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Ten. Whoa — your child is in fifth grade! They’re super busy with sports, activities and school. And you are their chauffeur. It’s exhausting! Especially since they know it all, for now. Until you know it all. You’ll have to wait for that moment for about 20 years, though.
25 Best Gifts For 10-Year-Olds
- Jumbo DIY Clear And Fluffy Slime Kit
- One Question A Day For Kids: A Three-Year Journal: Create Your Own Personal Time Capsule
- Raina Telgemeier Collection
- The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #1-4 Box Set: Full-Color Edition
- A Wrinkle In Time
- National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers To Everything
- XPRIT Hoverboard With Bluetooth Speaker
- ThinkFun Escape The Room Stargazer
- 5 Second Rule Board Game
- Slackers Sky Board With LED Lights
- SpyX Night Mission Goggles
- Play Yummy Lip Balm Science Experiments And Craft Kit
- Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
- Wireless Karaoke Microphone
- Lite-Brite
- Just My Style Scrapebook
- Nintendo Switch
- Sleepover Party- The Party You Play
- Kompanion Large Emoji Pillows
- CRAFTIVITY Dare To Dream Board Craft Kit
- Farting Poop Emoji Pen
- Soft'N Slo Squishies Peel 2 Reveal
- Monopoly Fortnite Board Game
- Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game
- Animal 3D Illusion Lamp
In addition to having more homework and a packed activity schedule, your 10-year-old is probably super social. There are sleepovers and more sleepovers. Beware of mean girls. And boys. Sigh. Peer pressure can be a major issue, as can bullying. Because at this age, kids care about what others think and say. So be sure you talk to your soon-to-be tween about real issues and not just what a big mess their room is.
In addition to the serious side of parenting a 10-year-old, there’s fun to be had. Your child has an opinions about pop culture, music and sports. Conversations can be lively and fun. Too bad their math homework is way over your head!
It’s important at this stage to help your kiddo foster healthy self-esteem. Be involved in their activities, like coming to sports games (just don’t be too embarrassing), and volunteering at school, if you can. Remember that although your 10-year-old is very independent, they still need help setting goals and boundaries. Make sure they’re getting enough sleep, and that you are limiting screen time and monitoring their online use.
Since you’re so busy being a parent to your big (and growing) kid, let us help you shop for the perfect gift to make them beam. Hint: Emojis, slime, squishies, Fortnite! Read on for more ideas of what to buy for the burgeoning tween in your life.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Jumbo DIY Clear and Fluffy Slime Kit
Slime. It’s a fact of life with a 10-year-old. This 60-piece set is all ready to be customized. Just combine the included non-toxic, colorful, stretchy slime with charms, glitter, fishbowl beads or confetti. Then package your creations in the storage containers. Simple sensory fun kids this age love.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The slimes are very good quality and the colors are just as bright as in the photos. The little slime accessories included in the pack are so cute and colorful. Kit comes with lots of super cute add-ins for slime.
2 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
One Question a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal: Create Your Own Personal Time Capsule
Writing prompts like, “If you could have a super power, what would it be?” and “What's the grossest thing you've ever seen?” guide kids to share their thoughts and dreams every day for three years. Then they can go back and see how much they have grown and changed. And so can you. Sniff.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Sweet idea. Great loving & forward thinking gift for kids. My son looks forward to doing this with me every night.
3 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Raina Telgemeier Collection
This collection of graphic novels fifth graders love by Raina Telgemeier includes 4 books by the New York Times bestselling author: Sisters, Smile, Ghosts and Drama. Your 10-year-old will surely relate, laugh and ask, “When is the next book coming out?” Hint: It’s Guts, due September 2019!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I have 3 daughters ages 9-13 and they all love these books! Great set for my 10 year old..
4 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #1-4 Box Set: Full-Color Edition
Who remembers reading Baby-Sitters Club books by Ann M. Martin? New York Times bestselling author Raina Telgemeier has adapted the beloved series into graphic novels today’s kids are going crazy for! This set includes 4 books your child will devour within days, and then probably reread again. Seriously, just wait and see!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's perfect and she's re-read these. My 10 year old and 12 year old love these books. My daughter was so happy to get these.
