What do I get my 10 year-old kid for their birthday?
November 16, 2021 4:58 PM Subscribe
Their birthday is in 11 days and we're drawing blanks on what to get them. What are some great gift ideas? Budget is a couple of hundred dollars. The current contender is a Lego Mindstorms set but that's more of a "this is pretty neat, how about this?" suggestion as opposed to something we know they'll love.
They like lots of things: drawing, crafts, volleyball, anime/manga/comic books, reading fantasy novels (Harry Potter, Land of Stories, Percy Jackson), camping, cooking, and more.
Up to last year they were pretty analog (we have lots of tech around the house but it never really interested them) but we got them a Wacom tablet and laptop in the spring and they've been using them a lot since then.
They like lots of things: drawing, crafts, volleyball, anime/manga/comic books, reading fantasy novels (Harry Potter, Land of Stories, Percy Jackson), camping, cooking, and more.
Up to last year they were pretty analog (we have lots of tech around the house but it never really interested them) but we got them a Wacom tablet and laptop in the spring and they've been using them a lot since then.
is there any way they want to expand their cooking repertoire? maybe an ethnic foods cooking class or a baking class? kids that age are prime for learning stuff and retaining it like crazy, so i like experiences for those ages.
posted by koroshiya at 5:12 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by koroshiya at 5:12 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
or maybe a language they want to learn - since they're into manga, maybe japanese?
posted by koroshiya at 5:12 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by koroshiya at 5:12 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
Combining a couple of those interests - have they already read / watched Haikyu!!? It's a volleyball manga and anime.
posted by Fully Completely at 5:28 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Fully Completely at 5:28 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
Two Eno hammocks (one for a friend to use) with straps, tarp, and a down throw.
posted by cocoagirl at 5:34 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by cocoagirl at 5:34 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
We just got our 10-year-old a bean bag chair, which was a big hit.
The other thing our kid loved was smart bulbs for the lamps in his room. It's fun to find him reading with all his light bulbs turned blue or whatever. (He can control them with the tablet.)
As far as books, we got our Percy Jackson-loving guy The Myth Atlas and all the Keeper of the Lost Cities books. He thinks the atlas is only okay, but has torn through the Keeper books. (He's also read all the Rick Riordan Presents books, and he's really liked them!)
posted by purpleclover at 5:41 PM on November 16, 2021 [3 favorites]
The other thing our kid loved was smart bulbs for the lamps in his room. It's fun to find him reading with all his light bulbs turned blue or whatever. (He can control them with the tablet.)
As far as books, we got our Percy Jackson-loving guy The Myth Atlas and all the Keeper of the Lost Cities books. He thinks the atlas is only okay, but has torn through the Keeper books. (He's also read all the Rick Riordan Presents books, and he's really liked them!)
posted by purpleclover at 5:41 PM on November 16, 2021 [3 favorites]
My kid is turning ten this week too! She’s getting an embarrassingly large stuffed flamingo, a bunch of books and a weighted blanket (and a few other odds and ends). But she tends to be very specific in her desires.
I bet she would like a marble maze if we didn’t already have one, and maybe your kid would too.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:42 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
I bet she would like a marble maze if we didn’t already have one, and maybe your kid would too.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:42 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
FM radio soldering kit
posted by cocoagirl at 6:06 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by cocoagirl at 6:06 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: These are good answers, thank you.
Snap Circuits - My kids were given a Circuit Playground set a couple of years ago and maybe every couple of months they'll decide to make something with it. We've also got breadboards and various other electronic components at home (my spouse is a teacher and uses them in class) but again they don't see much use. I could see something a bit more accessible like Snap Circuits might let them play around a bit more and inspire them to then try things out with the other equipment they've got.
Cooking classes is a good idea. Their schedule is pretty busy until the end of December though as they're already signed up to a lot of other classes. Is a class from January too delayed gratification for a kid's birthday present?
Learning Japanese - My kid is Japanese and already goes to Japanese school (sometimes not willingly).
Haikyu! - I'm not entirely clear on the order but they started watching it and got into volleyball at roughly the same time in the spring.
Eno hammocks - My family got me a hammock for Father's day. If I got my kid a hammock then we could use those while my spouse and kid 2 sleep in the tent (which is no longer big enough for all of us).
Bean bag chair - my spouse just pulled the trigger on buying one over the weekend. But that was for the house and not kid specifically.
