Tween boys are tricky to buy for. On the one hand, nothing much has changed since they were pre-schoolers charging around shouting at full volume and hitting trees with sticks.

They still have loads of energy, like physical challenges and laugh at poo jokes. But they are also increasingly intrigued by gadgets and technology – a life-long love affair that will take them through their teens and into extreme old age.

When explosions and technology combine together in computer games, it's almost impossible to break their concentration. So this is your choice: something for the screen, or something so amazingly wonderful that they forget all about killing things for a good few hours...


10 of the best gifts for tween boys aged 10-12

  • <p> The Electronic Guitar Shirt, &pound;29.99, from <a href="http://www.firebox.com/" target="_blank">Firebox</a> sounds incredible, but it&rsquo;s true - a T-shirt with a fully playable integrated guitar. There&rsquo;s also a mini amp with tone and volume knobs that slips into a pocket in the hem. It&rsquo;s the 2011 version of the air guitar&nbsp; -&nbsp; he strums away with the magnetic pick included and actually makes a sound. Amazing.</p>
  • <p> Yes, all right, all right, this Doggie Doo, &pound;22.99, from John Adams (17.49 from <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Home.htm?sRefURL=http%3A//www.google.co.uk/url%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dargios%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CDwQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.argos.co.uk%252F%26ei%3Dhc2vTtiTBceM-wbuirGLAg%26usg%3DAFQjCNHwZPK390oBnNdjYbKxvRT_3WTi1g" target="_blank">Argos</a>) is the game that says it&rsquo;s for age 4+ but 10 and 11-year-olds find the poo noises the plastic dog makes hilarious. Feed the dog, and throw the dice. If he poos on your turn, scoop the poop. First to three poos wins.</p>
  • <p> The Folding Slingshot, &pound;9.59, from <a href="http://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wicked Uncle</a> is a modern version of the catapult, which folds away so that he can carry it in his pocket. Must be used under the supervision of a responsible adult, so maybe a better idea would be to buy two slingshots, together with some paintballs (&pound;4.50) from the same site, and go with him to somewhere wild and remote to see who&rsquo;s got the best aim&hellip;</p>
  • <p> The Hackysack, &pound;4.75, from <a href="http://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wicked Uncle</a> is what all those young guys are always kicking around on the beach in Brazil. You play keepy-uppy with it and after 8 million goes, you get to be a world-class footballer. Essential for anybody who wants to play in the Premier League one day.</p>
  • <p> In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda, &pound;10.99 (David Fickling Books) from<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Amazon </a>tells the true story of a ten-year-old boy's terrifying journey from Afghanistan to the Pakistan border and then to Italy, where he has been told he will find a better life. A story of danger, fear and survival that&rsquo;s told very simply, and ends up, as a result, being very moving.</p>
  • <p> Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC DVD), from &pound;24.99, from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> is the third in the series, launched this year. As the Republic and Trade Federation become at odds over the growing power each is wielding across the galaxy, Nute Gunray orders a blockade of Naboo to gain leverage of political dealings. Players take control of battalions of clone troopers against the relentless droid army &ndash;&nbsp; building bases, deploying vehicles and calling in reinforcements to defeat opponents. So now you know. Age 10+</p>
  • <p> The first fully automatic disc blaster in the Nerf Vortex range, the Vortex Nitron blaster, &pound;44.99, from Hasbro, available at <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Home.htm?sRefURL=http%3A//www.google.co.uk/url%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dargos%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CDAQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.argos.co.uk%252F%26ei%3DDc6vTsm2D8ar-gaP_eC6Ag%26usg%3DAFQjCNHwZPK390oBnNdjYbKxvRT_3WTi1g" target="_blank">Argos,</a> can hold up to 20 green foam discs and launch them up to 60ft.&nbsp; It includes a front handle to help steady the shots, and a Targeting Scope accessory so he&rsquo;s always on target. Age 8 years +&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  • <p> This Gyro Flyer Remote Control Helicopter, &pound;34.99, from <a href="http://www.firebox.com/" target="_blank">Firebox i</a>s a revolutionary three-channel RC chopper with a sturdy metal body and advanced gyroscope, giving it great in-flight stability. It can land wherever you fancy and is controlled with a twin-toggle transmitter that doubles up as charging unit&nbsp; &ndash; plug in for 20 minutes for six to eight minutes of flying action. His only problem will be stopping his Dad playing with it.</p>
  • <p> This strong but lightweight Super Racer Sledge, &pound;24.99, from <a href="http://www.supertrampdirect.co.uk/" target="_blank">Supertrampdirect.co.uk</a> is&nbsp; manufactured in Sweden suitable for all types of snow. There&rsquo;s a pulling cord to take the sledge back up the slope, and a moulded grab positioned at the rear. Light enough for a pre-teen to handle with ease, but big enough for the average adult (so don&rsquo;t worry if he has a growing spurt).</p>
  • <p> He&rsquo;s seen the Spielberg movie: now&rsquo;s the time to explore all the 24 original cartoon books. Created by Belgian illustrator Herg&eacute; in 1907, The Adventures of Tintin is one of the most popular series of comics in the world, with translations published in over 80 languages.<br /> The Adventures of Tintin, &pound;10.99 hardback, &pound;7.99 paperback, from <a href="http://www.egmont.co.uk/default.asp?pageid=23" target="_blank">Egmont publishing. </a></p>


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