Ten-year-olds are a fickle bunch. It seems they want everything, but nothing is good enough. Their pickiness can make shopping for the perfect toy difficult.
Don’t worry. After reading this list, you’ll be able to get started on the path to finding suitable toys for 10-year-olds.
The Best Gift Ideas for 10-Year Olds for 2023
1. Foldable Steam Scooter
The classic scooter is one of the most affordable gifts for ten-year-olds, but kids today want more than a simple scooter. This foldable LED scooter that shoots out steam is just the ticket.
With lights in the deck and wheels, your kid will feel cool wherever they ride this scooter. The deck is vast, and the handlebar height is adjustable, too, so this present will last through growth spurts. A rechargeable battery pack hidden under the scooter base ensures it’ll have power when you need it.
2. Grow With Me Root Viewer
Are you looking for a creative and original present for the little green thumbs in your life? Why not gift your kid this mini garden that will allow them to watch their veggies grow every step of the way.
The kit includes everything your ten-year-old needs to get started:
- Peat pellets
- Carrot, radish, and onion seeds
- Wooden frame
- See-through front to watch plants grow
This set is a great way to combine gardening and play in a way that your kid is sure to love, plus it’s educational.
3. Inflatable Punching Bag
Punching bags are an excellent way for kids to take out frustration, practice martial arts, or just have fun constructively and safely.
This sturdy punching bag has a double-walled inner air bladder and a filled 90lb base that helps prevent it from being knocked over like many other inflatable punching bags.
Thanks to the softer fabric and the use of air rather than sand to fill it, the punch bag is easier on joints, something that’s important if growing kids use it.
4. Waterproof All-Terrain Vehicle
This modern all-terrain rover is the perfect gift thanks to a completely waterproof design, making it fun on land and in water for kids who love cars and cool tech.
The car can be used outdoors, even in the pool, and can travel up to 80 feet away from the operator. It is super sturdy and made to take a tumble, so there’s no worry about it getting damaged.
5. Beginner Microscope Set
For your young scientist, why not try this beginner microscope set. Not only is this set surprisingly affordable, but it also comes with a high-quality microscope with up to a 400x zoom and 50 pieces of accessories.
The set includes prepared and blank slides, bottles of stain, vials, test tubes, a petri dish, an extra bulb, tons of unique tools, and more.
6. Karaoke Microphone
Kids love to sing, so why not facilitate that with this lustrous karaoke mic? This stylish microphone comes in black, gold, or rose gold and will let your child live out their pop star dreams anywhere.
The microphone doesn’t require a karaoke machine as it’s a 2-in-1 microphone and speaker. Just plug it into a tablet, laptop or smartphone and start singing; it works with both Apple and Android operating systems.
This microphone is highly adaptable and can work anywhere with any device.
7. Bluetooth Night Light Speaker
The Bluetooth Night Light Speaker is by far the best Bluetooth night light speaker on the market. Not only does it act as a nightlight with 48 colors and display patterns, but it also has a clock and alarm function.
Additionally, you can play music using Bluetooth, an Aux cord, a micro SD, a USB stick, or a micro USB cable.
This gift for 10-year-olds is perfect for any child that likes to fall asleep or wake up to music, needs white noise or a night light to sleep, or wants an all-in-one clock.
8. Light-Up Tracing Pad
For artsy kids, there is nothing better than a well-lit tracing table. This light-up tracing pad is the perfect gift for kids just getting into drawing and honing existing skills.
The set comes with:
- One pad
- One pencil
- 12 short colored pencils
- Ten tracing paper pages
- Four traceable background sheets
- Six sheets of traceable designs
One of the best things about this gift is that if your kid runs out of tracing paper, you can buy cheaper paper, use wax paper, or use regular paper if it is thin enough. There is no need for specialty replacements.
9. Backyard Obstacle Course
At ten years old, a simple swing set may not be enough anymore. Give your kid the gift of adventure with this backyard obstacle course.
The professionally designed set comes with nine unique obstacles, super sturdy hardware, safety pads, and a carrying bag. This deluxe edition also includes a Bachar ladder and a rickety bridge obstacle for an added challenge.
Considering this set is essentially a tiny gym’s worth of well-built equipment, it is a very reasonable option for a birthday present or gift any time of the year.
10. Roller Skates
You may remember roller skates from your childhood or may have even heard your parents talk about theirs. Roller skates are a trend that never dies, only ebbs.
The last couple of years have seen a significant resurgence in roller skating as more and more people try out their wheels. It is a fun and freeing way to get a little exercise and get from place to place.
At ten years old, kids are old enough to strike out on their own, even if it’s just to get to a friend’s house. Why not let them roll in style with sturdy and adjustable roller skates?
11. Air Hockey Tabletop and Carpet Game
When the weather isn’t cooperating, and your ten-year-old can’t go outside to play street hockey, this quick to set-up air hockey set can transform the kitchen table or living room floor into an air hockey table.
This toy for 10-year-olds requires no batteries and no electricity to play, so the game can go on even if the power goes out.