Smart Bulbs - I just went to the Home Depot website to look at the Hue bulbs (because that's all I know) and they had some Nanoleaf light panels that look really neat. They might get a kick out of that.
Books - My kid loves to read but doesn't really re-read books. They're always looking for something new to read so I prefer getting them stuff from the library or borrowing from friends if possible. We were thinking of getting a box set of one of the Rick Riordan series but it would just be taking up shelf space soon enough.
Stuffed Flamingo - no more stuffies! (that's a parent rule not a kid one)
Marble maze - we have marble run sets and will make things with them from time to time.
FM radio soldering kit - that was actually an idea for their birthday party activity/loot bag. We bought one to see how it would go and man is it a lot of soldering. So we scrapped that idea but still have the one radio.
Either we all think alike or there's only so many things you can get for a 10th birthday present.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 6:30 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
Snap Circuits - My kids were given a Circuit Playground set a couple of years ago and maybe every couple of months they'll decide to make something with it. We've also got breadboards and various other electronic components at home (my spouse is a teacher and uses them in class) but again they don't see much use. I could see something a bit more accessible like Snap Circuits might let them play around a bit more and inspire them to then try things out with the other equipment they've got.
Cooking classes is a good idea. Their schedule is pretty busy until the end of December though as they're already signed up to a lot of other classes. Is a class from January too delayed gratification for a kid's birthday present?
Learning Japanese - My kid is Japanese and already goes to Japanese school (sometimes not willingly).
Haikyu! - I'm not entirely clear on the order but they started watching it and got into volleyball at roughly the same time in the spring.
Eno hammocks - My family got me a hammock for Father's day. If I got my kid a hammock then we could use those while my spouse and kid 2 sleep in the tent (which is no longer big enough for all of us).
Bean bag chair - my spouse just pulled the trigger on buying one over the weekend. But that was for the house and not kid specifically.
Smart Bulbs - I just went to the Home Depot website to look at the Hue bulbs (because that's all I know) and they had some Nanoleaf light panels that look really neat. They might get a kick out of that.
Books - My kid loves to read but doesn't really re-read books. They're always looking for something new to read so I prefer getting them stuff from the library or borrowing from friends if possible. We were thinking of getting a box set of one of the Rick Riordan series but it would just be taking up shelf space soon enough.
Stuffed Flamingo - no more stuffies! (that's a parent rule not a kid one)
Marble maze - we have marble run sets and will make things with them from time to time.
FM radio soldering kit - that was actually an idea for their birthday party activity/loot bag. We bought one to see how it would go and man is it a lot of soldering. So we scrapped that idea but still have the one radio.
Either we all think alike or there's only so many things you can get for a 10th birthday present.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 6:30 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
A Japanese DIY candy kit or snack kit off Amazon. Some only have Japanese instructions, but you can almost always find a translation or youtube video to show you what to do. We did this one and it was pretty fun, but ymmv.
https://smile.amazon.com/Popin-Cookin-Happy-Sushi-House/dp/B004N8LMFM/ref=sr_1_55?keywords=japanese%2Bfood%2Bkit&qid=1637116322&sr=8-55&th=1
posted by MaryVictoria at 6:35 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
https://smile.amazon.com/Popin-Cookin-Happy-Sushi-House/dp/B004N8LMFM/ref=sr_1_55?keywords=japanese%2Bfood%2Bkit&qid=1637116322&sr=8-55&th=1
posted by MaryVictoria at 6:35 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
A gift certificate to Kinokuniya Books?
I live next to the Seattle location, and I know that they have a ton of manga, both in English and Japanese. They also have a lot of other books in Japanese, if that's an interest of his, along with other items from Japan (like magazines, stationary, art supplies, pencls/pens, etc.)
posted by spinifex23 at 6:57 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
I live next to the Seattle location, and I know that they have a ton of manga, both in English and Japanese. They also have a lot of other books in Japanese, if that's an interest of his, along with other items from Japan (like magazines, stationary, art supplies, pencls/pens, etc.)
posted by spinifex23 at 6:57 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
We got our then 10 year old a gift subscription to the middle size of universal yums right at the start of the pandemic. It's gotten pricier since then, but we've kept it going since it was something to look forward to when there wasn't much else going on. I wouldn't say it's entirely worth it on a monetary basis, but she gets a huge kick out of seeing where the box is from every month and rating the snacks and that sort of thing. The supporting material that comes with the box is pretty decent too - facts about the country and a little quiz.
posted by true at 7:00 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by true at 7:00 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
Mine turns ten today and she received a bedroom makeover and a second-hand phone of her own, both big hits. We have the requisite giant cat stuffie that is really a bolster with a cat head on it, but the main thing she seems to want is time with family and friends. I took time off work and we had breakfast in bed, watched a movie she picked and next is window-shopping, something I normally loathe but have promised to be enthusiastic over, followed by a cat cafe trip with her bestie and then a big family dinner of her favourites.
