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.
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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.
Lulu Jr. Illustory Book Making Kit
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Penn and Teller Fool Everyone Magic Kit
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
NBA mini rocker speaker chair
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
favorite subscription cooking boxes for kids
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)
Miles Morales: Spiderman YA novel
From: 25 cool gift ideas for tween boys 9-12 (and yes, girls will like them too)JCPenney
From: 29 very cool, very affordable back-to-school finds for tweens and teens
Flip Sequin Mermaid Pillow
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.)
Custom Chuck Taylors
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.)
Krispy Kreme Flavored Jelly Belly Gift Box
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.)
Xray Skull PJ Set
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.)
Sno Cone Machine
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.)
Valentina Chain Wallet
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.)
Dribbleup Smart Soccer Ball or Basketball
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.)
Fenty Beauty Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter
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.)
Studio Ghibli Spirited Away Tee
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.)
Steven Universe Save the Light for PS4
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.)
Studded Frye Boots
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.)
Amulet graphic novel gift box: #1-7
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.)
Nintendo Switch
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.)
Realistic Temporary Tattoo Pack
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.)
Cloud/Lightning Lariat Necklace
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.)
Apple Music Subscription Gift Card
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.)
Undertale Sports Bottle
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.)
Prismacolor Set of Manga Colored Pencils
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.)
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