Buying gifts for tween boys can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be.
By this age, most kids are into some type of activity or have a strong interest in something.
So you would think this makes it easier to find your tween a present.
Just get them something they need or want that has to do with their hobby.
Well, there's one problem with that....everyone else is doing the same thing.
Bombarding kids and parents with tons of Legos or all things baseball can get old.
Grandparents seem to take this to a whole new level.
When our oldest was about 4, we had everything Scooby-Doo you could imagine. It's fun for a while, but most kids have outgrown or given up most interests.
In the long run, it gets to feel wasteful, and as the interests change, how many Wiggles, Scooby, Cat in the Hat, Lego, Ninja Turtle, Beyblade, Minion, Superman, and The Walking Dead blankets do they need anyway?
But if you do get one, seriously, get a full-size one. The tiny toddler-size ones seem fun, but it doesn't cover anyone for long.
I like finding a balance between useful, fun, needed, and long-lived... if I can.
A few of these hit them all.
1. Gift Cards to Do "Stuff"
While this may seem like a cop-out on the shopping side and not a need, I disagree.
For one, as a parent of three kids, it can get expensive to take them to fun places.
Because of these cards, we have been able to do fun things with the kids even when we couldn't afford it.
Museums, movies out, Redbox movies in or go out to lunch. Mini-golf. Roller skating. Ice Skating.
When in doubt, what tween doesn't like one of these...
What's in your local area that tween boys like to do?
Family fun time is a necessity, and yes, I know there are so many things you can do for free.
Memories of these trips and the bonds they help create are important.
Even if there's yelling and crying involved.
Or is that just us?
And by us, I mean me. LOL
But be honest, we all love to go bowling, or to Chuck E. Cheese, okay, well maybe not actually Chuck E. Cheese.
But everyone looks like the fun parent or the awesome gift-giver when we get to go places we might not normally be able to dish out for.
If you buy gifts for families with more than one kid, get either one big card for everyone or individual cards for each member.
Similarly, if you do store gift cards, the same store can turn into a family gift.
We have pooled together gift cards to get one big family gift. That's fun too.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
This water bottle is not inexpensive, but having safe water is priceless.
If your tween likes to hike, camp, or play sports, this is great because you can refill on the go without worrying about the quality of the water at its source.
3. Sleeping Bag
Look for sales, look for coupons, or go in with someone else.
But get a good one. You can see all the best ones available from Amazon here.
Done right, this gift can last a lifetime.
Whether your family camps or your kids get involved in scouts or go on sleepovers or tents in the backyard. Or heads off on a road trip with his girlfriend at 21.
A good sleeping bag is an awesome thing to have. And The Wiggles one won't last, and neither will Toy Story. Cheap bags are too small and not at all warm.
We also have another one by The North Face, bought back around 1995. It's still perfect.
Grab one of these ideas below to go with the sleeping bag for a great theme gift.
4. Kindle Fire
We got these tablets last year. Two of the kids and I have them.
It has saved fights over the TV. Over Netflix. Over the computer.
It has kept them busy at doctors' offices. On long car rides.
And have been used for learning apps. For multiple years, the kids had homework using one of these apps.
While I'm not promoting excessive screen use, these tablets are excellent. I have one myself.
They perform like expensive tablets, with a nice price tag.
Always a great price, though we snagged them during Black Friday for $35.
They offer a kids' edition; however, we have the regular one. Ours came out before the version with Alexa, so I don't have any opinion on that.
Regular websites are a bit slow, but we don't use them for that.
Games, apps, and even Netflix work great. The camera isn't great, but for just beginning with photos and video, the kids enjoy it.
Amazon has its own app store, which contains MOST apps you find on Google Play.
I use mine exclusively for reading.
46 Outstanding 5th Grade Reading Books That Are Lit
You don't have to pay for books; e-books can be "borrowed" from the library. That includes audiobooks, too.
Don't forget the volume-limited headphones or earbuds to go with it.
5. Solar Lights
We have two of each of these at our house.
While we bought them for emergency use, the kids love them.
We have used them as night lights, bedside lights for camping, taken on vacation, or used them for fun. These are a must-have for reading under the covers.
We bought them in 2014, and they're still just like new after tons of use! They now have a slightly different version. They sit on the kitchen windowsill for continuous charging and are used multiple times a week.
6. National Geographic Kids Almanac
I bought this book on a whim for my son years ago.
While he does really like it, my daughter loves it so much that the newest has been on her wishlist for Christmas nearly every year since.
Right now we have two, but you better believe it will be under the tree again this year.
