32 Cool Gifts Even the Pickiest of Tweens Will Love

Walmart
Uncommon Goods
Smoko
Amazon
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
Walmart
Uncommon Goods
Smoko
Amazon
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
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Tweens are at that in-between age where they aren't quite kids any more, but they're also not quite teens yet. If you're not sure what to get for a loved one who fits in this age group, no worries. Shopping for the preteens in your life can be difficult, especially if you don't know what they like or dislike. We're here to help with a curated shopping guide that features some of the best gift ideas for tweens that are worth shopping for regardless of the season or occasion — from birthdays and holidays to sports celebrations and more. We've scoured the internet and come up with a list of gift ideas that cover this year's trending gifts for tweens that you'll definitely want to stock up on sooner rather than later. These picks will put a smile on their faces — even if you have a notoriously picky preteen on your hands.

Whether your kiddo is a budding scientist or just someone who loves slippers, these tween gifts will totally blow them away. From play chemistry sets to Polaroid cameras and even a few cozy home-decor pieces, there's really no shortage of cool gifts for tweens that will be as unique as they are. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best presents for tweens that will help them celebrate any milestone in style. These gifts are truly ideal for any middle schooler who can't wait to grow up but still can't resist a cute toy or two. Take a look!

— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Eleanor Sheehan

01
A Decor Gift for Tweens: LED Photo Clip String Lights With Remote
amazon.com

A Decor Gift for Tweens: LED Photo Clip String Lights With Remote

While your tween might not be that interested in home decor yet, they'll definitely love decorating their room with the LED Photo Clip String Lights With Remote ($20, originally $23). These smart lights will light up even the dullest or darkest space with a more sparkly touch. Plus, they come with eight different modes that they'll love putting on display and adjusting to better fit their mood.

02
Sponsored By Athleta
A Fashion Gift For Tweens: Athleta Girl Power Up Tee
athleta.gap.com

A Fashion Gift For Tweens: Athleta Girl Power Up Tee

Whether you've got an athletic tween involved in sports or just a kiddo who is always on the go, this Athleta Girl Power Up Tee ($45) is a style they'll want to rewear over and over again. The top is crafted from a non-chafing material that's stretchy and super comfortable. With over five different colorways to choose from, they can stock up on the piece in multiple shades.

03
A Beauty Gift for Tweens: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer
amazon.com

A Beauty Gift for Tweens: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer

Maybe you're not quite ready to hand over the curling irons, makeup brushes, and eyeshadow palettes to your tween just yet — we totally get it. But if you're looking for a great product to help them start dabbling in beauty on a budget, look no further than this Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer ($45), which allows users to play around with styling their hair without having to invest in a super damaging or expensive product. One of POPSUGAR's own editors was prepared to throw her other hair brushes out the window after trying this tool — as detailed in this Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer product review.

04
A Beauty Gift for Tweens: Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
amazon.com

A Beauty Gift for Tweens: Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

Even if your tween isn't into makeup just yet, they'll love getting to play around with this beloved Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($12). The nourishing mist helps to cool the skin, while also leaving your face with a natural, glossy glow that's sure to make any tween feel more confident and refreshed. Even our editors love Mario Badescu facial sprays — just read this Mario Badescu Facial Spray product review for further proof.

05
A Sporty Gift for Tweens: Impala Rollerskates
amazon.com

A Sporty Gift for Tweens: Impala Rollerskates

If Margot Robbie rollerskating around Venice Beach as Barbie hasn't made you want to own a pair of skates, then these Impala Rollerskates ($50, originally $100) definitely will. The funky metallic design pays homage to some more nostalgic skate styles. And your tween will feel so cool skating around the neighborhood or park with these athletic shoes in tow.

06
A Tech Gift for Tweens: Altec Lansing Nano Pods Wireless Earbuds
amazon.com

A Tech Gift for Tweens: Altec Lansing Nano Pods Wireless Earbuds

If they like listening to music or need new headphones for school, upgrade them with cool wireless ones. We love the Altec Lansing Nano Pods Wireless Earbuds ($18, originally $30) because they come in a few different colors. Also, they're much more affordable than some of the other wireless headphones on the market right now. But they are still just as effective.

