, a dealer button, two betting buttons, and five poker dice in a sleek, aluminum carry case.
12. Lightning Reaction Shocktato Party Game
Tweens are usually interested in participating in the latest trends, especially ones that are good riffs on a throwback, and the Shocktato is one of them.
Pass along the toy (hot) potato and wait in anticipation for a jolt that leaves players laughing and smiling. This game is perfect for birthday parties, game nights, or hang-out sessions where an element of surprise is needed.
13. Big Joe Bean Bag Chair
Perfect for the living room or their bedroom, this super-soft bean bag chair is filled with just the right amount of fluffy, lightweight beans for a comfortable gaming, reading, TV, or homework spot.
As beans compress over time (it happens), keep the seat cozy (and reduce waste) by refilling the shell. New beans are sold separately.
14. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
3D printing is the latest craze among kids and tweens alike and this pen combines creativity with technology together for a fun and easy activity. It comes with a silicone drawing surface to bring designs to life, 10 colorful filaments, and a variety of nozzles to alternate between to prevent unwanted clogs and snags.
15. Plufl The Original Human Dog Bed
Everyone loves sleep, especially tween boys who are out playing with their friends, doing homework, or just enjoying life. This larger-than-life dog bed is designed for humans with a vegan fur exterior and a 360-degree supportive plush pillow bolster for optimal comfort. Plus, there’s a side pocket big enough to hold those nighttime essentials, like a Nintendo Switch or favorite book, for easy access.
