Ten-year-olds are in between. They are too old for many toys and too young for most teen gear. They also know exactly what they like, and they will tell you. The best gifts for this age match a real interest and get used after the holidays, not just on Christmas morning.
Here are ideas sorted by the kind of kid you're shopping for.
For the active kid
- A door hoop. A mini basketball hoop that hangs over a bedroom door gives them somewhere to shoot every day. Some double as a laundry hamper, which parents tend to appreciate. See our basketball laundry hamper guide.
- A jump rope with a counter. Cheap, portable and good for short bursts of energy on cold days.
- A football, soccer ball or volleyball in the right youth size.
- A scooter or skateboard with a helmet. Check sizing and get the pads too.
- Tickets to a game or a winter-break sports clinic.
For more ideas in the sports lane, see our list of basketball gifts for kids.
For the builder and the maker
- A building set a step above what they had at 8, with more pieces and moving parts.
- A beginner electronics or circuit kit. Many are designed for this exact age.
- A craft kit they can finish in an afternoon, like jewelry, friendship bracelets or simple sewing.
- A sketchbook and a good set of pencils or markers. Simple, but kids who draw use them every day.
For the reader
- The next books in a series they love. Ask a librarian or teacher what's popular in their class.
- A reading light for under the covers.
- A subscription to a kids' magazine about science, nature or sports.
For the gamer and the puzzle lover
- A family board game with real strategy, so the adults enjoy it too.
- A 500-piece puzzle of something they're into.
- A Rubik's-style cube or a set of brain teasers.
Room upgrades they'll love
At ten, kids start caring about their room. Small upgrades feel grown-up:
- LED strip lights for a corner of the room.
- A bean bag or floor chair for reading and gaming.
- A wall organizer or over-the-door storage. Our small bedroom storage ideas has options.
- Themed decor, like a team pennant or a poster. Our basketball bedroom ideas might help.
Experiences instead of things
Experiences are often what kids remember most:
- A day at a trampoline park or climbing gym with a friend.
- A cooking class, or a "you choose dinner and we cook it together" coupon.
- A trip to a museum, an aquarium or a game.
Gifts that are fun and practical
Parents love gifts that help with something. A few that kids also enjoy:
- A hamper with a hoop for kids who leave clothes on the floor. Our tips on getting kids to use the hamper explain why it works.
- A kid-friendly alarm clock to build morning independence.
- A personalized water bottle for school and practice.
Our list of useful gifts for kids has more like these.
Tips for buying for a 10-year-old
- Ask what their friends have. Kids this age care about what's popular in their class.
- Check sizes for clothes and gear. Ten-year-olds grow fast. Buy a size up for clothes.
- Order early. Popular items sell out in December, and shipping slows down close to the holidays.
Where Sockshot fits
We make Sockshot, a laundry hamper with a mini basketball hoop that hangs over the door. It fits the "fun and practical" category: a game for the kid, fewer socks on the floor for you.
FAQ
How much should I spend on a 10-year-old's Christmas gift?
There's no right number. Many families set a range per child and mix one bigger gift with a few small ones.
What do 10-year-old boys and girls actually want?
Interests vary much more than gender at this age. Sports, building, art, books and room decor are all popular. Ask, or ask their parents.
Are experiences good gifts for kids?
Yes. Pair the experience with something small to unwrap, like a ticket in a card or a ball for the game, so there's still a moment on Christmas morning.
