Turning ten is such a huge milestone – your little boy is hitting double digits! But as they creep towards their tween years, you might be finding it difficult to know what to get them for their birthday.
Ten-year-olds can often be more independent, care a lot about friendships, and have more refined interests. But while children this age want zero association with kiddie stuff, they still have an interest in toys and games – thank goodness!
We’ve handpicked the top birthday gifts across a huge range of departments to help you find the perfect birthday gift for the ten-year-old boy in your life.
Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry & Watches
Ten is an age when your little boy will be caring a lot about how he’s perceived by his peers. He’ll likely be moving away from roleplay to more ‘grown up’ styles. So making sure he’s the coolest kid on the playground will be the way to go.
Not sure what the latest trends are for ten-year-olds? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our recommendations of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and watches for his birthday.
Ray-Ban Square Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Junior sunglasses have the same quality and stylish designs as adult models. These shades offer 100% UV protection and come prescription-ready. The outside of these New Wayfarer Square Sunglasses is classic black, but the inside of the frames is a funky orange. These sunglasses can protect a child’s eyes on bright sunny days while making a fashion statement.
Atimo Digital Watch
This Atimo Digital Watch is a great birthday gift for an active child. The watch is waterproof and shock-resistant so it is the perfect sidekick for sports and outdoor play. It displays the date and dual-time and includes useful functions for ten-year-olds such as an alarm clock and stop-watch. A background LED light lets a kid tell the time, day or night.
The North Face Fleece-Lined Parka
This North Face jacket is water-resistant on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. The recycled down insulation makes sure that a kid stays toasty in the middle of the snow season. A kid can move freely in this soft, downy jacket to engage in winter sports. Or, he can look stylish if he just wants to spend the day with friends.
Nike Dunk High Shoes
Nike Dunk High Shoes are based on the 1980s classic high tops. However, this design is created especially for kids from this generation. A ten-year-old can enjoy the comfort, durability, and style of these Nike kicks. The durable leather uppers and non-slip rubber tread provide support and stability for outdoor fun. A boy will love debuting these colorful classic shoes.
Educational
Lots of cognitive development happens at the age of ten. They’ll likely have hobbies and interests by this point, which would be great to deepen. But they’re also still very curious and explorative at ten too, so something that gets them out of their comfort zone will be appreciated as well. STEM and craft projects can be a great way to get them experimenting with new hobbies.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Complete Series By Cressida Cowell
The How to Train Your Dragon series is full of adventure, wit, and slap-stick comedy. The simple child-like drawings intersperse the pages of a fantastical tale. The books follow the story of a young Viking boy who is trying to train a stubborn pet dragon. This boxed set of twelve paperback books can encourage a love of reading in a ten-year-old boy.
National Geographic Science Kit
This National Geographic Science Kit includes 15 different earth science experiments to delight a boy. This science lab in a box contains the materials for growing a crystal, archeological digs, an erupting volcano model, and more. Each activity comes with clear instructions to give a child a successful experiment. Whether scientifically-minded or not, a ten-year-old can enjoy these fascinating activities.
Thames & Kosmos Exit: The House of Riddles
Give a ten-year-old the gift of an escape room experience with this Thames & Kosmos Exit: The House of Riddles kit. Set in an abandoned house, players have to solve a mystery to escape the house they’ve unfortunately been locked in. Up to four players can team together to strategize and problem-solve until they find their way out.
Kids Made Modern Arts & Crafts Supply
A ten-year-old boy can let his creativity flow with this Kid Made Modern Arts and Crafts Library set. The kit contains over 1,000 pieces including wooden beads, felt squares, sequins, skeins of floss, googly eyes, and other materials. It also comes with necessary tools such as white glue, scissors, and needles. They can use the inspiration sheet or make their own unique designs.
Skillmatics Marvel Card Game Guess in 10
Skillmatics Marvel Card Game Guess in 10 allows a ten-year-old to show off his superhero knowledge. Kids can take turns asking up to 10 questions about a Marvel hero and then see if their guess is correct. Up to six players can join the fun. This small-scale travel-size trivia game includes 52 game cards, clue cards, and a cardholder.
4M Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit
The 4M Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit allows a child to watch crystals grow. The kit contains enough material to produce seven crystals of varying sizes and colors. Clear instructions allow a ten-year-old to successfully perform this hands-on geology project.
There is also a display case for each crystal to protect the formations after they develop. A great entry gift into the fascinating world of science.
