Last Updated on Monday, October 27, 2025 by Lavania Oluban
If you’ve got an eight to ten year old boy, you’ll know the struggle. My son Arlo is eight going on sixteen. Gone are the days where he’s interested in toys. These days he’d quite like me to spend his entire Christmas budget on game currency for something digital that doesn’t even exist. But I also know he’s still young enough to want to wake up to a pile of presents on Christmas morning.
I’m don’t know where we are right now with the big guy in red. I’m not sure he’s a believer any more and so I’m worrying about the magic of Christmas and how to continue to make everything Special. I think I’m still going to be leaving cookies out for Santa until he’s an adult but I’m not sure what he’ll think about the icing sugar footprints and reindeer food sprinkles!
Maybe it’s selfish but I want to make sure there are a few things that encourage him to spend time away from a screen. He’s not spending Christmas Day festering in his bedroom with a headset on!
I put a post out asking for ideas and the responses exploded with some great suggestions I hadn’t even thought of. So between that and my own plans, here’s a round-up of things that feel a bit more interesting than another controller or a pack of socks.
Tech and Gaming Bits
I know I said I don’t want to much of this kind of stuff so I just thought I’d get it out of the way first. If you have a little one who is a fan of gaming then most of these ideas will give you instant parent brownie points. There’s themes and characters in each game so try and learn what their favourites are and then go with that.
- Gaming vouchers for Xbox, PlayStation, Fortnite or Roblox. Quick, easy and guaranteed to be appreciated. I have seen some really fun ways of gifting vouchers in packaging which takes ages to open or envelopes which explode or treasure hunts around the house just to make it a bit more exciting.
- LED light strips for the bedroom. The brighter and more chaotic the better apparently.
- Charging docks, controller stands or holders shaped like characters.
- Gaming chairs and desks that make them feel like professional streamers.
- A Bluetooth projector for movie nights or gaming on the big screen.
- Headphones or Bluetooth speakers. The ones that light up are a big hit.
- Retro consoles like a Wii with sports games, an old Game Boy or a Sega Mega Drive. Mini arcade machines or claw games. These are a fun way to build a bridge with the kids and get the family playing together.
- Smart speakers for blasting music and pretending to set reminders.
Sports and Active Ideas
So now that we have the gaming stuff out of the way let’s go in the total opposite direction. Arlo is obsessed with Ronaldo and Messi and also plays sports and participates in clubs. Anything which keeps kids active is a win in my book.
- Football strips, training kits or national team shirts. You can splurge on current kits or find something retro. When we were browsing a vintage shop recently he pulled out a lakers vest and insisted on having it. I had no idea he even knew who the lakers are!
- Basketball hoops, either over-the-door or outdoor versions. I’ve even seen ones which fit over a bin for scrunched up paper.
- A step counter or Fitbit style smart watch. Arlo’s had a v tech kids watch before and ready for a more grown up version now.
- Skateboard ramps or stunt scooters. It’s worth shopping around and getting a really good one if they’re in to this. The toy shops have some great ones but we found a couple of local skate shops where the staff are just amazing with helping choose the right things.
- Local activity vouchers for things like climbing, trampolining or swimming sessions. Always a win, something to look forward to over the school holidays and beyond. This Year Arlo has really enjoyed water sports so he’s got a paddle boarding experience to look forward to!
Bedroom and Setup
I know I said I don’t want Arlo to spend Christmas Day in his bedroom but he’s starting to really stamp his own personality on his space and has some requests of his own now.
- A mini fridge. I’m filling Arlo’s with Japanese marble drinks bottles and American snacks.
- Fresh bedding and soft furnishings for a mini bedroom makeover. I’ve done for a more neutral paint colour on the wall and changing out the duvet is a really affordable way to keep up with his changing interests.
- Stickers and accessories for desks and drawers. I got him quite a cheap table top desk from Ikea and I’ve let him cover the entire surface with stickers. This is a hobby of mine because I add stickers to my own teacher planner and he’s just sort of copied it. His desk looks like a skateboard deck but each sticker is something he likes – characters or quotes and I’ve picked them up from all sorts of places, and especially love picking these up from traders at comicon, supporting small businesses and being able to hide them in my pocket or bag to gift later on.
- LED signs or gaming themed wall art. I’ve put up a pin board and bought a huge frame so this can be changed as interests evolve. It made me quite sad to get rid of the Gruffalo stuff and swap it for “one piece” but I’m embracing it now.
- Wall mounts for collectibles or swords. No idea why Arlo likes these sword replicas but it’s become a giant to get one from the last few comicons and so he wants to display them. I’ve managed to get a lovely wall mount and I’m on the look out for a particular replica sword for the foreseeable.
- Oversized hooded blankets and novelty slippers. These kind of novelty gifts always bring a smile to the coolest kid. Arlo loves these huge grinch slippers I picked up in home bargains and I think this year I’m going to get him a Pokemon fluffy Oodie. These last the whole year and come with us camping and provide comfort on duvet days too.
Creative and Hobby Gifts
At this stage I feel like most children are starting to take a more serious interest in their hobbies and so encouraging or supporting these is always a fab idea.
- Sketchbooks, art materials or specialist pens. In the past I’ve bought the cheap art sets for children with the scratchy felt tips and watercolour paint but Arlo has suddenly become interested in my adult colouring books so he will get a set of alcohol markers and also some Posca pens to get creative with. This will save him from using mine and I hope help him develop his hobby and know that I support him with this.
- Lego sets, especially new ones like Fortnite or One Piece. We always get one big build at Christmas. I’m running out of space to display these now but it’s so much fun to sit down together during the holidays and work on a build which takes hours/days to complete.
