Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Tweens

Tweens are a special breed. They can be hard to figure out. With all the hormones and knowing everything, it can be hard to shop for them. Anything you can do to encourage their strengths or passions is a great gift idea. Here are some ideas if you’re stuck on what they’re hoping for.

Craft Sets

When girls get together, they love to chat and make things. The American Girl Doll craft kits are perfect. Nothing too challenging but still something fun and cute. You can also make your own bath bombs or a fairy garden. Boys can craft too! They might be interested in making rubber balls or dinosaur mosaics.

Camera

Kids like instant. Back in the day we had Polaroid cameras that spit out pictures as soon as we took them. Now there’s the Fujifilm Instant Camera. They’re fairly tough so great for the kids and you can purchase a variety of different papers for them.

Printer

If your tween already has a phone, then they already have a camera. An HP Sproket is a perfect gift to help them get the pictures out of their phones and into their lockers or on their notebooks.

Video Games

There are so many different games available now. Investing in a solid gaming system that will grow with the kids and they’ll be able to use for a few years. Personal systems like the Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch are great choices. Systems like the Xbox One are great for multiplayers and can be used for more than just gaming.

Experiments

Science experiments can be fun at any age. Not sure what the kiddos on your list are in to? The big bag of science is perfect so they can try lots of different things. Already know they’re into growing crystals or something else, then get them kits that support those curiosities.

Nerf

One great thing about Nerf is that (if space and parents allow) it can be played indoors or outdoors. There are so many different options as far as guns, bullets, and other accessories to choose from. Whether your Nerf lover is just starting out or already has a collection, there’s a perfect gift out there for them.

Building and Coding

Toys are so different these days. Building your own machines or coding a sequence for your toys to perform a task are the toys of today.

Fingerlings

They’re the Hatchimals of this year. In addition to the monkey itself, there are lots of accessories you can purchase for them as well. Get your Fingerlings early because I’m sure they’re going to be a hot toy this year.

Journals

Sometimes processing all things middle school can be tough. Giving kids a space to brain dump that belongs to them can be a huge help. It could be a simple notebook with their favorite character on the cover or a more “grown up” option. Some cute colored pens would also go well with it.

Tabletop Games

You might not have room for a full sized foos ball table in your house (and even if you do, you might not want one in your house). Getting a table top version that can be put away when not in use is a great option. There are also tabletop basketball games, bowling games, air hockey games, and even speedball games. Games like Happy Salmon are perfect for kids to play on their own but can also be fun for the whole family.