Electronics
Electronics become something to fear a lot less when children turn ten. They’ll be using technology at school and will likely be able to use it better than their parents.
However, that’s not to say all electronics are fine. We’ve worked hard to find tech products that a ten-year-old will love to play and learn from, but that also help keep them safe too. Check out our top electronics for a ten-year-old boy’s birthday.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
A ten-year-old can take and print out instant photos with this Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera. The shutter speed adjusts automatically to capture images with bright backgrounds or in low-light settings. Its built-in macro and selfie modes allow a young photographer to take close-up nature shots or selfies with friends. This Instax Mini Camera is a great gift to help him treasure memories.
Lamp Store Lava Lamp
This lava lamp creates a relaxing atmosphere in a room. The yellow and purple liquids bubble up and down to set the mood while the lamp gives off a gentle glow. A kid can turn on the lamp while doing homework or winding down at the end of a long day. This retro lamp can add a colorful touch to a ten-year-old boy’s room.
Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case
These Apple AirPods 2 are easy to connect to Apple devices. The wireless connection allows a kid to listen to his favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts without a cord limiting his movement. The Airpods are perfect for long trips, or for playing outside. When the charge runs out, simply pop them back into their case to charge on the go.
Nintendo Switch Lite – Blue
The Blue Nintendo Switch Lite allows avid gamers to take their games with them on the go. This handheld Lite version is small enough to fit easily in a backpack pocket. It has a built-in control pad so a kid can navigate his favorite games with skill. This sleek handheld Nintendo Switch may take the cake at a ten-year-old’s birthday party.
2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad
Kids can use this Apple iPad for homework or recreation. Its compact 10.2-inch size makes it easy for carrying around in a bag. However, size doesn’t matter when it comes to its functions. This iPad can play movies, navigate video calls, take photos with a front and back camera, and more. It can last for 10 hours before it runs out of charge.
Lego Minecraft The Ice Castle
This Lego set can bring Minecraft to life for fans of the game. The Ice Castle set comes with instructions, so a kid can build it exactly as shown. Or, he can rearrange the layout to suit his style. A royal warrior, a yeti, two skeletons, and two zombies can do battle for this castle using arrows, swords, and clubs.
Home, Garden, & Tools
Boys turning ten are often becoming more independent and enjoying playing games and figuring out how things work on their own (though this can be hard to hear for many parents!)
Toys and games that a ten-year-old can play at home will be much appreciated and show him you’re encouraging his independence. Check out our top gifts that your ten-year-old boy can enjoy at home and in the garden.
BSiri Tic Tac Toe Wooden Game
Instead of using up paper for endless rounds of tic-tac-toe, this fun, reusable wooden version allows you to play as many rounds as you want. The wooden play pieces can be stored inside the box under the board. A ten-year-old can enjoy challenging a friend to a match and it also looks nice as a classy conversation piece in your home.
Cyummy Star Wars Night Light
This Star Wars nightlight comes with three favorite characters from the series. Darth Vader, the Mandalorian, and baby Yoda can all have their time to shine. Simply place a favorite figure plate in the slot on top of the light and choose a color. This multifunctional lamp displays the time and can give off a bright or soft glow. Perfect for a Star Wars fan!
Kids & Babies Toys
While ten-year-old boys will state firmly that they’re not little kids anymore, they’ll still love playing with toys. Toys are actually especially important at this age, as kids tend to stop using their imagination in the pre-teen years. So toys that encourage creative roleplay that they can play with their friends like LEGO and Nerf will be a great birthday gift for your soon-to-be ten-year-old boy.
Nerf DinoSquad Raptor-Slash Dart Blaster
This Nerf Dinosquad Raptor Blaster is a great gift that you can often find for under $10 on Amazon. The dart blaster is in the shape of a dinosaur head, and the nerf bullets fire out through its teeth, shooting up to six targets in a row. A 10-year-old boy can go on his own Jurassic hunt with this entertaining Dinosquad blaster
Lego Creator 3in1 Mighty Dinosaur
A kid can use one kit to try out three different dinosaur builds with this LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs kit. The 174 LEGO pieces can form a T-Rex, Pterodactyl, or Triceratops. The joints, head position, and mouth can move for realistic poses and play action. A dinosaur-lover can have hours of fun with this interactive LEGO gift set.
Lego Chain Reactions
This Klutz book shows how to use LEGO pieces to create interactive machines. It includes 33 LEGO elements to give your basic LEGO pieces a new purpose. The kit also contains a ball of string, LEGO balls, paper ramps, a platform, a paper flag, and more. After building the machines, you can put them together to create a chain reaction.
