
47 Best Gifts for Tweens
Our roundup of the best gifts for tweens will make shopping for the 10, 11 and 12-year-olds in your life a snap. Birthdays and holidays are a great opportunity to give gifts that encourage their interests (and show that you know what's on trend), but don't forget experience gifts for tweens like a trip to a theme park, museum or theater show.
You can peek ahead to the teen years for more gift inspiration, too, or check out our curated Sephora gifts for tweens who are into beauty!
What makes Upparent gift lists unique? The gift ideas for tweens that you see here are submitted by regular parents in our community. You won't find a one-size-fits-all list compiled by an editor, or recommendations that seem legit but are actually paid for by brands. We're just sharing the things that our tweens have gotten and loved, that we've discovered and are excited to give, or that are on the wish list. Help us build the best list of cool and unique gifts for tweens by adding your picks and reviews below!

Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film Camera
This instant camera is instant fun! Its mini instant photos create lasting memories you can take anywhere. Comes in a variety of fun colors. Make sure to gift some film, too!
LED Strip Lights
Sue Krawitz Tandoc said: I bought these LED strip lights for my tween boys for Christmas and they love them! They were easy to affix to the top of their ceiling around their entire room, then the cord comes down (secure the top part to the wall) to plug in. The remote control features colored buttons to change the light color, as well as increase or decrease the brightness. The lights can also change to music or the sound of your voice. This set features connectors and other parts that I didn't need to use, since I just went around the top of the wall. Make sure to press firmly to affix them, connect where needed, and if you have extra, cut along the designated cutting line. Enjoy!
Squishmallows
Alexandra F. said: These super soft, cuddly plush toys have been really popular for a while now, and come in a variety of sizes and designs to please anyone on your list who can appreciate a good cuddle, making it a great Christmas gift for kids from toddler to teen!

Pirasta Coloring Poster
Kelly R said: We love these giant coloring posters from Pirasta! We're now on our third one, and I think our family favorite so far is the America one.
Starbucks Gift Cards
Nancy L. said: Nothing will make your tween feel more like an adult than a gift card to Starbucks. If you're not comfortable with your kids drinking coffee Starbucks has a variety of kids’ drinks and snacks.
Puzzle Baron's Logic Puzzles
Kelly R said: My tween is loving this book of logic puzzles, with challenges that are tricky but not frustrating. It's a great activity book that exercises the brain without feeling like work.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
When it comes to Sephora kids makeup, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a great introduction for any young girl. The sheer, lightweight lip balm comes in a variety of colors, with a blend of nourishing oils and butters to hydrate and smooth lips. Plus, it smells nice!

Woobles Crochet Kit
Kelly R said: This is an adorable learn-to-crochet kit that my tween daughter really enjoyed. It is very well-done and thoughtful in its approach to teaching, with beginner-friendly yarn, helpful instructional videos, and a luxe feel (and price tag) that make it a great gift.
Mobile Phone Photo Printer
Kristy Pepping said: This is more of a big-ticket gift, but it's one your kids will use for sure or even for mom and dad. My mother-in-law got this for my tween last year and she uses it often. You simply use your cell phone with this mini printer and you can print off photos very easily.

PopSockets
Kristy Pepping said: If your child has their own phone, these little grips fit on the back of a cell phone and are fun stocking stuffers for teens and tweens. Ideal for those selfies! It also acts as a stand when watching a video. Plus, kids can wind their headphones around these tabs as well. They come in various colors.
Spooner Boards Pro
Kristy Pepping said: My daughter received a Spooner as a birthday present and she loves it! These boards are slightly curved on either end so that kids can balance, spin in a circle or rock back and forth on them. I will also add, they offer great at-home exercise for kids, provide hours of non-screen time fun and require no batteries so a win-win-win in my books! Spooners come in a variety of fun colors too.
Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar
Gina I. said: Consider creative gifts for tweens that will inspire them to explore new interests or try out fun hobbies! An aspiring musician would love an acoustic guitar! This small-bodied acoustic guitar is the perfect size for a tween. Add a guitar book to make it a complete gift.
Felt Letter Board
Kelly R said: A vintage-inspired letter board is a fun gift for tweens that will help them personalize their room. A fun way to display motivational quotes and other creative and customized text, and switch it up on a whim.
Airpods Case
Kristy Pepping said: If your child already owns AirPods or if you have a pair and let him or her borrow yours, this is a fun carrying case. This is what my tween would like for Christmas and it comes with a carabiner for attaching it to an inside of a backpack or purse.
Millie Marotta Adult Coloring Books
Being a tween isn't easy; you're not yet a teenager but are dealing with some pretty heavy topics such as peer pressure, puberty, and junior high cliques. Learning stress management techniques, as simple as coloring in coloring books, will be key to surviving the teenage years ahead. There are many coloring books geared toward adults that would make great gifts for tweens! Don't forget to pair with a nice set of markers or colored pencils.
Primary photo: Emma Simpson on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.