When it comes to buying gifts for bigger boys – and here we’re talking tweenies, not teens – the trick is to think of the word ‘fun’. If it’s not fun, don’t buy it. That goes for all articles of clothing, art for bedroom walls and knick knacks that look nice but don’t do anything. Trust me, if it’s not fun, it’s not wanted. You’ll get one of those fake “oh thanks so much” smiles that are really a death wish.
With the fun factor well and truly in place, bigger boys are actually great to buy for. It’s fun browsing through all the possibilities before settling on the one thing that is bound to give you a huge “I really mean it, I love it, love it, love it” smiles. Enjoy browsing the slideshow.
More gift lists for a merry Christmas:
Image: Getty
11 Perfect Gifts for Bigger Boys You Can Buy Online - AU
FluidGrowers Water Garden Fish Tank and Planter
It’s a pet and a plant in one. I can’t imagine a boy not loving this gift to add a little soul to his bedroom.
Buy it at: Down That Little Lane - $143.95
Cuebot Micro Wooden Robot Puzzle
These cool wooden robots are DIY to assemble and then can be played with. When play is over, he folds into a neat cube for storage.
Buy it at: Yellow Octopus - $12.99
Star Wars Remote Control BB8
This little guy is set to take over from R2D2 as a boy’s favourite Star Wars robot. Get in quick to score this gift as it’s bound to be a sellout this year.
Buy it at: Target - $69
Anh Do Crazy Weird Collection 1-6
Is there anything Anh Do can’t do? If you’ve seen anything of this gorgeous man (think Brush with Anh on the ABC and “The Happiest Refugee ”), you’ll know that anything he has to say to our kids is welcome. Think themes like fitting in, being yourself and making a difference.
Buy it at: Booktopia - $49.95
Tangle NightBall Soccer Ball
A soccer ball that lights up for night time play may seem superfluous in December, but just wait until the days get shorter! He will love this.
Buy it at: Rebel Sports - $29.99
Solar Robot Kit
If your boy loves tinkering, he’ll love this build-your-own robot. Think of it as one step up from his favourite LEGO.
Buy it at: National Geographic - $49.95
Galaxy Star Projector and Sound Machine
This is an MP3 speaker that also projects coloured stars onto the walls and ceiling. Think of it as his own disco. Alternatively, there are six preset nature sounds included that might help him get some sleep.
Buy it at: Yellow Octopus – $32.99
Pokemon Lunch Bag
Most boys will take anything Pokemon they can get. He can use this for school or for neatly storing his other Pokemon paraphernalia inside.
Buy it at: EB Games - $18
EB Games Gift Card
I’ve never met a tween or teen boy (or even a preschooler for that matter) who didn’t want to buy all the things at EB Games. It’s just a boy thing. Of course, if you happen to know a boy who hates gaming, you can choose another type of gift card and buy that online too.
Buy it at: Australia Post – from $20
Mad Mattr Doh
Kids never really grow out of sculpting stuff. You can get your boy some air-dry clay and see how he goes, or try this Mad Mattr Doh. He can stretch it, mould it, build it and even let it flow.
Buy it at: Mighty Ape - $24.99
Marvel Comics Monopoly Edition
This board game may well be combining two of your boy’s favourite things: comics and board games. Think Avengers, The Hulk and Get Out of Jail Free cards.
Buy it at: Mighty Ape - $74.99