39 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 like a trip to a theme park or museum.
You can peek ahead to the teen years for more gift inspiration, too!
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Mobile Phone Photo Printer
Kristy Pepping: 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.
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!
PopSockets
Kristy Pepping: 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
Age 2-15
Kristy Pepping: 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.: 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.
LED Lights
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: 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!
Felt Letter Board
Kelly R: 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.
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.
Airpods Case
Kristy Pepping: 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.
Snap Circuits Arcade
Age 8+
Gina I.: With Snap Circuits Arcade, kids get hands-on experience building working circuits and electronic devices. The set features 30 snap modules that can be used to create more than 200 projects. Its clear, easy-to-follow instructions and stimulating arcade style games offer hours of entertainment.
LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline
Age 12+
Nancy L.: LEGO's Architecture line is designed for older builders. This skyline set is ideal for kids who are interested in architecture, reading about history, or someone who is simply dreaming of a trip to Paris.
Anboor Squishies
Age 3+
Kristy Pepping: Another hit with this age seems to be these squishy toys. They come in several shapes, sizes and designs. Kids like to collect different ones and use them as stress relievers as well.
Echo Dot Clock
Kelly R: These Echo Dots with a digital clock are a great step up when kids are ready for something a little more grown up than the toddler alarm clock. You don't need to buy the kid-specific Echo Dot in order to use the parental controls...this one works great for us. My kids love having them in their rooms as alarm clocks, for the fun Alexa skills, and to listen to music when they want some alone time. If you have multiple units in the house, you can also use them as an intercom system to "drop in" on other rooms...this comes in handy when we're downstairs and need to coax our tween out of bed!
Gummygoods Squeezable Night Light
Yoli B: Fun room accessories make great gifts for tweens who might be ready to move on from their little kid room decor. This colorful gummy bear LED nightlight will be a hit! The best part is that you have to squeeze the gummy belly to turn it on.
Squishmallows
All ages
Alexandra F.: 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!
Primary photo: Emma Simpson on Unsplash
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