Image: MomJunction Design Team
Teenagers these days are often quite adventurous and like to look for ways to develop their identities. However, to deal with the stress of growing up, we have created a list of the best toys for teens. They often have to deal with the various issues related to being a teen and face many hardships. So, these tested and approved toys will keep them occupied and happy, allowing them to spend some time with themselves.
Teens are at that tender age where nothing can keep them entertained for too long. Their attention is fleeting, and when they like one thing, they never let go of it. So, a bunch of interesting, trusted toys can provide hours of playtime and keep them entertained. There are various games with exciting features such as unique collectibles, interactive outdoor games, and more. However, choosing the right toy can be challenging. So, take a look at our list of best-selling toys and their features to choose one that suits the teen’s interests.
Top Picks
15 Best Toys For Teens
1. Best Easy-To-Use: Lego Ship In A Bottle
The Lego Ship In A Bottle is a model kit built to stand the test of time. It lets you build an intricate and detailed ship using a brick-built cork and wax seal. This easy-to-use collectible display set and the toy comes with a ship, captain’s quarters, cannons, mast, crow’s nest, sails, flag, and even a compass. With 962 pieces, you can add a nautical touch to your Lego collectibles. This highly detailed toy ship comes with printed sail elements that you can set up and display on a stand inside the bottle. The construction toy also includes an elaborate booklet and instruction manual, making it one of the cool gifts for teens. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Sturdy pieces
- Includes Lego brick build bottle and stand
- Ideal for bookshelf display
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for ages twelve and up
- Compatible with other Lego sets and bricks
Cons
- Some may find the bottle fragile
- May be smaller than expected
"Crafting this LEGO model with my kids was a fun and engaging journey. The intricately designed model now stands proudly as a display piece in our home. The instructions could be a bit clearer, and it is a little smaller than I had expected, but still, it offers an enjoyable building experience."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 15,505 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
2. Best For Swimming Pools: The Watermelon Ball
If you are looking for a fun and interactive swimming pool game, this unique pool ball is just the one for you. Players can dribble, kick, and bounce this ball ten feet underwater because of its near-neutral buoyancy. A fun and entertaining toy, the easy-to-fill and play inflatable ball contains water and doubles up as a high-intensity pool or dive toy when played with larger groups. This watermelon ball is also accompanied by a patented hose adapter and a filling needle to help you quickly fill it with water. With this fun toy, you can encourage exercise and active play to ensure that your teens get as much outdoor exercise as possible. Watch this product testing video to know more about the product.
Pros
- Made of high-quality PVC material
- Easy to fill and play
- Long-lasting
- Includes an instruction booklet
- Ideal for ages eight and up
Cons
- Color might fade with the use
- May be smaller than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,465 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
3. Best For Relieving Stress: Nutty Toys Squishy Cat Set
These soft dolls are for those of you looking to keep your teens relaxed and focused round the clock. The two soft fidget toys have been tested to withstand squeezing, pinching, and stretching and can be used to relieve everyday stress. The soft and squishy kittens can also help tackle anxiety and symptoms of ADD, ADHD, and Autism. These tiny cat toys are super portable and lightweight as they are only two inches small and can easily be washed with water and soap to keep them clean at all times. By continuously squeezing the squishy toy, you can ease any muscle tensions that may further help to regulate breathing and add a degree of relaxation for your young teenager. This video will give you more insights into the product.
Pros
- Made of high-quality silicone
- Durable quality
- Non-scented
- Does not fade
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- May be flat on the rear side
- May not be tear-proof
"These squishy stress-relievers are lovely for my kid's small hands and offer comfort during travel or stressful times. Although slightly small, they seem pretty durable and serve their purpose well. I adore the cute details and material; go for it!"
Point to consider4. Best For Sensory Stimulation: OleOletOy 32-Pieces Fidget Toy Set
The OleOletOy 32-pieces fidget toy set is a creative learning tool that can be used to enhance your teenager’s cognitive skills, thinking capabilities, and imagination. The set includes three mesh stress balls, six stretchy fidget toys, a soybean squeeze, mini football squeeze foam balls, slime eggs, and so much more! The fidget toys are made from top-quality non-toxic, durable materials that are entirely safe to play with. You can use these fidgeting devices to help your teen tackle stress and anxiety by simply playing, stretching, squeezing, and flipping them around. The fidget sensory toys are additionally suitable for teens with ADD, ADHD, OCD, or high stress and anxiety levels.
