- TIPS & IDEAS -
48 Great Gift Ideas for Tweens
Not quite children, not quite teenagers; tweens are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. As any parent or relative knows, the age between nine and 12 comes with rapid changes in preferences and tastes, making birthday or holiday presents a challenge.
To help ease your brainstorming sessions, we gathered a list of 48 great gift ideas for tweens. From gifts for their bedroom to games and more “grown-up” options, you are sure to find some inspiration that will make your shopping experience much easier.
Gifts for Tween Girls
We start our list with gifts specifically for tween girls. In this section, you will find a mix of glam gifts, luxurious comforts and more mature options that your tween will be sure to enjoy.
1. Jewelry Box
Many tween girls love jewelry – it’s all about seeming more grown up and keeping up with the latest trends. With a beautiful jewelry box, you’ll be giving her something she can use for years to come.
2. Beauty Station
Tween girls start wearing makeup around this age, so the holiday might be the perfect time to get her something that lasts. A beauty station is a great place to store makeup, nail polish and other beauty products – helping to keep her room clean in the process.
3. Beauty Cart
Beauty carts are a more transportable form of beauty stations that give more freedom to a morning routine. This cart features multiple storage areas as well as a pop-up mirror – just like a professional makeup artist.
4. Unicorn Bean Bag Chair
Beanbag chairs are a playful addition to any bedroom or seating area. This unicorn-themed option brings just as much flair and personality as it does comfort, and it gives your tween a great place to sit and talk with friends.
5. Feathery Robe
Everyone appreciates a good robe, and the feathery collar and sleeves on this item brings out a bit of Hollywood-style luxury. This is a great gift for lounging, getting ready and anything in between.
6. Holiday Pajamas
Pajamas belong on every holiday list, and this pair of comfy, organic PJs will delight any tween. And, who doesn’t love gnomes?
7. Luxe Carry-On Luggage
Planning a family trip in the near future? This luxe carry-on roller bag will make anyone feel like a celebrity whether they’re going through security or running to catch a flight. Customize it with a set of initials for added personalization.
8. Fluffy Body Pillow
Comfortable pillows can make the difference between a restless and restful night. Body pillows provide comfort and versatility whether your tween is tucking in for the night or relaxing on the bed texting her friends.
9. Personal Desk
Remote learning may be a thing of the past, but your tween still needs her own space to do work. This gift allows them to do homework, chat with friends and do any other similar activities in the comfort of their own space.
10. Hello Kitty® Skating Snowglobe
Does your tween still love Hello Kitty®? Perfect for the holiday season, this snowglobe adds holiday cheer to any nightstand, desk or shelf.
11. Mani-Pedi Lapdesk
A lapdesk is a great way to do work from the comfort of a bed – and even better if it serves another purpose. Hidden inside of this mani-pedi lapdesk are multiple compartments for supplies, a soft base and an easy-access mirror.
12. Heart Pillow
Pillows can be used for decoration just as much as for comfort, and these heart-shaped varieties certainly fit the bill. A great statement piece for any bedroom, your tween is sure to enjoy this new addition to her space.
Gifts for Tween Boys
Now that the girls are covered, what do you get for the boys? From games to sports-themed items, consider these ideas for your shopping list.
13. Wall Shelf
A wall shelf can act as an extra piece of storage to put books, or it can be used to capitalize on a rising trend: Displaying shoes like they’re pieces of art. This option comes with built-in lights to show off prized possessions in style.
14. Lapdesk
Homework has never been more comfortable. With a sherpa cushion, storage space and a sturdy wood surface, your tween might even come to enjoy finishing his math homework. Maybe.
15. Camo Carry-On Luggage
Every young traveler needs a statement piece to take on flights and other long voyages. Just as with our luxe option for tween girls, this camo carry-on luggage can serve as a long-lasting companion for family trips.
16. Football Bean Bag Toss
One surefire way to get your tween off his phone: This bean bag toss game. This football-themed board with matching bean bags is a fun activity for your tween to play with friends and family.
17. NFL Pajamas
Whether the game ends in victory or defeat, it’s easier than ever to show team pride around the house. NFL pajamas are a comfortable way to show fandom and wind down for the evening.
18. Basketball Light
Neon lights are a welcome addition to any boy’s room, and even better if it’s sports-related. This LED basketball light is a great statement piece to show personality while adding a unique ambiance.
19. Magnetic Dart Board
When traditional dart boards aren’t an option for tweens – be it for practical or safety reasons – an easy replacement is a magnetic dart board. They’re simple to install, play, and are sure to entertain anyone for hours.
20. NFL Bedding
Another comfortable way to show football fandom is with an NFL blanket. This cozy option features all 32 teams and also has a matching pillow available to complete the bedding set for any football fan.
21. Board Rack
Mixing style and function, board racks are a great way to keep a house organized while also adding a statement piece to a bedroom or hallway. This rack features three different slots for skateboards, snowboards and anything in between.
22. Football Helmet Lamp
After the NFL bedding and pajama sets, complete the bedroom theme with this football helmet lamp – a perfect addition to any desk or bedside table.
