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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Shopping for the 10-year-old boy in your life may seem like a difficult task, especially since tweens have such varying interests.
We researched the top picks from the best brands that are perfect for his age group. While you shop, look for something that will keep them engaged, while also being age-appropriate and safe. The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Kit go our top spot due to its stunning design and detail, ability to foster imaginative play and keep him engaged for hours, and the educational value of practicing STEM skills.
Here, best toys for your favorite 10-year-old boy.
LEGO 75954 Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Building Kit
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Amazon
Easy to follow
Nice details
Not very stable for a large kit
Whether he is into Harry Potter, Legos, or both, this 878 piece building kit will pique his interests. He can bring Hogwarts Great Hall to life with the included 10 mini figures that will allow him to recreate his favorite scenes. When built, the hall will measure 14 x 11 x 7-inches, giving him plenty of space to play around with.
Our tester gave this kit a perfect five star rating for its immaculate design mimicking that of the books. After the great hall is complete, the set fosters imaginative play with the included figures and their new space.
Our tester also loved how this keeps kids entertained for hours while still learning how to follow instructions and practice STEM-based building skills. The only downsides are the high price tag, but the novelty of the competed build is something you can display and enjoy for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $167
Dimensions: 18.9 x 14.88 x 2.78inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 years and up
Broadream Hover Soccer Ball
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Amazon
Rechargeable battery
Durable
No damage to furniture
Long charging time
Kids will get hours of use out of this futuristic hover soccer ball. It's very durable and resilient to wear and tear, and the foam surround helps protect furniture if played indoors. No need to deal with batteries as it's rechargeable, and it makes a great stocking stuffer.
Price at time of publish: $27
Dimensions: 7 x 2.6 x 7 inches | Material: Foam, plastic | Recommended Age: 3-12 years
Snap Circuits Junior
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Amazon
STEM toy
Clear instructions
Can be tricky for some kids
With this electronics discovery kit, your boy will get more than 100 projects he can build with more than 30 color-coded circuit components, including wires, switches, an alarm circuit, speaker, and music-integrated circuit. Projects include cool things like making a photosensor, a flashing light, a voice-controlled lamp, and an adjustable volume siren. There’s no need for tools, as all of the parts snap together on the plastic grid.
Price at time of publish: $29
Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 15 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
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The Spruce / Sarah Wassner Flynn
Spin Master Marvel United Super Hero Cooperative Strategy Card Game
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Amazon
Perfect for Marvel fans
Can be played with the entire family
Some users complain about receiving the wrong character
This is a board game the entire family can enjoy because it's all about teamwork. The players, or superheroes, must join together to defeat the Marvel villain. While some games can be boring as you play them repeatedly, this one offers a lot of variety based on the cards you choose.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 2.81 x 10.25 x 10.25 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Skillmatics Marvel Card Game : Guess in 10
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Skillmatics
Rules can be tweaked
Fun for the whole family
Great for Marvel fans
Can be challenging for younger kids
If your 10-year-old has seen all of the Marvel films and TV shows, this game is for them. It will test their knowledge of Marvel characters in a fun, engaging, family-friendly way. The rules can be tweaked if you want to up the ante, and kids will have hours of fun.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 9.25 x 7 x 1.96 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Hasbro Monopoly Board Game
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Amazon
Classic board game
Good for family game night
Stores neatly
Some rules differ from the classic version
On a rainy or cold and snowy day, there's nothing better than a family game of Monopoly. This version comes with a range of fun new characters to play with, and up to 10 people can play at a time. It's a bit challenging for younger kids but perfect for 10 year olds once they get the hang of it.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 1.61 x 15.75 x 10.51 inches | Material: Cardboard, plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Sharper Image Remote Control Gravity Rover Wall-Ceiling Climber
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Target
Rechargeable battery
Long-range remote control
Under-glow LED lights
Can be fragile
This futuristic toy goes beyond the traditional remote-controlled car: it can climb walls and ceilings. It features a rechargeable battery for convenience, and the remote control can be used at fairly long ranges. It almost looks like a space rover and your kids will be able to run free with their imaginations. Be warned that the rover won't climb walls or ceilings with molding.
