When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
30 Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 10-Year-Old Boys: 2024 Picks
Shopping for a 10-year-old-boy? Check out these cool gift and toy ideas.
Is there a birthday coming up or Christmas looming, and you’re at a loss for what to buy as a present for a 10-year-old boy? As this is that stage between childhood and the teenage years, tween boys’ maturity levels and hobbies can vary greatly.
These child-vetted selections are great for a wide range of interests. We look for products that are inspiring; mind-, body-, and socially-engaging; affordable; and highly entertaining.
Be the best parent, aunt, grandma, or grandad, by being a bit more inventive. Let’s consider what a 10-year-old boy might be interested in, then check out our top 30 picks for the best toys and gift ideas for 10-year-old boys.
Our Top Picks
We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Here are some of the best gifts for 10-year-old boys, including technology, sports, games, toys, educational gifts, and more.
Technology and Electronics
Boys love toys that involve electronics and technology. This could be tinkering around with circuits, playing with the latest gadgets, or a building kit with motors.
Gifts of this nature are some of the best gifts for 10-year-old boys and will always be a hit. Just make sure they’re age appropriate and not too simple or too advanced.
This kit has over 30 electronic components to create 100 projects involving electronic circuits. Working models of flashing lights, a siren with volume control, and a photosensor are among the many projects offered.
I like that this is also a STEM toy and needs no special tools; just snap and click the pieces together.
Personal Experience
Got this circuit kit for my 5-year-old and he's absolutely hooked! He spends hours playing with it, learning and exploring different combinations. The space noises can be a bit annoying, but it's worth it to see him so engaged and learning while having fun.
Available in gold, black, or white, this mini drone will provide hours of flying fun. It charges via USB and flies for 5 minutes on a full charge. The drone is best suited for indoor use.
Your 10-year-old will love taking to the skies (or the ceiling) with this fun electronic toy. The drone is easy to control and has a tricks mode, letting it do full 360-degree flips.
Personal Insight
This mini pocket drone is a fantastic starter for beginners. It's durable and can handle a few bumps as you learn to maneuver it. Once calibrated and properly trimmed, it flies like a dream, allowing you to experiment with different moves. Just remember to practice tricky moves outdoors, and keep in mind that the average flight time is only 5 minutes, so plan your training sessions accordingly.
Build a thrilling roller coaster step-by-step using the color-coded instructions. Once it’s done, place the car on the track and watch it lift to the top of the ride and then race back to the start, ready to go again.
You can even download the free K’Nex Ride It! app and use the included virtual reality viewer to ride the coaster.
Community Review
When I first started building this set with my son, we found it a bit more challenging than expected, especially due to the unclear instructions and missing pieces. However, once we got the hang of it and made some adjustments, it turned into a fun and rewarding experience, with the finished coaster running smoothly and impressing everyone who sees it. This K'nex set provided us with quality bonding time, and we're eager to tackle more projects like this in the future.
Put Alexa at your 10-year-old’s command. This kid-friendly hands-free speaker will read stories, play music, tell jokes, and answer questions. It has easy-to-use parental controls, letting you control time limits, review your child’s activity, or even pause Alexa.
Great features include a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a case, and a 2-year guarantee.
Individual Opinion
I'm absolutely loving the convenience of these devices in my home, even though they sometimes have a few glitches. The ability for my boys to ask Alexa to read them stories and learn random facts is simply amazing. However, I wish there were more name options and better integration with the Amazon Kids+ platform to make it a seamless experience for my children.
Is your 10-year-old a budding Bruno Mars or Ed Sheeran? This electronic keyboard could be the answer to their dreams. Let them sit and compose, or just practice with an integrated learning system.
It’s great that this allows your child to listen through speakers or headphones (bliss!) and comes with a stand and a stool.
First-Hand Impression
Best gift I could give to my young grandson, this keyboard has helped him learn to play with ease and enthusiasm. As a former music teacher, I was impressed with the quality and ease of setup, making it perfect for beginners. However, the music stand could be sturdier and better-designed to hold heavier music books. The sound quality may not be as great as some other models, but it doesn't hinder the overall experience. My wife, who played piano as a teenager, also enjoyed rekindling her passion with this keyboard.
