30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
All gifts have been editorially determined by our staff. There has been no compensation for inclusion. (We know that's rare.)
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All prices accurate at time of publication but subject to change.
Be sure to visit all of our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide categories for even more fabulous gift ideas
including 50+ cool gifts for kids and teens, all under $15

I Am a Rebel Girl: A Journal to Start Revolutions
Inspiring creativity, positivity, and passion for things kids care about.
$20, Rebel Girls

Madpax Spiketus Rex half pack
The super popular half-pack is now available in a hot new out-of-the-blue navy color.
$53, MadPax

Owl Crate Jr. middle grade book subscription box
Each box contains a new release hardcover, along with 3-5 fun items around the theme of the book
$27.99/mo, Cratejoy

Polaroid POP Instant Camera
One of our top tech gifts for teens this year is also perfect for tweens, and yes, it comes in colors besides pink.
$199, Amazon

Black Girl Magic Christmas Tee
5 colors in sizes for tweens…and babies, and kids, and teens, and you.
$25+, By Keeks with Love

100-Trick Magic Set
With a magic-obsessed tween girl in our ranks, she has the Thames & Kosmos magic kits at the top of her list.
$19.79, Target

Day at a local ropes course
However long you think they’ll want to stay, add a few hours. Trust us.
Shown here: Spins Hudson; prices vary at locations near you

Folding gymnastics mat
Lots of sizes and colors from Tumbl-Trak, a top-rated gym mat company
$152 and up, Amazon

Classic Ukelele by Kala
Top-of-the-line entry ukelele made of gorgeous mahogany and a walnut fingerboard.
$71.99, Kala Brand

Hamilton coloring pages, postcards, or note cards
Just add a set of good fine-tip markers, then put the soundtrack on repeat.
$7.95-14, The Coloring Project; Markers $12.99 on Amazon

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy
“A diverse galaxy of heroes and villains, renegades and rogues, caretakers and, sometimes, unscrupulous scum.”
Yes!
$19.46 Amazon, or your local indie bookseller

Singsation all-in-one karaoke mic
Bluetooth wireless speaker, voice and sound effects, and LED lights? SOLD.
$39.99, Amazon; smaller one available for $24.99

Mermaid sequin boots
We looove kids’ Doc Martens (avail at Zappos) but they can get spendy.
Here’s a fun, slightly more outrageous alternative.
$39.99, H&M

Jumanji, the Board Game
If your kids liked the movie, they’ll love this collaborative board game for up to 4 players.
$17.89 on sale, Target
Also see our picks for 7 great new board games for the family that take 30 minutes or less

Meade 70 mm telescope
Great gift for future astronomers and current star-gazers, at a nice price
$77.99, Best Buy

Braiding practice mannequin head
Kristen swears by this gift for a tween girl, as endorsed by her own braiding-crazy tween daughter.
$28.99, Amazon

LEGO Brickheadz Go Brick Me Building Kit
Our tweens absolutely love this kit which lets them build a Brickhead who looks just like them.
$23.99, Barnes & Noble

MAD Magazine subscription
If you weren’t aware, yes it’s still around, and yes, our tweens still love it.
$19.99/1-year subscription, MAD Magazine

Sew and Glow STEM flair kit
From Tech will Save us, it’s a craft, a STEM project, and a set of cool accessories when she’s done.
$24.99, Amazon

Crazy Aaron’s design your own putty kit
Oh, and did we mention it glows in the dark?
$20, Uncommon Goods
Be sure to visit our brand new 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
which helps support dozens of indie shops, makers and artists with the best gifts for everyone on your list.
And don't miss our guide to 50+ of the coolest gifts for kids under $50 in 2020.