From video games to sneakers, Dartmouth's preteens are craving the latest in technology and fashion. Check out this list of must-have gifts for middle school students.

No. 1: Sports games

Sports fans are clamoring for the latest in virtual sports. Seventh grader Grace Rose is hopeful she will get a copy of Madden NFL 17 or one of several soccer games this year, which she enjoys playing with her sister Kallie. In addition to the new Madden game, sixth grader Graham White hopes to find a copy of basketball game NBA 17 under his tree.

No. 2: Drones

These small, high-flying remote-controlled aircraft are popular with teenagers for two distinct purposes, explained White. For aspiring content creators, drones offer teens an avenue into aerial photography with mounted high-quality cameras that can produce still photos or videos. Popular brands to this end include the Phantom 4, the Mavic and the GoPro Karma.

“I like the Phantom 4 the best because it flies easier and faster,” White added.

For amateur stuntmen, other brands are specifically designed to do aerial tricks and racing. These brands tend to be cheaper and of lesser quality, however.

No. 3: Sneakers

A new pair of sneakers is in high demand among Dartmouth’s pre-teen and teenage population, White said. This season, the most popular are all Nike brands, and include Prestos and Huaraches.

No. 4: Boots

A pair of high-quality winter footwear is on the wish lists for a number of middle schoolers. Eighth grader Lexi Grota, 14, is asking for a pair of Uggs. She enjoys its design, and is impressed with improvements that have been made this year.

”The new Uggs are waterproof for the winter and a lot of kids are asking for them,” Grota said.

For those who are not a fan of Uggs – like Rose – a pair of Bearpaws is another option. They keep her feet warm while watching her brother play hockey in cold ice rinks.

No. 5: Virtual reality headsets

Once a symbol of technological fiction, high-definition virtual reality headsets are now capable of dropping kids into their favorite video games, said White. There are several brands to choose from, he explained, but many of his friends who own Sony’s PlayStation 4 game console are hoping to find PlayStation VR headsets under their trees come Christmas morning.

“Virtual reality headsets makes it like you’re in the game,” White said. “It’s not the real thing, but it seems so real.”

No. 6: Fathead posters

These three-dimensional posters are a common gift request among White’s friends. From life-sized cutouts of pro athletes to Disney princesses, a poster for any interest can be found online. White himself has a life-sized action shot of Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi in his room.

No. 7: Legos

Lego sets are a popular choice for creative pre-teens. Sixth grader Everett Costa, 11, hopes to receive vintage Star Wars-themed sets, but modern sets inspired by movies, video games, television shows and books can readily be found in toy stores.

Need gift ideas for younger kids? Check out our must-have list for your young children.