Introduce your kid to electronics with this playground and learning center. Let them discover voltage, transistors, and capacitors and learn how to use them.
There are 50 experiments they can complete, including a finger touch lamp, electronic keyboard, and magnetic bridge, to name just a few. A full instruction manual is included.
Personal Experience
I'm impressed with this starter kit, as it provides clear instructions for assembling various projects on a breadboard. However, I found myself wishing the manual delved deeper into the workings of each circuit and the purpose of their components. While it's a great introduction, those seeking a comprehensive understanding of electronics might be left wanting more.
Games and Toys
Most 10-year-olds are not yet too old for toys and games. Give them a car, and they’ll still play with it; add a remote control, and they’ll love it even more. Puzzle games are great fun and test brain power at the same time.
Brainbolt is a memory game for one or two players. Memorize the light sequence and repeat it back for as long as possible without making a mistake. Players can challenge their best scores or go head-to-head with their friends and see who can recall the most.
We like that this game is portable and can go anywhere with you. It also has advanced levels to prevent boredom.
Personal Insight
Best purchase for both entertainment and education, this brain teaser memory game has been a fantastic addition to our family activities. As a physician, I've also recommended it to patients for improving recall and dexterity, witnessing great results. My kids, aged 6 and 9, easily figured out the two-player mode and have enjoyed hours of play without needing a charger. Despite being smaller than expected, this game offers a world of possibilities to challenge and engage players of all ages, making it a valuable investment for both fun and learning.
Lego is a firm favorite with boys of any age. Pair it with Star Wars, and you’re onto a winner. This setting for the showdown between Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Vader has many details.
You can swing out the side sections, open doors, collapse the stairs and bridge, make the lightsaber pop up, and more.
Community Review
Best LEGO set I've ever purchased! The moment I finished putting it together, I was amazed by the vibrant color scheme and the fun play features. It comes with iconic mini figures, including The Emperor, Darth Vader, Luke, and two Royal Guards, which definitely added value to the set. The only downside was that the side sections could have been better attached to the main center section, but overall, this set is perfect for any Star Wars fan. The interactive action play, fold-out design, and attention to detail truly brought the iconic scene from Return of the Jedi to life in my hands.
A vacuum system lets this car literally climb the walls, mirrors, glass, and closets, and you can even race it across the ceiling.
It comes with an infrared remote controller and rechargeable batteries. The car will perform many tricks, spinning 360 degrees.
Individual Opinion
Got this remote control car as a gift, and it has provided hours of entertainment for both my kids and our dog. The car follows a red laser light up walls and around windows, making it a unique and exciting toy. It takes some practice to figure out the optimal distance for the car to follow the laser, but once we got the hang of it, we couldn't stop playing with it. Despite the lightweight design and multiple falls from heights, the car has proven to be quite durable.
Nerf guns are all the rage. This indoor set has a target and suction darts, letting you practice your shooting skills. The laser light beam helps improve your accuracy.
There are two different colored sets of darts, so friends can challenge each other to find out who can get closest to the bullseye.
First-Hand Impression
My experience with this dart set has been a mixture of fun and frustration. The Firestrike blaster is powerful and accurate, but the target board is disappointingly thin and doesn't hold darts as well as I'd hoped. On the positive side, the large target size is great for kids and the blaster's laser sight helps improve aiming. However, it's crucial to be relatively close to the target to make the darts stick, which can limit the challenge and excitement.
This sturdy remote-controlled car is great for full-stunt play. It is designed for outdoor and indoor use, with shockproof and anti-crash features.
The wheels are flexible on any ground, including beaches, wetlands, and grasslands. Your 10-year-old will love taking this anywhere, even to the park or off-road in the backyard.
Personal Experience
Excellent remote control car for kids! I bought several of these for my nephews and they absolutely loved them. The lightweight rubbery wheels prevent damage to floors and furniture, and the battery life is impressive, lasting for hours of playtime. The only minor issue is the battery compartment, which is a bit tricky to maneuver, but it's not a dealbreaker.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make your way through the “laser” maze to find and defuse the bomb. This set has 37 feet of string and clamps so your child can build their own maze. It also has a sensor to detect whether you break the “laser beam.”
