Cool Gifts for Tweens

Cool 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.

These parent-recommended gift ideas for tweens strike the perfect balance for kids who still enjoy toys but are quickly approaching the teen years.

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    Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera

    Gina I.:  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!

    Spooner Boards Pro

    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.

    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.

    Mermaid Sequin Pillow

    Gina I.:  With a brush of your hand, this sequin pillow changes colors! You can also 'draw' on the pillow with your finger to create eye-catching designs. Fun and fashionable, it's the perfect compliment to a pre-teen bedroom.

    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.

    Snap Circuits Arcade

    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

    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

    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.

    Blank Comic Book for Kids

    Erynn:  If the tween in your life is the artistic type, gift him or her this blank comic book to create an adventure with no limits! Even kids who don't enjoy writing will love drawing their own story in comic book form, and this book gives them plenty of space to explore.

    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.

    Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle

    Alexandra F.:  This popular water bottle is one of the best water bottles for kids (and adults). We’ve been using Hydro Flasks in our family for years, and I love how they keep our water cool and fresh tasting for hours and hours...even days, when we’ve forgotten them in the car. Give your tween the gift of hydration...it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

    Glow-in-the-Dark Paracord Wristband Kit

    Lisa R:  Making friendship bracelets, and particularly paracord bracelets seems to be the preteen fashion trend that never dies, perhaps because they're just so satisfying to make. This kit comes with everything needed to make 6 bracelets.

    Starbucks Gift Cards

    Nancy L.:  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.

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.