Price at time of publish: $56
Dimensions: 2.08 x 4.92 x 4.09 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Marvel Spider-Man Super Web Slinger
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Amazon
Affordable
Water can be used when the can is empty
Completes Spider-Man costume
Can be messy
This fun update on silly string lets your kids pretend they're Spider-Man. While it's a bit messy, your kids will have hours of fun using this web slinger. Plus the can can be refilled with water—so it's a great toy that can be used long after the web fluid runs out.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: 9 x 10 x 2 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Fat Brain Toys PuzzleGears: Globe
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Fat Brain Toys
STEM based
Detailed instructions
Well constructed
Can be complex
This puzzle globe is a great way to teach kids geography and and the history of cartography. Kids will love putting this complex puzzle together, which can be used once it's built as a place to keep treasures or store their most prized possessions.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 12 x 10.5 x 20.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 14 years and up
Starlux Games Capture the Flag REDUX: The Original Glow-in-The-Dark Outdoor Game
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Amazon
Lots of game variations
Glows in the dark
Outdoor fun
Batteries not included
With the dark winter evenings, it can be hard to find things to do outside. But this glow in the dark capture the flag game is a great option for kids. It's made for 4-8 players or up to 16 players with game variations, comes with 25 light up game pieces, and can be played in the backyard or at the park. They'll get hours of fun out of it as the batteries will last over 12 hours.
Price at time of publish: $49
Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.9 x 3 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Thames & Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines
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Amazon
Ability to build 8 machines
Step by step instructions
STEM based
Batteries not included
A kit for building their own robots is just what the STEM-obsessed child needs. And with this kit, they have the ability to build eight different machines. When they're complete, they can use the robots with the help of an iOS- or Android-based smartphone or tablet, for hours of fun long after they've completed the building itself.
Price at time of publish: $97
Dimensions: 16.8 x 11.5 x 3.2 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Educational Insights Artie Max: The Coding Robot
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Courtesy of Amazon
STEM based
No Internet connection needed
Encourages creativity
Can be difficult to use
Kids can learn five different coding languages with the help of this drawing robot named Artie. Kids can use their imagination and creativity to tell Artie to draw something, then he draws it. It will provide them with hours of entertainment, and is safe and secure because it doesn't use an Internet connection.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 6.1 x 7.6 x 8.3 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Nintendo Switch
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Walmart
Compatible with a few thousand games
Can be played on the big screen or on the go
Pricey
This scaled-down gaming console works either with television for family fun or as a handheld device to be used solo. There are a few thousand games that work with the Switch, including Mario Kart, with its high-energy races, and problem-solving games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
If you're trying to keep an eye on your child's screen time, you can use the intuitive controls to set time limits, track minutes, and ensure that only age-appropriate games are being downloaded and played.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1 inches | Material: Plastic| Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Blue Orange Djubi Classic
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Courtesy of Amazon
Enjoyable for a wide range of ages
Great outdoor toy
Flimsy material
They may not be able to pronounce it (it’s joo-bee), but they’ll love to play it. There are no mitts in this game, but instead, each player gets a paddle that has both a launching hook and a catching net. Aim, pull back on one of the balls, which are attached to the launching hook via a loop, and fire. The other player then attempts to catch the ball in their net, and back and forth you go. The balls can fly up to 125 feet, so you can cover some serious space.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 11.5 x 3 x 16.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
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The Spruce / Sarah Wassner Flynn
The Fly Orb The Original Fly Orb Hover Ball
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The Fly Orb
Durable
Fast charging time
Easy to use
May be difficult to master
This futuristic flying orb is a great toy for almost any age: it has fun colorful LED lights throughout, only takes 15 minutes to charge, and is highly durable so you won't have to be precious with it. Kids will spend hours playing with this orb.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: Not listed
Spikeball Pro Kit
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Amazon
Good group activity
Fun and active
Expensive
You've likely seen groups of people playing Spikeball in the park, and now you can gift your ten-year-old their own set. It's a great group activity for all ages, though it's best played outside in warmer weather. While the official rules are similar to those of volleyball, it's also endlessly modifiable.
