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.
KABOOM! Explosive Science Kit
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Minis
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Faux fur beanbags
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Diamondback electra cruiser 24” bike
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
good fine-tip markers
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Burton snowboard
From: 30 cool gift ideas for tween girls 9-12, all tween girl approved
Fortnite edition Monopoly
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Razor A5 Lux Scooter
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Series of Unfortunate Events Box Set, Vols 1-3
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Limited edition handmade Bowie sound machine
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Giant polar bear snow tube
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
King LeBron James cap
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Komodo Dragon Adopt a Species Kit
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Marvel’s Spiderman for PS4
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Vans Sk8 Hi-Top in red
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
littleBits Marvel Avengers Hero Inventors Kit
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Kidstir Happy Cooking Taco Truck Subscription Box
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Miles Morales Spiderverse fan art poster
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Black light putty from Crazy Aaron’s
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Cookie Do cookie dough four-pack
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Boys leather bomber jacket
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Klutz LEGO make your own movie kit
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Basquiat dino crown tee
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)