Finding the perfect gift for tween boys can be challenging, but fear not! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of 32 cool gifts that are guaranteed to be a hit. This guide is packed with ideas that Thomas, a real tween boy, actually owns or has on his wish list, ensuring these gifts are tween-approved!
Cool Gift Ideas for Tween Boys in 2024
Top Gift Picks for Boys
1. Mini Basketball Hoop
This Mini Basketball Hoop is a slam dunk for fun! Tween boys are constantly active, and this over-the-door hoop provides hours of entertainment. Its shatterproof backboard is durable enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic players (and yes, that includes tween boys hanging off the rim!). Having two ensures even more friends can join the fun, and ours have truly stood the test of time.
Tween boy playing with a mini basketball hoop attached to a door
2. Flag Football Set
Get ready for some gridiron action with this Flag Football Set. This set comes complete with 8 adjustable belts (4 for the home team and 4 for away), perfect for neighborhood games or backyard fun. To amp up the gift, consider adding receiver gloves. Imagine the excitement of suiting up like their favorite NFL players!
Belts and gloves are available for all NFL teams.
3. Speed & Agility Ladder
For the sporty tween, the Speed & Agility Ladder is a fantastic gift for improving athletic skills. This 20-foot training ladder is fully adjustable and comes with 12 durable plastic rungs and a convenient carrying bag. It’s an excellent tool for drills, enhancing footwork, and boosting overall quickness – essential for any young athlete.
4. Glow In The Dark Basketball
Take the game to the night with this awesome Glow In The Dark Basketball. This LED basketball is regulation size and weight (official size no. 7), ensuring it handles just like a standard ball. The bright LED lights activate with a single bounce and automatically turn off after playtime. Batteries are included, so the fun starts right out of the box! Perfect for evening games in the driveway or park.
5. Boys Cross Necklace
A meaningful and stylish gift, this Boys Cross Necklace is a piece of jewelry tween boys will actually wear. This stainless steel football cross necklace is a favorite, being both waterproof and hypoallergenic. Personalize it by choosing from 10 text options, including a custom message up to 30 characters. Available in black, gold, and silver, there’s a style for every boy. Another great option is this 20″ silver cross necklace.
6. Gaming Stand
Help organize their gaming setup with this practical Gaming Stand. This adjustable, universal 3-tier stand keeps all their gaming accessories in one place. Controllers, headsets, and games – everything will be neatly organized and within reach. It’s a must-have for any serious gamer to keep their space tidy and game-ready.
Nintendo controller stand with controllers and accessories organized on shelves
7. Capture The Flag Set
Bring classic outdoor fun into the modern age with the Capture The Flag Set. This hi-tech version of the beloved game is perfect for evening play, neighborhood gatherings, or sleepovers. The set includes light-up flags, jail markers, territory barriers, and team bracelets, adding an exciting twist to the traditional game. It was a best-seller last year and remains a fantastic gift for active boys.
8. Hoverboard
The Hoverboard is always a thrilling gift. This model features multi-color LED wheels and offers a 6-mile range with a top speed of 7 mph. With rider modes from beginner to expert, it’s suitable for various skill levels. Hours of fun and outdoor adventure are guaranteed with this popular gadget.
Hoverboard with colorful LED wheels, product shot
9. Neon Gamer Sign
Level up their room decor with a Neon Gamer Sign. This fun neon sign is the perfect way to personalize a bedroom or playroom. Available in various styles, it adds a cool, vibrant touch to any gaming space or bedroom.
10. Nike Dri-Fit Sleeve
For basketball enthusiasts, the Nike Dri-Fit Sleeve is an essential accessory. If your tween boy plays basketball, this is a MUST-HAVE. It’s incredibly popular among young players for its style and functionality. You’ll see boys on every team sporting these sleeves.
Nike Dri-Fit sleeve in black, product shot
11. Gaming Headset
Enhance their gaming experience with a quality Gaming Headset. This noise-canceling headset is on many tween boys’ wish lists this year. It’s compatible with Nintendo, PC, PS5, and Switch, and is available in 7 colors. Immersive sound and clear communication are key for online gaming, making this a top gift choice.
12. Laser Tag Set
A perennial favorite, the Laser Tag Set continues to be one of the most-used toys. It’s a best-seller for years running for a reason! Perfect for weekend fun and sleepovers, this rechargeable set includes 4 guns and vest sensors with two weapon modes and a 150-foot range. While cheaper sets may break easily, this durable set is worth the investment for long-lasting entertainment.
Laser tag set with guns and vests, ready for a game
13. Messi Uniform
For soccer fans, especially those who admire Lionel Messi, the Messi Uniform is a winning gift. The set includes a jersey, shorts, socks, a pen box, and a wristband – everything a young Messi fan needs to show their support.
14. Neon Basketball Wall Decor
Another cool decor item for basketball lovers is the Neon Basketball Wall Decor. This neon light adds a vibrant basketball theme to their bedroom, creating a fun and sporty atmosphere.
Neon basketball sign glowing in blue and orange
15. Nautica Cologne
Introduce them to the world of fragrance with Nautica Cologne. This fresh, long-lasting, masculine scent features aquatic notes of apple, water lotus, cedar wood, amber, and musk. It’s a sophisticated yet age-appropriate scent that’s perfect for tween boys.
16. Inflatable Gaming Chair
Comfort meets convenience with the Inflatable Gaming Chair. Lightweight and portable, this comfortable gaming chair is easy to move around. It features a side pocket, cup holders, and is washable, holding up to 220 pounds. It’s been a hit since last Christmas and is surprisingly durable.
Inflatable gaming chair in blue with a tween boy sitting in it
17. Football Passer Machine
For the aspiring quarterback, the Football Passer Machine is an amazing gift. This robotic quarterback throws perfect spirals over 25 yards and allows for various play setups with 9 passing zones. It’s the ultimate training tool for football lovers, allowing them to practice anytime.
