Gifts for Tweens That They Won't Roll Their Eyes At
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The baby stage and the teenage years are well-documented in the virtual handbook of parental struggles. But somewhere between playing with Barbies and studying YouTube makeup tutorials to master the natural makeup look lies the age group that is likely the hardest to figure out: tweens!
Between the ages of 9 and 12 years old, tweens are in that awkward stage that is at the tail end of childhood and the very beginning of the dreaded teenage years. Honestly, they are a hard group to shop for. Are you buying the latest iPhones or are we still perusing the Tonka Trucks aisle? Tweens aren’t quite old enough to be lumped in with teen gift ideas, but at the same time, unwrapping a baby doll definitely won’t spark joy like it used to.
So to help you out, we’ve rounded up the best gifts that your tweens want to unwrap!
Blinger Deluxe Set, Radiance Collection
Throw some sparkle in her life with this Blinger Deluxe Set from the Radiance Collection. The easy-to-use tool attaches blinged-out gems to just about anything. Whether she wants to add some bejeweled shine to her hair or is interested in adorning her clothes, she'll be totally obsessed with this gift.
More: These Are the Gifts Your Kids Want, According to Kids
Chloven Velvet Hair Scrunchies, 45 Pieces
If you haven't been paying attention, there is a new trend that all of the tweens are raving about: the VSCO girl.
What is a VSCO girl exactly? Based on the photo-editing app VSCO, it refers to a style that is basic — but in a good way. This translates into oversized sweatshirts, drinking out of Hydroflasks (sksksksk) and metal straws while always having a few scrunchies on hand. Make your tween’s VSCO dreams come true with this 45-piece set of velvet hair scrunchies.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
These days, all of our pictures live online. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer wirelessly connects to your kiddo's smartphone so that they can print out tiny photos instantly. Pair them with string-light clips, and your tween can fill their room with their favorite Insta photos.
Nintendo Switch Lite
From the folks that brought you the Nintendo Switch last year that dominated the holiday wish lists, comes Nintendo Switch Lite.
But what is the difference? The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more compact, sleeker version of its predecessor. Designed to be an all-in-one handheld gaming system, it's ideal for tweens that want to take it on the go.
Cool Maker GO Glam Nail Stamper
Plain nail polish is canceled, which in tween language is a straight up insult. Take your tween's mani to the next level with the Go Glam Nail Stamper.
The set comes with two nontoxic nail polish colors, a top coat, and five different designs. The stamper only applies designs to the nontoxic Go Glam nail polish, making sure your kiddo is not using harmful, non-kid-friendly products. With 125 uses in each set, she will be switching out her mani on the regular!
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020
Turns out, even your totally-over-it tween is still into video games. For the very first time, Sonic and Mario appear in a game together in their debut Nintendo Switch game. Two video game classic characters are the stars of the 2020 Olympic Games.
With more than 30 games to play, the fun is endless. The game even has a story mode that transports players to the olden days of 1964 with a super authentic 2D graphics. Talk about Old Town Road!
Plattan 2 Bluetooth Tove Lo Edition
Question: How many times can you listen to Ariana Grande before you start reciting her lyrics in your dreams?
Save yourself from your tween's eclectic music tastes and hook them up with the Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth Tove Lo Edition headphones. Designed with the style of the musical sensation Tove Lo in mind, these sparkly headphones combine a clear sound and more than 30 hours of play time with a fun and expressive design.
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
There are grown adults who do not know how to make anything beyond a burned grilled cheese and diluted coffee. While those adults are too far gone, your tween can be a kitchen wiz with the Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Yes, young chefs can be intimidated, but the recipes are totally doable and the ingredients do not require last-minute flights to Peru for fresh llama milk. Under your watchful eye, your kiddo will be a mini Gordon Ramsay, but way nicer.
Taylor Swift Lover Vinyl 2-Disc Color Set
Hitting stores Nov. 15, this Target-exclusive Taylor Swift “Lover” vinyl set is only for the super Swifty fans. Even if your tween is all about streaming their music exclusively, they will love having and displaying this beautiful color set.
