Top 10 Gift Ideas for Tween Boys #SeasonsTweetings

While it's been hard to get my Christmas mojo going, one thing that I do love to do is spoil my kiddos at the holidays. As they get older, I find it really challenging to;

a. afford the things they want and stick to our budget
b. find something they don't already have 

Jayden is 7 and the easiest to buy for in our house! He loves almost any gift from musical instruments to small PlayMobil or LEGO figures or even "cool" clothes. But this year as Ty hit 11, I'm beginning to realize that being a tween is not only about moodiness and puberty, it's a tough age to buy for too!  

Somewhere between the ages of 10 and 12, our kids turn into a whole different demographic...tweens!  A relatively new term, Wikipedia defines Tweens as;
"A tween is a person who is between the ages of 10 to 12 years old. The term is often described in popular media as referring to a preadolescent (usually female) who is at the "in-between" stage in their development when they are considered. They are beginning to identify their own interests and express themselves through their activities and the first adult interests start to emerge, such as playing sports, playing musical instruments, cooking, sewing, using computers, etc. At the same time, tween self-esteem is in development and fragile, at best. As such, tweens are highly affected by peers and face pressures and worries that are often focused on how they will fit in and interact with others in society."
 
Considering all the pressures, changes and decisions that these tween boys are going through, gift giving becomes challenging! Many kids already have the latest electronics and gaming systems, so what's left?

Here are my Top 10 Gift Ideas for Tween Boys;

1. Sports equipment: Basketball is a huge hit in our house, but with the cold weather they can't play outdoors. This Christmas, we got the boys the indoor backboards and nets that hang on the back of their bedroom doors. Mini hockey sticks and new indoor sticks are great ideas for the hockey guys in your house!

2. Gaming: If you tween already has the latest system (PS4 is HOT this year), consider one of the newest games out this season (NHL15 or Destiny).  Be sure to check that the rating is T and not "Mature" for this influential age group!

3. Music: Sure iTunes cards are great to help your Tween load up on the latest songs for their playlist, but have you seen the cute Bluetooth speakers you can buy? You might want to limit the volume or suggest they play their music in their room only! Cool headphones are also a huge hit!

4. Books and Magazines: Thankfully, I have a book loving-tween! Every holiday, there are several books under the tree for Ty. This year, The Maze Runner series, Fault in Our Stars and Allegiant series are huge hits for this age.

5. Clothes: The one saving grace for Tween boys is that at this age, they are starting to actually care about their clothes and the way they look! Wrapping up a cool Shaun White hoodie, tshirt or slouch winter hat is actually COOL to these boys!

6. Foodie Fun: One thing we know about this age is that they can eat! What about a gift bag of their fave snacks or gift cards to the places they like to go out for a meal! This year, I got my tween a popcorn maker for his favourite movie night treat!

7. Retro Toys:  Some toys might still be cool, like Nerf and LEGO, but also nostalgic toys and games are filling the shelves at Target Canada this holiday. Whether it's a real record player or even the newest Simon electronic game, your tween can enjoy the same things we liked at that age!

8. Accessories: Start teaching your Tween to be on time with a cool colourful watch (this will help with curfews in a few years) or maybe they like to wear belts or ties! Don't forget to visit the shoe departments for the latest kicks for your boys!

9. Movies and TV Shows: Grab the DVD of your tween's favourite movie or show or treat them to a movie gift card or Netflix subscription!

10. Stocking Stuffers: Hit the pharmacy for some tween boy must-haves like deodorant, body spray, hair styling products and even Teen vitamins! Be sure to embarrass them with socks and underwear too!

Want to make shopping for tween boys even easier?  Shop all in one place at Target Canada!  Best part is that all available at 5% off everyday with your Target REDCard (ours comes right off our bank account so we can stay on budget and NO credit card stress!).

Follow @TargetCanada on Twitter or check out the Target Canada Facebook page for more holiday deals and ideas!