Showing posts with label Best Toys for Preteens. Show all posts
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Favorite Toys 2016
Oh how I love sharing our favorites around here. Each year in October, I share some of our favorites from the past year. This post contains affiliate links.
Brinley--Four Year Old Girl
Any three or four year old would love the Saxoflute. Brinley got this last Christmas and it continues to bring her much joy. This is one of those things you may or may not want in your home, and if you have younger siblings who nap, it might not be your favorite. It is fun and educational on many levels, however! Other fun ideas for the three or four year old include books, dress up, stuffed animals, Do-A-Dots (on a related note, be sure to search Pinterest for Do-A-Dot marker activities. So fun!), books, and toys from their favorite shows (Paw Patrol, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood...). And don't forget about our sparkly shoes. Love.
McKenna--Seven Year Old Girl
I have already shared about the gymnastics mat and beam McKenna got last Christmas. Other favorites of hers this year included a skipper, a hula hoop, fancy dress up gloves, and a fun game called Math Dice. Hands down, McKenna's favorite subject in school is math, so this fun math game has been fun for her. A little tip on getting things like gloves, don't just look at toy dress up options. Look at women's options, also. They often have inexpensive versions that are still nicer than a toy dress up version. Don't forget books! The Whatever After Series is fun for this age.Kaitlyn--Nine Year Old Girl
Kaitlyn is very into art, so she always enjoys something artistic. Beyer has a variety of fun sets of animal painting. Kaitlyn loves horses, so we got her a horse one. She also loves stuffed animals (especially Beanie Boos), Lego Friends sets, plain paper, and her nail art set. Books are always a go-to, also.Brayden--Eleven Year Old Boy
For Brayden, it is all about the LEGOs. That is all he wanted for Christmas last year and all he got. For his birthday, we went another direction and got him a kayak. That was a huge hit this summer! Don't forget the book!
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Preteen Boy Gifts
I still remember being around 11 years old one Christmas and having everyone tell me how hard it was to shop for me now that I was older. Preteen boys start to leave the world of toys and get a little more mature tastes. That can leave gift-givers feeling baffled and not sure what to get the child who isn't quite a child anymore. I have you covered! Brayden is in his last year as a preteen. This post contains affiliate links. This does not increase your cost at all.
LEGOs
Brayden has yet to outgrow a fascination for LEGOs. LEGOs has sets that are harder, so the same toy that thrilled your 2 year old boy can and will thrill your 12 year old boy. Through the preteen years, which are 8-12, a boy will grow through various sets. A classic set works for all ages. Once your child needs more of a challenge, LEGO Technic, LEGO Architecture, and LEGO Creator Expert are great steps up.
Nerf Guns
Among Brayden and his friends, probably the favorite game currently is Nerf Gun wars. They love to get together and shoot each other as much as possible.
Electronics
An iPod. A nice speaker like SONOS. Even something as simple as a watch can satisfy the tech-inclined boy.
Puzzle Toys
The Perplexus or Rubix Cube are two toys that can capture a boys attention. They are complex and take some thought. When Brayden got a Perplexus from my sister for Christmas last year, not only did it capture his attention, but my husband, my dad, and my grandpa were all hanging around for a chance to try it out. The Rubix Cube is an old favorite toy that fits in a jacket pocket. It is a great thing for a child to bring along and do when having to sit around.
Building Toys
Engino Mechanical Science, Zoob, Snap Circuits...these are all toys the boy who loves to build will still like as a preteen. These are, of course, in addition to the LEGOs. These are a nice variety to LEGOs and are very educational toys.