Pros
- Travel-friendly toys
- Suitable for group play for children
- Suitable for different age groups
- Includes a storage box
Cons
- Some toys may not be as durable
- Mesh balls may be a bit flimsy
"I like the variety in this fidget toy assortment as it caters to different sensory needs with its delightful mix of gadgets. I do feel like the stress balls could be better, but they've been helpful for stress and anxiety relief. I would recommend it."
5. Best For Scientific Learning: 4M Green Signs Solar Rover Kit
The award-winning 4M Green Signs Solar Rover Kit is an educative and informative play method that allows your teenager to harvest the sun’s light to power everyday objects. This super fun kit comes equipped with essential parts to build a solar-powered car to empower the young scientist in your child. Watch them transform a recycled soda can into a solar-powered rover with this easy-to-use kit that does not require batteries and has a detailed assembly instruction manual to assemble the toy quickly. The best part of this entertaining rover kit is that your teenager will also learn more about how sunlight can be converted to energy and effectively used.
Pros
- Easy to build
- Includes complete hardware
- Stimulates imagination
- Promotes parent-child interaction
- Ideal to teach children about green energy
- ORG authenticated
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to follow instructions
- May not work on a cloudy day
"Assembling this solar rover with my son was challenging yet fun. I find it a brilliant educational tool that raised my son's curiosity about solar energy, and he eagerly waits for sunny days to see it come to life. I'm quite pleased with its performance and quality."
6. Best Durable: The Mixi Magnetic Dart Board
If you are on the lookout for a fun and safe outdoor game that won’t harm your child in any way, this double-sided magnetic dartboard set is the right one for you! Inclusive of ten colored darts, this exciting gaming setup can be easily rolled up and taken with you wherever you go. Choose this foldable and durable dartboard for your teenager to help increase hand-eye coordination and promote and improve sportsmanship skills. This durable, folding dartboard set is loved by many reviewers. It’s easy to maintain and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Pros
- Easy to hang anywhere
- Smooth velvet fabric
- Includes two different games
- Suitable for indoor play
- Safe and stable darts
- Powerful magnets
Cons
- Board may be smaller than the expected
- Strap may not be durable
"My kids and I enjoy playing with this magnetic dartboard. The absence of pointy ends has made it safe for us to play indoors. I like that it has a strong magnetism and is easy to store. Overall, a great purchase!"
Quick Tip7. Best Portable: Teen Titans Six Pack Action Figures
For teenagers who love collecting and playing with action figures, this super fun action figure set features six characters from the animated series Teen Titans Go! This set includes Raven, Beast Boy, Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, and Silkie. The multi-colored collectibles come in a deluxe mini figurine set made of polyvinyl chloride, safe to use. The lightweight figures are small, portable, and can easily be stored on desktops and similar storage spaces. Watch your teenager enjoy these Teen Titans figurines and gradually add on to their collectible set.
Pros
- Well-articulated designs
- Multipurpose toys
- Detailed painting
- Bright and vibrant colors
Cons
- No movable parts
- Some may find them fragile
"I like the craftsmanship of these figures—they've captured the charm of the series nicely. However, I might have to wait a while before they're safe for my young kids to play with since they are slightly small. Until then, I like having them as displays on my game room shelf."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,467 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
8. Best Easy-To-Clean: Skylety Eight-piece Fluorescent Sticky Balls
The Skylety eight-piece Fluorescent Sticky Balls are a decompression toy available in four unique and attractive colors. The perfect-sized balls light up in the dark and are made of quality thermoplastic rubber that is both soft and safe to use. Not only are these sticky balls unbreakable, but the surface is easy to clean with just the help of some water. According to the reviewers, you can use these stress relief balls to alleviate physical and emotional stress as well. What makes these a great toy to play with is their cozy material and vibrant colors that help keep you feeling relaxed all day.
Pros
- High-tear-resistance material
- Ideal size to hold
- Good sticking capacity
- Viscosity recovers after washing
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- May get dirty easily
- May stain the walls
"These glow-in-the-dark balls have become a hit with my kids. They love trying out various surfaces to see if they will stick or not. I've found that washing them restores their initial stickiness, even though I'm not sure if that will work forever—still, a fun buy."