Price at time of publish: $90
Dimensions: 23 x 9.7 x 6.1 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: Not listed
POWERUP The Next-Generation Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit
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Amazon
STEM based
Quick charging time
Durable
Can be challenging to use
This isn't your run-of-the-mill paper airplane. This bluetooth-enabled paper airplane is controlled by your smartphone or tablet and is totally customizable. Create your own paper airplanes out of your favorite paper, or even foam or light wood, and rig it up to the kit. The airplane can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and has a range of up to 230 feet.
Price at time of publish: $75
Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.71 x 1.5 inches | Material: Carbon fiber | Recommended Age: 14 years and up
Motorola Solutions Motorola Talkabout Radio 3-Pack
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Courtesy of Motorola
Great way to communicate during family trips
Solidly constructed
Short range use
Whether going on a hike, playing at the beach, or goofing off in the backyard, kids can communicate with each other (and their parents) with these T100 walkie talkies. They feature 22 channels, have a range of up to 16 miles, and only need three AAA batteries to operate. This set in particular comes in a pack of three. Note: The talkabout radios are not water resistant.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.91 x 5.22 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: Not listed
Taco vs. Burrito LLC Taco vs. Burrito
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Taco vs. Burrito
Family-friendly
Educational
Fun and engaging
Takes a few tries to learn
This award-winning game is sure to be a hit with the whole family, not just kids. It's an easy game to take with you on trips or for camping, or makes for a fun family game night. Kids and adults will appreciate the colorful and well designed cards and the exciting gameplay.
Price at time of publish: $16
Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 2 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up
Plum Phobos Outdoor Geometric Metal Climbing Dome
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Target
Engaging outdoor fun
Rust- and UV-resistant
Lots of assembly required
If you want to keep your kids entertained but also encourage them to get outside, this metal climbing dome is sure to do the trick. They won't get bored, will help them learn skills like balance and agility, and is very durable so it will last them years to come.
Price at time of publish: $232
Dimensions: 59 x 118 inches | Material: Steel | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
LEGO Minecraft The Llama Village
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Amazon
Lots of characters and accessories
Colorful
Engaging
Can be challenging
Children who love Minecraft or Lego (or both) will love this llama village set, which has over 1,200 pieces for engaging and sometimes challenging fun. There are plenty of characters, accessories, and buildings to make, and plenty of room for creativity.
Price at time of publish: $130
Dimensions: 18.9 x 14.88 x 3.7 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 years and up
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dino Fossil Dig Kit
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Michaels
Educational
Affordable
Entertaining
Can be messy
Budding paleontologists (or even just kids who enjoyed the most recent Jurassic Park movies) will get a kick out of discovering their own dinosaur fossil in this fun kit. It's educational and entertaining, and there are three dinosaur fossils to find.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 7.25 x 2.375 x 10 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Mega Construx Pokemon Blastoise
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Mega
Easy to put together
Includes two working water cannons
Not compatible with Legos
It comes packed with clear instructions and pieces that snap well into each other, so building Blastoise shouldn't be too difficult. The coolest part about this Pokemon building set is that it comes with two working cannon blasters, so your 10-year-old can make Blastoise unleash his Water-type moves when it's time for battle.
Price at time of publish: $55
Dimensions: 1.88 x 12.83 x 9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Arckit Coast-to-Coast Architecture Building Kit
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Uncommon Goods
Educational
Open-ended
High quality materials
Pricey
For kids who love to keep their hands busy, this architecture building kit is just the thing they'll enjoy. It features four building plans so kids can keep creating, as well as pop-up elements that they can add to their display when the house is complete.
