What your preteen really wants for Christmas can feel like as much of a mystery as how Santa visits all those children in just one night!
Ten- to twelve-year-olds are eager to prove just how mature they are by switching toys for phones and pretend play for grown-up gadgets. But there’s no time like Christmas to remind them of the magic of childhood through outdoor toys that tap into their playful side.
Our Christmas gift guide for ten- to twelve-year-olds can help you find the perfect gift for older children who’ve outgrown their kiddie toys but haven’t lost their youthful energy and sense of adventure.
Why outdoor toys make the best gifts for ten- to twelve-year-olds
When buying gifts for older children, it’s tempting to gravitate towards video games, tech gadgets, or the latest TikTok trending buys. Instead, why not opt for presents that reduce screen time and encourage them to get outside, get moving, and explore their hobbies?
Outdoor toys are the perfect way to draw older kids back into nature and rekindle an interest in productive hobbies like sports and gardening. Plus, there’s no upper age limit for kids to enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.
Whether perfecting a slam dunk on a basketball hoop or exploring on a scooter, these gifts allow older children to explore their grown-up interests in a fun and playful way. Plus, outdoor toys often provide a space for social interaction with siblings, friends, or adults.
However, figuring out which gifts your preteen will love and which will be dismissed as ‘childish’ is no easy task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you; keep reading to discover our favourite gifts that will keep ten- to twelve-year-olds entertained long after the Christmas decorations have come down!
Our 8 best Christmas gifts for ten- to twelve-year-olds
By the age of ten, children will often have a clearer idea of their hobbies and interests, so it’s essential to shop for gifts with their interests in mind. From sports garden toys to gardening kits and obstacle challenges, you’ll find a present to suit your child’s style in our shortlist.
Here are our 8 favourite Christmas gift ideas for ten, eleven, and twelve-year-olds:
1. Football goals and target sheets
Research shows that over 40% of children aged 10-14 played football in the previous academic year, so football-related Christmas gifts are sure to be a trophy winner!
If your child is a Messi in the making and can bend it like Beckham, transform your garden into a Premier League pitch with our football goals. Not only will they keep your kids outside and active all year round, but they’re also great for social development, enabling them to practise skills like teamwork and communication.
Why not add on a set of training cones for your little Lampard to practice dribbling? And don’t let them get caught out by a penalty shootout! Help them perfect their aim with a Rebo Football Goal Target Sheet add-on.
2. Electric scooters
Has your preteen outgrown their once beloved push scooter? An electric scooter is an exciting upgrade for kids seeking speed and adventure. They’re perfect for zooming to the park to meet friends and make a great introduction to learning road awareness.
Whilst offering ten- to twelve-year-olds that sense of independence and maturity they so crave, all our electric kids' scooters come with sensible speed settings to keep things safe.
From simple 12V electric scooters to more powerful off-roading 48V scooters, there’s something to suit children of every ability and experience level.
3. Greenhouses and planter tables
If your child is a budding botanist, a greenhouse or planter table is the perfect way to keep those green fingers busy.
Preteens who love all things natural can grow herbs, flowers, or vegetables. Gardening fosters a sense of responsibility, as children care for their plants, and offers a rewarding achievement when they flower and thrive.
What’s more, gardening is proven to have positive effects on mental well-being for kids and grown-ups alike, making it an excellent hobby for them to take up during this transitional period.
4. Basketball hoops
With freestanding basketball hoops, your kids can dribble, shoot, and slam-dunk their way from one Christmas to the next.
Basketball improves hand-eye coordination, strategic problem-solving skills, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Like football, it’s a social sport, so it makes for great family bonding time or friendly competition when they invite their friends over for a mini tournament.
Our portable basketball hoops are available in three heights: small, medium, and large. Plus, they’re adjustable by up to 75cm, perfect for keeping up with those early growth spurts!
5. Trampolines
Trampolines are a classic outdoor toy that suits toddlers and teenagers alike, and even adults can’t help but act like big kids when they’re around one!
Not only is trampolining buckets of fun, but it’s also an excellent form of exercise that can improve coordination and agility. Read all about the benefits of trampolining in our guide.
If your child is a keen gymnast, trampolines are the ultimate gift for letting them practice their tricks and flips; just make sure to choose a style with a safety net so they don’t fly too high!
Our 10ft trampolines, 12ft trampolines, and 14ft trampolines are perfect for keeping kids aged 10-12 entertained way into their teenage years.
6. Boxing bag
If you’ve got a young Rocky living under your roof, a boxing bag is the ideal Christmas present to make them a winner!
Boxing is a great way to encourage physical activity in children; it improves fitness, coordination, and discipline and is also an excellent stress reliever.
A boxing bag allows kids to release some of that excess energy while enabling them to practise their new hobby. Plus, seeing their technique and strength improve over time gives them a sense of achievement and boosts their confidence.
Just remember to throw in some gloves too - bruised knuckles aren’t on anyone’s Christmas wish list!
7. Ninja Line
Do your kids reckon they could take on Ninja Warrior, Total Wipeout, or Takeshi’s Castle? Then why not set up an at-home obstacle course to test their limits and see if they’re up to the challenge?
Inspired by beloved obstacle shows, the 14ft Ninja Line includes challenging attachments like ropes, bars, swings, rings, and knots to test your child’s strength, agility, and speed. It’s perfect for getting kids moving and encouraging friendly competition.
Set up the Ninja Line between two trees to create a garden adventure course that can easily be assembled and taken down when not in use.
8. Sports sets
Turn every day into sports day with our range of sports sets!
Training cones are a versatile piece of kit that can be used to set up lanes or tracks for bikes, as football training posts, or as markers for athletics competitions.
If football and basketball aren’t your kid’s cup of tea, why not encourage them to try a different sport by gifting them a lawn croquet set? This kit includes everything you need for four people to try out this traditional game.
Fancy a fun twist on a classic? Our All-Star Kickball Inflatable Dartboard is hours of fun for all ages. Children will love competing against friends and family to earn the highest score.
Find the best gifts for 10 to 12-year-olds at Outdoor Toys
It’s no secret that ten- to twelve-year-olds aren’t the easiest to buy for, but Outdoor Toys can help make that mountain into a molehill.
Discover football goals and basketball hoops for athletes in the making, trampolines for high flyers and gymnastic fanatics, and garden toys for fun family game days.
Our electric scooters are perfect for preteens who can’t wait to get out on the open road, while our greenhouses and planter tables are ideal for gifted gardeners.
Need to do some Christmas shopping for your younger kids, too? Check out our unbeatable range of climbing frames, swing sets, slides, and playhouses. Plus, find gift guides for younger children on our blog:
- The Best Christmas Gifts for 4- to 6-Year-Olds
- The Best Christmas Presents for 7-9 Year Olds
- The Best Toddler Christmas Present Ideas