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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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.

Explore Tweens picks.

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.

Explore Tweens picks.

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373 picks

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.

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From the archive

Earlier guides

21 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in betweenJune 3, 2024Our 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!April 14, 20199 cool Easter egg ideas for tweens and teens who are over solid colors: Star Wars, pop art, fake cacti, and moreApril 3, 2019Cool 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 2018July 29, 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 teensAugust 14, 2017Seriously 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 2016July 29, 2016Over 20 of the best bunny gifts for Easter, whether you've got toddlers or tweensMarch 14, 2016Seriously 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 2015August 20, 2015The coolest backpacks and bags for big kids: Back to School Guide 2014August 12, 2014Cool backpacks for big kids: Back to School Guide 2013August 12, 2013