07
A Home Gift for Tweens: Urban Shop Micromink Foldable Saucer Chair
amazon.com

A Home Gift for Tweens: Urban Shop Micromink Foldable Saucer Chair

Something about these rounded chairs just scream tween. Whether your kiddo has a designated playroom, kids' lounge area, or even just an empty corner in their bedroom, you can bet they'll be lounging around in this Urban Shop Micromink Foldable Saucer Chair ($35, originally $45) all day. This style also provides ample back support — whether they're playing video games or doing homework in the chair, they'll be able to do it all comfortably.

08
A DIY Gift for Tweens: STMT Create Fragrant Candles Set
amazon.com

A DIY Gift for Tweens: STMT Create Fragrant Candles Set

If they're into DIY, get them a fun set that'll show their creative side. This STMT Create Fragrant Candles Set ($17, originally $20) will definitely be a fun and messy experiment for them (though maybe less fun for you to clean up afterwards). With all of the kit's cool tools, they'll easily be able create their own signature candle scent.

09
A Movie Night Gift for Tweens: Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker
amazon.com

A Movie Night Gift for Tweens: Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker

We all know someone who would love the Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker ($25). Making popcorn can feel like just as much of an experience as actually going to the movies with this red kitchen essential. Your tween will enjoy using it with their friends at any movie-night or sleepover.

10
A Fashion Gift For Tweens: Kate Spade New York One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace
nordstrom.com

A Fashion Gift For Tweens: Kate Spade New York One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace

Sometimes a personalized gift just feels more meaningful. And if you're looking to splurge on more of an investment gift for your tween, then Kate Spade is always a great place to start. With this Kate Spade New York One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace ($41, originally $58), you'll make them feel special with the prettiest pendant.

11
A Sustainable Gift for Tweens: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
amazon.com

A Sustainable Gift for Tweens: Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles are always a great gift. Not only are the practical (we all need to stay hydrated, of course), but they also offer another way to help save the planet by eliminating the need for plastic disposable water bottles. This Hydro Flask Water Bottle ($45, originally $50) is a perfect one for your tween to carry with them at all times. From their morning class to sport's practice and beyond, they'll be able to stay hydrated and keep the planet a little cleaner, too.

12
An Accessory Gift For Tweens: Amazon Butterfly Clips
amazon.com

An Accessory Gift For Tweens: Amazon Butterfly Clips

Hair claws and clips are great gifts for people of any age. But if you know a tween or pre-teen with unruly hair who just needs something to tame it while at school or when hanging out with friends, these Amazon Butterfly Clips ($15, originally $16) should do just the trick.

13
A Motivating Gift For Tweens: ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box
amazon.com

A Motivating Gift For Tweens: ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box

Make them work for their gift with this ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box ($9). Your tween simply needs to place money inside the brain teaser, and then get ready to solve the mystery. It holds both coins and cash, so the product even doubles as a great tool for money storage.

14
A Thoughtful Gift For Tweens: MantraBand Bracelet
amazon.com

A Thoughtful Gift For Tweens: MantraBand Bracelet

Show the tween in your life that you care with this cute and dainty MantraBand Bracelet ($25). The brand offers a range of other fun choices too, so they can mix and match them. Adolescence and growing up can be hard to navigate — but this sweet jewelry piece will help to feel a little extra loved.

15
A Winter Gift For Tweens: Madewell Recycled Cotton Beanie
nordstrom.com

A Winter Gift For Tweens: Madewell Recycled Cotton Beanie

With this Madewell Recycled Cotton Beanie ($28, originally $35), your tween will be able to tackle the winter season in style. The plush accessory is available to shop in a wide variety of colors (though the purple is our favorite). It's sure to keep them feeling warm and protected on even the chilliest winter days.

