Best toys for 10-year-olds, as recommended by real parents

While it’s a toy that can split opinions, these mini fridges have proven to be a big hit for pre-teens’ bedrooms, whether they’re gaming, chilling out with friends or simply looking for somewhere fun to stash their face masks, snacks or cans of pop.

While it’s not to be confused with a high-performance fridge, this stylish and compact fridge can hold up to four litres or six cans at a time, even doubling up as an in-car USB  fridge for travel and road trips. Available in a choice of two colours, your 10-year-old will love personalising the exterior using the included stickers.

In need of more toy recommendations? Check out our guides to the best toys for seven-year-olds, eight-year-olds and nine-year-olds.

Tie dye designs are particularly on trend at the moment, but rather than opting for an off-the-shelf option, why not allow your kids to make their own?

The Fab Lab Tie Dye Kit comes with four brightly coloured dyes in large applicator bottles and a selection of latex-free elastic bands, allowing children to quickly and easily make unique designs that express their personality.

Simply choose the material of your choice - from T-shirts to hoodies or scarves;  before twisting, folding and scrunching to create unique and individual designs. Be warned, they’ll soon want to tie dye everything in sight as it can be somewhat addictive!

Related: Discover our pick of the best online tutoring services to boost your child's learning.

Keen to get your child off the sofa and away from screens? Whilst not technically a toy, the Fitbit Ace 3 is a fitness tracker made specifically for kids. Unlike those aimed at adults, it’s focused on encouraging activity (not on calories burned). It’s also fairly slimline too, looking stylish and ‘grown up’ without being bulky on small wrists.

With the ability to earn badges and complete challenges amongst their friends, it’s intuitive, easy to use and incredibly motivating; particularly the animated screens that grow and develop the closer they get to their activity target.

Related: The best kids' smartwatches to buy

If your 10-year-old loves solving puzzles, they’re sure to love the Rubix Cube Connected - a smart twist on the classic puzzle game that helps children not only learn how to solve it but also compete with other players across the globe.  

While it’s a little costly compared to the original, the Rubix Connected syncs with a compatible mobile app to track your child’s progress. With interactive hints and tips to improve their overall performance and challenge times, they’ll soon learn how to solve the Rubix with seven simple steps, before competing to rank on the global leaderboards.

Read next: Best iPad for kids, tried and tested by parents

Whether your 10-year-old loves watching arty shorts on YouTube or simply getting creative, then Ohuhu markers are a gift that’s sure to be well received, regularly recommended by online artists, reviewers and Mumsnet users alike. 

While the larger sets of Ohuhu alcohol markers will set you back significantly more, this set of 100 water based markers are ideal for beginners and offers excellent value for money.

We love the double-tipped pens, allowing children to switch between the larger fibre brush and a fine liner depending on their project. 

Read next: Check out our guide to the best dumb phone for kids

Tested by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Throw Throw Burrito review: is this zany family game worth the hype?

If we told you this game was a combination of a card game and dodgeball, only throwing around and dodging a giant squishy Burrito, you’d probably think we’d had too much wine with our lunch. It’s the truth however and pretty much why this game has proven to be such a big hit with families.

The aim of the game? Collect matching sets of cards and avoid getting bopped on the bonce with a burrito. Simple.

Read next: Discover the best family board games

Mumsnet users found that kids can never have too many footballs, but this one offers something a little more special than your average ball. With lights and sounds, this smart balls keeps track of your tricks, counting up every time it makes contact with your body.

Whether you’re doing kick ups, headers or bouncing the ball off your chest, who can be the first family member to reach 100?

Read next: Best trampolines for kids, tried and tested by parents

While they’re not strictly a toy, the Funko Pop collectible vinyl figures have grown hugely in popularity over recent years - particularly with the ‘kidult’ market - making them an appealing choice for a 10-year-old. 

Whether they use it as a desk accessory or create an extensive collection on their book shelves, Funko Pops are available in a wide range of genres - from Harry Potter to Marvel superheroes, sports stars and celebrities. 

It’s worth knowing that some Funko Pops sell out particularly quickly - especially the iconic characters or genres linked to new Disney releases. The older designs can also be a bit more costly to secure, especially those that were limited edition.

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A brand that needs no introduction, Squishmallows have developed a fairly iconic status and as a result, they are regularly recommended by Mumsnet users as gifts for children of all ages. While your child may seem ‘too-old’ for regular plush toys - these super sized Squishmallows are definitely the exception.

Measuring 50cm tall and cosy enough to double up as a cushion or pillow for chilling, reading or tablet time, their cute personalities make them a great addition to your 10-year-olds bedroom - although you may need to make some space or their arrival! 

Read next: Best teddy bears and soft toys kids will love to cuddle

If your 10-year-old loves taking full selfies and photographs with their friends, this Instax mini printer could be the ideal gift. Unlike the Instax instant camera which captures shots directly, this portable handheld printer syncs directly to your child’s mobile phone or tablet, so they only print the photos that make the final cut. 

WIth fun photo editing and software built in, children can even add fun frames and stickers, before printing high-quality colour images in less than 12 seconds - great for framing or displaying on a notice board in their bedroom.

The photo paper doesn’t come cheap, so while it’s fair to say it’s not one for everyday use, it’s perfect for occasional printing, special occasions and parties. 

Read next: The best kids' camera as recommended by parents.