- Karaoke machines for singalongs that go on far too long. Arlo got one last Christmas and he loves it. It comes out at family gatherings and sometimes just for a cheeky Friday night dance in the kitchen.
- DIY or STEM kits for building or experimenting. There’s loads of these available depending on interests – from slime making to building volcanos or making your own cardboard pinball machine. These are the kinds of gifts which are popped to one side at first but perfect to pull out on a day where there is nothing to do and you want to turn the WiFi off. My advice would be wait until summer to attempt the sea monkeys!
- Fidget cubes or Shashibo shape toys. I tend to follow Arlo around shops and notice the kinds of things he picks up. There’s some fidget toys which are a little more expensive but hard wearing. There’s also some fun novelty gifts. For some reason he loves capybaras this year so I’ve got a few squishies. Last year it was axolotls and narwhals.
- Journals, scrapbooks or something like a Wreck This Journal. I designed my own because I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted but this kind of thing is great to encourage them to engage with writing in a personal way
Food and Drink Fun
I don’t know it’s just me with the foodie obsessed child – sort of inevitable when his mom is a food teacher and his dad is a chef. He tends to see all sorts of things his favourite YouTubers try out and they can be more expensive but good for a treat at Christmas.
- Japanese Ramen. The spicier the better apparently. I’ve managed to get some in shops like Kenji and MiniSo
- Drink bottles with the marble top.
- Bubble tea kits with different flavours. I got these in B&M recently and have stashed them away.
- American snacks and candy like Takis, Reese’s or Jolly Ranchers. Found these at an American candy high street shop, extortionate pricing but I know he will love them!
- Novelty sweets or a metre of Oreos. The range always has these and whatever their favourite you’re guaranteed to spot it.
- Hot chocolate mugs or sets. Novelty themed again – they’ve been on the high streets since August and I always try and get a new one – last year it was grinch to match the slippers. This year we’re going for a nightmare before Christmas.
- Air Up bottles and extra flavour pods. Expensive – I refused to buy this, but last year he got the bottle from his nan and I’m a convert. He’s looked after it every day and drinking more water so I’ll have to get some pods to add to his stocking.
Books and Games
It’s a tradition in our family to gift books. I think it’s important to embrace a love of literature and reading. I try to always get books which are linked to a theme or interest.
- Annuals or themed book sets – there are annuals for footballers, characters, games and all sorts
- Roald Dahl, Pokémon, One Piece, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I’ve seen box sets, character guides and stories. Shops like The Works tend to have affordable books and it’s fun to wander around and see if anything catches their eyes
- Board games like Uno, Dobble, Jenga, Monopoly and Twister. I always buy one each Christmas to add to our collection and these are opened on the day for some traditional family fun.
- Manga or comic style reads. Again quite niche, I’ve bought current ones and then sought out collectible / vintage versions – I got a Spider-Man comic which is boxed and framed for his birthday and he appreciates how special this is.
- Mystery boxes or blind bag collectibles. These are everywhere – I’m not sure how much value for money they represent but in terms of dog appreciation, they always go down well.
- Trading card binders or booster packs. If you play Pokemon or One Piece then you’ll know! If your kids aren’t serious but love the cards then it’s worth looking at local collectors who will sell “bulk” cards they don’t need. I’ve bought folders, paid for cards to be graded and also picked up special cards at comicon events for my little Pokemon fan!
Clothes and Accessories
They’re at the age where they are starting to develop their own identity. I don’t consider clothes to be gifts for children and add this to my usual shopping budget throughout the year. Arlo tends to dress as he feels and has a lot of input in to his wardrobe but have some limits. Last year for his birthday he got these goggles he had wanted for months for no fathomable reason and then wore them to every festival and music event we went to over summer. I know he’s going to be delighted with the new trainers I have bought for him.
- Branded caps or sports vests.
- Trainers or vintage Jordans – Vinted is great for things like this, especially if you can find things which imitate movies or shows they’re in to.
- PJ sets, dressing gowns or themed oodies.
- Toiletry or grooming sets that make them feel grown up.
- Personalised bottles or mugs.
Experiences and Fun
- Panto or theatre tickets wrapped up creatively. I try to book an activity like this for after Christmas and include snacks or a funny surprise. Musical cards, novelty headbands or a plushie with a theme etc.
- Theme park or Legoland trips to look forward to after Christmas. I love visiting at this time of year! Opening a letter with a surprise to say “you’re going to….” With maybe a personalised hoodie or accessory will make them smile.
- Hidden money envelopes around the house or in gift boxes. Sometimes they do just want some cash to save uk towards something special or spend/splurge on the sales.
- Family movie night box with popcorn and snacks. I have purchased cinema vouchers before and popped them on a gift hamper with treats to take with us, but a movie night voucher at home is just as fab.
- Local attraction passes for days out. An annual pass or membership to their favourite place so they can go throughout the year will go down a treat!
Buying for this age group is awkward. They’re in that in-between stage where toys feel babyish but they’re not quite ready for the practical stuff either. Anything that makes them feel independent or a bit older usually goes down well, but they still love a surprise and a bit of fun.
It’s not about how much money you spend or how many presents they have, it’s about them developing in to their own personalities and you enjoying getting to know them and their hobbies so that you can still make the magic. I sat in the car the other day and quoted some random nonsense and my son turned to me with a bemused expression and said “how do you know what that is?” – it made me feel quite old but also made me laugh because he was so happy that I knew something he thought was really cool. Laughing about that together made me feel like him growing up isn’t losing the magic, it’s building connections and making memories, evolving our traditions.
Whether it’s a pile of little things or one big “main” present, it’s about finding that mix of excitement and usefulness. If nothing else, at least it’s reassuring to know we’re all trying to figure out what to get for kids who think they’re teenagers but still secretly love opening presents at 6am.
