Lifestyle
10 gifts to buy for a tween boy (who lives for video games and trouble)
There’s a reason they call this the ‘in-between’ stage – no longer a kid but not quite a teen either. What on earth do tween boys want for Christmas? We’ve got the scoop.
By Carolyn Tate
Primary-aged boys can be confusing: they want to project to the world that they’re worldly and tough, but all it takes is a knee scrape to send them back to Mum for a cuddle.
How do you find a gift sure to cater to his boundless energy and love for games and mischief? We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of our favourite gift ideas this year.
A poncho towel to wrap and go
Fun in the sun is a given in Aussie summer, and no tween boy wants to stop to dry off before setting off on his next adventure. This Orange Stripe Poncho Towel offers the perfect solution: throw it on over bathers and you’re all set for anything. Bonus: it’s quick-drying and it has huge pockets to store everything he needs.
$65 from The Oodie
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Other options:
● Boys Mixed Hooded Towel $69.95 from City Beach (5% cashback)
● Groms Shady Poncho Billabong from The Iconic (3% cashback)
Something fun to build and stimulate his imagination
If you know a budding engineer, city planner, mathematician or even artist, this Creative Roads Pack will keep him busy for hours. There are endless ways to create castles, towers, helicopters and so much more - limited only by his imagination.
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● T Rex $89.99 from LEGO (1.5% cashback)
● Robotime 3D Wooden DIY Model Puzzle Mechanical Gear Kit $45 from Megajoy (3% cashback)
A thrill-seeking adventure in the great outdoors
If the boy in your life is an outdoorsy type or an adrenaline junkie, this Treetop Ropes Course will see him ascend from 2 to 25 metres above the ground, overcoming more than 100 exhilarating aerial challenges. He can test his physical and mental prowess, designed to stretch even the most seasoned climbers to their ultimate limits - and you can join in if you’re game!
Children’s Treetops Ropes Course from Thrill Experiences
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Treetop ropes course (these are age- and location-specific so we can say the website has a range of options too):
● Admission into Sydney Aquarium $30.40 from Booking.com (3% cashback)
● Adventure Park 2 hour Pass $37 from Urban Xtreme (7% cashback)
A glow-in-the dark night time delight
For the dinosaur lovers, or just kids who need more incentive to spend time in their beds, this Rex Glow In The Dark Quilt Cover provides a cosy space by day, and a fun glowing reason to hit the sheets once the sun goes down. Crafted from 250 thread count cotton, this hand-painted design features dinosaurs and tropical foliage in moss green and ochre shades.
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Other options:
● Sunset Harvest Coverlet Set $139.99 from The Iconic (3% cashback)
● Carter Check Denim Quilt Cover Set $129.99 from Adairs (4% cashback)
[H2] Summertime classic for his growing feet
Perfect for those sunny summer days, these Ciao Hugh Shoes in Navy are a great staple that go with everything – and they’re designed to be super comfy for growing feet. Designed to combine form and function, Ciao also offers an online fitting guide, to make sure you get the right pair.
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Other options:
● Kids’ Classic Clog $59.99 from Crocs (Up to 5% cashback)
● Boys’ Classic Dot Santa Cruz Slides $39.99 from City Beach (5% cashback)
A safe and stable way to burn some energy
If you want to make a big impact, this Climbing Dome is sure to provide a lifetime of backyard memories they’ll treasure forever. Your favourite boy can enjoy a a safe, exhilarating, and fun experience, while they develop strong muscles and coordination.
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● Mini Round Trampoline $999 from Springfree Trampoline (3% cashback)
● Monsterous Mini Skateboard $29.99 from City Beach (5% cashback)
A chance to live out his soccer dreams
If kicking goals for Australia is in your boy’s sights, these Adidas Predator boots will do all they can to help convert that kicking pressure into pinpoint accuracy (no guarantees though - he’ll still have to kick straight!). Support his sporting dreams so he looks and feels the part.
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Other options:
442 V2 Acadamy JNR FRG $90 from New Balance Australia (5% cashback)
Puma Ultra Play FG Children $75 from JD Sports (3% cashback)
A remote controlled toy that will actually beat screen time
If the boy in your life loves planes and remote controlled everything, this 360 Stunt Remote Control Aircraft Fighter Helicopter Airplane from Megajoy is sure to keep him outside (hopefully!) and busy for hours on end. Operating is pretty simple, and he can master tricks like a 360-degree stunt roll and a 360-degree orbital flight – all with cool LED night lights.
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Other options:
● 27 Piece Activity Play Mat with Drawing Board Magic Pen $39.95 from Big Box Store (5% cashback)
● Harlequin Diamond Kite $19.95 from Our Past Times (10% cashback from purchases $30 minimum)
A fun new backpack for back-to-school
Okay, you might not want to mention school just yet, but this Santa Cruz Screaming Wave Backpack is sure to have him packing his bag early just for practice. With a laid back Californian vibe, this backpack is sure to appeal to those boys who love skater culture.
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Other options:
● Metro Backpack $59.99 from Typo (5% cashback)
● Blue Juice Ocean Wave Backpack Set $74.99 from Strand (4% cashback)
A scooter to whip around the neighbourhood in
The Tokyo Commuter Scooter from The Iconic is the perfect Christmas gift for the boys who’ve outgrown their starter scooter but aren’t quite ready for a bike yet. Whether they’re whipping around the footpath out the front of their house, or they’re riding it to school, they’re bound to love finding this under the tree on Christmas morning.
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Black/multi Dazed Scooter $159.99 from City Beach (5% cashback)
● Primo Lights Scooter $135 from The Iconic (3% cashback)
Feature image: iStock/Allchonok