9. Best For Improving Focus: Dermasy Magnetic Rings Fidget Toy
Teenagers tend to get tired and exhausted after a long day at school. This fidget toy is ideal for providing them with instant stress release while also improving imagination, focus, and dexterity. This toy is made of high-quality ABS plastic and N45 magnets that are both strong and durable. The unique pocket-size design makes for enjoyable leisure time and doubles up as a fanny tabletop game. It lets you use this simple and fun giftable option creatively in track, billiard, and hockey games.
Pros
- Strong magnets
- Pocket size
- Playable with one hand
- Detachable rings
- Suitable for different ages
Cons
- Some may find the rings big
- May not be durable
"These fidget magnets might be on the smaller side, but they've been a delightful distraction for the whole family. They're great for anxious moments or idle hands and have a soothing presence. I wish the magnets were stronger, but they've been a decent buy."
Trivia10. Best For Safety: Kavkabox Best Time Fidget Sensory Spinners
The Best Time Fidget Sensory Spinners are simple to use and fun to play with. These fidget toys are made of premium ABS and silicone material that is safe, durable, and not easy to damage. This lightweight and portable toy with smooth edges helps relieve anxiety while squeezing, popping, and flipping the decompression areas. Watch your teenager play with this bubble sensory fidget toy by rotating it on their fingertips. This toy is also ideal for people with autism, ADHD, or trouble concentrating in general. With five different combinations to choose from, this super cool holiday gift is sure to be a favorite among your teenager and his friends.
Pros
- BPA-free material
- Tear-resistant
- Comes with push bubbles
- High-speed bearings
- Suitable for all ages
- Individually packed
Cons
- Some may be a bit hard to rotate
"After using these spinners for a while, they've proven to be a dependable source of distraction and stress relief. The bright colors and compact design are definitely a plus. While I enjoy them and am happy with my purchase, my sister didn't benefit much from them, so their effectiveness varies."
11. Best Waterproof: Topcolor Remote Control Boat Shark
If you’re on the lookout for a unique toy for your teenager, this one is your best bet! The easy-to-operate model has a waterproof design and high-quality operation that lets this device work smoothly underwater. The streamlined figure comes with flexible mechanical tail joints and double paddles configured with a motor. You can operate this remote-controlled shark with a 2.4 GHz transmitter at a distance of up to 40 meters. The shark boat is composed of top ABS material and its waterproof feature lets the water toy spin freely underwater. Additionally, the design is structured for minimum energy consumption and lightweight performance so that you can choose this remote control toy to let your teenager explore the wonders of pool-time fun!
Pros
- Two-speed adjustments
- Flexible tail
- Diving light
- Rechargeable batteries
- Batteries included
- Suitable for all ages
Cons
- Water may reach the battery compartment
- May run out of battery quickly
12. Best For Improving Cognitive Abilities: DPTOYZ Colorful Rainbow Puzzle Ball Fidget Toy
The DPTOYZ Puzzle Balls are a great way to keep your teens preoccupied with an exciting and challenging toy. This one is another of the best toys for teens because it provides stress release and helps cultivate spatial cognitive abilities. The lightweight fidget toy is made of safe ABS material that is non-toxic, harmless, and comfortable to hold in your hands. The rainbow-colored puzzle ball also acts as a brain teaser to improve logical thinking, enhance hand-eye coordination and match color sensitivity. These football-shaped stress reliever toys are additionally easy to store and portable, so your teen can take them with them wherever they like.
Pros
- Multiple ways to play
- Fast-speed toy
- Bright colors
- Glow-in-the-dark feature
- Perfect gift for teens
Cons
- Some may find it hard to move
"This puzzle ball has been more than a fidgety toy in my house - the kids love comparing how quickly they can solve it. I love the hands-on, brain-teasing play, and it seems to be quite durable, too. It can be a bit loud when pieces pop into place, but it has been great as a tactile challenge."
13. Best Easy-To-Assemble: Kidpal 12-In-1 Solar Robot Creation Kit
This award-winning DIY assembly STEM solar robot kit does not require a battery to function and will keep your teenager enraptured for hours together outdoors. The easy-to-assemble science kit is parent-recommended and STEM-authenticated. It requires putting the motors and solar panels in place. With 190 pieces, this building set allows your teenager to understand abstract concepts and conceptualize solar energy generation. The panels absorb solar energy and operate automatically with a rotating wheel gear in up to 12 different creations. While assembling the toy may take time, it is a fun and interactive experience that parents can also participate in.