This affordable set comes with two carpet pucks, two surface protector pads, and two quick-flip goalie mallets alongside the game frame, which is adjustable for shorter arms.
12. 3D Carousel Puzzle
For more craft-oriented kids, try this 3D carousel puzzle. You can finish this puzzle by slotting flat wooden pieces together. No gluing is required. It can be left as natural wood or painted as bright and colorful as your kid wants. It’s guaranteed fun.
The design is complex, and the pieces are small, so this puzzle is not suitable for younger children but will provide just the right amount of brain-teasing for a ten-year-old.
While the recommended age on the box says 14+, we all know kids don’t develop at the same rate. If your ten-year-old loves puzzles and crafting, this will be the perfect gift even if they may need your help here and there.
13. The Game of Life Super Mario Edition
Board games are one of the best ways to engage the whole family in a night of chaotic fun. The Game of Life Super Mario edition is a fabulous way to bring the family together while giving your kid their favorite characters.
Play as the Super Mario characters as they live out their video game life. Superfans will enjoy recognizing themes from their favorite game while simultaneously getting to share them with others.
Themed around the Super Mario video games, this version of The Game of Life will be like nothing they have ever played.
14. Lego Star Wars Imperial Cruiser
Searching for the perfect Lego set for your ten-year-old? Well, look no further than the Lego Star Wars Imperial Cruiser.
This set is all about building a complex battleship from one of the most famous franchises ever. Coming in at 1336 pieces, this set provides hours of fun and replayability.
Based on the show The Mandalorian, fans will instantly recognize six of their favorite characters. Whether your ten-year-old is a build-it-alone or build-it-together kind of kid, they’re sure to enjoy this fabulous Lego set.
15. Rainbow Mini Notes
Do you have an artistic kid that’s tired of drawing on plain white paper? Is your child looking for ways to add color to everything they make? Solve all this and more with the rainbow scratch paper set.
This set comes with a whopping 125 sheets of mini scratch paper, a wooden stylus, and a desktop organizer. What is scratch paper? It’s the most incredible thing to a ten-year-old aspiring artist.
Each sheet looks black until you scratch off the coating to reveal the rainbow background. Scratch entire pictures to reveal pre-colored masterpieces.
16. Barbie Dreamhouse
What’s more classic than a Barbie Dreamhouse? Nothing. It is the quintessential toy for any doll lover. The modern Barbie Dreamhouse comes fully stocked with all the amenities.
Not only are there rooms full of hidden cubbies, but there is a waterslide, a wheelchair-accessible elevator, sounds, and lights.
Standing at 43 inches tall and 41 inches wide, this doll mansion can fit Barbie and all of her friends. The Dreamhouse is full of fun and fabulous furnishings such as a hanging chair, bunk beds, an outdoor pet play area, a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and plenty of closet space.
17. Beginner Piano Lessons
Give your ten-year-old the gift of knowledge with beginner piano lessons. Help them try their hand at music through this all-in-one print and online course. This all-inclusive book has everything a beginner needs to know about guitar, including online audio tutorials.
Whether your kid learns best through self-study, is too shy for in-person lessons, or you simply don’t have the time or money for them, this book is the best alternative and a great gift for 10-year-olds.
The lessons in this book are specially designed with kids in mind and should help your kid focus on growing their current strength rather than overwhelming them with unusable information.
18. The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Books are a perfect gift for any age, but with so many out there, it can be hard to find one for the right age demographic, let alone on a topic your kid will enjoy. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is an award-winning adventure about a girl accidentally granted magical powers when she is fed moonlight as a baby.
This ingenious romp has no end of ups and downs. It follows the girl’s story as she contends with a witch, warrior, swamp monster, dragon, volcano, and centuries-old traditions.
19. Polaroid Camera
While it may not be the hot new thing anymore, Polaroid cameras are still a wonderful gift for kids on the edge of puberty.
Perfect for family trips, hanging it with friends, or getting creative, Polaroid cameras provide a creative outlet for kids to record memories and moments.
This particular camera comes in white and is designed for perfect automatic performance, including a selfie mirror. You don’t need to adjust shutter speed, brightness or buy extra lenses.
Several options are available, depending on how many film sheets you want.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about buying toys for your ten-year-old.
Is buying a cheap toy okay?
Buying inexpensive toys is perfectly alright. Whether you are operating on a tight budget or you don’t want to waste money on a toy that your kid will forget in a few months, there are plenty of good options.
Should I avoid a toy because it’s trendy?
Absolutely not. The thing to remember about toy trends is that most of them are born from a resurgence in popularity rather than a unique, new idea. Just because a toy has become popular again does not mean it is simply a fad.
Should I look for toys based on my child’s gender?
Generally, the answer to this is no. Kids have varied interests, and most of them are not based on gender. It is a better choice to find age-appropriate toys than to focus on finding one that fits your child’s gender. Many, if not all, toys can be enjoyed by boys and girls alike. Ask your child what toys they want, and go with their advice.