Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a 10-, 11-, or 12-year-old? You're not alone! Shopping for tweens can feel like trying to crack the mystery of how Santa fits down the chimney.
Preteens are caught between childhood and teenhood, ditching dolls for TikTok trends and trading pretend play for tech gadgets and pop culture obsessions (yes, we see that Taylor Swift hoodie on the wishlist).
But here’s the good news: you can still wow them with gifts that feel grown-up but keep them active, entertained, and away from screens, at least for a little while. Whether you're shopping for sporty kids, creative tweens, or thrill-seeking 12-year-olds, Outdoor Toys has you covered.
Let’s dive into the best Christmas gifts for 10–12-year-olds in 2025: fun, practical, and packed with wow-factor.
Why outdoor toys are a hit with pre-teens
Forget the latest gadgets or trending makeup brushes. Outdoor toys offer the best part of growing up: freedom, fun, and fresh air.
At this age, kids still crave play and movement, even if they act too cool to admit it. Outdoor toys give them:
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A chance to stay active (and reduce screen time)
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A way to hang out with friends and family outdoors
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Tools to explore hobbies and build confidence
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Genuinely fun gifts that won’t be forgotten by New Year’s Day
Whether you’ve got a budding athlete, a future ninja warrior, or a chill kid who just wants to hang out in the garden, these gifts strike the perfect balance of fun and function.
10 great gift ideas for 10–12 year olds (that aren’t just more tech)
1. Electric scooters – Speed meets independence
Let’s be honest: the tween years are all about freedom. Electric scooters give your child that grown-up feeling while keeping them active and outdoors.
From beginner-friendly 12V models to zippier 48V off-road versions, Outdoor Toys has options for all skill levels. Safety features like sensible speed caps mean you don’t have to worry while they zoom to the park or race their friends.
⭐ Perfect for 10–12-year-olds who are too cool for push scooters but not quite ready for a bike ride alone.
2. Basketball hoops – Big dreams, bigger dunks
Basketball is a tween favourite because it’s fast, competitive, and social. Our adjustable freestanding basketball hoops grow with your child, so they’ll be slamming and shooting for years to come.
Add a ball return system to reduce chasing time, or invite friends for a festive family tournament!
🏀 Available in sizes for different skill levels, from casual players to future MVPs.
3. Football goals & target sheets – Shoot for the stars
Research shows that over 40% of children aged 10-14 played football in 2023/24, so football-related Christmas gifts are sure to be a trophy winner!
Is your child obsessed with football? Then it's time to turn your garden into a Premier League pitch. Our full-size football goals and Rebo target sheets help kids work on dribbling, aim, and shooting accuracy.
⚽ Don’t forget the training cones: perfect for setting up drills and mini matches.
4. Trampolines – Classic, Cool, and Still Bouncing
A trampoline might be the ultimate tween-proof gift. Big enough for flips, fun enough for friend hangouts, and active enough to burn energy on Christmas morning.
We’ve got trampolines in all sizes, with enclosures for safety, and bold colours to suit every garden.
🤸♀️ Choose a 10ft trampoline, 12ft trampoline, or 14ft trampoline to fit their space and jumping ambition.
5. Ninja Line obstacle course – Total Wipeout, back garden edition
Inspired by Ninja Warrior and Wipeout, the Rebo Ninja Line brings epic obstacle fun home. With ropes, rings, swings, and bars, it’s the ideal present for competitive kids who love a challenge.
🌲 Attach it between two trees and watch them build strength, confidence, and coordination.
6. Boxing bag + gloves – Punch out the preteen energy
Boxing is a great way to encourage physical activity in children. It’s also a fun way to release stress, build resilience, and improve motor skills. A boxing bag and gloves make the perfect present for kids with big emotions and bigger energy.
🥊 Bonus: It’s also a solid workout for adults who want a go!
7. Gardening sets & greenhouses – Grow your own
Not all gifts have to be high-energy. For the creative or quiet tween, a potting table or greenhouse kit can be a welcome gift that encourages mindfulness, responsibility, and patience.
🌿 Ideal for growing flowers, herbs, or veggies (and getting hands dirty without a screen in sight).
8. All-Star Inflatable Dartboard – Kick, score, repeat
Turn any garden into a gameshow with the All-Star Kickball Inflatable Dartboard. It’s part darts, part football, and all fun. It's ideal for family game days, birthdays, or blowing off steam after a big Christmas meal.
🎯 Great for friendly sibling rivalry or competitive family matches.
9. Ride-on toys & motorbikes – For the speed demons
Older kids love ride-on toys with a thrill factor, and Outdoor Toys offers a brilliant collection of electric motorbikes, quad bikes, and even petrol-powered options for the boldest adventurers.
🏍️ Check out the new Renegade MK250 Kids Electric Dirt Bike here!
10. Sports sets & garden games – Mix it up
If your tween is a social butterfly, sports sets are perfect for group play. From lawn croquet to inflatable games, these are unique Christmas gifts that keep the whole family entertained.
🧩 Add in cute extras like puzzles, sticker sets, or art supplies to create a well-rounded, thoughtful gift bundle.
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:
With 0% interest finance available with Paypal Credit and 48-hour delivery on all orders over £50, there’s no reason to wait. Shop the best gifts for preteens at Outdoor Toys and make this Christmas extra special.