Pros
- Enhances parent-child relationship
- Ideal for ages ten and above
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor play
- Can move on water and land
- Does not require batteries
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Some may find the instructions difficult to follow
"I was happy to find this eco-conscious toy. Though the construction is mostly plastic, it has been pretty sturdy so far. The assembly took a while, and I had to help my kids put it together, but it was a nice way for us to bond. Most importantly, its educational value is commendable."
14. Best Traditional Brain Teaser: ERAemnac Solid Wood Puzzle Assembled Toy
This intellectual toy is modeled on the mortise and tenant structure technology of ancient architecture. Specially designed for children, this wooden brain teaser puzzle comes in a 3D wooden cube that is easy to disassemble. Watch your teenager practice their observational and analytical thinking with this hands-on toy. Made from beech wood material, this time-tested wood grain puzzle is the perfect gift to encourage teenagers to stay away from their electronic gadgets.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Challenging puzzle
- Multiple ways to build
- Suitable for teens and adults
- Includes an iron storage box
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"The beautiful wooden construction charmed me. While the toys are splendid as puzzles and stress relievers, I also like using them as subtle décor enhancements around my home, adding elegance to my coffee table and bookshelf."
15. Best Leak-Proof Design: AugToy Inflatable Pool Volleyball Set
This outdoor pool volleyball set comes with two cozy, large-size beer volleyball racks and one strong volleyball net with endurable weight bags. Ideal for hours of fun, this inflatable pool float uses non-toxic PVC material to ensure long-lasting and leak-proof usage. This vibrant color volleyball set is one of the best toys for teens as they do not easily scratch or rip apart and keeps them occupied for hours on end. This pool float also has a valve for quick inflating and deflating.
Pros
- Stays upright
- Resistant to scratches and tears
- Stays inflated for many days
- Easy to assemble
- Extra string for extension
Cons
- Some may find the ball less durable
- Net may not be wide enough
"This volleyball set has been a fun addition to our family gatherings. It was pretty straightforward to set up, and although I had to add a bit of extra weight to stabilize it underwater, it's a minor adjustment for how much fun we have with it. I also found the quality pretty impressive!"
How To Choose The Right Toys For Teens?
Consider these factors to make an informed buying decision and choose the best toys for teens.
- Quality: When you’re on the lookout for the best toy for teens, you’ll want to keep in mind that they’ll appreciate ones that are well-made and can keep them occupied. You will want to invest in toys that are made from good quality materials that are safe for teenagers to play with. You’re good to go if you look for durable products with long hours of battery life that they can use for years to come.
- Practicality: If you want to keep teenagers engaged, but also learn while they play, you’ll want to keep in mind products that have educational or instructive value. This means that you can look for toys that have more practical value. Ideally, you could look for options that they can use often and that could possibly pique their interests. For example, teens who are inquisitive and like assembling toys will find a remote control toy interesting, while some others who find themselves fidgeting often would benefit a great deal from fidget spinners.
- Trends: Most teenagers are likely to enjoy playing with a toy that they can use regularly. Products that allow them to listen to music, watch movies, or spend more quality time with their friends are bound to be a hit. When choosing the right toy for your teen, you will want to consider products that may motivate them to step outside and be more physically active. And if you want to cut down your teen’s screen time and encourage them to interact with friends and siblings, you could invest in fun outdoor toys like dart boards and pool toys that are both practical and enjoyable options.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose’s experience in reviewing and writing about kids’ toys and essentials enables her to deliver well-researched articles in this area. She understands the requirements of adolescents and has gone through numerous websites and product reviews to find the best toys for teens. She has included a detailed description of each product, highlighting its unique features. Using the buying guide section, you can make the right choice based on the features your teen may require.
Most toys and games these days are designed for children, making it increasingly difficult to find suitable ones for teenagers. Luckily, this list goes into detail about unique and exciting solutions that are both practical and challenging for your young adult. This post includes something for every teen, including puzzles, fidget toys, outdoor toys, and more. Considering that teenagers prefer to spend more time with their friends, you can consider opting for outdoor toys.
Infographic: What Are The Benefits Of Play?
Playing with a toy or participating in sports can be fun for everyone, regardless of age or gender. There are many physical as well as brain-boosting games that you can play to reap the benefits of playing. Follow the infographic to learn how playing can benefit you in several ways. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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