Price at time of publish: $85
Dimensions: 13.4 x 8.7 x 2.4 inches | Material: Cardboard, ABS plastic, biodegradable PLA corn starch-based plastic, PC (polycarbonate) | Recommended Age: 7 years and up
Thames & Kosmos Drop It
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Amazon
Easy to learn
Good for family game night
Variants to change up play
Delicate
You can never have too many options for family game night, and we love this game that's like a variation on Connect 4. It comes with instructions for variants so it can be played differently each time, and is easy enough to learn for the whole family.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 11.6 x 2.8 x 11.6 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
BEYBLADE Burst Rise Hypersphere Vertical Drop Battle Set
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Beyblade
Can be played with other kids
Walls keep bey blades intact
Material is a bit flimsy
This set comes equipped with all the supplies you need for battle, including the Hypersphere Vertical Drop Beystadium, two spin launchers, and two battling tops. The unique design of the Hypersphere tops enables them to climb vertically along the walls. Your 10-year-old can also compete in digital battles when you scan the code on the Beystadium.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 3.54 x 17.76 x 14.02 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Kids Against Maturity Card Game
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Amazon
Family fun
Portable
Small business
Parents may want to remove some cards at their discretion
Adults who enjoy the game, Cards Against Humanity, will appreciate this children's take on the game that can be played by the whole family. Kids will have fun making jokes by matching the cards, and it's portable enough that you can take it on vacation or to the cottage.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 2 x 6 x 4 inches | Material: Paper, cardboard | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Hasbro Yahtzee Frenzy Dice & Card Game
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Target
Lots of combinations
Great for families
Fast-paced
Can be confusing to learn the first time
Yahtzee is a classic game beloved by many families, and this version is a fast-paced game that can produce hours of fun. It's intended for 2-4 players, and is a fun twist on the original. It may take some getting used to the first time you play it, but it's worth the time; with so many combinations, it never gets boring.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Shashibo Shape Shifting Box
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Amazon
High quality construction
Makes over 70 shapes
Engaging
Smaller than expected
The Shashibo shape shifting box is the ultimate fidget toy. With over 70 shapes to make, both children and adults will get hours of engaging fun out of this toy. It makes a great stocking stuffer and is a perfect distraction for long plane rides or when waiting for an appointment.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 x 2.3 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit
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Courtesy of Mattel
Fun virtual and physical play
Comes with two cars
Expensive
This slick racetrack works with the compatible Hot Wheels app using Bluetooth. Players can compete by tracking their speed (it's scaled to reflect how fast you'd go in a real car), number of laps, distance, loops, jumps, and other stats. In free play mode, they can scan in new cars, measure their achievements, and build new track configurations (it's fun to watch what you're physically building appear on screen). In campaign mode, the pressure is on to beat challenges, which get increasingly harder, to earn rewards.
Price at time of publish: $190
Dimensions: 10.25 x 21.13 x 19 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Saucer DLX
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Courtesy of L.L.Bean
Great for active, outdoor play
Side handles make it easy to carry
Not very fast
Go for a classic toy for a 10-year old with this Sonic Slider that will have him cruising down the hill on a snow day. The saucer is lightweight and the side handles make it easy to carry back home or up a hill. Besides letting him have hours of fun this will also get him outside and keep him active.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 34 x 28 inches | Material: Polyethylene, foam | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
flybold Slackline Kit
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Amazon
Easy to install
Great for parties
Hard to take down
If you want to get them away from their devices and outside, a slackline is a smart toy. These kits are all the rage and will have your child perfecting their balancing skills from the comfort of your backyard. Think of these kits as a sort of tightrope that has a wider base. This kit has all you need to get started including a main and training lines as well as travel bag to take the act on the go. Caution: Make sure to read instructions carefully and never leave kids unattended during play.
Price at time of publish: $83
Dimensions: 12.4 x 3.54 x 14.57 inches | Material: Polyester | Recommended Age: Not listed
AGM Kids Night Vision Goggles
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Amazon
See up to 25 feet
Adjustable size
Batteries not included
Kids will love using these night vision goggles at their next sleepover or during the darker winter evenings. They have night vision up to 25 feet, are adjustable to different head sizes, and kids will get hours of fun out of them—pair them with a spy kit for an even better gift.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: 6.49 x 7 x 2.3 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Caliber Games TowerBall
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Caliber Games
Good for indoor and outdoor use
Weatherproof and waterproof
360 degree gameplay
Expensive
We love this tower ball game not just because it's easy to play, but because it's easy to set up both indoors and outdoors as well. It's great for large basements or as a backyard game, and can be played by children (and adults) of all ages for great family fun.