Heyday AirPod Case
Your tween has convinced you to buy them AirPods — finally! — but you’re worried about them going missing. Help your kid keep their pods safe with these stylish Heyday AirPod cases. They might actually put the pods back after they are done using them.
More: All the AirPod Accessories They'll Want
Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Pi?ata
Even if your tween rolls their eyes at the idea of playing with dreadful toys, we promise that it is still cool to be a fan of Fortnite. Filled with 100 different characters and toys from the ever-popular game, your kiddo doesn't need to have a party to have a reason to crack open this 25-inch Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Pi?ata.
Razor E100 Electric Scooter
OK, Razor Scooters can seem like a baby thing, but an electric Razor Scooter? That is clearly for big ki— errm, tweens.
With a simple and easy-to-use kick-start motor, your kiddo will be up and moving in no time. Going up to 10 miles per hour, you don't have to worry about your independent tween going too fast while they enjoy the extra speed boost.
Crystal Elixir Infused Gem Water Bottle
If your tween is all about harvesting good vibes and chill moods, this Nova Crystal Elixir Infused Gem Water Bottle will fit right into their aesthetic. The easy-to-remove crystals can be swapped out, using the crystal chamber, to fit your tween's mood.
While you might be iffy on the science behind the effects of crystals, your tween is totally into it and will love this thoughtful gift.
The Comfy
It's already a mission to peel your tween out of their bed, but — we are warning you now — it will be like mission impossible when they slip into the Comfy. Described as a wearable blanket, this hoodie is lined with cozy, fluffy sherpa faux fur. Their weekend Netflix binge sessions will be epic!
BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
Who is the singer in your family? If your tween is the breakout star, they will flip for the BONAOK wireless Bluetooth karaoke mic. The 3-in-1 microphone links to any Bluetooth device for them to stream their favorite jams and belt them out to high quality sound.
Will your ears regret this decision? Maybe! But your tween will be overjoyed.
JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
It may be tiny, but this JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker gets the job done. Simply pair with a Bluetooth device and boom, your tween is two-stepping off-beat to their favorite tunes.
If your kid is the kind that likes to turn their shower into a studio session, this clip-on mini speaker is waterproof and can be used in the bathroom. I mean, it does have the best acoustics, right?!
LEGO Batman Movie Story Pack
You know how the toys come to life in the movie Toy Story? Well, LEGO Batman Movie Story Pack is just like that but, in our opinion, far cooler.
Compatible with the most recent XBOX and Playstation systems, your tween will put together their LEGO Batman characters and watch them come to life in their game. Bridging the gap between imaginative play and techie fun, it is a perfect balance for your screen obsessed kiddo.
Tamagotchi On
Let's set the scene: It's 1997. You're sipping on your v thick SunnyD while catching up on some Doug when the commercial for the Tamagotchi pocket pet comes on.
Sure, your mom said you couldn't have a dog, but a pocket pet is harmless. That same excitement can be recreated with your tween via the reboot, Tamagotchi On.
Now with a full-color screen, these little virtual characters can interact with other pocket pets, be cared for via an app, and even get married. Your 1997 self is smiling right now watching the legacy live on.
Calvin Klein one Eau de Toilette
They may not be adults yet, but your tween stinks, and it's about time they learn how to take some pride in their look and bodily scents.
While you should still encourage them to shower and actually utilize the soap and water while in there, the unisex fragrance of the classic Calvin Klein one will give them and extra boost of confidence and motivation to clean themselves — often.
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
Let's be real, who doesn't want a robot?! The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is a challenge that will push your tween to dip their toe into the world of coding.
The dream toy for the tween who's taken apart the toaster one too many times to satisfy their need to tinker and discover, the LEGO Boost Robot comes with more than 800 pieces and can be transformed into five different characters, ranging from Vernie the Robot to Frankie the Cat.
Dermal Korea Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Pieces
Whether you're a believer in the magic of sheet masks or think they're mostly useless, you have to admit that they're fun and a nifty way to usher your tween into caring for their skin.
With more than 2,750 5-star Amazon reviews, this variety pack from Dermal Korea has a little bit of everything to address most hormonal-tween skin issues.
You Might Also Like