16
A Trendy Gift for Tweens: Urban Outfitters Brilliant Ideas Remote Sun Projector
urbanoutfitters.com

A Trendy Gift for Tweens: Urban Outfitters Brilliant Ideas Remote Sun Projector

This trippy Urban Outfitters Brilliant Ideas Remote Sun Projector ($25, originally $40) will make their bedroom feel that much cooler. Plus, during those brisker and darker winter months, it will also give them a glimpse of sunshine on even the gloomiest days. Talk about an all-in-one product.

17
A Traveling Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Ticket Stub Diary
uncommongoods.com

A Traveling Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Ticket Stub Diary

Know a tween whose always on the go or just dreams of traveling the world someday? Get them this Uncommon Goods Ticket Stub Diary ($17) for a truly thoughtful gift that they'll be able to use for years to come. The journal has space where users can proudly display their ticket stubs and also jot down memories from their trips.

18
A Learning Gift for Tweens: AmScope 52-Pcs Kids Beginner Microscope Kit
amazon.com

A Learning Gift for Tweens: AmScope 52-Pcs Kids Beginner Microscope Kit

If you have a budding scientist on your hands, then get them something that'll pique their interest. The AmScope 52-Pcs Kids Beginner Microscope Kit ($35, originally $37) will keep them busy for hours and even teach them some new tricks. Plus, with so many unique capabilities included in the model, it's sure to provide fun for the whole family.

19
A Cozy Gift for Tweens: Smoko Frankie Frog USB Heated Slippers
smokonow.com

A Cozy Gift for Tweens: Smoko Frankie Frog USB Heated Slippers

Who wouldn't want these Tayto Potato USB Heated Slippers ($26, originally $38)? For a seemingly simple pair of frog slippers, the style actually boasts a lot of cool capabilities — including a heated technology that will keep your tween warm long into the winter. The adorable pair is so good, you might need a style for yourself, too.

20
A Coloring Gift for Tweens: World Map Coloring Tablecloth
uncommongoods.com

A Coloring Gift for Tweens: World Map Coloring Tablecloth

Any tween could benefit from spending a little extra time creating each day. And with this cool World Map Coloring Tablecloth ($30), your kiddo will be able to easily spend their afternoon creating something awesome with their friends. You could even gift it to them with a set of markers to make it even more fun and collaborative.

21
A STEM Gift for Tweens: Remote Control Robot
amazon.com

A STEM Gift for Tweens: Remote Control Robot

You can't go wrong with a gift that'll challenge them. The STEM Remote Control Robot ($39) will teach them new skills and inspire them to start thinking in whole new ways. Plus, with the interactive building process, it also makes for a fun group activity.

22
A Creative Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Positive Affirmation Colored Pencils
uncommongoods.com

A Creative Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Positive Affirmation Colored Pencils

With these Uncommon Goods Positive Affirmation Colored Pencils ($15), you can inspire some creativity within your tween and also help encourage them, in the process. Each of these colored pencils feature an uplifting affirmation of empowerment, so you can remind any kiddo of just how great they are while they're at school or even working through their coloring book.

23
A Reading Gift for Tweens: 100 Kid's Books Scratch Off Poster
uncommongoods.com

A Reading Gift for Tweens: 100 Kid's Books Scratch Off Poster

Got a tween whose an avid reader? They're sure to have the most fun with this 100 Kid's Books Scratch Off Poster ($15) then. Not only does it make for a cool and uniquely creative challenge, but it will also give them something to look forward to working on each week.

24
A Cool Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Hidden Pocket Scrunchies
uncommongoods.com

A Cool Gift For Tweens: Uncommon Goods Hidden Pocket Scrunchies

There's no such thing as having too many hair ties, and with these Uncommon Goods Hidden Pocket Scrunchies ($20), your tween will easily be able to throw their hair up and carry their essentials while on the go. Whether they're heading out to the gym, going for a run, or simply want to opt for carrying less in their day to day life, this accessory is such a stylish and practical purchase.