Price at time of publish: $190
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 36 inches | Material: Polypropylene, plastic | Recommended Age: All ages
Big Potato Sketchy Tales, Disney Edition
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Courtesy of Walmart
Family game night appropriate
Disney fans will have the most fun
Can't be played solo
Doodling becomes a group sport with this fun game. Players pick a character and an action (example: Piglet and singing karaoke) which they have to draw and then pass along to another player to complete the drawing. Others have to guess exactly what the sketch is. Needless to say, there will be a lot of laughs and hours of playtime.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 2.38 x 10.38 x 9.63 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab
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Amazon
Glows in the dark
Users found the learning guide helpful
Not for younger kids, so keep caution around siblings
This comprehensive kit comes with eight different substances, all designed to teach about scientific principles. The putty properties include magnetic, glow-in-the-dark, and color-changing (activated by the heat of your hands or the chill of the freezer), as well as several types of slime. The full-color learning guide explores the fascinating science behind slimes and putties. Kids will learn about the world of slime and putty.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 7.8 x 2.5 x 12inches | Material: Slime | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
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Amazon
Kid-friendly
Includes green screen
Included storage is small
Your 10-year-old may not be ready for an expensive DSLR camera just yet, but this option from VTech is a fun pick. Kids can created HD videos with this camera, which includes 20+ animated backgrounds, like getting chased by a T-Rex. There's built-in editing software and the tripod makes it easy to set the camera on a table or flat surface while filming.
Price at time of publish: $39
Dimensions: 1.47 x 2.4 x 3.58 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
IELLO King of New York Board Game
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Courtesy of Amazon
Excellent for parties
Challenging game for older kids
Long play time
Up to six players can enjoy this fast-paced, strategy-heavy game, which is themed around the Big Apple and a follow-up to the popular King of Tokyo. It's meant to be played in about an hour, making it ideal for parties and game nights, and the object is to defeat the monsters and become ruler of the city.
Price at time of publish: $38
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2.75 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 10 years and up
Triumph Fire ‘n Ice Light-Up 54-inch Air Hockey Table
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Courtesy of Amazon
Good value
Sturdy
Good size for game rooms
Not enough pucks
When the kids can't get out and play real hockey, an air hockey table is a great alternative. This model is a perfect size for game rooms or basements and will keep children entertained endlessly.
Price at time of publish: $230
Dimensions: 54 x 27 x 31 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: Not listed
M&LD Moving Basketball Hoop Indoor
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Amazon
Fast and slow speeds
Easy assembly
Fits most doors
Can't withstand too much weight
If your child loves basketball and wants to be able to practice more, this moving indoor hoop is the perfect addition their playroom or bedroom. It moves from left to right so they can work on their aim, and the over-door attachments fit on most interior doors. It even comes with three basketballs so their siblings can join them if they want to.
Price at time of publish: $57
Dimensions: 14.96 x 12.4 x 4.49 inches | Material: Alloy steel, plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
National Geographic Spy Science Kit
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Amazon
STEM based
Includes 10 missions
Good quality
Maybe not for longterm play
Budding spies will love completing the 10 mission cards in this spy kit from National Geographic. Once the 10 missions are finished they can even begin creating their own. The kit also includes an invisible ink pen, periscope, UV light, spy glasses, decoder wheels, and secret notebook.
Price at time of publish: $24
Dimensions: 9.92 x 5 x 2.76 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Lulu Jr. My Comic Book Making Kit
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Amazon
Lots of room for creativity
High quality material
Production of real comic book included
A bit expensive
If your child is into creating their own stories and drawing, a comic book kit is just what they need. And this one really delivers—it allows them to be so creative, and at the end you can send away to have what they've made created into a real book (included in the price of the kit). Kids will get hours of fun out of this so it's a great gift for the holidays.
Price at time of publish: $24
Dimensions: 12.25 x 1.75 x 9.25 inches | Material: Cardboard, paper | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Be Amazing Toys! Interactive Human Body
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Amazon
STEM based
Realistic
Includes colorful illustration cards
Can break easily
Kids can learn everything they need to know about the human body with this educational and interactive toy. It's fully poseable and realistic so they can explore the way the body moves and what the different muscles and organs do. It's a great toy for keeping kids entertained (and they won't even notice they're learning).
