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. 

Bath bombs gift set

This box of a dozen is best we’ve tried. 

Madpax Spiketus Rex half pack

The super popular half-pack is now available in a hot new out-of-the-blue navy color.

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

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.

Black Girl Magic Christmas Tee

5 colors in sizes for tweens…and babies, and kids, and teens, and you.

Jetson Rogue Hoverboard

With light-up wheels!

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.

Day at a local ropes course

However long you think they’ll want to stay, add a few hours. Trust us.

Hello Kitty Bento of Treats

Yes, you can order them for adults, too

LED Lightbox

But we can borrow it, right?

Folding gymnastics mat

Lots of sizes and colors from Tumbl-Trak, a top-rated gym mat company

Classic Ukelele by Kala

Top-of-the-line entry ukelele made of gorgeous mahogany and a walnut fingerboard.

Light-up unicorn headphones

Because of course they have to light up. They’re magic.

Hamilton coloring pages, postcards, or note cards

Just add a set of good fine-tip markers, then put the soundtrack on repeat.

Kids Burton Vent Gloves

Snowboard chic, in 5 different colors and patterns

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy

“A diverse galaxy of heroes and villains, renegades and rogues, caretakers and, sometimes, unscrupulous scum.”
Yes!

Singsation all-in-one karaoke mic

Bluetooth wireless speaker, voice and sound effects, and LED lights? SOLD. 

Black girl ballerina water bottle

Also available as a coffee mug…for hot cocoa.

Mermaid sequin boots

We looove kids’ Doc Martens (avail at Zappos) but they can get spendy.
Here’s a fun, slightly more outrageous alternative.

Jumanji, the Board Game

If your kids liked the movie, they’ll love this collaborative board game for up to 4 players. 

Meade 70 mm telescope

Great gift for future astronomers and current star-gazers, at a nice price

Braiding practice mannequin head

Kristen swears by this gift for a tween girl, as endorsed by her own braiding-crazy tween daughter. 

Totoro duffel

For weekends with friends, real or imaginary. 

LEGO Brickheadz Go Brick Me Building Kit

Our tweens absolutely love this kit which lets them build a Brickhead who looks just like them.

MAD Magazine subscription

If you weren’t aware, yes it’s still around, and yes, our tweens still love it.

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.

Crazy Aaron’s design your own putty kit

Oh, and did we mention it glows in the dark?

Faux fur cat beanbag

Or check out the fox, bunny and owl.

Diamondback electra cruiser 24” bike

The classic kids’ holiday gift, only modern.

 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.