With a format of little tidbits, my tweens like to read it at bedtime and frequently spout off little facts..."Hey, did you know..."
46 Outstanding Books for 5th Graders That Are Lit
7. Ukulele
My tweens love watching YouTube tutorials and fooling around, learning how to play.
Music is an interest that can be a lifelong hobby. The ukulele has become quite popular with many age groups, but I think the size makes it much easier for kids than a guitar.
Our friend's daughter has one and taught herself to play. Within just a few months, she can play quite a few adult popular songs, and we have seen her live and via the internet.
She does have a musical background and just turned 14 (so a bit older than the tween set). But she's already amazing.
8. Trampoline
Whether your tween is into gymnastics, cheer, or just loves bouncing around, a backyard trampoline can bring hours of active fun. It’s one of those gifts that quickly becomes the neighborhood hangout spot.
⚠️GIFTING TIP: Trampolines are a big gift, so it’s always smart to check with parents first (and yep, even their homeowners’ insurance). And when you do go for it, make sure it has safety nets or sides so everyone can jump with peace of mind.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Trampoline
9. Subscription Box
Does your tween boy eat, sleep, and breathe sports? A Sports Box subscription delivers new gear, training tips, and fun each month right to their door.
With options for baseball, softball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer, each box is customized for kids of all ages. They even offer girl-friendly boxes and one-time gift options if you’re not ready for a subscription.
📦For more subscription box gifts for boys, check out this post.
10. Glow Ball
These balls are so cool and available for several sports, like basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer. You can even get a basketball hoop kit, too. For late-night practice in the yard or for parties, this is a gift any tween boy would love.
11. Touch Lamp Magic
A bedside lamp that also plays music? Yes, please! This little wonder doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and mood lighting all in one—perfect for teens who love customizing their chill zone or drifting off to their favorite tunes.
12. The “Manual to Manhood” Handbook
Think of this as a grown-up cheat sheet—everything from cooking the perfect steak to doing basic car fixes, wrapped in humor and just the right amount of charm. A practical, tongue-in-cheek guide that feels like an inside joke between parent and teen.
13. Dart Board Fun
Friendly competition? Check. Hand-eye boost? Check. This kid-safe magnetic dart board is a low-pressure, high-fun addition to any rec space—great for rainy day hangouts or just some good old-fashioned “dad vs. teen” action.
14. Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag
Turn game night into an epic mission. This glow-in-the-dark version of capture-the-flag adds an extra layer of excitement—and maybe a bit of chaos—to backyard or basement game time.
15. Wireless Bluetooth Beanie
This knit beanie does more than keep ears warm—it doubles as a speaker, too. Whether they’re walking to school or cruising around, teens can jam to their playlist without extra earbuds to lose.
Unisex Outdoor Sport Knit Hat with Stereo Speakers & Microphone
16. Camping Hammock Relaxation Station
Lightweight, portable, and oh so chill. A great camping companion or backyard hideaway, this hammock is perfect for daily downtime—reading, napping, or just staring at the clouds.
17. Light-Up Bike Wheel Bling
If your tween is starting to ride more independently—or just wants to stand out on evening rides—LED bike wheel lights are a total techy win. They make the ride safe and the bike look super cool.
18. Gaming Headset (Immersive Style!)
For the tween who's into gaming or chatting with friends online, a solid headset goes a long way. Noise-canceling mic? Check. Crisp sound? Check. Bonus points if it lights up—because teens love when gear looks as cool as it sounds.
Check out these posts for more ideas for gifts for tween boys:
- Buying Guide: How to Choose a Trampoline
- 18 Fun Ideas for a DIY Advent Calendar For Teens
- Awesome Gifts for Teen Boys (some overlap)
- 6 Best Subscription Boxes for Tween Boys
- 25 Best Gift Ideas for Teens
More Gift Ideas:
- 46 Perfectly Awesome Gifts for Cheerleaders They’ll Be Sure to Flippin’ Love
- 10 Awesome Gifts for Tween Girls She’ll Love
- 50+ Great Gift Ideas for Mom She’ll Love
- 125+ Amazing Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls
- 55 Best Gifts for Pickleball Players That Are Aces
- 39 Best Gifts for Volleyball Players That Spike Excitement
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Ukelover
Monday 18th of March 2019
It is a good idea for tween's gift to give a ukulele .They can play new songs in ukulele and publish it in their you tube channel .
Laurie O'Rourke
Tuesday 19th of March 2019
Hi Ukelover, Yes, it is a great gift idea for tweens. My kids love watching other uke players on Youtube. Thanks for commenting:)