If you’re struggling to find that perfect gift for your pre-teen boy, our list of the best gifts for tween boys will be your lifesaver!
These 8 to 12-year-old boys have interests that are expanding beyond toys, and this can make us pull our hair out as we ponder what to buy a tween boy for his birthday or Christmas.
Tween boys can be hard to buy gifts for because they are transitioning from toys into technology and possibly clothing.
If there is any indication that a gift guide for tween boys was in demand, the popularity of my What to Put in your Tween Boys Easter Basket post can prove it.
This post is always super popular because moms, aunts & grandmas need gift ideas for 9-year-old boys. Or they are questioning what is a good gift for a 12-year-old boy.
Because everybody wants their gift to be liked & enjoyed by the person receiving it.
That’s where our tween boy gift guide comes in to save the day!
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What are the Best Gifts for Tween Boys?
Even a simple span of 4 years can make a drastic difference in the preferences of tween boys.
Plus, not all boys will have the same interests.
So what should you buy a tween boy?
Something that aligns with their current obsession!
That’s why this list covers everything from sports gear to building sets to books.
Hopefully, you find something perfect for the tween boy on your list!
Top 5 Gifts for Tween Boys
First up is a simple card game!
This Not Parent Approved Card Game is officially my boys’ favorite game.
Yes, it has some bathroom humor that boys this age love, but it’s bearable.
This game will have your family laughing on game night.
NOT PARENT-APPROVED – a fun card game for tween boys!
Artistic or Creative Gift Ideas for the Tween Boy
My 12-year-old is one hundred percent a creative kid. He loves drawing & creating all kinds of work from just his imagination.
Now, my 9-year-old prefers creative outlets that are more structured – like the origami set below.
Here are a few creative gift ideas that will hopefully work for your pre-teen.
STAR WARS ORIGAMI
This Star Wars Origami Book has 30 paper-folding projects for kids. Perfect for a creative gift for kids who love some structure in their creation.
KLUTZ BOOK OF PAPER AIRPLANES CRAFT KIT
Another fun craft book perfect for tween boys. The Klutz Book of Paper Airplane Craft Kit shows kids how to make ten types of planes and includes 40 different designs.
ALL THE THINGS: HOW TO DRAW BOOK
This How to Draw All the Things for Kids book offers 5-minute drawing lessons on all the fun things kids will want to draw.
WATERCOLOR BRUSH PENS
My oldest received a set of these Watercolor Pens for Christmas, and they are so much fun. Yes, I’ve been using them too!
Watercolor pens work best (because they spread easily & have brighter colors) with watercolor paper, so make sure you add some of it to this gift.
Games that Tween Boys Will Love
In recent years, games for tween boys have drastically been improved beyond the classics like Sorry! & Twister.
There are now numerous fun games because they appeal to a tween boy’s sense of humor.
Here are a few of my tween boy’s favorite games.
WHAT DO YOU MEME FAMILY EDITION
This What Do You Meme Family Edition is based on the adult version of the game.
A meme photo is displayed and players put in their card with the saying they think is best; or will get the best laugh.
TENZI DICE GAME
Tenzi is a fast-paced dice game recommended for ages 7-97.
The add-on 77 Ways to Play Card Set takes the dice-rolling game to another level.
All the Tech Gifts for Boys
Too much technology can be a constant worry among parents. But tech is here to stay and kids love it, so of course it’s going to make the list.
Here are a few of the top technology gifts for tweens!
WIRELESS EARBUDS
If your tween is still apt to losing things, I would skip the pricier, name-brand wireless earbuds and start with a pair like these TOZO Wireless Earbuds.
They have tons of great features and a price point that won’t hurt as bad when they possibly get lost.
FITBIT
Another fun idea would be a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Versa Lite. My son and I have daily step challenges against each other and yes, he typically wins.
JBL PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Have a music lover in the house? Then consider gifting them a portable speaker.
This JBL Flip 5 Speaker is perfect for on-the-go music playing.
Outdoor & Adventure Gifts for Tween Boys
Do you have an outdoor-loving tween boy? Then check out these fun adventure gifts!
PORTABLE HAMMOCK
This Portable Hammock is lightweight and folds up to about the size of a grapefruit. This makes it perfect for backyard fun & camping trips!
OUTDOOR EXPLORER KITS
This Small Discoverer Outdoor Exploration Set has tons of items to use on a nature walk or simply exploring their backyard.
Clothes & Accessories for 8-12 Year Old Boys
These fun accessories & clothes are perfect for tween boys. The first one is the classic gaming socks.
DO NOT DISTURB SOCKS]
These gamer socks are perfect for your gamer. They fit easily into a Christmas stocking or Easter basket too!
DUDE SHOES
These classic slip-on Dude Shoes are popular right now among the pre-teen crowd. In our house, they work for school, church, and sometimes as post-basketball game shoes.
These come in youth and men’s sizes so make sure you are in the right group before picking out a pair.
HOODIES
What tween boy doesn’t like a comfy hoodie? These Champion Hoodies are super hot this Christmas!
Sports Gifts for Pre-Teen Boys
If you have an athlete or a sports fan on your list, check out some of these fun sports gifts for tweens.
There is a fun selection of NFL stocking cap or a new sling bag to carry all their gear?
Popular Gifts for Tweens
These gifts are the ones that are currently floating about on social media channels. Right now, my boys’ favorite is the Popdarts Game!
I’ll admit I like playing this one too!
Also, this Shape Shifting Box is high on the list this year as well.
Alright, guys, that is the list so far!
I’ll add to it as more Christmas gifts for tween boys pop into my head.
Or better yet, when my boys text me ideas.
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