Tweens are those individuals that fall between child and teenager — think between the ages of 9 and 12. The concept of a “tween” encapsulates this super fun and awkward stage of not being a grown-up, but 100% thinking you are (until it’s time to take out the trash or clean the kitchen, of course).

　　But if you ask us, tweens get a bad rap. The truth is, this can be an exciting time not just for them, but also for you, the adults in their life. Though it’s not all sunshine and roses, the other side of the surly, salty coin of tweendom is a brain bursting with new ideas and a kid ready for a new range of experiences and adventures.

　　We’ve put together a list of gifts for tween boys that they’ll actually find useful. That doesn’t mean you can’t opt for a classic pair of socks, but there are other options out there that’ll strike their fancy. Also, let’s be honest: When you asked them what they wanted, they either said “I don’t know” or ticked off a whole bunch of items that require payment plans. We tried to balance things we know are popular with tween boys — gaming, sports, and electronics — with gifts that will expand their horizons while keeping them engaged. Happy shopping!

　　1For Indoor or Outdoor Play

　　Pop-A-Shot Dual Shot Sport

　　For the tween boys who like sports, this arcade-style basketball hoop game will be a slam dunk. Players can choose between 10 different modes to play with family and friends when the competitive itch strikes. The battery-powered hoop set can be used indoors on a rainy day or outside during the summer and is made with durable steel and nylon designed to last for years ahead.

　　2Exciting and Safe

　　BLACK SERIES Axe Throwing Target Set

　　Release your tween boy’s inner Viking or ninja with this set. Throw (plastic!) axes at the bristled target, solo or against a friend. The set includes three throwing axes and a bristle target board.

　　3For The Sleep Lovers

　　Plufl The Original Human Dog Bed

　　Everyone loves sleep, especially tween boys who are out playing with their friends, doing homework, or just enjoying life. This larger-than-life dog bed is designed for humans with a vegan fur exterior and a 360-degree supportive plush pillow bolster for optimal comfort. Plus, there’s a side pocket big enough to hold those nighttime essentials, like a Nintendo Switch or favorite book, for easy access.

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　　4For The Competitive Tween

　　Gel Blaster The Supersized Gel Blaster Surge XL

　　Let the games begin! Tweens can get their competitive juices flowing with this supersized gel blaster. They can select from three modes — single shot, triple round burst, and auto and can reach targets up to 150 feet away. Additionally, it can be connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone for real-time updates and feedback on accuracy and technique for a more optimal playing experience.

　　5For The Creative Tween

　　Iscream Neon Effect Frame

　　For the tween boy who wants to keep the status of having the best bedroom decor, this neon effect frame is the perfect gift. With three bright pens, individuals can jot down thoughts, messages, and other fun doodles to put on display when illuminated. They can even have friends write on it for a collaborative activity so everyone can join in on the fun.

　　6For The Active Tween

　　JB SKRUB The Body Spray

　　Tween boys with active lifestyles and hormone changes might start to sweat more — and that’s okay. This body spray can help get rid of unwanted body odor with ingredients like aloe vera, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and zinc, and leave them with a refreshing citrus scent.

　　It’s small enough to fit in a backpack or gym bag for easy access after sports practice, when a quick refresh may be warranted.

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　　7For The Outdoorsy Tween

　　SUN PATCH Reusable Under Eye Sunblock Patches

　　This is a more practical gift for tween boys who spend a lot of time out in the sun, whether that’s playing football or going to the beach. These patches work to block 98 percent of the sun’s rays and stay put for hours at a time on the bridge of the nose or under the eyes.

　　8For The Thrill-Seeker

　　Lightning Reaction Shocktato Party Game

　　Tweens are usually interested in participating in the latest trends, especially ones that are good riffs on a throwback, and the Shocktato is one of them.

　　Pass along the toy (hot) potato and wait in anticipation for a jolt that leaves players laughing and smiling. This game is perfect for birthday parties, game nights, or hang-out sessions where an element of surprise is needed.

　　9For The Music Lover

　　XIKEZAN Bluetooth Hat Beanie

　　This stylish and functional beanie is ideal for tween boys who want to listen to music on the go without headphones.