It comes with nighttime UV light goggles, which make the string glow at night.
Personal Insight
From my personal experience, this game is a fantastic addition to any party or family gathering, as it captures the interest of kids and adults alike. The neon string, which glows brilliantly under a black light, creates a thrilling obstacle course that can be set up in various locations and configurations. Though the string length may be a bit short for some setups and the sensitivity could use improvement, the overall enjoyment and endless possibilities for creative play make this game well worth the investment.
Sports and Outdoors
Outdoor activities are great for getting kids away from video games or TV. Those that encourage them to run around or practice sports skills are ideal. Whether your 10-year-old has a passion for baseball or basketball or just wants to play games, we’ve found the best toys for them.
The durable Tanner Tee is ideal for practicing that baseball swing and hitting the ball every time.
Made in the USA for over 25 years, this tee is backed by a one-year guarantee.
We especially like that it’s also portable, so you can take it to open spaces and let your tween loose on those baseballs.
Community Review
My experience with this baseball tee has been nothing short of fantastic. As someone who's used it for over a year, it's proven to be incredibly durable, even when subjected to daily use by multiple people. The tee's weight at the bottom and easy height adjustments make it perfect for both hard and softballs, and it's simple to assemble and disassemble for transport. Although it's a bit on the pricey side, I believe the quality and sturdiness of this tee make it a worthwhile investment for any serious baseball or softball player.
Flybold Slackline Kit with Training Line Tree Protectors
Learn to safely practice a highwire act with this slackline kit. It has everything you need to set up a training tightrope while protecting the trees you tie it around.
The ratchets are made from high-grade steel, and the lines are strong 100% polyester.
Individual Opinion
Best slackline kit I've tried! This slackline was super easy to set up and the instructions were really helpful, even for a beginner like me. My whole family, including my young kids, have had a blast trying to balance and improve our skills. The training line is a great addition, giving us some extra confidence while learning. Despite some minor wear and tear from outdoor use, it's held up well and I'm confident it will last for years to come.
Running around playing tag is fun, but imagine how much more fun it is with laser guns. This kit has four gun settings and four team selections.
You can set the gun to shotgun, pistol, machine gun, or rocket mode. Parents especially love that the lasers have a child safety emission level.
First-Hand Impression
Definitely a fun and engaging activity for all ages, these laser tag guns provide endless entertainment for both kids and adults alike. The guns themselves are durable and easy to use, with different settings and team options to keep things interesting. However, the lack of a setting lock down can lead to some cheating and shorter game times, but for casual play and simple enjoyment, this set is perfect for the whole family.
Set up the frame, secure the hose, load a rocket, then jump as hard as you can onto the blast pad.
Kids will love watching their rocket soar into the air.
These light missiles travel at 90 feet per second. Who will make it the highest and win?
Personal Experience
My family and I had a blast with this stomp rocket, as it quickly became a favorite activity for both kids and adults alike. The setup was incredibly easy and the rockets soared impressively high, captivating everyone's attention. However, the materials could be a bit more durable, especially when left outside, as the PVC tends to become brittle over time.
Shooting hoops is a great way for kids to practice their basketball skills.
It’s also an excellent way to incorporate some quality one-on-one time with your child.
This telescoping stand secures the hoop on a water- or sand-filled base and is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. This means it will grow as your boy does for years of practice and fun.
Personal Insight
This basketball hoop has been a great addition to our home, providing endless hours of fun for my growing child. While assembling it, I found the instructions could have been clearer and a video tutorial would have been helpful. Adjusting the height can be a bit challenging if you're not very tall, but it's manageable with two people.
Taking a cool new twist on a classic game of catch makes this a good choice for outdoor play.
The soft sponge ball can be launched from an attachment on a deep netted racquet. Catch the incoming ball before launching it back.
The ball will travel up to 100 feet, and the set includes two racquets and two balls.
