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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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.
Every pick in one place
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This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
POSITIV Team Complete Skateboard
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Darth Vader Slouchie Beanie
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
An All-American Family Vacation
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Censi Cat Ear Headphones
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Bloxels Star Wars Build-Your-Own Video Game
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Cannondale Race 24" Kids Mountain Bike
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Emily & Meritt Personalized Luggage
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Madballs Foam Balls Series
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)
Hamilton Tickets
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)how-to-draw Manga characters book
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)Cannondale 24" Trail Bikes
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)upcoming cities on the Hamilton Tour
From: Seriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)Mojo cockpit laptop backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 20165 Nights at Freddy’s Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Le Sportsac Metallic Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016eBags
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Herschel Supply Parker Laptop Backpack in Camouflage
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Large Comic Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Hogwarts Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Top Kat Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Custom Handpainted Alternative Laptop Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016My Little Pony Retro Starshine Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Miquelrius Jordi Labanda Love Backpack
From: 23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016
From the archive
Earlier guides
21 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in betweenOur 10 Best Gifts for Tweens 9-12 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 20208 fun, easy Easter egg ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Big kids shouldn't have all the fun!9 cool Easter egg ideas for tweens and teens who are over solid colors: Star Wars, pop art, fake cacti, and moreCool holiday gifts for teens and older tweens that won’t make them roll their eyes and say, “ok, boomer" behind your back30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 201830 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)29 very cool, very affordable back-to-school finds for tweens and teensSeriously cool tween gifts, because you're not a regular mom, you're a cool mom. (Or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent.)Sponsored23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016Over 20 of the best bunny gifts for Easter, whether you've got toddlers or tweensSeriously cool gift ideas for tween boys before you just give up and get a gift cardThe coolest backpacks for kids who carry more than a change of clothes | Back to school 2015The coolest backpacks and bags for big kids: Back to School Guide 2014Cool backpacks for big kids: Back to School Guide 2013