　　With Bluetooth connectivity, they can connect it to their smartphone or other electronic devices to take calls and play their favorite tunes. Plus, the headphones are removable, so they can be tossed into the washing machine for an easy clean.

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　　10For The Tween Who Has Everything

　　MYNT3D Super 3D Pen

　　3D printing is the latest craze among kids and tweens alike and this pen combines creativity with technology together for a fun and easy activity. It comes with a silicone drawing surface to bring designs to life, 10 colorful filaments, and a variety of nozzles to alternate between to prevent unwanted clogs and snags.

　　11Includes 1 Month of Xbox Game Pass

　　Backbone Mobile Gaming Controller

　　Compatible with any iPhone, the Backbone controller allows your tween to play hundreds of titles on a variety of gaming services, including Apple Arcade, Xbox Game Pass, and more.

　　Add games to your library and record, edit, and share gameplay directly through the Backbone app. You can even voice chat with friends as you play!

　　12Made from 100% Recycled Materials

　　Uncommon Goods Scratch Map

　　The world is opening up to your tween these days. Why not mark the occasion with this map? On its own, it’s a handsome decoration for any room, but as they travel more, they can scratch off the various states and countries they've visited for an increasingly vibrant, constantly evolving, interactive, conversation-starting piece!

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　　13Refillable for Comfort That Lasts

　　Big Joe Bean Bag Chair

　　Perfect for the living room or their bedroom, this super-soft bean bag chair is filled with just the right amount of fluffy, lightweight beans for a comfortable gaming, reading, TV, or homework spot.

　　As beans compress over time (it happens), keep the seat cozy (and reduce waste) by refilling the shell. New beans are sold separately.

　　14From the Creators of Unstable Unicorns

　　TeeTurtle Here to Slay

　　This fast-paced role-playing card game is as brutal as it is adorable! You and up to five friends are bands of heroes who must gather all different card types into your hand to win… or, you can use your cards to defeat three monsters. Easy to learn, but delightfully frustrating to conquer.

　　15For Your Ninja Warrior

　　Gentle Booms Sports Obstacle Course

　　Perfect for the tween boy who wants to blow off steam outside or down in the basement, this assortment of obstacles is all he’ll need to build strength and coordination — or just have fun.

　　The set comes with two slack lines and various accessories and obstacles. With a weight limit of up to 600 pounds, he can even invite over a few friends!

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　　16Big-Kid Lego

　　LEGO Architecture Tokyo Skyline Set

　　This isn’t a little-kid Lego set. We love this beautiful kit with true-to-form models of real Tokyo landmarks, including Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo Skytree, Chidorigafuchi Park, Shibuya Crossing, and more. Each landmark is scaled to give an accurate representation of the comparative size of each.

　　17Perfect for Sports Fans

　　Uncommon Goods MLB Stadium Illustration Poster

　　Whether your tween likes the old-time charm of Fenway Park, the modern grandeur of Yankee Stadium, or just baseball in any way they can get it, this frameable piece of art by Seth and Maddy Lucas is a perfect tribute to America’s pastime.

　　With all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums artfully rendered, this poster is a great addition to their (probably messy) room.

　　18Easy and Hilarious

　　Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens Card Game

　　The hilarious illustration and captions on the cards are half the fun in this Russian Roulette-esque game. Players draw a series of cards to control the action of the game with one goal in mind: Don’t pick up the Exploding Kitten. If you do, don’t worry! There are defuse cards, but use them wisely.

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　　19Encourages Classic Hobbies

　　Craftsman Crate Subscription

　　With this monthly subscription box, your tween boy will have a chance to try hands-on projects that promote timeless skills like wood carving, basket weaving, and even scrimshaw. Each crate includes all the materials they’ll need, including reusable tools and easy-to-follow instructions.

　　20Hilarious Family Game

　　Exploding Kittens LLC Bears vs. Babies Card Game

　　From the creators of The Oatmeal and Exploding Kittens, this game is all about building hideous monsters who eat delicious babies! (Don’t worry: The babies are awful.) It sounds scary (and disturbed), but it’s actually family fun for two to five players. Highly strategic and hilarious, each game only takes about 20 minutes.