Gift Ideas for a 10-Year-Old (That Aren’t Totally Boring)
Buying gifts for a 10-year-old is a very specific challenge.
They’re not little-little anymore… but they’re also not teens. One minute they’re obsessed with slime and stickers, the next they want “something cool” and look offended by anything that feels babyish. 😅
To make life easier, I’ve split this list into gift ideas for girls, gift ideas for boys, and general gifts that are brilliant no matter what they’re into.
(Quick note: every 10-year-old is different — so use these as “vibe categories” rather than strict rules.)
FREE PRINTABLE VOUCHERS
You’re find these at the bottom of the blog.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy something through these links, at no cost to you, I may recieve a small commision from the seller.
I’ve grouped ideas into “girl”, “boy” and “general” purely for convenience — but it’s very much a generalisation. Interests aren’t gendered, and plenty of kids will love gifts from any section. (I know I would have — at 10, I’d have chosen lots of the gifts in my “boy” list!) Use this as a starting point, then follow their favourite themes and hobbies.
Gift Ideas for a 10-Year-Old Girl
1) Craft kits that feel “grown up”
Look for kits with a finished result they can actually use — jewellery, plushies, candles, soap, crochet, friendship bracelets, or paint-by-number sets that aren’t toddler-style.
Why it works: they get a project and a proud end product.
If they are into cats this kitten sewing kit looks fun to make.
2) A “mini self-care” hamper (kid edition)
Think: cute hair accessories, lip balm, bath bombs, fluffy socks, a fun body mist, a novelty mirror, and a little pouch to keep it all in.
Make it extra: wrap it in a small storage basket they can reuse.
If they are into cats this kitten sewing kit looks fun to make.
3) Personalised name items
A personalised water bottle, pencil case, tote bag, or hoodie with their name (or nickname) is always a win.
Tip: For this age, bright fonts and fun icons (stars, cats, sports balls, gaming controllers) tend to land well.
If they are into cats this kitten sewing kit looks fun to make.
4) A book… but only if it matches their vibe
If they like reading, aim for something fun and bingeable: mysteries, magical adventures, funny diaries, or graphic novels.
If they don’t like reading: try joke books, “would you rather”, comic-style books, or highly illustrated fact books.
This one is a winner with readers.
5) Room décor that feels like a glow-up
Fairy lights, a neon-style LED sign, a mini photo printer, a cute wall collage kit, or a mood light.
This age loves: making their room feel like their space.
Personalised Neon Sign Light.
Gift Ideas for a 10-Year-Old Boy
1) LEGO and building sets (still elite at 10)
Whether it’s classic LEGO, Technic-style builds, robotics kits, or model sets, building gifts stay popular for a reason.
Why it works: it’s hands-on, focused, and satisfying.
I would love to have a go at making this one.
2) Sports gear upgrades
If they’re sporty, skip random toys and go for something that upgrades what they already do: a new football, basketball hoop, cricket set, tennis racket, or training cones.
Bonus points: personalise it with initials.
UEFA Champions League Football.
3) Science kits and “gross but educational” experiments
Crystal growing, volcano kits, slime labs, magnet kits, or beginner electronics kits.
Note: check age guidance (and your carpet situation).
Doctor Jupiter Science Experiments Kit for Kids.
4) Outdoor adventure bits
Walkie-talkies, a den-building kit, a head torch, a beginner metal detector, a simple binocular set, or a kids’ camera.
Great for: screen breaks without the lecture.
Imagine all the treasures that could be unearthed.
5) Gaming-friendly gifts (without buying a console)
Controller charging stands, a headset, LED desk lights, a gaming-themed mug, or a funny personalised gamer poster.
Controller Charging Station.
General Gifts for Any 10-Year-Old
1) Board games that don’t bore the adults
Look for games with quick rounds and lots of laughs: word games, silly challenges, strategy-lite games, or family party games.
Perfect for: birthdays, Christmas, and rainy Sundays.
This one is fun.
2) Experience gifts
A cinema trip, trampoline park voucher, climbing session, zoo/farm day, ice skating, bowling, or even a “yes day” voucher from you.
Top tip: wrap experiences in a card with a printed “ticket” so it still feels like a proper present.
Lots of choice here.
3) Personalised stationery + a fun notebook
A notebook with their name, a cute pen set, sticker sheets, gel pens, washi tape, or a mini journal.
This age loves: secret lists, doodles, and “top 10” rankings of everything.
Make it theirs.
4) Subscription gifts (the gift that keeps arriving)
Monthly craft boxes, science boxes, comic subscriptions, or even a magazine subscription.
Why it works: the excitement returns every month.
For future travellers.
5) A “choose your own” voucher bundle
Make a mini set of vouchers like:
Choose dinner tonight
Stay up 30 minutes later
Pick a weekend activity
One movie night (your pick)
One “no chores” pass
It’s simple, personal, and weirdly powerful at age 10.
FREE PRINTABLE VOUCHERS
Here’s some free printable vouchers I have made that you can use. There are 3 A4 sheets, you can print out the vouchers on card or paper and cut them out.
What’s the Best Gift for a 10-Year-Old?
If you’re stuck, here are three safe winners:
A creative kit (craft, build, make, design)
Something personalised (name, initial, custom theme)
An experience (memory-making beats clutter)
If you want to be extra accurate, ask their grown-up one sneaky question:
“What are they obsessed with right now?”
Then buy something that matches that obsession. Done.