We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy.

The older kids get, the harder it can be to find them holiday gifts that make their eyes sparkle. In fact, choosing gifts for tweens may even make you break out in a cold sweat. (I’ve been there.) But fear not. You don’t have to just hand them a gift certificate or wad of cash. There are tons of awesome gifts out there that even the most picky, hard-to-please tweens will love.

While they may have us bested when it comes to celebrity TikTok star knowledge, we like to think we’ve got our finger on the pulse of what the kids want these days.

Our editors have combed through the internet looking for THE BEST gifts for the older kiddos in your life, which ensures you get to hang on to #coolmom status. (But if they don’t like it, you didn’t hear it from us. Sorry.)

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Shop our curated list of gifts for tweens below!

Ugg Tasman Slipper

$125

If you’re like me and waited too long to purchase these last year only to find them completely out of stock, the good news is, they’re still on the must-have list this year. The better news is that now you can actually buy them.

Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal for Kids

$25

The tween years are often the start of becoming more self-reflective. And while regular journaling can seem like a daunting exercise, the Five Minute Journals from Intelligent Change offer a simple but effective approach. The kids edition is designed for kids as young as five (and as old as 12) to take just a couple minutes to practice gratitude and reflect on the good in each day. It’s a habit that will benefit them (and everyone around them!) for years to come.

Crunch Labs

$27.45

CrunchLabs was founded by a NASA engineer turned YouTube prankster, and the playful approach the brand takes to engineering is perfect for kids. Created with ages 8-12 in mind, CrunchLabs monthly subscription boxes provide all the materials they’ll need to create a build-it-yourself toy like disc launchers and coin spinners. The parts are super high quality which means there’s no unnecessary frustration and each offer video support that takes learning to a deeper level and makes it easy enough for them to tackle solo. (But there’s a good chance you’ll want to share in the fun.) Prices start at $24.95 per month.

Govee Star Light Projector

$64.99

Talk about a vibe! The Star Light Projector from Govee creates immersive auroras and starscapes that are sure to make their room the sleepover hot spot. With the app, they can choose from dozens of pre-set options featuring every color of the rainbow, or create their own to fit the mood. It’s also equipped with 18 white noise options that range from nature to spa music and can be set on a timer as they drift off to sleep under the ethereal hues. And while I can make no promises it will work the same in your house, my teenager seems far less grumpy waking up to magical bird sounds and swirling colors than a blaring alarm in the dark.

Lego Nike Slam Dunk

$69.99

The LEGO love affair isn’t ever going to stop, is it? Case in point. The bound-to-sell-out LEGO x Nike collab–forget the kids because we’re kind of obsessed with this one ourselves. The player, hoop and arena model is chock-full of the coolest details. From the posable basketball star to their customizable hairstyle, Nike jersey, and sneakers it makes stellar room decor when they’re done.

Lush Wicked for Good

$13.50

Glinda and Elphaba are back, and so is the obsession. Luckily, Lush, purveyors of the legit best bath goodies on the planet has taken note. Their Wicked: For Good x Lush collection offers a variety of fun new favorites from bath bombs to body scrubs–but if we had to pick a fave it’s the Glinda-approved Tap to Bubble. It’s basically solid bubble bath on a stick which creates the most divine lather. Just dip, swirl, and splash. Once adequate suds have been achieved, set it aside to dry out. There’s at least 3 sessions in one stick!

The Comfy Jr.

$44

Now that they’re getting old enough to appreciate a good veg out sesh, this will become their weekend wardrobe of choice. The thick, sherpa-lined wearable blanket keeps them warm and cozy while they game or watch movies, with a high-low hem that’s perfect for pulling their knees up inside. The giant marsupial pocket offers a place to put their phone or smuggle snacks. And while they are oversize, consider the adult version for kids over 10.

Lovete Activity Night Shoe Decor

$15.99 $19.99

If they’ve grown tired of making friendship bracelets, swap in this stylish DIY kit. Lovete’s shoe styling craft comes with a collection of charms, bows and stickers as well as four ribbon style laces so they can customize their kicks in a whole new way.

Glocusent Book Light

$27.99

Even if you have to tell them 100 times to put the book away and go to bed, are you really all that mad about it? Upgrade their nighttime reading habit with this handy reading light. The flexible, u-shaped design keeps them hands-free while the three color temps ensure it’s easy on the eyes.

Beads By Tara Small Bead Bracelet

$46

The go-with-everything bead bracelet from Beads By Tara look great in a stack or simply on their own. Consider it the beginning of a timeless collection!

