25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)

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 our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide posts and our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide posts for even more fabulous gift ideas
including 50+ cool gifts for kids and teens, all under $15

Fortnite edition Monopoly

Hey, at least they won’t be playing Fortnite?

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit

Turns any kid into a coding wizard. (Had to do it.)

Razor A5 Lux Scooter

Several colors, but the red is so zippy!

Series of Unfortunate Events Box Set, Vols 1-3

If they love the Netflix series but haven’t yet indulged in the books…start at the beginning.

Limited edition handmade Bowie sound machine

We visited the dad-run company’s Brooklyn workshop and our kids completely fell in love with all of his homemade recording gadgets.

Giant polar bear snow tube

You might need a few of these. 

King LeBron James cap

Sipping tea, as it should be.

Superfight card game

Do your tweens love to argue? Perfect! This is the game for them!

Komodo Dragon Adopt a Species Kit

It’s not just cute, it supports the conservation efforts of the DC Smithsonian National Zoo.

Marvel’s Spiderman for PS4

Yes it’s a cool tween boy gift but believe us, our girls want it too.

March Journal

Adapted from Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell’s graphic novel trilogy,
it’s the perfect way to dream, plan, and fight for the causes they’re passionate about.

Vans Sk8 Hi-Top in red

Still rad.

littleBits Marvel Avengers Hero Inventors Kit

Help keep the stones safe on earth with earth’s mightiest heroes. Like Kevin Bacon.

Kidstir Happy Cooking Taco Truck Subscription Box

A taco truck in every kitchen. Sounds good to us.

Miles Morales Spiderverse fan art poster

And if they haven’t read it yet, the Miles Morales: Spiderman YA novel byJason Reynolds and Kadir Nelso is pretty awesome too. 

Black light putty from Crazy Aaron’s

Get both. Really.

Cookie Do cookie dough four-pack

If you’re buying this, you’re probably not the parents — you’re probably the coolest aunt, uncle, grandparent or godparent around.

Boys leather bomber jacket

This Appaman jacket is a perennial tween gift favorite and holds up through hand-me-downs.

Klutz LEGO make your own movie kit

Add onto the LEGOs he already owns and…we bet that can be one long movie. 

Basquiat dino crown tee

The coolest

Handmade Swurfer backyard swing

Great for tweens, teens, and teen-at-heart adults

Lulu Jr. Illustory Book Making Kit

For the next Shakespeare, or the next David Sedaris. Either way.

Penn and Teller Fool Everyone Magic Kit

For tweens who promise not to give away the secrets. Unless they’re on TV, getting paid to give away the secrets. 

Star Wars Otterbox Phone Case

Extra protection for their phones from dark forces. Like gravity. 

NBA mini rocker speaker chair

Lucky kid.

 Be sure to visit our 2020 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
which helps support dozens of indie shops, makers and artists with the best gifts for everyone on your list.

See our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide here

And don't miss our guide to 50+ of the coolest gifts for kids under $50.