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 2.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8-12 years
Hasbro Dungeons and Dragons Adventure Begins
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Hasbro
Designed for 2-4 players
Good for beginners to D&D
Not for experienced players
For parents who want to introduce their children to their beloved Dungeons & Dragons, this is a great place to start. It's designed for two to four players and is meant for beginners to the world of D&D. It comes with four mini figures that match the characters in the game, and plenty of journeys to keep kids entertained.
Price at time of publish: $27
Dimensions: 11.81 x 2.36 x 11.81 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 10 years and up
Xprit Hoverboard
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Amazon
LED wheels
Wireless speaker
Doesn't hold a charge for an extended period of time
Hoverboards are a great alternative to skateboards or rollerblades, and can provide your kids with some futuristic-feeling entertainment. This hoverboard makes a great gift and is reasonably priced for a high-tech kids' toy. It comes with a built-in wireless speaker and LED-lit wheels and is available in six different colors.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 25 x 9.6 x 9.05 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: Not listed
National Geographic Super Gross Chemistry Set
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Source: National Geographic
STEM based
45 experiments
Affordable
Can be messy
Lots of kids love to get messy, so even if your child hasn't displayed a strong interest in science, this kit could change their minds. This "Super Gross" chemistry set comes with up to 45 experiments to complete, including glowing worms and fungus. It's a great hands-on toy that's also educational.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.66 x 3.15 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board
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Toysmith
Budget-friendly
Realistic
Safe
Small
Dartboards are fun, but real darts don't exactly make for safe play for children. This magnetic dartboard is the perfect size for kids and you won't have to worry about safety (or damage to your walls). Dartboards can help to improve their hand-eye coordination, and they can easily play by themselves or with others.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 x 1.5 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 6-15 years
sumsync Solar System 9 in 1 Gemstone Dig Kit
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Amazon
9 planets included
STEM based
High quality
Can be messy
There are plenty of digging kits out there, but this one might take the cake: it comes with a whopping 9 planets to explore, and a total of 72 gemstones to find. Kids will enjoy unveiling each gem and using the accompanying sheet to identify them.
Price at time of publish: $39
Dimensions: 11 x 10.6 x 3.3 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Uncommon Goods Light Up Drawing Tees
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Uncommon Goods
Budget-friendly
Engaging
Creative
Graphics don't last very long
Kids will enjoy the endless creativity of these light up drawing tees. They become luminescent with the help of a concentrated light source like a flashlight or a blue laser pen. It's a budget-friendly toy that they'll be able to use again and again.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: Varies | Material: Cotton, light up pen, alkaline button cell battery | Recommended Age: 3-14 years
Hexbug Spider, Random Color
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Amazon
Fits in your hand
360 degree steering
Good battery life
Can't choose the color
Remote controlled toys don't have to be huge to be entertaining, as this little spider proves. The Hexbug spider offers a lot of room for creativity and it's even better when played with other kids with their own spiders.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 5.12 x 4.33 x 4.33 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5-15 years
What to Look for in Gifts For 10-Year-Old Boys
Recommended Age
While 10-year-old boys are likely ready for some increased independence and autonomy, these tweens may still need some guidance and supervision when it comes to more mature concepts and ideas. For this reason, it’s best to stick to a gift that is recommended for their age.
Safety
If you are looking for a gift for a thrill-seeking 10-year-old boy, make sure that you include the recommended safety gear. This can be a helmet, knee pads, or eye protection. This is also a great time to talk about online safety, as they may be getting into technology that connects to the internet.
Educational Value
Some of the best gifts for 10-year-old boys incorporate learning into play. Whether it is building on an interest or passion they already have or helping them develop a new skill, an education gift is sure to be a hit with both kids and parents. The best kind even includes group participation to get everyone in on the fun.
Creativity
Think about how your 10-year-old boy likes to engage with his interests. For an adventurous, outdoor kid, it may be in creating a new game or course to enjoy with his friends. Future engineers may enjoy building and constructing. Budding artists can spend hours creatively. No matter what his interests, a great gift allows him to express himself.
Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, recommends that parents get involved in play as well. “It’s a good opportunity for parents to play with their kids,” he says. “Kids teach them how to do an activity or use a toy.”
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017. She has extensive experience covering products for children, including toys and gifts. Kate McKenna is a senior editor at The Spruce with over 10 years of writing and editing experience.