25
A Classic Game Gift for Tweens: Toynk Puzzle Cube Tin Storage Stash Box
urbanoutfitters.com

A Classic Game Gift for Tweens: Toynk Puzzle Cube Tin Storage Stash Box

Everyone loves a classic, and while this Toynk Puzzle Cube Tin Storage Stash Box ($16) may look like the familiar mind game, it actually works as a storage bin that's perfect for keeping some of those pesky items that are always lying around in their room. Plus, with its playful design, it might even inspire your tween to start playing with their Rubik's Cube again.

26
An Organizing Gift for Tweens: Caboodles On-the-Go Makeup Bag
target.com

An Organizing Gift for Tweens: Caboodles On-the-Go Makeup Bag

If your tween has trouble keeping all of their stuff together (and off of their floor), then an organizer like this Caboodles On-the-Go Makeup Bag ($23) will help them to keep all of their beauty essentials close. We love that the model has portable capabilities, so they can take it with them to summer camp or even a sleepover. Plus, for a makeup organizer, it's incredibly chic, too.

27
A Plush Gift For Tweens: Smoko Souffle Pancake Mochi Plush
smokonow.com

A Plush Gift For Tweens: Smoko Souffle Pancake Mochi Plush

So many things that we love are seamlessly combined into this simple yet completely darling plush toy. If they adore stuffed animals, then they'll love getting to snuggle up with this Smoko Souffle Pancake Mochi Plush ($42). The plush is so sweet, we kind of want one, too.

28
A Thoughtful Gift For Tweens: Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7+ Exclusive Blister Bundle
amazon.com

A Thoughtful Gift For Tweens: Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7+ Exclusive Blister Bundle

Sure, iPhone photos are great, but they're a dime a dozen. The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7+ Exclusive Blister Bundle ($65, originally $70) acts as one of the most memorable gifts for tweens — allowing them to easily document some of their favorite adolescent memories with the click of a button. And hey — Polaroid cameras are a worthwhile investment in truly any season. Our own editor even fell in love with a waterproof model from the brand — get all of the deets on it in this Polaroid Dual Screen WiFI Action Camera product review.

29
A Music Gift For Tweens: Maisonette Bluetooth Mini Boombox
maisonette.com

A Music Gift For Tweens: Maisonette Bluetooth Mini Boombox

While it's likely your tween or pre-teen probably already has their own collection of songs on their iPhone or iPod, this Maisonette Bluetooth Mini Boombox ($70) will help them to appreciate their favorite music in a whole new way. The boombox is wrapped in a sequined, rainbow design that's unique and totally eye-catching. Simply sync it up with their phones, and they can listen to their go-to tunes anywhere.

30
A Cool Decor Gift For Tweens: Ansel Table Lamp
urbanoutfitters.com

A Cool Decor Gift For Tweens: Ansel Table Lamp

For the tween in your life who loves all things trendy, be sure to get them this TikTok-loved Ansel Table Lamp ($99). If they're already into decor, then they'll definitely love dressing their room up with something that's as unique as they are. Get it for them in their favorite finish.

31
An Educational Gift for Tweens: Let's Start Coding Ultimate Coding Kit For Kids
amazon.com

An Educational Gift for Tweens: Let's Start Coding Ultimate Coding Kit For Kids

If your tween has shown interest in computers, you're definitely going to want to get them this Let's Start Coding Ultimate Coding Kit For Kids ($165, originally $175). The product comes with over 60 code projects that can help them learn if this is a career they would like. Plus, it will get them thinking in brand new ways and spending less time on their smart phone or computer in the process.

32
An Outdoor Gift for Tweens: Sunflow Beach Chair
getsunflow.com

An Outdoor Gift for Tweens: Sunflow Beach Chair

Got a tween who loves to get outside? Help them feed their outdoor obsession with this Sunflow Beach Chair ($198), which is great for lounging and napping. The popular chair has four positions, so your kiddo can adjust the fit as needed. A POPSUGAR editor reviewed it and loves its easy setup.