25+ gifts even the pickiest tweens will love

Dainty and delicate, the handmade Tiny Twist earrings from Hello Adorn are a total tween hit. How do I know? Because since my daughter borrowed them, she’s never taken them out, let alone given them back. The clever design makes it look like they finally convinced you to get that second piercing, and since they’re made from 14k gold fill, they can be worn day and night, through showers and sleep without discoloring. They’re also super comfortable, almost impossible to lose and come in two small sizes.

Phone selfies are fine, but tiny Instax photos are real treasures. (My tween took her Instax camera to sleepaway camp and finding her cabinmates hilarious snaps among her dirty laundry was the best thing ever.) I highly recommend this particular bundle which comes with enough film to get them started, a selfie lens, photo album and most clutch–a matching case.

If you’ve got a tween girl under your roof, chances are you know all about Florence by Mills already. Launched by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown in 2019, the cruelty-free beauty brand is highly coveted by every middle schooler I currently drive around town. That said, this gift will make them make a sound only dogs can hear. The Ava’s Mini & Mighty Essentials Set (named for Millie’s little sister) includes five mini skincare and makeup faves all tucked into a lilac makeup bag!

As the mother of a tween and teen, I’m here to tell you Crocs are still here and will apparently never go away. This holiday, fuzzy ones are at the top of both of their lists because the regular ones they wore all summer are getting pretty chilly. Crocs + Cozy = home run holiday gift.

Micro Kickboard is one of those brands my kids have literally grown up with. We’ve owned various sizes and styles over the years and at this stage, the Micro Cruiser can’t be beat. The bigger wheels make the scoot to school as smooth as possible and once they arrive, it folds in half for easy storage. Couple the fact that every single part is replaceable with the 220 pound weight limit and this one is in it for the long haul.

As someone who grew up spending Saturday afternoons at the local roller rink, these may be the skates of my childhood dreams. (Because brown with bright orange laces decidedly was NOT.) These super pro, super sassy numbers are great indoors and out–just don’t forget a set of pads to go with it!

This one is actually fun for the entire family! The game play is simple (it literally takes less than three minutes to learn) and the illustrations are ahhdorable. But be warned. They may look cute but games can get intense quickly. So much yelling. In the good way, of course.

Inspire your budding chef with this easy-to-follow cookbook that’s created just for kids. It includes tons of kid-tested and approved recipes that not only teach the basics, but make cooking so much fun. There are also QR codes throughout that link to easy-to-follow videos that help them better visualize the directions. Imagine a world where your tween cooks dinner! Ah, living the dream, right?

Tweens need a dash of self care as much as we do, but at this age, boring old bubble bath isn’t it. Instead, the sweet smells and super fun shower foams from Allkinds meet them right where they are. Scrubbing up with a waffle and body wash that smells like Sunday morning breakfast? Yes please.

They might already have a basketball, but they definitely don’t have one that looks this cool. The vibrant sports equipment from Chance is sure to impress even the pickiest tween and remind them that you’re pretty cool yourself.

If you’re looking for a splurge, word on the street is the classic Stripe Hoodie from Aviator Nation is the gift to give this season. (And by the “street” I mean the Google slides Christmas list presentation I’ve been emailed by my 12-year-old with this one in all caps.) The celeb-loved brand is colorful and fun, with a surf-ready vibe that’s grown up but still tween-appropriate. It’s definitely pricey, but they often have pretty good sales!

My youngest has turned the corner into pre-teen territory and thus taken a vested interest in making her room “cool.” (Honestly, those Tik Tok essential LED lights are giving me agita.) We’ve recently peeled the rocket ship decals off her wall and been on the hunt for something more sophisticated—and this awesome collage kit from Tezza is just the thing we’ve been looking for. It includes 75 high-quality art prints that we can arrange to make the ultimate statement wall. What says love more than a mini room remodel?

Another “cool room” must-have? Clever photo displays. This one is great because it checks two boxes. Rechargeable LED lights and photo display. It also comes with a remote to swap between eight different lighting modes.

You can never go wrong with a burrito themed novelty gift when it comes to this crowd. These super soft tortilla blankets are sure to be a hit at home and at their next sleepover.

My tween found this on Tik Tok and has spammed me with text requests for one ever since. The teeny bead can be customized with any image you’d like. Them with their bestie, your family pet or even a photo of yourself (because who’s nearer and dearer to their heart than mom?). Just hold it up to the light and peer inside to see it!

Two dimensional gaming is so last century. With Meta Quest 3, they can legit step into a whole new world to play, connect, create and even “attend” live events like sports and concerts. Just slip on the lightweight (and surprisingly comfortable) headset and bring virtual worlds to life in an immersive experience that’s nothing short of totally mind-blowing. There are hundreds of games, experiences and apps that can be downloaded with more being added every day. The future is here, and we have to admit, it’s pretty incredible.

My son has been fiddling with these things for a solid twelve years now. The mini skateboards and skateparks from Tech Deck are strangely fun and addicting and require far fewer ER visits than the real thing.

Who says you need a computer to learn how to code? Using a format they’re probably already familiar with, this clever kit uses basic coding concepts like algorithms, puzzling, sequencing, variables, binary and more to create 15 colorful keychain charms.

If you’ve got a kid who lives for the few weeks of summer they spend at camp, this is the personalized gift they’ll be thrilled to trot out. Memorialize an exceptionally good camp year with this customizable blanket that you can add your campers’ camp name to. You also get to choose how cozy you want the other side to be (minky or sherpa)!

The whimsical wearables from Camp Hollow are just about the most impossibly adorable accessories I’ve ever seen. Each piece is made from high-quality and hand painted with the sweetest detail. There’s a wide variety of animals to choose from, but don’t wait if there’s one that’s calling your name–each style is a limited edition that won’t be back after it sells out.

Between their give back mission, super cool styles and all around top-notch quality, State Bags totally nails the bag game–and their new tween-approved sling bag is no exception. Perhaps because it was literally designed by one! The mini backpack-esque design comes from the founder’s daughter who’s clearly got her finger on the pulse. With enough space for the essentials and a comfy fit, you might even steal this one for yourself sometimes.

You’re never too old for LEGOs–especially a kit this cool. Using the LEGO website, you can turn any photo into a mosaic and bring it life with bricks.

With this bonkers-huge snuggle machine you’ll never have to hear your kids argue about who has enough blanket ever again. At 10 x 10 Big Blanket Co.’s best-selling signature blankets are a must-have for movie night but double as the ultimate fort builder. (Because you’re never too old for that.)

I can’t lie. I’m kind of obsessed with everything in this Etsy shop. And if a gold tyrannosaurus isn’t their thing, they can be custom made in dozens of fun colors and other creatures as well!

From a smiling taco to a piece of pizza caught by surprise, this shrink art kit offers designs they’re sure to find amusing. After they color and shrink their collection they can fashion them into necklaces and key chains to keep or give to their pals!

Fact: You are never too old to love stickers. The Pipsticks Kids Club sends a packet of fun and high-quality stickers each month, starting at just $11.95 per month. This is truly a gift that keeps giving and will help them stay excited (and thinking of you) all year long.

Puzzles are a great way to bring the family together or take some time to calm the brain and decompress. One puzzle company that’s makes it super fun is Le Puzz. Not only do they have super fun designs (like this one covered in dozens of tiny erasers), they’re also made up of 500 uniquely-shaped pieces which makes it just the right amount of challenging.

Take their bedroom decor up a notch with some fun LED lights! This one is perfect for gamer kiddos and is both USB and battery powered, allowing you to place it anywhere they want.