Gift guides
Cool Gifts for Tweens (Ages 9–12)
From the editors
Tweens are in that tricky in-between zone: too old for "kid stuff," not quite ready for teen everything, and very clear about what's cringe. These are our favorite gifts for 9- to 12-year-olds, from creative kits and games to tech, room decor and accessories. They're picks that feel grown-up enough to impress.
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6 guidesStart with a guide
Gift guide · November 4, 2026Our 2026 holiday gift cheat sheet, with 50 gifts for every age and budget
Gift guide · November 3, 2026Last week on Cool Mom Picks: what you bought, read and voted on
Gift guide · November 3, 2026What's selling on Etsy this week: 27 gifts shoppers are buying right now
Gift guide · December 17, 20252025 Holiday Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone On Your List
Gift guide · December 7, 20252025 Holiday Gift Guide: Our favorite food (and food-related) gifts for everyone on your list
Gift guide · March 20, 2025Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Explore the guides
96 guidesThe guides
Gift guide · November 4, 2026Our 2026 holiday gift cheat sheet, with 50 gifts for every age and budget
Gift guide · November 3, 2026Last week on Cool Mom Picks: what you bought, read and voted on
Gift guide · November 3, 2026What's selling on Etsy this week: 27 gifts shoppers are buying right now
From the archiveSeriously cool gift ideas for tween boys before you just give up and get a gift card
From the archiveSeriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
From the archive30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
From the archive25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
From the archiveCool holiday gifts for teens and older tweens that won’t make them roll their eyes and say, “ok, boomer" behind your back
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Tweens 9-12 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archive · August 20, 2015The coolest backpacks for kids who carry more than a change of clothes | Back to school 2015
From the archive · March 14, 2016Over 20 of the best bunny gifts for Easter, whether you've got toddlers or tweens
From the archive · August 14, 201729 very cool, very affordable back-to-school finds for tweens and teens
From the archive · July 29, 201830+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018
From the archive · April 3, 20199 cool Easter egg ideas for tweens and teens who are over solid colors: Star Wars, pop art, fake cacti, and more
Gift guide · March 11, 2025Easter Baskets for Teens and Tweens: Look no further than these 28 amazing ideas!
Gift guideThe coolest birthday gifts for tweens ages 9-12
From the archive · December 20, 202115 thoughtful DIY gifts for teenage girls | Holiday Gifts 2021
From the archive · June 3, 202421 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in between
From the archive · December 1, 202428 unique personalized gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · November 30, 202112 wonderful Dolly Parton gifts for the Dolly fans in your life. (A.K.A. everyone we know.)
From the archive · November 7, 202418 of our favorite hygge gifts for everyone who needs more comfort and coziness right now
From the archive · November 15, 202320 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · December 12, 202418 last-minute DIY holiday gifts for friends. And family, who you like enough to call friends. | Holiday Gifts
From the archive · November 25, 2024More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
Gift guide · November 1, 2026The coolest virtual experience gift ideas for kids and adults. They're fun, we promise!
From the archive · November 17, 2009Cool Gifts for the Holidays? Look no further than our Holiday Gift Guide!
From the archive · November 14, 2010It's here! The 2010 Cool Mom Picks Holiday Gift Guide!
From the archive · November 25, 2010The Cool Mom Tech Holiday Gift Guide is here!
From the archive · August 12, 2013Cool backpacks for big kids: Back to School Guide 2013
From the archive · May 16, 2014Vintage lockets on Etsy that hold more than secret photos, they hold a secret message.
From the archive · August 12, 2014The coolest backpacks and bags for big kids: Back to School Guide 2014
From the archive · November 14, 2014It's here! It's here! Our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide has arrived.
From the archive · January 31, 201510 easy Valentine's Day crafts that make cool DIY gifts: Valentines Day Gift Guide
From the archive · July 20, 2015The coolest back to school shopping finds on Etsy, all with cash back. Thanks, Ebates!
From the archive · November 19, 2015It's here! Our 2015 Cool Mom Picks holiday gift guide! Whoo!
