Here you are, searching for a gift for the 9-to-12-year-olds in your life. Although you might have an inkling about the best gifts for tweens (you were that age once, no matter how many cell phone generations ago it was), picking out a present for this age group can still be a challenge. They’re at that tricky-to-shop-for age between presents for children and gifts for teens, and they’re probably 10 steps ahead of whatever cool thing just hit your TikTok For You page.
So how do you please a member of Gen Alpha or Gen Z? It all comes down to finding something that’s the right mix of trendy and age-appropriate for the specific tweens in your life. If they’re still into toys, there are plenty of Lego sets and slime packs that are sure to please. If they’re budding photographers, hook them up with an instant camera and a photogenic setup to display their snaps (see: fairy light clips). If they’re hoping to turn their rooms into the ultimate sleepover spot, they need luxe bean bags and a galaxy projector, stat.
Whether you’re shopping for a tween girl, a tween boy, or a tween who doesn’t identify in either category, we found plenty of thoughtful, unique gifts that we can almost guarantee will be a hit. From fun DIY kits to much-anticipated video games, these are the absolute best gifts for tweens. No matter which ones you pick, you’ll (at least appear to) be very much in the loop.
Our top picks
- Best Overall Gift for Tweens: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera, $70
- Best Value Gift for Tweens: Leclstar Photo Clip String Lights, $8
- Best Gift for Tween Girls: Smoko Toasty Heatable Plushie, $36
- Best Gift for Tween Boys: BlissLights Sky Lite Star Projector, $50
- Best Gift for 9-Year-Olds: Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit, $12
- Best Gift for 10-Year-Olds: Olive & June Greatest Hits Nail Polish Kit, $18
- Best Gift for 11-Year-Olds: Original Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit, $30
- Best Gift for 12-Year-Olds: Lego Icons Succulents Set, $45
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Need proof that trends are circular? Today’s kids are just as obsessed with instant cameras as you once were. Help them capture memories with this candy-colored bestseller.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for tweens with these Best Buy promo codes.
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Leclstar Photo Clip String Lights
They’ll need a place to hang those instant photos, so throw in this extra-long strand of fairy light clips to make this the best birthday gift they’ll ever receive.