Community Review
If you're looking for an entertaining outdoor game, this slingshot and catch toy can provide hours of fun for the whole family. I've played it with my kids, ages 10, 8, and 4, and they all love it. It's a great alternative to frisbee or other back-and-forth games, and the ball can be launched really high and far while still being easy to catch in the net. However, the durability of the rubber bands could be better, as they tend to wear out and break after a few hours of play. I recommend getting the 4-pack of large replacement balls, as the medium-sized ones don't work well.
Educational and STEM Gifts
Kids learn best when their brains are challenged in a fun way. Many toys are now tied to the type of lessons kids have in school, so kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math as they play. It helps prepare them for possible careers later in life.
Test your problem-solving and math skills by sliding cars around the grid. The goal is to get the red car out of the parking lot. With 40 challenges, from beginner to expert, this game will test brainpower to the max.
The game includes four blocking trucks, 11 blocking cars, one traffic grid, and the all-important red car. This fun but challenging one-player game is great for at-home play or to use while traveling. It will keep a 10-year-old boy playing again and again.
Individual Opinion
Love how this game has brought so much fun and learning to my family! With two kids of different ages, it's great to see both of them enjoying the puzzles and even helping each other out. The cards are labeled and color-coded for difficulty, making it easy to find the right level for everyone. This game has been a fantastic way to keep their minds sharp during summer break and has even become a go-to activity for killing time during doctor visits or at restaurants. I'm also a fan of the challenging levels, which remain engaging even after multiple attempts.
Combining engineering with coding and programming, this robot kit is ideal, whether you’re a Lego fan or not. You can build 17 different robot designs, including the Gripp3r, Track3r, R3ptar, Spik3r, and more, so there’s lots of variation.
Once complete, download the free EV3 programmer app to control your robot. It can shoot targets, walk, grab, talk, and more.
First-Hand Impression
For a seasoned RC vehicle enthusiast like me, the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 set offers an exciting and educational introduction to robotics. The easy-to-use graphic programming system allows even beginners to create custom programs, and the subtle progression of complexity in the missions helps teach programming concepts without frustration. The abundance of parts, motors, and sensors, along with the sturdy build quality, make this a versatile and engaging set, though there are some limitations when compared to the Education version.
The 361 pieces in this kit, along with an easy-to-follow manual, will allow kids to be creative. They can build an airplane, a truck, and much more. It will encourage their curiosity about engineering and mechanics.
This kit will challenge and engage kids. It’s also good for helping kids communicate with you or their peers.
The set comes with a drawstring bag to help keep all the pieces in one place when not in use.
Personal Experience
I've recently bought this toy for my grandson, and it has proven to be a fantastic gift for older kids who love puzzles and building. The intricate design allows them to create multiple structures, keeping them engaged for hours on end. It can be a bit challenging for younger children, as the smaller, delicate connecting pieces might be difficult to handle, but overall, it's great for kids aged 8 or older. The only downside I encountered was that the instructions for building the airplane were missing, which was disappointing. Nonetheless, the detailed truck design was a hit, and I'd still consider it a worthwhile purchase.
Boys love playing around with bones, and this kit will let them do just that. There are biology experiments that let them make a hard bone rubbery, dissect an owl pellet, and more.
They can also assemble animal skeletons with help from the 20-page informative booklet enclosed.
Personal Insight
These owl pellet dissection kits offer a fun and educational activity for kids, sparking their interest in science and the circle of life. The kit comes with four pellets and an informative booklet that serves as a helpful guide to answer questions and provide additional experiments, such as soaking bones in vinegar and soda. My children, aged 6 and 8, were entertained for hours as they dissected the pellets and found a variety of bones, including a completely intact skull. The hands-on experience allows kids to learn about owl's digestive systems, food webs, and even age-appropriate lessons on the concept of death. While the pellets were smaller and slightly smelly, the overall experience was engaging and enjoyable for both children and adults.
This educational robot uses a free app to allow kids to code using draw and drive, block base, or Javascript. Once they master one, they can move on to the next.
The app is compatible with iOS, Android, Kindle, and Chrome, making it useable on many devices. Kids can use their device to control the robot’s lights, direction, sequence, speed, and more.
