Kids, along with most humans, have had a tough year. Opportunities for socialization have been limited, and they’ve probably run out of activities to entertain themselves with in the house. Depending on the weather or family dynamic, there may be even fewer options to keep them stimulated, happy and having fun. Fortunately, games have seriously evolved since the days of Clue and The Sims. There are new things to download or have delivered every day, but the plethora of choices can also make it difficult to determine what’s best or worth investing in for your youngsters. Especially 10-year-olds. Turns out finding the best gifts for 10-year-olds is more art than science.
You may want to tailor their toys or gifts to their interests or make sure that they’re taking time away from screens. It could be more important to help them feel companionship, learn responsibility or develop new skills. Every parent in the world can probably relate if you just want to keep them busy for a couple of hours at a time while doing the least possible damage. That’s not too much to ask, right?
Whether you want to help the 10-year-old in your life learn and grow or just offer them a fun new outlet for entertainment and escape, we’ve got a gift suggestion that’s sure to meet your needs. They may not have a ton to get excited about right now, so no judgment if you don’t wait for the next gifting occasion.
Ready to dive in? Take a look at our list of the best gifts for 10-year-olds below!
1. MindWare Science Academy Slime Lab
BEST EDUCATIONAL
Slime is one science experiment that has never gone out of style. Every generation of kids seems to love creating the gooey mess that is slime. It’s a consistency unlike anything they’ve ever encountered, and it can now take the shape of new and exciting creatures. They have to follow the instructions carefully to make sure it turns out exactly as they wish, learning about scientific chemical interactions as they go, and get something cool to play with as a result. This compact kit has everything they need to make their slimiest dreams come true, including proper equipment to make them look and feel like real scientists. Even if your kid isn’t obsessed with science, we promise, this is one of the best gifts for 10-year-olds.
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2. Merge AR/VR Headset
BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
This VR headset is an Academic’s Choice Award winner, making it a great gift for the 10-year-old in your life. It’s durable, compatible with iOS or Android smartphones, fits any face and offers hundreds of virtual experiences. You can download any of the Merge apps to explore the solar system, walk with dinosaurs or take a chemistry lesson where you can actually hold virtual objects. It’s a great learning tool, especially when kids may not be in an actual classroom or going on real-life field trips. It’s also one of those toys you get for the kids that parents will want to steal and play with themselves.
3. Ninjaline Intro Kit with Obstacles
BEST TO GET THEM OUTSIDE
This Ninjaline is a great, unique way to get kids active and outside. It can be adjusted for a variety of skill levels with options to increase or decrease the distance between obstacles, so they’ll still enjoy it even as they improve. You don’t need any additional participants, which makes it ideal for safe and socially distanced Ninja fun. If your backyard allows, you can play with it right home, but it’s also portable and easy to set up or take down so it won’t be an issue to transport to the local park.
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera with Film
BEST FOR THE CREATIVE KID
Kids these days are so accustomed to taking and archiving photos digitally that any sort of tangible photograph is considered retro, but in a good way. Since they likely can’t deal with any delay between taking and viewing, this Fujifilm instant camera is the perfect solution. It comes in 14 colors, allows them to snap a pic and almost instantly see the result and have hard copies to surround themselves with loved ones even when they’re at home alone. It’s a great gift if they have any interest in photography or just like to creatively document beautiful scenes and happy memories. Added bonus — it may actually tear them away from their phones, at least temporarily.
5. Throw Throw Burrito
BEST GROUP GAME
Yes, the premise of this game is exactly what the name implies. It’s actually advertised as “the world’s first dodgeball card game,” where two to six players go head to head in collecting cards, earning points, and yes, throwing squishy toy burritos. You can trust all of the five-star reviews because we know actual 10-year-olds who are absolutely obsessed. It may sound quirky or bizarre, but it’s guaranteed to give you some laughs and wholesome family fun.
6. Squishmallows
BEST FOR CUDDLING
You may think these plush little toys are just like any other stuffed animal, but you would be wrong. The colorful Squishmallow collectibles are actually in such high demand that they’ve spurred a social media revolt. When TikToker Charli D’Amelio posted a photo with her crew of squishy friends, she was met with backlash from fans who were enraged that the toys would now be even harder to find and more expensive to buy. That’s how obsessed people are with expanding their Squishmallow family, hoping to get their hands on as many of the over 500 characters as possible. If you can manage to secure one of these trendy toys for your 10-year-old, we can almost guarantee that they’ll be over the moon. It doesn’t hurt that they also serve as soft and comforting bedtime companions.
7. Puro Volume Limited Bluetooth Headphones
BEST FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
If you can’t bear to hear that song your kid has been playing on repeat for the last week and also don’t want them to blow out their eardrums blasting music with headphones on, these make a great gift for 10-year-olds. These Puro Sound Lab headphones limit the maximum listening volume while blocking out 82 percent of background noise, so young listeners can still hear clearly and with limited disruption. Featuring four color options, a built-in mic, one-touch Bluetooth pairing with a 30-foot range and 20 hours of battery life, these headphones are truly great. They’re perfect for music, books on tape, podcasts, remote learning or whatever else kids want to listen to that the rest of the family may not need to overhear.
8. Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder
BEST FOR THE VIDEO OBSESSED
It’s hard to imagine fifth-graders making TikToks and navigating all sorts of technology because most current adults didn’t even have cell phones when they were 10, but alas, this is the reality we’re living in. Even if they’re not on TikTok, kids will definitely get excited about a ring light for recording videos, taking selfies or even creating the perfect lighting for Zoom school presentations. This one has adjustable colors, a Bluetooth remote control, a phone holder and a stand to accommodate a variety of uses.
9. Potensic D58 FPV Drone
BEST FOR THE BUDDING TECHY
When we first started hearing about drones, they seemed to be very expensive and only suitable for the most tech-savvy individuals. Now we know that you can get one for under $200 and that kids can probably figure out how to use them faster than the average adult. This particular model is great for beginners thanks to the one-key takeoff and landing, but the three speed modes make it fun and challenging even as their drone skills evolve. It’s something parents can regulate, gets kids outside and helps them learn and develop new skills. If the 10-year-old in your life is interested in tech, they’ll definitely appreciate this gift.
10. LEGO Ideas Grand Piano Creative Building Set
BEST SPLURGE
LEGOs are a classic gift, but kids definitely outgrow the basic sets at a certain age. Luckily, LEGO has some pretty cool advanced options to challenge them as they get older. This Grand Piano Building Set lets you build a functional mini piano, as in, it can actually be played once completed. It includes a removable 25-key keyboard, authentic hammer action, moving dampers and pedal and a motor. They just download the LEGO Powered Up app and get to reap the rewards of their efforts with some lovely little tunes. It’s a great, stimulating gift for 10-year-olds who enjoy a creative DIY project and/or love music and pianos.