I would ask your kid what would make for a really fun day of experiences and offer to do that, with one bestie friend tagging along. These are the last years where time with a parent is a big hit, enjoy that!
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 7:56 PM on November 16, 2021 [6 favorites]
I would ask your kid what would make for a really fun day of experiences and offer to do that, with one bestie friend tagging along. These are the last years where time with a parent is a big hit, enjoy that!
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 7:56 PM on November 16, 2021 [6 favorites]
Mine just turned ten and we got him a skateboard.
posted by Jubey at 8:35 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Jubey at 8:35 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
A day at a bounce house. You are never too old...
posted by Toddles at 9:17 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Toddles at 9:17 PM on November 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
How about a magazine subscription? It's especially great for kids who don't like to reread things, because they get a new one every month so it's like a birthday spread throughout the year. There are a lot of good magazines for kids, often with activities/puzzles/stories, etc, and I'm sure you can find one that is appropriate to their interests.
posted by contrapositive at 10:13 PM on November 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
posted by contrapositive at 10:13 PM on November 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
Agree contrapositive ! Magazine subs that work for 10 y.o. in UK: Aquila monthly £75 pa to Canada. NatGeoKids $20/10 issues.
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:29 AM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:29 AM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
Telescope? Decent camera? Pottery classes? Jackknife?
posted by Lawn Beaver at 4:35 AM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by Lawn Beaver at 4:35 AM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
Do you have a flatbed scanner? That and some adult art supplies might be a fun combination.
posted by yarntheory at 5:48 AM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by yarntheory at 5:48 AM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Do they have a Kindle or other ereader? I would have loved a kindle at that age, especially for traveling (I always had to pack at least three books for even weekend/day trips “just in case”)
I got the Kiwi Co case for a while for myself and I was really impressed by the quality and variety of activities. Definitely recommend - maybe a six month subscription? They have several lines, including, I see, a cooking one!
Also a little out of left field, but perhaps a sewing machine? Not a cheap “kids” machine but an intro-level mechanical machine (you can find deals on them for around $100) would be something that feels very “grown up”, is useful for crafts or cosplay if they want to get into that later, and can grow with them as their interests change. If you do get them a sewing machine, perhaps a subscription to Craftsy or Creative Bug as well for some video instructions.
posted by itsamermaid at 8:06 AM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
I got the Kiwi Co case for a while for myself and I was really impressed by the quality and variety of activities. Definitely recommend - maybe a six month subscription? They have several lines, including, I see, a cooking one!
Also a little out of left field, but perhaps a sewing machine? Not a cheap “kids” machine but an intro-level mechanical machine (you can find deals on them for around $100) would be something that feels very “grown up”, is useful for crafts or cosplay if they want to get into that later, and can grow with them as their interests change. If you do get them a sewing machine, perhaps a subscription to Craftsy or Creative Bug as well for some video instructions.
posted by itsamermaid at 8:06 AM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
When I was around that age I was excited to receive my own tent. I used it for backyard sleepovers, Girl Scout trips, and family campouts.
posted by roadrunner9 at 12:53 PM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by roadrunner9 at 12:53 PM on November 17, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: A Japanese DIY candy kit - We've gotten these before, usually as gifts/souvenirs from their grandparents in Japan but they do have them at some local shops as well.
A gift certificate to Kinokuniya Books? - There isn't a Kinokuniya here in Toronto. For us it's normally easier to just get books from Japan and have them shipped or brought over when someone is travelling (the last 18+ months have changed things but normal service will resume at some point). Their grandparents are going to be sending some pens as part of the birthday/Christmas packages they'll be sending.
Universal Yums - that looks neat and they ship to Canada! Kid wasn't the most adventurous eater, by my standards, still pretty good for a kid, but is getting better. This could help with that too.
Bedroom makeover - Kid and Kid 2 share the same bedroom. When they're older they'll have their own rooms but for now they're together so don't have full say on what to do with it.