The ball-shaped, waterproof robot is equipped with Bluetooth for easy connection. The battery lasts for about an hour of play and charges inductively.
Community Review
This educational robot offers a versatile coding experience for kids through its free app, which is compatible with various devices like iOS, Android, Kindle, and Chrome. I enjoyed watching my child explore different coding methods like draw and drive, block base, and JavaScript while controlling the robot's lights, direction, sequence, and speed. The ball-shaped, waterproof design and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to use, and the one-hour battery life with inductive charging adds convenience to this engaging learning tool.
This kit contains all a boy needs to make really gross things. And let’s be honest, the grosser, the better in a 10-year-old’s eyes.
Make smelly intestines, slimy snot, or fake blood. Grow friendly bacteria and molds, if you can class either of those as friendly.
The kit has everything you need, including instructions, Petri dishes, a magnifier, and more.
Individual Opinion
I've recently purchased this science kit for my 5-year-old daughter and, as a former biology teacher, I found it to be a mixed experience. While some experiments were entertaining, we struggled with the gelatin-based ones, as the solution remained watery even after doubling the gelatin content. On a positive note, the kit sparked my daughter's interest in science and allowed for some fun hands-on learning. However, I believe there is room for improvement in the quality of experiments, as some seemed more focused on the "gross factor" than on actual educational value.
The Best of the Rest
Kids always get lots of toys and games as presents. Maybe you want to step away from the norm and get your 10-year-old boy a book or an unusual gift. Here are some ideas that might appeal to this age group.
Time often has no meaning for kids. Teaching them to manage their own time can be a good thing as they get a bit older.
Let them set an alarm to get themselves up in time for school.
This Marvel-themed alarm clock is sure to be a hit. It features a soft night light and an LCD display. We love that it is battery-operated, so you don’t have to reset the clock every time the power goes out. Two AAA batteries are included.
First-Hand Impression
In my experience, this alarm clock has been a delightful addition to my child's bedroom. It's the perfect size with just the right tone and volume for the alarm sounds, and my son has had no trouble waking up for school since we started using it. The talking Venom feature and the night light are great touches, although I do wish the light would stay on for more than a minute. It's also worth noting that the alarm can be a bit quiet for some, and setting the alarm time could be easier if it didn't require going all the way around the clock. Regardless, my child absolutely loves this alarm clock, and it's been a fun and functional product for him.
This book takes an amusing look at how to survive many situations.
Send an SOS message or survive a shark attack, a school dance, or a shopping trip with mom.
It will help your 10-year-old boy think on their feet and provide them with light-hearted solutions for their problems.
Personal Experience
My older son absolutely adored this book, and I must say, I can see why. The combination of informative content, such as knot tying and building shelters, with entertaining and humorous elements, like surviving a zombie attack, makes it a captivating read for kids. The mixture of pictures and diagrams helps to engage young readers, and the overall tone promotes an attitude of adaptability and overcoming challenges. This book is perfect for kids who enjoy outdoor activities or are involved in groups like Boy Scouts. It's not just a survival guide, but also a fun and interesting read that will keep your child entertained and eager to learn.
Walkie-talkies are always good fun for boys. Maybe their best friend lives just a few doors away. With a 9000-ft range, it’s easy for them to keep in touch with these walkie-talkies. It’s also great for play. Imagine it combined with a Nerf gun for backyard warfare.
There are 22 channels, and the sound quality is good.
Personal Insight
I've had a great experience with these walkie talkies, especially when my granddaughters visit. The call button placement on the front is a bit awkward, but the sound quality is surprisingly good. My four-year-old granddaughter quickly learned how to use them, and the rechargeable batteries are a definite plus. However, the volume can be too loud even at its lowest setting, so keep that in mind for certain activities like hide and seek.
These mystery books are classics that boys will enjoy reading. They might be able to solve the clues themselves and get great satisfaction when they get it right and help catch the criminal.
This set includes the first five books in the series — the perfect introduction to Frank and Joe Hardy and their mystery-filled lives. The 10-year-old boy in your life will be requesting more in no time. But there’s no need to worry as the series contains 66 books, enough to keep any reader busy for a long time.
