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If you’ve got a 10-year-old (or older) at home, you already know how tricky gift giving can get. They’re too big for the “little kid” toys, but not quite teens yet—and they want things that feel cool. I’ve been there, and I know the struggle! That’s why I put together this list of tech gadgets that are fun, durable, and guaranteed to give you that big “wow” moment when they unwrap it. I’ve included some big ticket splurges (for when you want to go all out) along with more affordable options that are still really awesome.
🎁 What Makes a Great Tech Gift for 10+
- Durability + safety (kid-friendly casing, warranties)
- Good balance of fun + learning
- Accessories / add-ons matter (batteries, case, memory cards)
- Something they can grow into (so it doesn’t feel lame after 3 months)
The Top 10 Gifts
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—the actual gift ideas! After testing things out with my own kids (and seeing what their friends are obsessed with), these are the top ten gadgets that really stand out for kids 10 and up. Some are big splurges, others are more budget-friendly, but every single one has that cool factor that makes kids light up.in each category, and one more accessible version or extra feature to look at.
1. Action Cameras for 10 years Old and older
If your kid is always on the move—whether it’s skatepark tricks, hiking adventures, or just recording silly moments with friends—an action camera is such a fun gift. The GoPro HERO12 Black is the splurge pick: it’s tough, waterproof, and comes with all the accessories they’ll want to play around with. If you’re looking for something smaller (and a little easier on the budget), the Insta360 GO 3 is a great choice. It’s tiny, wearable, and perfect for capturing creative angles without being overwhelming.
👉 Get the GoPro HERO12 Black here
2. Drones & Mini Flyers for 10 years Old and older
For kids who are fascinated by flying things (and let’s be honest, most of them are!), a drone is always a hit. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is amazing—it folds up, has an excellent camera, and even comes with safety features like obstacle avoidance so you don’t have to stress as much. But if you’re just dipping your toe in, the Holy Stone HS720E is a solid starter. It has good flight time, a decent camera, and enough “cool factor” to make them feel like a pro pilot without you spending a fortune.
👉 Find the Holy Stone HS720E here
3. VR & Mixed Reality Headsets for 10 years Old and older
If your 10+ year old is into gaming or loves immersive experiences, VR is where it’s at. The Meta Quest 3 or PlayStation VR2 are the high-end options with amazing graphics and tons of games and apps to explore. Want something a little easier on the wallet? The Oculus Quest 2 (even though it’s an older model) still delivers hours of fun and has a huge library of content to keep them entertained.
👉 Find the PlayStation VR2 here
👉 Grab the Oculus Quest 2 here
4. Tablets / Learning / Creativity for 10 years Old and older
Kids this age love tablets—not just for games, but for drawing, editing videos, and even learning apps. The iPad Air is a fantastic big-ticket pick with its gorgeous screen, fast processor, and Apple Pencil support that makes it perfect for creative projects. If you’d rather not splurge, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ or Fire HD 10 Kids Edition are both strong value picks with kid-friendly features and plenty of power for school and play.
👉 Find the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ here
👉 Check out the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition here
5. 3D Printers & Maker Kits for 10 years Old and older
If your child loves building and experimenting, a 3D printer is a game-changer. The Creality Ender-3 V3-MAX or Prusa Mini+ (with enclosure) are incredible for STEM-curious kids who want to take on more advanced projects. For a safer, easier way to start, the Toybox 3D Printer Deluxe Bundle or even a fun 3D pen set can keep their creativity flowing without being overwhelming.
👉 Get the Creality Ender-3 V3-MAX here
👉 Check out the Toybox 3D Printer Bundle here
6. Gaming Consoles / Bundles for 10 years Old and older
Gaming is still a huge hit at this age, and the Nintendo Switch OLED Bundle is the ultimate big-ticket gift. It works both as a handheld and on the TV, has loads of kid-friendly games, and can last for years. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the Switch Lite or Steam Deck Lite are great alternatives—smaller, portable, and still packed with fun.
👉 Get the Nintendo Switch OLED Bundle here
👉 Check out the Valve Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 1TB here
7. Wearables & Smart Devices for 10 years Old and older
If your child is curious about smartwatches, the Apple Watch SE or Garmin Venu Kid’s Watch are solid choices with fitness tracking, messaging (with controls), and fun style options. Want to spend less? The Fitbit Ace or a simple kids’ smartwatch give them the “big kid” feel without breaking the bank—and they’re often more rugged too.
👉 Find the Garmin Venu Kid’s Watch here
👉 Check out the Fitbit Ace here
8. Robotics / Coding Kits
STEM toys are a big win for this age. With LEGO Mindstorms or the LEGO Robot Inventor kit, kids can build robots, program them, and push their creativity to the max. For a simpler introduction, try an Arduino starter kit or a Sphero Bolt / SPRK+—both make learning to code fun and hands-on.
👉 Find the LEGO Robot Inventor here
👉 Check out the Sphero Bolt here
9. Immersive Audio & Music Gear
Whether it’s music, gaming, or YouTube, good sound makes a big difference. For a splurge, Bose QuietComfort Headphones or Sony WH-1000XM5 give incredible audio and noise-cancelling so they can focus. A more kid-friendly option? Try a JBL Clip or Flip speaker for portable fun, or safe over-ear headphones with volume limits.
👉 Get Bose QuietComfort Headphones here
👉 Find the Sony WH-1000XM5 here
10. Outdoor Tech & Exploration
If your kid loves the outdoors, tech can make it even more exciting. A DJI Mini drone is a top-notch splurge, while a Garmin Instinct GPS watch or handheld is perfect for exploring and tracking adventures. For a budget-friendly twist, think solar-powered gadgets, binoculars, or even a metal detector—all fun ways to keep them curious and active.
👉 Find the Garmin Instinct GPS Watch here
👉 Check out kids’ binoculars here
Bonus Tips: Making the Gift Extra Special
Sometimes it’s the little touches that make a gift feel even more exciting. One of my favorite tricks is to wrap the main gift with a small “accessory pack”—things like extra batteries, a protective case, or even a cute storage bag. It makes the present feel more complete and saves you from the inevitable “Mom, do we have batteries?” moment.
Another way to make a big gift shine is to plan a “first adventure” around it. If you’re gifting a GoPro, maybe schedule a family beach day so they can film their first waves. If it’s a drone, take them to the park to practice flying. These experiences give them a chance to use the gift right away and create memories around it.
And if you’re splurging on a high-ticket item, it’s worth checking local stores here in the Bay Area. That way your child can get hands-on before you commit, and you’ll have an easier time returning or exchanging if needed.
At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that combine excitement with staying power. A “wow” gift is wonderful, but you also want something they’ll still be reaching for a year from now. For safe bets, you can’t go wrong with tablets, Switch bundles, or action cameras—they’re consistently loved and versatile.
The real secret, though, is matching the gift to your child’s personality. Are they happiest outdoors exploring? Do they light up when building or coding? Or are they gamers and movie buffs through and through? When you lean into what makes them tick, you’ll land the perfect gift every time.
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