From the archive · November 29, 201514 of the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages: 2015 Holiday Toy Gift Guide
From the archive · December 1, 201514 of the coolest art toys and gifts for kids of all ages: 2015 Holiday Toy Gift Guide
From the archive · February 1, 201621 cool Valentine's Day gift ideas for kids of all ages | Valentine's Gift Guide 2016
From the archive · May 18, 2016Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.
From the archive · July 29, 201623 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016
From the archive · December 5, 2016The great holiday cookie gift guide: Something for every sweet tooth on your list.
From the archive · May 12, 201710 inspirational art prints for grads that will encourage them to work hard, be kind, and follow their dreams.
From the archive · August 6, 201726 of the coolest unicorn school supplies that bring magic to the day | Back to School Guide 2017
From the archive · August 20, 201723 of the coolest Wonder Woman school supplies | Back to School Guide 2017
From the archive · August 21, 201723 of the absolute cutest animal school supplies | Back to School Guide 2017
From the archive · August 31, 2017Cool skull school supplies for our edgy kids | Back to School Guide 2017
From the archive · November 28, 2017It's here! Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. Whoo!
From the archive · December 30, 2017Amazing Card Games for Family Game Night | Editors Top 10 of the Year
From the archive · January 28, 201815+ fun, affordable Valentine's Day gifts for kids all under $15 each
From the archive · March 4, 2018The crazy awesome sidewalk chalk that suddenly has us coveting sidewalk chalk
From the archive · May 6, 20188 of the sweetest mother-daughter necklace sets, from fancy to DIY | Mother's Day Gifts 2018
From the archive · April 14, 20198 fun, easy Easter egg ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Big kids shouldn't have all the fun!
From the archive · July 18, 2019Presenting our NEW Ultimate Birthday Gift Guide: The coolest gifts of the year for kids of all ages
From the archive · January 22, 2020Cool Galentine's Day gift ideas for your BFF, Leslie Knope style
From the archive · January 26, 2020These no-carb dumplings on Etsy are perfect for your Valentine.
From the archive · March 26, 202018 fantastic Easter gift ideas for kids, from Etsy shops that could really use the support right now.
From the archive · November 22, 2020Presenting our 100% entirely Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020: See our top 10 gifts for everyone on your list
From the archive · November 30, 2020We found the very best Schitt's Creek gifts for all the fans on your holiday gift list
From the archive · March 28, 202150+ creative ideas for Easter Basket gifts from the drugstore. Easy!
From the archive · May 19, 20217 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)
From the archive · November 25, 2021The best Black Friday Deals of 2021: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers
From the archive · March 8, 2022Sunflower earrings for Ukraine: A sweet purchase for a great cause.
From the archive · April 11, 2022These gorgeous bracelets can help you manage anxiety and OCD with a little help from cognitive therapy techniques.
From the archive · November 9, 202225 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for toddlers to teens 2022 | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · November 10, 2022Over 20 of the best Advent calendars for 2022: From the magical to the luxurious, to... goofy dad jokes?
From the archive · November 22, 2022The 10 coolest Ted Lasso gifts for fans who can't wait for Season 3.
From the archive · December 5, 202221 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022
From the archive · December 8, 202217 Gen Z gifts that give back to the incredible causes they care about | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · January 31, 202316 truly special Valentine's gifts for best friends who could use a little extra love right now
From the archive · February 2, 2023Cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women: 14 pieces that are edgy, funky, and anything but traditional.
From the archive · March 17, 202324 cool, creative Easter basket ideas for kids all under $20. (We love them all!)
From the archive · May 4, 202310 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
From the archive · July 29, 202320 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
From the archive · November 3, 202324 of the absolute best 2023 Advent calendars for crafty kids, cool teens, and Christmas-loving adults
From the archive · November 23, 2023Our top Black Friday Deals of 2023: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers
From the archive · January 23, 2024These Valentine's Day gift ideas are perfect for boys who aren't so into the hearts and romance stuff
From the archive · January 29, 2024Cool Valentine's gifts for teens on Etsy ... that they might actually like!