18. NCAA College Hat
Show team spirit with an NCAA College Hat. These adjustable youth hats are available in a HUGE selection of teams, making it easy to support their favorite college team.
Ohio State Buckeyes baseball cap, NCAA college hat
19. NCAA Youth Football
Complement the hat with an NCAA Youth Football. This high-quality junior football is also available in tons of college teams, completing the perfect gift for young sports fans.
20. I Survived Series Box Set
For bookworms, the I Survived Series Box Set is a captivating gift. This is a hugely popular book series that covers historical, terrifying events in an engaging way for young readers. It’s a hands-down favorite for many tween boys, including Thomas, who has read every book in the series.
I Survived book series box set featuring various book covers
Even More Cool Gift Ideas for Boys
Looking for more options? We’ve updated last year’s gift guide with even more cool items! Check out these additional ideas: More Gift Ideas for Tween Boys HERE!
1. Blaster Gun Target Game
The Blaster Gun Target Game is action-packed fun. Load, pump, and pop! This set includes 2 blaster guns and 18 foam balls for exciting target practice and friendly competitions.
2. Mini Drone
Mini Drone technology in a small package. This drone features a 1080 HD camera with real-time images available through an app. With 3-speed settings, it’s perfect for different flying skill levels, from beginner to more experienced pilots.
3. Night Light Bluetooth Speaker
The Night Light Bluetooth Speaker is a multi-functional bedside gadget. It’s a Bluetooth speaker, a touch sensor LED lamp with 3 brightness levels, an alarm clock, and an MP3 player all in one.
4. Magnetic Dart Board
Test their aim with the Magnetic Dart Board. Safe for indoor or outdoor use, this set comes with 12 magnetic tipped darts and a dual-sided board for varying skill levels.
5. Gizmo Smartwatch
For tech-savvy tweens and peace of mind for parents, the Gizmo Smartwatch is a great choice. This waterproof smartwatch includes features like a step tracker, GPS locator, to-do lists with rewards, and allows for communication with up to 10 trusted contacts via voice notes, calls, or texts.
6. Walkie Talkie Set
Stay connected on adventures with a Walkie Talkie Set. Featuring 22 channels, a 3-mile transmission distance, a flashlight, VOX hands-free function, and a lock screen, these walkie talkies are perfect for outdoor play and exploration.
7. LED Strip Lights
Transform their room with LED Strip Lights. This set includes two 30-foot rolls of color-changing LED lights and a remote controller with 16 multicolored options to create the perfect ambiance.
8. Ninja Obstacle Course
For active play and backyard fun, the Ninja Obstacle Course is a winner. It includes 10 accessories featuring popular obstacles like a climbing net, climbing ladder, 360 spinning wheel, and freestyle rings, turning any backyard into a training fortress.
9. Wall Climbing Remote Control Car
Experience gravity-defying fun with the Wall Climbing Remote Control Car. This unique RC car can climb on the ground, smooth walls, mirrors, windows, and even ceilings!
10. Table Tennis Set
Bring the game of ping pong anywhere with a Table Tennis Set. This portable all-in-one set includes paddles, 3 balls, a storage case, and a 72″ wide retractable net, making it easy to set up a game on any table.
11. Hover Soccer Ball
Indoor soccer fun is possible with the Hover Soccer Ball. This set includes two LED light soccer balls that hover on a cushion of air, gliding smoothly on hardwood, tile, asphalt, and short carpets, and feature foam bumpers to protect furniture and walls.
12. Laser Tag Set (Reiterated)
Yes, it’s so good it’s worth mentioning again! The Laser Tag Set remains a top choice for active play. This rechargeable set with 4 guns and vest sensors offers two weapon modes and a 150-foot range, providing hours of entertainment.
13. Electronic Bank ATM
Help them learn about saving with the Electronic Bank ATM. This electronic bank can store 600 coins or 100 paper bills and is protected by a 4-digit password. Available in 12 colors, it makes saving money fun and secure.
14. Double Shot Basketball Game
Bring arcade fun home with the Double Shot Basketball Game. This game includes 4 basketballs, two hoops, and an electronic scoreboard. It assembles in just 3 minutes, providing instant basketball action.
15. Fishing Rod
For the outdoorsy tween, a Fishing Rod is a classic and engaging gift. This slingshot spincast reel and fiberglass rod combo features a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics, making it great for both beginners and experienced anglers.
16. Sling Puck Table
The Sling Puck Table is a fast-paced dexterity game. This set includes a wooden board, 10 pucks, and 2 spring ropes for hours of competitive fun.
Experience Gift Ideas for Tween Boys
Looking beyond toys? Experience gifts are fantastic! Here are some non-toy and experience gift ideas that tween boys will love:
- A guinea pig! (But read this post first.)
- Trip to Great Wolf Lodge
- Trip to the Zoo (Check out Lazy 5 Ranch for local recommendations)
- Dance Classes
- Trip to the Aquarium
- Movie Tickets
- Science Center membership (Discovery Place membership for local options)
- Magazine subscriptions (National Geographic Kids / Sports Illustrated Kids / Highlights For Children)
- Cooking Classes (Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio or Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen for local classes)
- Carowinds season pass
- Music lessons (guitar, piano, etc.)
- Gift card or dinner at a Hibachi Steak House (like Nakato)
More Gift Guides You Might Like
Do you need gift ideas for younger boys? Check out my Gift Guide for Little Boys (Ages 5-7)
Little boys gift guide graphic
Looking for stocking stuffer ideas for tween boys? Stay tuned! Check out my Stocking Stuffers for Everyone post for inspiration in the meantime.