5 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
A Wrinkle in Time
The classic novel that won the hearts of countless kids, and the Newbery Medal in 1963, has been revived in popularity along with the recent release of the movie. Your 10-year-old will love Madeleine L'Engle’s fantastical sci-fi story they can see on screen after they finish reading.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I adore this book. I read it for the first time as a kid. Then, I bought it for my own children, and they loved it as much as I did. A great fantasy that should be on every child's bookshelf honestly!
6 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything
From animals to food to natural wonders to sports, this book has it all when it comes to answering kids’ favorite question: “Why?” Your 10-year-old will love that they get to become the authority on a whole host of topics both silly and serious. Great for sparking conversation with your resident junior know-it-all.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is such an interesting gift! The layout of every page is very visually pleasing. This is a stellar book for young readers.
7 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
XPRIT Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker
Holy Michael J. Fox, it’s the future! Introducing the hoverboard that kids will be balancing on faster than you can say, “1.21 gigawatts.” Available in multiple colors, the scooter comes Bluetooth-enabled. Features LED lighted wheels and anti-slip foot pads. Safety gear recommended.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Lights are great, tread is great! I love this product so much! The kids love it.
8 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
ThinkFun Escape the Room Stargazer
Perfect for a birthday party or family game night, this escape room game comes with scene cards, 5 sealed envelopes containing “secret” items, a solution wheel and, thankfully, instructions. The goal: to solve the mystery before it’s too late! Or it’s bedtime. Whichever comes first.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
We really enjoyed this game. This was SOOO much fun!! look no further for a good "rainy day" activity.
9 of 25 Image Credits: Target
5 Second Rule Board Game
The game for 3 or more players contains 300 cards with questions kids (and parents, if they’re allowed) have to answer in, you guessed it, 5 seconds or less. Try it for your next family game night or kids’ sleepover party.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Simple game that is fun and often funny. This game is great. Fun for the whole family.
10 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
slackers Sky Board with LED Lights
You’ll be amazed at what your 10-year-old can do with this board, which basically looks like a skateboard with a bouncy ball in the middle. There are also two stretchy cords on either side, so kids can hold onto the hand grips and start mastering tricks!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It is safe, you can jump very high, hours of exercise & healthy fun! Was a great product.
11 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
SpyX Night Mission Goggles
Aspiring spies can see up to 25 feet away with these hands-free night vision goggles that won a 2016 Tilywig Top Fun Award. Features LED lighting and a flip-scope. For use night or day. Parents, someone may be watching!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
HOURS of fun. Love these! I bought this for my 10 yr. old granddaughter who wants to be a spy. She loves it!
12 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Playz Yummy Lip Balm Science Experiments and Craft Kit
Girls can make their own makeup, and learn about science at the same time. Experiment with colors, SPF and iridescence, as well as glitter and flavor. How often do you find a toy that’s fun and educational? And pretty? Includes everything needed to create and store a variety of reusable lip balms.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My Granddaughter loved making different lip balms. My ten year old twins were super excited about getting right into these kits.
13 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
Available in a host of bright colors, these LED bike wheel lights are the hottest accessory for the tween set. They’re cool and safe, making riders more visible. Parents will also love that the lights can be installed tool-free. Heck, even your kid can install them, because there’s a how-to video. Each box lights one wheel.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Very bright, stand out lights. [My 10-year-old] enjoys all the comments he gets from people telling him how cool they are.
14 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Wireless Karaoke Microphone
This handheld, wireless mic comes in different colors from rose gold to blue and features speakers for an instant party. Bluetooth enabled, it can actually deactivate the original singer’s voice for a real karaoke experience right at home. Parents and kids alike are loving it, and raving about the durability, look and overall fun it provides.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
How do I describe what an awesome toy this is? It connects to your phone very easy and you can find any music. comes in a sturdy, well protected case. It connects easily.