Brayden has yet to outgrow a fascination for LEGOs. LEGOs has sets that are harder, so the same toy that thrilled your 2 year old boy can and will thrill your 12 year old boy. Through the preteen years, which are 8-12, a boy will grow through various sets. A classic set works for all ages. Once your child needs more of a challenge, LEGO Technic, LEGO Architecture, and LEGO Creator Expert are great steps up.Nerf Guns
Among Brayden and his friends, probably the favorite game currently is Nerf Gun wars. They love to get together and shoot each other as much as possible.Electronics
An iPod. A nice speaker like SONOS. Even something as simple as a watch can satisfy the tech-inclined boy.Puzzle Toys
The Perplexus or Rubix Cube are two toys that can capture a boys attention. They are complex and take some thought. When Brayden got a Perplexus from my sister for Christmas last year, not only did it capture his attention, but my husband, my dad, and my grandpa were all hanging around for a chance to try it out. The Rubix Cube is an old favorite toy that fits in a jacket pocket. It is a great thing for a child to bring along and do when having to sit around.Building Toys
Engino Mechanical Science, Zoob, Snap Circuits...these are all toys the boy who loves to build will still like as a preteen. These are, of course, in addition to the LEGOs. These are a nice variety to LEGOs and are very educational toys.
Binoculars
My kids all like binoculars. A preteen is able to have such a thing and not destroy them. Brayden has loved having binoculars for all sorts of occasions. Brayden likes them so much he convinced the other children they all love binoculars, too, without even saying anything. Just by liking his a lot.
Books
Book are a consistent gift at our house. Most preteens are into chapter books, so a great chapter book or even a series makes for a great gift. Brayden has had many series he has enjoyed over the years. I couldn't even list just a few key great books, but one series he has read many times is Eragon. This is a great one for the child who likes fantasy books. I have a lot in my Chapter Books for Boys Pinterest board.
Mad Libs
When I was a preteen, Mad Libs was a favorite of mine. The resulting stories are hilarious. As an adult, I love that it teaches parts of speech. For the boy who loves a joke, this is a fantastic gift. Mad Libs has a lot of books with different focuses of interest. Science, sports, animals...so peruse to see what your boy might like. Sports Equipment
If the preteen boy in your life is into sports, consider getting him something for his sport of choice. Get a bag, practice equipment, nicer ankle guards (these really are really good ones!), swim fins...whatever your child's sport of choice, something to enhance that sport is a fantastic gift.Kendama
A kendama is a unique but fun toy for a boy who likes a physical challenge. It is very portable for the boy being able to entertain himself in various places. My older three kids each have one of these and they all enjoy playing with them. Klutz Books
Klutz books have things that appeal to all types. Paper airplanes, chain reactions, Star Wars, contraptions...you can easily find something your child would be interested in.Specifics for the Boy
Even though preteen boys are outgrowing toys, they are very much growing into themselves. What does the preteen in your life love? Building things? Sports? Animals? Reading? Writing? Skateboards? What is it he loves? Chances are high he loves a variety of things. Get something for him to help him out with his passion. If you know the passion but not what he needs from it, get creative. For the boy who loves sports, you can get him a variety of things for his favorite sports teams.
Experience Gifts
I love the idea of giving experience gifts. This can be a vacation, a season pass, or even just a one day out for fun. These can be great for older kids who understand that an experience gift is valuable and who just doesn't really need more things.
I love the idea of giving experience gifts. This can be a vacation, a season pass, or even just a one day out for fun. These can be great for older kids who understand that an experience gift is valuable and who just doesn't really need more things.
For more gift ideas, see:
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You can also find me on Instagram, posting pictures from our days as well as quick tips.
Preteen Girl Gifts
Clothes or Shoes
I am not one who likes to give clothes as a present. I view clothing my children as my job. However, I have a budget, and my job isn't fulfilling every wish in the store. Once Kaitlyn became a preteen, she started having more interest in clothes. She started to want certain clothes that are cute indeed, but out of the list of "needed." That's when gifts come in. For her last birthday, she really wanted a jean jacket. If your girl has a clothing item or pair of shoes she really wants, Christmas or Birthday might be the perfect time. If you don't know the girl well (like a friend birthday present), fun accessories like a scarf are always enjoyed.
Room Decorations
Along the same line of thinking, room decorations or furnishings that are beyond what you feel is a given can be a great gift. A new comforter for the preteen tastes, a fun lamp, a comfortable reading chair...there are a lot of directions to go here.