KAFRI RGB Headphone Stand - Motherly

$26.99

Gamers can keep their various devices charged and organized with this convenient headphone stand. And it’s even got LED lighting effects because, tweens.

Otamatone

$39.98

It might look a bit silly, but the Omatone is actually an impressively capable instrument. Designed in Japan, the portable synthesizer is played by sliding your fingers up and down and the stem to vary the pitch, then adding a bit of vibrato by squeezing its cheeks. It’s easy to learn but a challenge to master!

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

$163

When they’ve outgrown their little kid headphones and have the audacity to ask for $600 Apple Airpod Pros that you wouldn’t even buy yourself, you land here. The Studio3 Wireless Headphones from Beats are the very cool, very high-performing, still-a-splurge option they’ll love. Their noise-canceling capabilities and sound quality are top notch and the battery life is pretty impressive too.

Saiji Foldable Laptop Desk

$58.99 $69.99

From cozy homework sessions to taking a Netflix break, this foldable laptop desk provides plenty of surface area for all their necessities. The above-average height makes it tall enough to cross their legs underneath while features like a book stand and drawer keep things tidy and organized.

JBL Clip 5

$79.95

Perfectly portable, waterproof and durable, the JBL Clip 5 is a great wireless speaker for the tween set. Yes, there are newer models but at half the price with comparable performance and features, this one is an undeniable bang for the buck. And if you want to go for bonus points, the JBL website allows you to design a custom version with your own photo or image.

Hello Adorn Twisted Tiny Twist Earrings

$36

Dainty and delicate, the handmade Twisted 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.

Instax Mini Holiday Bundle - Motherly

$105.90 $124.94

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 film to get them started, a photo album and a quilted tote with film pockets.

Bubble Silky Season Gift Set

$34

Unlike some of the skincare your tween may be hounding you for, this trio of products from the TikTok famous brand Bubble are formulated with ingredients which are appropriate for the younger set. Silkly Season 3-Step Hydrating Routine includes their Soft Launch Hydrating Cream Cleanser, Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer and Bounce Back Hydrating Mist to keep dry winter skin at bay while looking very aesthetic on their bathroom counter.

Micro Kickboard Micro Sprite Suspension Scooter

$139.99 $179.99

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 Sprite Suspension Scooter can’t be beat. The bigger wheels and front suspension 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.

Impala Quad Skate

$89 $119.95

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!

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

$9.84

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.

Caitlyn Minimalist

$37

A sweet twist on your typical initial necklace, this dainty piece from Caitlyn Minimalist can be personalized with up to three initials. The best part is it just looks expensive–but at less than $40 it’s both affordable and everyday wearable instead of just special occasions.

America's Test Kitchen The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

$19.99

Inspire your budding chef with this easy-to-follow cookbook that’s created just for kids. The New York Times best-seller includes tons of kid-tested and approved recipes that not only teach the basics, but make cooking so much fun. The step-by-step instructions are impressively clear and the recipes themselves are healthy and appealing to both picky and adventurous eaters. Imagine a world where your tween cooks dinner! Ah, living the dream, right?

King Arthur Baking Company Sweet & Salty Cookbook for Young Bakers

$19.95

If baking is more their thing, check out King Arthur Baking Company’s recently released  Sweet & Salty Cookbook for Young Bakers. Already a New York Times Bestseller, it’s filled with nearly 100 approachable, fun, and delicious recipes for everything from Pizza Party Buns to Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies. It’s so well done even adult beginner bakers admit to adding it to their collection.

Dojo Soap - Motherly

$18

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 moldable foam soap from dojo meet them right where they are. The clean ingredient formula sprays out like silly string and is as fun to play with as it is to wash up with. Available in four scents: Vanilla Sandalwood, Candy Rush, Spring Cotton, and Grapefruit Amberwood.

Bucketsquad Cherry Ice Basketball

$43.50 $58

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

Tezza Dream Kit

$69

You’ll know they’ve turned the corner into pre-teen territory when they begin to take a vested interest in making their room “cool.” (Honestly, those Tik Tok essential LED lights are giving me agita.) If you’ve peeled the rocket ship decals off the wall and are now on the hunt for something more sophisticated, check out this awesome collage kit from Tezza. It includes 75 high-quality 8.5 x 11 art prints that they can arrange to make the ultimate statement wall. What says love more than a mini room remodel?

Hanging Photo light display

$16.99

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.

Burrito Blanket

$19.99

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.

Wear Felicity Personalized Circle Photo Bracelet

$38

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!

Tech Deck, 25th Anniversary 8-Pack

$24.99

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.

Big Blanket Co

$104.30 $149

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.)