15 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Lite-Brite
This is a classic toy you may remember from your childhood. And now you can gift it to your child. And, um, hopefully they’ll let you play, too. Using pegs, make a light-up picture on the new, bigger, brighter screen. Kids can change the light modes to put on cool light shows! And then let you have (another) turn.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My wife had always wanted one of these as a kid but never got one. She was so excited to see it and has done a lot of pictures with the kids. Very fun and nostalgic. My daughter loves creating pictures with the lights.
16 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Just My Style Scrapbook
Kids this age love to record what they do with their friends. Introduce them to the old-fashioned way of chronicling special events and everyday silliness: a scrapbook! This one is just for kids, and includes 20 pages, 500 stickers, 143 punch-out shapes, and 150 sparkling stones and sequin shapes. You’ll wonder why it got so quiet in their room. Phew! Just buried in the scrapbook!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It actually looks bigger and better in person. Lots to do inside my daughter was 100% pleased! Excellent purchase!
17 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch allows your 10-year-old to play their favorite video games at home on the TV or anywhere, since the dock easily converts to a handheld device to take on the go, to wait for an appointment or a meal. For one player or the whole family.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I absolutely love the Nintendo Switch. The ability to play my games on both the TV and on the go is something I didn't ever really think was possible. This console is so awesome! The switch has made my child’s heart sing!
18 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Sleepover Party - The Party You Play
It’s the board game every 10-year-old will be begging to play at the next sleepover. Features over 200 stunts, dares and silly activities to entertain a group all night long. Or until you tell them to go to bed. For the fiftieth time.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
awesome and traditional girly Sleepover Party Game. Bought this for a sleepover party and the girls were laughing all night.
19 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Kompanion Large Emoji Pillows
OK, this gift will be a hit with your kids. Because emojis are like slime. They’re just cool in all forms (when you’re 10). This set features 4 large emoji pillows for your kiddo’s bed or study space. They’ll be laughing/crying, they’re so thrilled!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My kids love these. Super cute. Well made.
20 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
CRAFTIVITY Dare to Dream Board Craft Kit
Encourage your child to dream big with this dream board craft kit. Includes clothespins, decoupage and art supplies such as paint and brushes, a hanging cord, wooden support and embellishments, glue and plastic flowers. No matter your child’s inspiration, they can put it out there for the world to see. Or just for them to see each day to keep on dreaming!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
If your kid likes arts and crafts this is a perfect purchase. Such a cute idea! Outstanding!
21 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Farting Poop Emoji Pen
OK, this is not a drill. Your 10-year-old will love this pen that makes, um, funny and all-too-realistic sounds. Farts to be exact. Seven different ones to be super exact. Because every fifth grader needs a farting pen. No, really, they do.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's great for a good laugh. All my kids love this pen. This is hilarious!
22 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Soft'n Slo Squishies Peel 2 Reveal
Squishies are all the rage among fifth-grade girls. They are rather pleasant to squish! This set comes with 3 squishies, including a secret one they can unwrap. Kids can collect them all; six sets in total.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My daughter loves this. It’s the cutest thing ever....my 10 year old loves this sooo much.
23 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Monopoly Fortnite Board Game
If you can tear your kiddo away from playing Fortnite, they’ll love this version of Monopoly inspired by the addictive online game. In this edition, it’s about how long you can survive on the board. Parents, the game is a great way to spend quality time together, screen-free, while still taking an interest in their world and doing an activity they love/are obsessed with.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is a lot of fun! Lot of Fortnite strategy included in the game. Very impressed.
24 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game
This toy is too cool! Kids can actually design their own video game, then play it using the Bloxels Builder app. A mix of physical and digital tools bring kids’ vision to life in this exciting game 10-year-olds are raving about. Includes 320 multicolor blocks and a building platform. Take a photo and send it to the app to explore the world you’ve created!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Now here is an epic idea. My 10 year old son absolutely loves Bloxels. He makes his very own video games to play and share.
25 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Animal 3D Illusion Lamp
Charge up the lamp, and your color-changing owl, dinosaur, panda or tiger comes to life. It’s almost like a hologram (it’s actually etched plexiglass, FYI). Perfect for your big kid’s study space or bedroom. USB cord only included.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My son loves his new night light! 10 y/o loves it! omg this is to cute.