Secondhand phone - I gave my old phone to them this September so that they could walk home from their school bus stop if they needed to.
Day out - we're already making plans for the day itself. They want to go to the aquarium and we'll go to a magic/curiosities store as well. I guess an easy solution would just be to buy them something they like from the store but that's leaving things really up to chance.
Skateboard - Got one in the spring. Rollerblades too a bit before that.
A day at a bounce house - We go for parkour lessons every week so we're covered on the jumping and bouncing front.
Magazine subscription - they've got a subscription to Owl and there are a couple of comic books they get monthly as well. More magazines with different focuses would be great.
Telescope - Kid and my spouse got a combined gift of a microscope last year. They wanted either that or a telescope and ended up getting the microscope as it would see more use as there's way too much light pollution where we are so the opportunities to use a telescope would be few and far between. The microscope didn't end up getting that much use anyway :(.
Pottery classes would be good too. That was one of the birthday party ideas.
Jackknife - They got my "old" Swiss Army last year (it wasn't old but just a duplicate because I had misplaced it, got a new one to replace it, and then found it).
Flatbed Scanner - We do have one. It's part of an all-in-one printer so it's just "the printer" to them.
Kindle - My spouse has an ereader and we've loaded up books onto it for Kid to read before. I think they prefer paper books right now.
Kiwi Co - This looks really neat too.
Sewing Machine - we have one, it's my spouse's but Kid can use it. I don't think we'd need a second one in the house.
Tent - I think a one-person tent would probably be better than a hammock.
I think my main takeaway from the suggestions so far is that my Kid has a lot of stuff! But I am leaning towards a subscription service. They've already got all the big things so getting something every month might be better than one more big thing that they may or may not take to.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 4:34 PM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
A gift certificate to Kinokuniya Books? - There isn't a Kinokuniya here in Toronto. For us it's normally easier to just get books from Japan and have them shipped or brought over when someone is travelling (the last 18+ months have changed things but normal service will resume at some point). Their grandparents are going to be sending some pens as part of the birthday/Christmas packages they'll be sending.
Universal Yums - that looks neat and they ship to Canada! Kid wasn't the most adventurous eater, by my standards, still pretty good for a kid, but is getting better. This could help with that too.
Bedroom makeover - Kid and Kid 2 share the same bedroom. When they're older they'll have their own rooms but for now they're together so don't have full say on what to do with it.
Secondhand phone - I gave my old phone to them this September so that they could walk home from their school bus stop if they needed to.
Day out - we're already making plans for the day itself. They want to go to the aquarium and we'll go to a magic/curiosities store as well. I guess an easy solution would just be to buy them something they like from the store but that's leaving things really up to chance.
Skateboard - Got one in the spring. Rollerblades too a bit before that.
A day at a bounce house - We go for parkour lessons every week so we're covered on the jumping and bouncing front.
Magazine subscription - they've got a subscription to Owl and there are a couple of comic books they get monthly as well. More magazines with different focuses would be great.
Telescope - Kid and my spouse got a combined gift of a microscope last year. They wanted either that or a telescope and ended up getting the microscope as it would see more use as there's way too much light pollution where we are so the opportunities to use a telescope would be few and far between. The microscope didn't end up getting that much use anyway :(.
Pottery classes would be good too. That was one of the birthday party ideas.
Jackknife - They got my "old" Swiss Army last year (it wasn't old but just a duplicate because I had misplaced it, got a new one to replace it, and then found it).
Flatbed Scanner - We do have one. It's part of an all-in-one printer so it's just "the printer" to them.
Kindle - My spouse has an ereader and we've loaded up books onto it for Kid to read before. I think they prefer paper books right now.
Kiwi Co - This looks really neat too.
Sewing Machine - we have one, it's my spouse's but Kid can use it. I don't think we'd need a second one in the house.
Tent - I think a one-person tent would probably be better than a hammock.
I think my main takeaway from the suggestions so far is that my Kid has a lot of stuff! But I am leaning towards a subscription service. They've already got all the big things so getting something every month might be better than one more big thing that they may or may not take to.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 4:34 PM on November 17, 2021 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: We ended up getting a Kiwi Co crate (the Maker one). I figure a year's worth of craft projects can't be a bad thing.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:37 AM on November 19, 2021
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:37 AM on November 19, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by zsh2v1 at 5:08 PM on November 16, 2021 [2 favorites]