Kris Scott is the executive editor at Cheapism and has previously covered food, design, and lifestyle. Her work has previously appeared in Food & Nutrition, Modern in Denver, and Dallas-based Advocate Magazines. She lives in Colorado with her family and two heelers.
It might be blowing your mind a little that the precocious and adorable 10-year-old in your life has finally reached the double digits, but that doesn't mean that buying a gift for him has got to tax your noggin any further. Whether he's into books or drones, puzzles or ping pong, there's a perfect gift out there for him. Keep clicking to find great gift ideas for just about any decade-old kiddo, no matter his interests.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$449 from Amazon
Sure, it's on the pricey side, but if you're skipping a huge birthday bash this year, this makes a great splurgy gift that might make up for that fact. This well-rated ultralight drone — it has an average 4.8 stars with over 3,500 reviews — can record 4K video, has a minimum flight time of more than 30 minutes, includes level-5 wind resistance, and comes packed with tons more features that make it a great gift.
$22 from Amazon
If you've got a Potterhead, he'll love showing off his wizardry wisdom with this Harry Potter-themed edition of the Trivial Pursuit game. Features 600 questions in six categories: The Dark Arts, Hogwarts, Magical Spells and Potions, Magical Objects, Magical People, and Animals and Magical Creatures.
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$200 from Amazon
This well-reviewed and innovative laser tag set includes four infrared guns and vests that'll let you play indoors or outdoors, in the dark or light. Additional features include synced scoring, adjustable lives, and four weapon modes.
$16 from Amazon
Rated for kiddos 8 years and older, this no-batteries-required Nerf blaster fires six darts in a row up to 90 feet. The dart barrel flips open for easy and quick reloads.
$549 from Amazon
Another gift that qualifies as a splurge, this Jeremy McGrath-inspired motocross bike will have your little thrill-seeker beaming from ear to ear. An electric charge provides 40 minutes of use at speeds up to 15 mph, and it can support up to 175 pounds.
$50 from Target
Another great gift for a brick fiend, this toy will also satisfy any boy who loves cars or is an off-roading enthusiast. When built, the 665 pieces form a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that can be proudly displayed on a shelf or dresser top.
$30 from Amazon
Boys of almost any age love treasure, and this fun gift gives them multiple opportunities to find it. The kit includes 10 geodes with crystals inside as well as a goggles and a display stand. For extra educational appeal, there's also a 16-page full-color learning guide included that will teach him all about his discoveries.
$83 from Amazon
If you're looking for a STEM-focused gift, this set contains over 55 parts that can build more than 175 projects while also teaching kids about circuits, fiber optics, and more. It includes a 100-plus-page full-color instruction manual. Nearly 7,500 reviewers have rated it 4.8 stars.
$489 from Amazon
Another gift for the boy who loves adventure and thrills, this red dune buggy has an electric motor and can have him zooming around at speeds of up to 9 mph. It has pneumatic tires, a hand throttle, and brake controls, and can support up to 120 pounds.
$24 from Walmart
These innovative fidget toys can let him shape-shift to his heart's content. Each cube transforms into more than 70 different shapes, and they come in themes of chaos, confetti, elements, and mystic ocean. A free downloadable app available for iPhone and Android phones includes a growing library of instructional videos to aid his creativity.
Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire
$20 from Amazon
If your kiddo has jumped on the Dungeons and Dragons bandwagon, he'll love a set of these metal polyhedral game dice, which come in an array of great color options. Each set comes in a decorated metal box for safekeeping.
$25 from Target
If you're looking for a gift that encourages family-togetherness time, this game features 160 challenges with a "minute-to-win-it" style gameplay. In other words, it’s fast-moving enough for any 9- or 10-year-old brain.
$139 from L.L.Bean
If your boy has even a passing interest in archery, he'll love this set, which includes a recurve bow (available in right-or left-hand versions), plus arrows, a quiver, paper target, and bow sleeve and armguard.
$120 from Cabela's
Do you have a budding ninja warrior on your hands? Help them toward those dreams of pushing the buzzer with this set, which includes a 36-foot ninja line with lots of accessories to help them build that growing athleticism and confidence. Everything comes packed in a convenient and portable carrying bag.
$27 from Amazon
Teach your 10-year-old the importance of budgeting and saving money with electronic piggy bank protected by a four-digit password. Coins and bills can both be stored, and your kid will learn how to put aside money for his next big purchase.
$135 from Amazon
These headphones are great for any kid getting developing his musical interests — while also wanting to look cool, naturally. Choose from red, black, or rose gold, all of which feature bluetooth connectivity.
$79 from Amazon
If skateboarding and snowboarding are off the table, let him have a go at the RipStik, which offers the same type of movement. He'll learn balance and control, all without getting on a mountain or diving into the ocean.
$68 from Amazon
Whether he's playing it at the beach, in the backyard, or in a park, this spikeball set is a great way to foster a little competition and a lot of fun. The set includes an adjustable net and three balls, and can be played with four people.
$42 from Walmart
At 52 pieces, this microscope kit appears to have everything a bourgeoning scientist needs, including a microscope, LED light, and both prepared and blank slides.
$25 from Amazon
He may already have a bike he loves, but give him these LED lights and it'll look like a completely new ride. The lights are easy to install, come in 13 different colors, and have more than 40 hours of battery life.
$90 from Nike
The kid's version of these popular kicks are just as popular as the adult's. Whether you purchase the black or white pair for your fashion-forward 10-year-old, he'll undoubtedly be on trend. Keeping them clean is another story...
$100 from Uncommon Goods
This comfy sleeping bag is a budding astronaut's dream. Made from 100% cotton, it's decorated with the sun and nine revolving planets, and makes for a cozy hideaway if he's taking a break from his bed. One thing to note: This sleeping bag isn't made for camping outside.
$27 from Fat Brain Toys
He'll spend hours whacking away at this game, which mimics ping pong but without the table. Attach the clamp to any door frame, adjust the length of string, then use a paddle to swing at a tethered ball. Can be played solo or with another player.
$77 from Amazon
Get him his first pair of nice sunglasses with these Ray-Ban Wayferers, which come in more than a dozen different colors. The plastic shades offer UV protection and are perfect for kids who've started developing their own sense of style.
$35 from Amazon
More discreet than the full-size drone on our list, this pocket drone is the ideal size for indoor flying and moving around small spaces. He'll learn maneuvering tricks and delight in 360-degree stunt flips, all with an easy-to-use remote controller.
