The 10 Greatest Tech-Free Gifts for Tween Boys

Yes. You read that right! This entire gift guide is based on “non-tech” gifts for tween boys. In a generation where cell phones, XBOXs, PS4s, and Fortnite are king, it can be difficult to come up with ideas for the boys in your life.
So, I’ve searched for those gifts that I truly believe will be winners in any tween or teen boy’s life!
The 10 Greatest Tech-Free Gifts for Tween Boys
1. LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box
Legos will NEVER go out of style! They are the perfect gifts for tween boys because there are so many different options to choose from. And as a mama and a teacher, I like that they learn how to follow directions to build specific designs. With the brick boxes, they are provided with suggested “builds” to get kids started, but they can build anything they want. The only limitations are their imaginations.
2. Risk Game: Global Domination
This board game is a winner in our family. In fact, we like it so much that we actually have two different versions including the original and an Avengers Civil War Edition. Be warned, this game can take a LONG time to play. But with global domination in mind, patience is key!
3. Djubi Classic Game of Catch with a Twist
We don’t actually own this, but I’m planning to get it for my boys for Christmas! At our house, there is always some form of “catch” taking place. So, I figure why not take it up a notch? The unique part about this version is that you get 2 foam balls and two rackets. Now, if you’ve ever played catch before, you know that rackets aren’t usually involved. But, this is no ordinary game of catch.
The specially designed rackets can actually launch the foam ball up to 100 feet into the air before the other person attempts to catch the ball in the net on the racket. I am absolutely confident that every boy (and probably every girl) in your family will want to see how high they can shoot the ball in the air. Plus, it gets everyone outside and moving which is a definite win in my book!
4. Capture the Flag REDUX
We love all kinds of board games and activities at our house. And when I saw this, I knew it had to be one of the gifts for tween boys! The pieces light up for awesome outdoor adventures after dark. I have to admit that I think kids of all ages (adults included) would have a great time with this game. And let’s be honest… Competition + Glow-in-the-dark = WINNER!
5. Nerf Mega Guns
If we took a little trip down to my basement right now, there would be no less than 30 Nerf guns in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. My boys have received these guns as presents or they’ve bought them with their own hard-earned money. Whenever they have friends over, this is a guaranteed activity. I would even go so far as to say these are probably the most played with toys in our home. My boys have even created a game where several of the guns are put in a row and everyone takes 10 steps away from them. Whenever they hear go, it’s a race to see who can get the best gun. (They certainly like to keep it interesting.)
6. Master Chef Junior Cookbook
Our boys need to learn how to cook so that they can survive on their own one day. This cookbook is the perfect way to get your aspiring chef headed in the right direction! (And it teaches them a fantastic life skill in the process.)
7. Dude Perfect Signature Bow
My boys, and every other boy in the world, love to watch Dude Perfect on YouTube. In case you’ve never heard of them, they’re a group of five young Christian men who do all kinds of amazing trick shots. They have over 35 million subscribers to their YouTube channel and they also have a show on CMT! Trust me…they are REALLY entertaining.
But, since this is a gift guide, I would be remiss I didn’t suggest at least one Dude Perfect gift. So, I decided the Dude Perfect Signature Bow had to be included. I like the fact that this set comes with a target…as opposed to using another person.
8. Stratego Classic Board Game
This is another game based on battles and strategy. My boys love to play this one, and it is a much less involved than Risk. While I have not yet learned how to play this, any game requiring players to devise plans to capture the enemies has to be added to a list of gifts for tween boys.
9. Blitzball Starter Sets
Every boy needs to have a whiffle ball set of some kind during childhood. But, I love how the Blitzball sets are designed to travel up to 50% farther than a standard whiffle ball…making it PERFECT for boys! My boys have a Blitzball bat and ball that they adore! My older son loves how the unique shape of the ball allows him to throw “nasty” curveballs and strike out his daddy. Trust me, this set is a winner. (And it also comes in a Dude Perfect version.)
10. Speak Out: Kids vs. Parents
This game is absolutely hilarious! There are many different versions to choose from, but this is the one we have. The only downside to this game is the amount of drooling that takes place. 🙂 If you want to focus on getting gifts for tween boys that encourage time spent together with family and friends, this should be your top pick.

Finding gifts for tween boys that they’ll like but don’t involve technology is tough! But, it’s my mission to make sure that my boys learn skills outside of how to manipulate a smartphone or gaming system. I hope you have found some gifts that are a little bit outside of the box, but perfect for the tween boy in your life.
Looking for more gift guides? Find everything you need for all the amazing people in your life.
- The Ultimate Gift Guide for VIPKID Teachers
- 12 Christmas Presents for Teachers (That They Actually Want)
- The Best Family Games to Give This Holiday
- The Top 10 Gifts for Preschoolers
