THE ULTIMATE TWEEN BOY GIFT GUIDE: Cool Finds for the Hard-to-Buy-For Age

People often insinuate that shopping for tween boys is boring, but in my opinion it couldn’t be further from the truth. I love researching into gifts for my boys that they will genuinely enjoy opening.

if you’ve ever tried shopping for a tween boy, you’ll know you have to think outside of the box. They’ve outgrown the toys they once loved, but they’re not quite ready for the full-on teen stuff either.

From gadgets that’ll actually impress them to wardrobe upgrades and creative kits that keep them off their screens (for at least an hour), this is your go-to guide for finding gifts they’ll genuinely get excited about, whether you’re shopping for your own son, nephew, or friends.

Chocolate Coal: a tongue in cheek gift for those edging into the naughty list.

Yoto Mini: a firm favourite in our house; my kids both fall asleep listening to them every night. The best thing about the Yoto is that it grows with them. from lullabys and Disney stories, to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Footballer stories and Marcus Rashford’s Breakfast Club books. It also plays daily facts and radio music.

Geography Football Jigsaw: a sneaky way to get a football lover to learn geography; discovering the location of 148 football stadiums as they complete this detailed map of the UK & Ireland

HiSmile Blue Raspberry Toothpaste: I’ve found even the most toothpaste avoidant thinks this is cool and worth using. A great stocking filler.

Bubble Mini 2 Step Routine: Let’s ease these boys into caring for their skin by supporting their skin barrier with an easy cleanse and hydrate routine.

River Island Baller T-Shirt: I love RI Kids for my boys when I want something a little bit unique. This with a pair of cargo’s for the days when they’re not in football kits.

M&S Borg Jacket: Most kids will refuse a coat, but will they refuse something this snuggly? Methinks not.

UNO No Mercy: the best card game just stepped it up. This is a brilliant update on the classic that will have you all screaming, crying and laughing.

FC26: I just couldn’t do a gift guide without it because it’s what tops my kids lists year after year. IYKYK.

Nike Water Bottles: the only ones I’ve ever found that withstand being chucked around a football pitch/being bottle flipped/tipped upside down in a school bag. Also have the ‘cool’ factor. 241 here too. I wouldn’t bother with any others.

Under Armour Skins: I’ve learnt the hard way that if you actually want to keep your kids warm, you need to do it in secret. Case in point this high neck base layer, that negates the need to nag about a snood. Extra points for the brand.

North Face Coat: I have no problems spending more on outerwear; they wear it daily and if you size up you get a couple of years wear out of it. A younger brother or two helps spread the spend. This black coat works for either gender, so as long as you have more than one kid, consider it a wise spend.

Smart Watch: an Apple dupe for under £20, Leo has this and is obsessed with the sleep tracking on it.

Skill Blox: Leo has asked for these, so if you have a kid similarly obsessed with football, I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Roll the blox to create a random skill challenge.

Shindefender: My kids recently upgraded their shin pads to these, and they’re obsessed. Apparently they are less sweaty to wear, stay put much better and have ‘shock absorber’ tech. So now you know.

Nike skins gloves: Whether for during sports, walking home from school or weekends – a pair of thermal gloves they’ll actually want to wear is a firm yes.