We like that these books have stood the test of time. The page-turners were first published in 1927 but continue to be a hit with thousands of readers today.
Community Review
For any young mystery enthusiasts, these classic Hardy Boys books provide an exciting and engaging experience. I found great satisfaction in solving clues alongside Frank and Joe Hardy and was impressed that this set includes the first five books in the series. My 10-year-old nephew couldn't get enough and wanted more, which isn't a problem since the series has 66 books in total. Despite being first published in 1927, these page-turners have stood the test of time and continue to captivate thousands of readers today.
Getting 10-year-old boys to keep their room tidy can be a challenge. This basketball hoop will let them get some practice as they launch their dirty laundry into the attached hamper.
It fits easily over any door — meaning you won’t be searching the floor for that lost sock. Release the drawstring clamp at the bottom of the hamper, and the laundry will drop into your laundry basket, ready for washing.
Individual Opinion
My experience with this basketball hamper has been a mix of excitement and disappointment. The design is cute, and my kids were thrilled to use it for their dirty clothes. However, the board is made of thin, cheap material and broke relatively quickly. Additionally, the laundry net is small, so it fills up fast, and I wish it could hold more clothes to make it more practical for everyday use.
A 10-year-old boy will love that sense of responsibility that comes with caring for this terrarium kit.
It comes with everything he needs to build a terrarium. He will be ready to set up his mini property instantaneously.
The set includes a jar with a lid, a spray bottle, soil, sand, rocks, stickers, and mini figurines to create a unique and fun display. This is not only great for interactive play, but the LED lights make it a relaxing experience.
First-Hand Impression
I'm thrilled with this terrarium kit as it provided a fun and educational experience for my child, who has a keen interest in science and nature. Assembling the terrarium was simple, though there was an excessive amount of soil included, and we added some extra stickers to personalize it. However, we did encounter issues with mold growth, and the light switch could be improved for easier use by small hands, but overall, it was an enjoyable project that sparked curiosity in my child.
What to Consider When Buying Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys
Boys at this age want to be challenged but won’t like something if they find it frustrating. Their minds are ready for expansion, and they’re becoming increasingly curious about how things work.
Choose toys and games that have clear, easy-to-read instructions. That way, they’ll be able to play independently without help from mom or dad — unless they ask for it, of course.
Technological and STEM toys will be interesting for 10-year-old boys. Look for products that will teach them valuable skills. Things like coding, programming, or even basic engineering are good choices. Other toys that involve assembling small parts will encourage their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Another good thing to consider is something that will help them burn off excess energy. Outdoor play is fun, and many toys will help them keep fit and take them away from screen time. Look for things that involve running around, and even better, involve targets to improve their coordination at the same time (1).
FAQs
What are 10-Year-Olds Interested In?
10-year-olds are often interested in complex games, building and engineering projects, sports, reading, and beginning to explore digital technology like video games and coding. They also enjoy collecting items related to their interests, such as sports cards or figurines.
Do 10-Year-Old Boys Still Play With Toys?
Yes, many 10-year-old boys still play with toys, though their interests may lean towards more sophisticated or themed items, such as complex building sets, strategy board games, and remote-controlled vehicles.
How Do I Keep My 10-Year-Old Busy?
Keep your 10-year-old busy with activities that challenge their growing intellect and physical skills. Engage them in sports, encourage reading, offer puzzles and science kits, and involve them in household projects or hobbies.
How Much Should I Spend On a 10-Year-Old’s Birthday Gift?
The amount to spend on a 10-year-old’s birthday gift will depend on a few things like your budget and the child’s interests. It’s more important to find something meaningful or enjoyable for the child than to spend a specific amount.
Do 10-Year-Old Boys Like Squishmallows?
Some 10-year-old boys might like Squishmallows, especially if they enjoy collecting soft toys or have a favorite character or theme. Interests vary widely at this age, so it’s best to know the individual child’s preferences.
Why is My 10-Year-Old So Moody?
A 10-year-old might be moody due to the onset of preadolescence, where hormones and social dynamics start to change. It’s also a time of growing independence and identity exploration, which can lead to emotional ups and downs.