Sketch it Nail Pens
My girls like getting their nails painted at any age. As a preteen, Kaitlyn loves to do her own nails. These Sketch it Nail Pens are really fun and easy for her to do artistic designs on her fingernails. You paint with one side and do art with the other side. This nail polish actually lasts a really long time on Kaitlyn, also.
Binoculars
My kids all like binoculars. A preteen is able to have such a thing and not destroy them. They sell cute pink ones on Amazon, but a lot of preteen girls are over pink (didn't you read Purplicious? Pink is passe.). Not all preteens feel that way, and if not, these pink ones are super cute. Amazon does have red, orange, green purple, blue, and of course black.
Books
Book are a consistent gift at our house. Most preteens are into chapter books, so a great chapter book or even a series makes for a great gift. Ella Enchanted is a fun series. Another great one is the Little House books. See my Pinterest Board on chapter books for girls for more ideas.
Perler Beads
Even kids who aren't terribly into art projects enjoy Perler Beads. They satisfy the creativity in all of us. You can be very creative or follow the instructions given. There are a lot of buckets out there for the tastes of all types. Sports, animals, princesses...you can find one that will suit the likes of your girl.Origami
Origami is a fascination for preteens. They have the dexterity and intelligence to easily follow Origami instructions. A kit is a great gift for any preteen girl. This is the kit I got for Kaitlyn. There are a lot of kits on Amazon, so it is hard to choose. We have been happy with this.
Mad Libs
When I was a preteen, Mad Libs was a favorite of mine. The resulting stories are hilarious. As an adult, I love that it teaches parts of speech. For the girl who loves a joke, this is a fantastic gift. Kaitlyn thanked me for this profusely after she first started using it. Mad Libs has a lot of books with different focuses of interest. Science, fairy tales, animals, dance...so peruse to see what your girl might like. Rip the Page!
Rip the Page! is a great gift for the child interested in writing. It has invaluable information on storytelling and exercises to do to practice the skills learned. I love this book for my little storyteller, and she has loved it. I am a writer, but let's just say I was not my creative writing professors favorite student (that was my friend Kelli, who has gone on to be published). I am a technical writer. So this book is a fantastic tool in our house for my creative girl.Balls
Last Saturday, Kaitlyn guest-played on a competitive soccer team. A boy team. Against boys. And she totally rocked it and was just as good as any boy out there. Girls can be very into sports. If the preteen girl in your life is into sports, consider getting her something for her sport of choice. Right now, Kaitlyn mostly wants a really nice soccer ball for Christmas (which, by the way, I don't know what that is. Isn't a soccer ball a soccer ball? I have some research to do). Get a bag, practice equipment, nicer ankle guards (these really are really good ones!), swim fins...whatever your child's sport of choice, something to enhance that sport is a fantastic gift.Kendama
A kendama is a unique but fun toy for a girl who likes a physical challenge. It is very portable for the girl being able to entertain herself in various places. My older three kids each have one of these and they all enjoy playing with them. Klutz Books
Klutz books have things that appeal to all types. Face Painting, Friendship Bracelets, Nail Art, Cat's Cradle, Stencil Art...It just goes on. Kaitlyn loves her friendship bracelet one. Preteen girls love their friends and love showing their friends love. The friendship bracelet is a timeless way girls show love.Specifics for the Girl
Even though preteen girls are outgrowing toys, they are very much growing into themselves. What does the preteen in your life love? Horses? Art? Sports? Crafts? Fashion? Reading? Writing? Skateboards? What is it she loves? Chances are high she loves a variety of things. Get something for her to help her out with her passion. If you know the passion but not what she needs from it, get creative. Maybe she loves horses and you can't afford a pony. Maybe a hot chocolate mug with a horse on it is just the ticket.
Great Generics
Sometimes you need a gift for a girl you just don't know well. Many of the above can work for most girls. Other great go-tos are nice lotion/bath sets, hair brush sets, jewelry, and chap stick. There are also things like board games.
For more gift ideas, see:
If you don't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook. I share what is posted here each day along with other articles I find helpful and interesting. I also answer questions and do live Q&As each week. It is a great way to connect!
You can also find me on Instagram, posting pictures from our days as well as quick tips.
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