Do you have a tween boy on your holiday gift list? Buying gifts for boys can be a challenge, especially when they’re in the tween category. They are between (hence the label “tween”) childhood and the teenage years, so they are too old for childish toys but too young for grown-up gifts. Also, at this stage in their lives, they have been collecting stuff over many holidays and birthdays, so their rooms may be getting cluttered. As the mom of an 11-year-old boy, I try to select practical gifts for him that will encourage meaningful activities, learning, and creativity. I’ve put together a list of ten gift ideas for tween boys (or girls!), being mindful of the desire to keep Christmas as clutter-free as possible.
(This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure statement here.)
For the Artist
Art Classes – Give your young artist an opportunity to use his talents by signing him up for an art class. Our local art center, Creative Arts of Mount Pleasant, offers one-time or weekly classes for children, teens, and adults. Your local schools or recreation centers may also offer classes.
Art Supplies – Replenish your tween’s supply of markers, paper, and paints. For an all-in-one art kit, try something like this:
For the Athlete
Tickets to a Game – Give tickets to a local sporting event like a college football game or minor league baseball game. If you’re able to join your tween for the event, this is also a great opportunity to spend time together and have some fun!
Sporting Goods Gift Card – Kids need new athletic equipment and clothing every year (or every season!). Even if last year’s gear is in good shape, it will likely be too small. A gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods will allow your athlete to replace the items he has outgrown.
For the Foodie
Restaurant Gift Card – Tween boys love to eat! Give a restaurant gift card for his favorite restaurant or ice cream shop.
Cookbook for Kids – The tween years are a great time to encourage a child to learn more culinary skills. A cookbook like this one will help them get started:
For the History Buff
Ten True Tales Book – I highly recommend the Ten True Tales series by Allan Zullo. With more than 20 titles to choose from, you’re sure to find more than one that will fascinate your young historian. Mom and Dad will enjoy reading these, too!
For the Animal Lover
Membership to an Aquarium/Zoo – Purchasing an annual membership to an aquarium, zoo, or museum means your gift will be enjoyed throughout the coming year. If you’re able to go along with your tween, this is also a great way to build that relationship and make lasting memories.
For the Introvert
Tabletopics – Sometimes getting tween boys to open up and talk is a challenge. That’s why I gifted these conversation starters to my son a while back, and we love using them at the dinner table to bring the whole family into the conversation. 
Q & A a Day for Kids – This journal asks a question every day to prompt kids to express themselves on a variety of topics. Each page has three spaces for answers, so kids can use the journal for three years (or more) and see how their answers change over time.
I hope one of these items will make the perfect gift for the tween boy in your life, whether it’s your son, grandson, nephew, or friend. I will most likely buy my tween son a new bicycle this Christmas…because he just won’t stop growing!
Happy holidays!