From the archive · March 10, 2024Where to get your hands on the new Betsey Johnson x Peeps handbag
From the archive · March 17, 2024One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new grad
From the archive · May 7, 202412 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!
From the archive · May 8, 202416 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
From the archive · May 16, 2024Symbolic keepsake jewelry for graduates: 7 thoughtful gifts with 7 meanings
From the archive · July 30, 202414 college dorm room essentials you might not have considered: Part I | Back to School Shopping
From the archive · July 31, 202414 college dorm room essentials you might not have considered: Part II | Back to School Shopping
From the archive · August 12, 2024Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping
From the archive · October 10, 2024Modern luxury gifts for less: Where the insiders shop for stunning home and fashion essentials at great prices. (Plus get an exclusive discount!)
From the archive · November 6, 2024Guitar Center: Holiday deals for the musicians on your list
From the archive · November 7, 202422 of the best Taylor Swift gifts for your special Swiftie | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · December 4, 202425 cool gifts for teens this holiday -- that kinda make you look cool too | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · December 11, 2024Stuck on a holiday gift idea? Here are 12 cool gift boxes for anyone on your list, up to 50% off!
From the archive · December 16, 202445 brilliant last-minute holiday gift ideas you can ship, make, pick up, or IOU. You've got this! | Holiday Gift Guide
Gift guide · January 26, 202510 anti-Valentine's gifts for people who hate Valentine's Day (you know who you are!)
Gift guide · March 14, 2025One Cool Thing: An allergy-friendly chocolate bunny
Gift guide · March 20, 2025Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Gift guide · December 7, 20252025 Holiday Gift Guide: Our favorite food (and food-related) gifts for everyone on your list
Gift guide · December 17, 20252025 Holiday Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone On Your List
Each opens inside its guide
10 picksEditors' top picks
Gap Baby & Toddler VintageSoft joggers
$14See it in the guideFrom: Our 2026 holiday gift cheat sheet, with 50 gifts for every age and budget
Floss & Rock Dino Magic Water bath book
$13.50See it in the guideFrom: Our 2026 holiday gift cheat sheet, with 50 gifts for every age and budget
Primary kids organic PJ set
$29See it in the guideFrom: Our 2026 holiday gift cheat sheet, with 50 gifts for every age and budget
rhode pocket blush in Sleepy Girl
$25See it in the guideFrom: Last week on Cool Mom Picks: what you bought, read and voted on
Garage UltraFleece Hoodie
$79.95See it in the guideFrom: Last week on Cool Mom Picks: what you bought, read and voted on
Gap Softest Flannel PJ Pants
$39See it in the guideFrom: Last week on Cool Mom Picks: what you bought, read and voted on
Floral grandma embroidered sweatshirt with grandkids' names
$45.62See it in the guideFrom: What's selling on Etsy this week: 27 gifts shoppers are buying right now
Pure silk heatless curling ribbon set
$41.75See it in the guideFrom: What's selling on Etsy this week: 27 gifts shoppers are buying right now
All-Weather Soccer Ball
$7See it in the guideFrom: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
5-pack Hot Wheels Die Cast Cars
$5.00See it in the guideFrom: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
Good questions
Frequently asked
What is a good gift for a 10-year-old?
Ten-year-olds want gifts that feel more grown-up: creative kits, strategy games, room decor, hobby gear and tech accessories. Ask what they're into right now, because tween obsessions change fast. See our coolest birthday gifts for tweens.
What's a good gift for a 10-year-old boy who likes sports?
Gear that levels up their game is always a hit: a quality ball, training gadgets, team merch, or tickets to a game. Sports books and games are great for downtime, too.
What is a good gift for an 11-year-old girl?
Room upgrades, DIY and craft kits, journals, beauty-lite picks made for her age, and games to play with friends all tend to land well. Skip anything that feels babyish. Tweens notice.