Tech Deck Fingerboards
A skateboard fan can appreciate the gift of this Tech Deck Fingerboards set. The set includes ten different miniature skateboards. Each one comes with official logos and markings from some of the best skate companies. Kids can set up tracks and obstacles to race and grind these fingerboards. With these ten unique miniatures, a 10-year-old will be well on his way to collecting all of the fingerboard designs!
Lego Star Wars Inquisitor Transport Scythe
The LEGO Star Wars Inquisitor Transport Scythe is perfect for a kid who loves LEGO and Star Wars. The kit contains over 900 pieces and four characters – Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Grand Inquisitor, Reva, and the Fifth Brother. The wings of the starship fold up and down, and the door opens to become a ramp. He’ll really enjoy building this complex starship model.
Playmobil Police Off-Road Car
A kid can enjoy a high-speed car chase with this Police Off-Road Car and Jewel Thief Playmobil set. Inside the box are a bank robber, a police officer, an off-road police car, a motorbike, a cashbox, and more. A ten-year-old boy can follow the instructions to set the scene. This gift allows a child to use creative thinking skills and explore an occupation.
Outdoors
Playing outdoors is really important for ten-year-old boys. There’s a huge range of benefits, such as developing motor skills, communication, and it’s great for their mental health too. Whether they like roaming around the neighborhood on their bike, navigating the stars, or exploring on a hike, we’ve got the top outdoor gifts your ten-year-old boy will love for his birthday.
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike
A 10-year-old kid can enjoy riding around the neighborhood with this RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike. This bike has an adjustable seat and handlebars to comfortably match a child’s height. It features handbrakes and coaster brakes and comes with a kickstand, water bottle, and bell. It is 95% pre-assembled and has clear instructions so you can easily put it together upon arrival.
Alprang Space Play Tent
This Space Play Tent is the perfect place for a boy to enjoy creative play, or relax and read a book. It stands at 3 feet and seven inches high and is made from a durable, polyester material. Two fiberglass poles offer structure and support. This tent is easy to set up and take down as needed. He’ll love having a quiet spot that is all his own.
JanSport Right Pack
A boy can go hiking, stay overnight with friends, or pack books for school with this JanSport backpack. This denim-blue backpack with suede leather accents is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. It can hold a 15-inch laptop and has a large front pocket for easy access to important items. Also, the padded shoulder straps make this JanSport bag easy to lug around.
Sports
If your ten-year-old boy has shown an interest in sports, now might be a perfect time to develop it a little further. They’re now at an age where they’ll be interested and patient enough to learn how to hone their skill and improve.
If he’s not interested in the typical sports games they teach at school, maybe try getting him something a little different to try his hand at. Check out our top recommendations for sports gifts for ten-year-old boys.
Precise 5 Club Kids Golf Set
A ten-year-old can practice his golf swing with this eight-piece junior golfing set. Inside the golf bag are a driver, putter, hybrid wood, two irons, and two headcovers. Each golf club has the appropriate size and weight for kids to gain confidence while practicing putting on the green. With this birthday gift, a ten-year-old boy can gain a new hobby.
Sunnydaze 10-in-1 Multi-Game Table
Table games are a hit when friends come over. However, most families can only sacrifice space for one tabletop game. If your kid loves pool, foosball, and table hockey equally, the Sunnydaze 10-in-1 Multi-Game Table can be a superb gift. This table stores up to ten classic table games. All the game tops can store inside the table and it doesn’t require electricity, so can be played anywhere.
Franklin Sports Baseball & Softball Glove
The Franklin Sports Baseball & Softball Glove is made of soft, synthetic leather. This lightweight but durable material makes the glove easy for a player to catch and grip the ball. An adjustable wrist strap can tighten or loosen the glove around the thumb. This baseball glove can scoop a ball up off the field or catch a ball in midair.
Wrapping Up
Buying a birthday present for a boy turning ten can be a difficult ask. You want to encourage their independence, but you don’t want them to grow up too fast either. So the balance between something childish and something grown-up is tricky.
As they hit double digits and head towards their tween years, they’ll be starting to care a lot about friendships and how they’re seen by peers. But they’ll also still love learning and deepening their passions with toys and games.
No matter what the little boy in your life is into, we’ve found the top gifts across a range of departments that a ten-year-old would love to get on his birthday.
