The preteen years can make gift giving a little more challenging. They are outgrowing all the little kid toys, and it can be hard to know what to buy them. Use this list as a guide to your gift giving needs, as it has been vetted by my own 10 and 11 ...
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5
Wants
Needs
Wear
Read
Do
Wants
These are the “cool” things that your preteen boy may be interested in.
My oldest son received an Ipad last year because he loves to draw. He also recieved an Apple Pencil and he has made leaps and bounds in his creativity and illustrative skills, it's been wonderful to watch! Make sure you purchase the compatible Pencil...
Apple iPad Air
The Pencil seems like a silly accesory, but if your son loves to draw, it is a must have!
Apple Pencil Pro
If you allow Nerf in your home, this dart containing target practice net is a must have! It gives them something to shoot at, other than his siblings.
Nerf Elite Portable Practice Target
I have a rule in my house that if I find Nerf darts on the floor after I've asked for them to be picked up, they get thrown away. These replacement sets make it guilt free!
Nerf Darts
Nerf guns are a crowd favorite among this age group. I know they can be controversial, but it can be a great teaching moment for safety practices for the real thing.
NERF Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6 Dart Blaster
My oldest LOVES his dragon books!! This sign is perfect for him.
Smilelife Vintage Dragon Tin Sign 8x12
My oldest LOVES the Wings of Fire series. He’s almost cool for plushies but I think he will really enjoy one of these!
EASELR Wings of Fire Nightwing Dragon Plush
Needs
Practical gifts are always a win!
Just buy him the all black socks, and thank me later!
adidas Men's Cushioned Crew Socks 6-pair
If your young man is stinky, but you don't want him to smell like cologne, this unscented version from Tom's is a great option!
Tom’s of Maine Unscented Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Wear
This is the age when they start to show preferences for their clothing as they figure out their personal style.
My boys love a good comfy set!
Champion Boys 3-Piece Hoodie Jogger Set
Pajamas are always a nice gift! I have found that as they get older, they get fewer pjs gifted to them, but don’t want to walk around the house in their underwear.
Beezizac Boys Pajamas Teal & Navy 2-Piece Set
Hear me out! These lined flannels are PERFECT for your anti-coat wearing young man! Size up to get a couple years out of it.
Men's Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt, Traditional Fit
Who doesn’t love comfy fleece pajama pants?
IHU 3 Pack Boys Micro Fleece Plaid Pajama Pants
Beanies are always a hit.
Amazon.com
We are a big ski family (and a snowboarder), this shirt will be for my oldest!
I'd Rather Be Snowboarding T-Shirt
Read
These books are all titles that my boys love or are on their “To Be Read” lists. If your guy is intimidated by chapter books, audiobooks are an amazing option to expose them to awesome stories without the challenge.
We love Audible in this house! If your son is not an avid reader, consider showing him the wonderful world of audiobooks!
Audible
My oldest son LOVED this book series!!
Wings of Fire Series Complete Set #1-18
Warriors is another favorite series of my boys. They are somewhere in the middle of the series and absolutely devour these books.
Warriors Box Set Vol 1-6: The Prophecies Begin
Harry Potter has been read through multiple times in our house via audiobook. The books are definetly better than the movies!
Harry Potter Box Set: The Complete Collection
Percy Jackson is another book series that my boys have listened to repeatedly!
Percy Jackson 5 Book Paperback Set w/Poster
This journal is a fun way to stay connected with your growing son!
Mother and Son Journal
My boys loved this set of books!
InvestiGators Boxed Set: 3 Books
Do
Boys are active humans, gift them something to keep them busy.
Gifting membership passes is the gift that keeps on giving. Depending on what you have in your area, the possibilities are endless. Memberships often pay for themselves in 1 to 2 visits for our large family, and the kids love a good field trip!
Membership Passes!
One of my sons LOVES to build Lego creations.
Klutz Lego Gear Bots STEM Kit for 8-12 yrs
Advent calendars are always fun!
LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025
This mini-magnifier is so neat! This would be an awesome gift for a homeschooler.
Ashfly Mini LED Pocket Magnifying Glass
I find that this is the age that they start to appreciate a good Lego set to display on a shelf in their room.
LEGO Jurassic World Baby Bumpy Ankylosaurus Toy 76962
My guys love traditional monopoly. This is a fun alternative to bringing the whole kit somewhere!
Monopoly Deal Card Game - Quick Play, 2-5 Players
These would be so fun to give out on Christmas Eve or a holiday party as an activity for the kids!
