Ultimate Gift Guide for Tween Boys (Ages 8-12)

Gift ideas for tween boys was one of the most popular requests when I polled y’all for which guides you needed this year. I did lots of research and digging and am feeling really good about this round-up.

In this guide, you’ll find 32 gift ideas and Thomas has or wants every single item on this list.

Gift Ideas for Tween Boys

1. Mini Basketball Hoop

Thomas and his friends are constantly playing with this mini hoop! It slides right over the door and has a shatterproof backboard. We have two of these and both have held up well, especially with tween boys hanging off them.

2. Flag Football Set

This set includes 8 adjustable length belts (4 home, and 4 away). A fun gift to combine with this set is receiver gloves.

*Belts and gloves available for all NFL teams.

3. Speed & Agility Ladder

This 20-foot training ladder comes with 12 durable plastic rungs, a carrying bag, and is fully adjustable.

Perfect for lots of drills and a great tool for improving quickness.

4. Glow In The Dark Basketball

This light-up LED basketball handles like a regulation ball (official size and weight of a no. 7 basketball) and is perfect for playing after dark. One bounce activates the two bright LED lights and it turns itself off after playing. Batteries included.

5. Boys Cross Necklace

This stainless steel football cross necklace is one of Thomas’s favorites (he has several cross necklaces)! It’s waterproof and hypoallergenic, and you can select from 10 text options, including a custom message with 30 characters. Also available in 3 colors — black, gold, and silver.

He also has and loves this 20″ silver cross necklace!

6. Gaming Stand

This 3-tier stand is adjustable, universal, and holds all the accessories (controllers, headset, etc.) for your gaming system.

7. Capture The Flag Set

A best-seller from last year that I wanted to include again! This is especially fun for all the neighborhood boys playing outside when it’s dark, or for sleepovers!

Light up the field with this hi-tech version of a classic game. Includes light-up flags, jail markers, territory barriers, and team bracelets.

8. Hoverboard

We have this hoverboard, and it gets so much use! This one has multi-color LED wheels, a 6 mile range and a 7 mph top speed. Rider modes from beginner to expert.

9. Neon Gamer Sign

A fun decoration for the bedroom or play room wall! Available in lots of styles too.

10. Nike Dri-Fit Sleeve

If you have a tween boy who plays basketball, this is a MUST HAVE. All the boys on every team Thomas plays on uses these.

11. Gaming Headset

The noise-canceling gaming headset on Thomas’s wish list this year. It’s compatible with Nintendo, PC, Ps5 and the Switch. Available in 7 colors.

12. Laser Tag Set

A best-seller the last few years so I had to include again as it is still one of the MOST USED toys for Thomas. He hosts friends for laser tag almost every weekend and always packs this set for sleepovers.

This rechargeable set includes 4 guns and vest sensors. Features two weapon modes and 150-reach. NOTE: We’ve purchased several cheaper sets and they have all broken quickly. This set is worth splurging on and has held up well.

13. Messi Uniform

For the Lionel Messi fans, set comes with a jersey, matching shorts, socks, a pen box, and a wristband.

14. Neon Basketball Wall Decor

A fun neon light basketball wall decor for your tween’s bedroom!

15. Nautica Cologne

Fresh, long-lasting, masculine scent with aquatic notes of apple, water lotus, cedar wood, amber, and musk.

16. Inflatable Gaming Chair

A comfortable and versatile inflatable gaming chair that is light enough to take everywhere. Features include a side pocket, cup holders, and is washable. Holds up to 220 pounds. Thomas received this last Christmas and it’s held up so well!

17. Football Passer Machine

For the football lover, this robotic quarterback throws over 25 yards, allows you to run any play you want, 9 passing zones, and throws a perfect spiral every time.

18. NCAA College Hat

Adjustable youth hats available in TONS of teams!

19. NCAA Youth Football

High-quality junior football available in tons of college teams!

20. I Survived Series Box Set

Hands down, Thomas’s favorite book series. He has read every single book in this series covering historical, terrifying events.

More Gift Ideas for Tween Boys HERE!

Need more ideas? I’ve updated last year’s gift guide with some new items!

Gift Ideas for Tween Boys

1. Blaster Gun Target Game

Load it, pump it, pop it! Comes with 2 blaster guns and 18 foam balls.

2. Mini Drone

Features a 1080 HD camera with real-time images available in the app, and 3 speed settings for different flying skill levels.

3. Night Light Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speaker with touch sensor LED lamp (3 levels for adjustable brightness), alarm clock, and MP3 player.

4. Magnetic Dart Board

Hang indoor or outdoor. Comes with 12 magnetic tipped darts and dual-sided board for different skill levels.

5. Gizmo Smartwatch

The waterproof smartwatch that fosters independence while helping to provide parents a little peace of mind. Includes interactive features like a step tracker to encourage healthy habits, GPS locator, to-do lists with rewards, and you can set up to 10 trusted contacts that kids can send voice notes to, call, or text.

6. Walkie Talkie Set

Features 22 channels, 3-mile transmission distance, flashlight, VOX hands-free and lock screen function.

7. LED Strip Lights

Color-changing strip lights for your tween’s bedroom. Set includes 2 rolls of 30 ft LED lights and a remote controller for choosing between 16 multicolored options.

8. Ninja Obstacle Course

Includes 10 accessories with the 4 most favorable obstacles for your training fortress: climbing net, climbing ladder, 360 spinning wheel, & freestyle rings.

9. Wall Climbing Remote Control Car

This novel remote control car with aerodynamic design has “Wall/Floor” Dual Modes, it can climb steadily on the ground, smooth walls, mirrors, windows, and even on the ceiling!

10. Table Tennis Set

All-in-one portable ping pong set. Includes paddles, 3 balls, storage case, and 72″ wide retractable net.

11. Hover Soccer Ball

Includes two LED light soccer balls with foam bumpers. Balls hover on a cushion of air for smooth gliding on hardwood, tile, asphalt, and short carpets.

12. Laser Tag Set

Rechargeable set includes 4 guns and vest sensors. Features two weapon modes and 150-reach.

13. Electronic Bank ATM

Electronic bank can store 600 coins or 100 paper bills — protected with a 4 digit password. Available in 12 colors.

14. Double Shot Basketball Game

Includes 4 basketballs, two hoops and an electronic scoreboard. Assemble in 3 minutes!

15. Fishing Rod

Slingshot spincast reel and fiberglass fishing rod two-piece combo. The reel features a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use making this reel great for both beginners and experienced anglers.

16. Sling Puck Table

A fast-track dexterity game. Includes wooden board, 10 pucks, and 2 spring ropes.

Need some additional gift ideas for slightly younger boys? You may like my Little Boys Gift Guide!

Gift Guides You May Like

What’s a good experience gift for a tween boy?

A few of my favorite non-toy & experience gift ideas:
A guinea pig! But read this post first.
Trip to Great Wolf Lodge
Trip to the Zoo (Check out Lazy 5 Ranch for the locals)
Dance Classes
Trip to the Aquarium
Movie Tickets
Science Center membership (Discovery Place membership for the locals)
Magazine subscriptions (National Geographic Kids / Sports Illustrated Kids / Highlights For Children)
Cooking Classes (Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio or Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen for the locals)
Carowinds season pass
Music lessons (guitar, piano, etc.)
Gift card or dinner at a Hibachi Steak House (we like Nakato)