Cool Gifts for Tweens (Ages 9–12)
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.
The guides
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.
Shop all 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.
Syltherin
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 201815x11" Fjallrvel Laptop Backpack
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018donates a backpack to a child in need
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018JanSport Cool Student Backpack in Letterman Grey
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018
Madpax Spiketus Rex half pack backpack
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Owl Crate Jr. middle grade book subscription box
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Instax Instant Camera + Film Bundle
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Black Girl Magic Christmas Tee
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Jetson Hoverboard
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
100-Trick Magic Set
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Day at a local ropes course
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Make Your Own Candy Bento
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Color-Changing LED Lightbox
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Folding gymnastics mat
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Kala Learn-to-Play Beginner Ukulele
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Light-up unicorn headphones
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Hamilton coloring pages, postcards, or note cards
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Kids Burton Vent Gloves
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Carpool Karaoke Mic
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Black girl ballerina water bottle
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Girls Doc Martens
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Funko Pop's Funkoverse DC Comics Game
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Meade telescope
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
MAD Magazine subscription
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved