Gifts for tween boys (about 9 to 13)
Ideas that tend to land with boys aged about 9 to 13. The ideas that suit any tween are included too, so you won't miss the good ones.
31 gift ideas, including 24 that suit any tween.
These are ideas, not shop-checked picks. Where we have checked a product at a real shop we link to it; otherwise "Search for this" opens a plain Google search for your region.
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A big building set (Lego Technic or similar)
A weekend project with moving parts, and a model they can display afterwards.
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A beginner electronics or circuits kit
Snap-together parts let them build a working radio or alarm without soldering.
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A hands-on science experiment kit
Crystals, volcanoes or simple chemistry, with everything in the box.
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A quick strategy card game
Easy to learn, over in 20 minutes, and good enough that adults will join in.
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A cooperative board game
Everyone plays on the same side, so there is no sulking when someone loses.
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An escape-room-in-a-box game
Puzzles for two to four people, with no screen. Good for a rainy afternoon.
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Pokémon cards and a binder
Collecting, swapping and sorting in one gift. A binder protects the cards.
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A good sketchbook and drawing markers
Better paper and pens make drawing feel serious. Check the markers are non-toxic.
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A graphic novel series
A good way into reading for kids who say they don't like books.
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A bookshop gift card
Lets them choose their own next read, and fits any budget.
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Kids' headphones with a volume limit
Comfortable for long trips, and the limiter protects young ears.
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A scooter or skateboard (with a helmet)
Gets them outside and moving. Buy the helmet at the same time.
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A proper ball or racquet for their sport
A real size-and-weight ball, not a toy one, says you take their sport seriously.
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A backyard cricket or tennis set
Works with two people or ten, and it lives in the boot of the car all summer.
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Kids' binoculars or a pocket telescope
Birdwatching, stargazing or spying on the neighbours' cat from the verandah.
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A tough digital or instant camera
Their own camera, without the risk of dropping your phone.
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A self-watering jar grow kit
Herbs on the windowsill in a few weeks, and hard to kill.
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A seed-starting kit for beginners
Their own patch of sunflowers or salad greens to look after.
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A first proper baking set
A good whisk, tins and a simple cookbook, so they can make something for the family.
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A magic trick set
Practice, patience and a captive audience at Christmas lunch.
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A backyard hammock
A reading spot of their own. Choose cotton or polyester rope rather than rubber straps if latex is a worry.
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An indoor climbing or trampoline-park voucher
An experience instead of more stuff, and they can take a friend.
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A new game for the console they already own
Check the age rating and which console they have before you buy.
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An insulated drink bottle
Keeps water cold at school and sport. Stainless steel lasts; pick a plain finish if nickel is a worry.
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A Transformers figure that changes quickly
Simple robot-to-vehicle changes suit hands that are not into fiddly collector figures yet.
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A snap-together Transformers-style model kit
No glue and no paint, with enough pieces to feel like a proper build.
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A Transformers backpack
A school bag they will actually want to carry.
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A foam dart blaster set
Backyard battles with soft darts. Pick a set with a few targets and keep eye protection on.
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A toy car track and stunt set
Build the ramps, then crash the cars. Good for ages that are not quite too old for toys.
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A pair of football or footy boots
Measure their feet first, since they grow fast at this age.
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A rechargeable remote-control car
Outdoor fun for months, and the batteries are rechargeable.