23. Guitar Wall Mount
Similar to the board rack, a guitar wall mount is the perfect way to blend function and fashion. Coming in a set of two, this mount adds additional storage and personality to any tween’s bedroom.
24. NBA Sheet Set
If your tween is more of a basketball fan than a football fan – or has enough NFL products already – a great option is an NBA sheet set. Just like the NFL bedding, this NBA set features all thirty teams and is a comfortable way to show style and fandom.
Gift Ideas for Gamers
Whether it’s Minecraft, desk chairs, or gaming tables, these are the best ideas for the gamers on your gift list.
25. PAC-MAN™ Ghost Chase Wall Light
We’re not sure there’s a better way to decorate a gaming room or bedroom than with a PAC-MAN LED wall light. Featuring the classic “ghost chase” design, this piece will set the mood for any gamer’s space.
26. Gaming Chair
If your tween has the newest gaming system, make sure their seat is up to par. Gaming chairs offer comfortable support, built-in speakers and a level of immersion that can’t be found with regular desk chairs or couches.
27. Minecraft™ Creeper LED Light
This Minecraft wall light is guaranteed to give a unique ambiance to any room or gaming area. Featuring LED strips, it’s a true statement piece for anyone that enjoys the franchise.
28. Star Wars™ TIE Fighter™ Table Lamp
Featuring the iconic TIE Fighter, this Star Wars lamp is a cool addition to any desk or bedside table. If your gamer is a fan of Star Wars, they will surely appreciate this unique gift.
29. Air Hockey Table
Bring the fun of the arcade to the living room or gaming room. An air hockey table is a great way to get some family time with your tweens, and its mid-century modern design is sure to fit right into even the most stylish of home decor.
30. LED Basketball Hoop
An LED basketball hoop can double as a way to show sports fandom while also illuminating a gaming room. Your tween can treat this as a statement piece – or practice their shot with friends.
31. Waterfall String Lights
An important aspect of a bedroom or gaming room is the lighting – and one of the best ways for your tween to nail it is with waterfall string lights. Available in a handful of different colors, these lights can be standalone pieces or paired with another LED light on our list.
32. Foosball Table
Similar to the air hockey table above, another method of bringing the arcade home is with a foosball table. This visually stunning table is perfect for the gamer in your life and aligns with nearly any room decor.
33. Star Trek™ Backlit Starfleet Logo LED with Sound Sync
Another perfect option for a bedroom or gaming room is a Star Trek LED light. This piece can transform your tween’s space, and is a great choice for anyone that is a fan of the series.
34. Mini Rocker Speaker Chair
Instead of a full gaming chair, a rocker chair is an excellent alternative. With built-in speakers and a comfortable design, this low-profile seat can stand up to even the longest gaming sessions.
35. Minecraft™ Pixel Wool Rug
Another way to show off your tween's Minecraft fandom, this checkered green and black piece is the perfect accent to any gamer’s space. Simplistic in design, this rug can fit into any room decor.
36. PAC-MAN™ Glow-in-the-Dark Sheet Set
These retro PAC-MAN sheets are a great option for your tween’s bedroom. With a glow-in-the-dark design inspired by the original video games, bedtime can be fun again.
Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
Is there a tween book lover on your list? From themed presents to more cozy options for teen hangout rooms, here are great ideas for the reader in your family.
37. Harry Potter™ Golden Snitch™ Clock
Bring the world of Harry Potter™ to life by giving your Hogwarts™ book lover a Golden Snitch clock. This unique timepiece is as much a decorative element as it is a clock – perfect for your resident Quidditch™ fan.
38. Ladder Bookshelf
Good books deserve to be proudly displayed, but not every room has the space for a full bookshelf. Available in a unique, minimalistic design, this piece adds a bit of flair to any room.
39. Table Lamp
For those nights the last few chapters delay bedtime for minutes or hours, your tween will be grateful for a table lamp. Adding just the perfect amount of reading light, these lamps can help an avid reader finish their books after the sun goes down.
40. Harry Potter™ Hedwig™ Owl Bean Bag Chair
At the intersection of function and decoration, a Hedwig bean bag chair can put the finishing touches to any room. Made with a comfortable feather-like faux fur, the book lover in your life will love to open a good novel and sink into this comfortable seat.
41. Bedside Shelf
Does your tween struggle to keep track of their book or phone after using them in bed? This ingenious bedside shelf solves that problem. It’s the perfect companion for reading in the comfort of one’s bed, and provides easy storage when it’s time for lights out.
42. Harry Potter™ Gryffindor™ House Pajama Set
What better way for your tween to represent their favorite house than a Hogwarts™ pajama set? Whether the sorting hat has put them in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw™, Hufflepuff™, or Slytherin™, they can represent their colors proudly.
43. Bookcase
For those with a larger collection, a quality bookcase is a necessity. Slightly bigger than the ladder bookshelf we highlighted above, this bookcase can provide your tween the space they need to proudly display their collected works.
44. Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Castle Night Sky Projector
Creating the right atmosphere in your reading room can be the difference between getting sucked into a novel and putting it down early. A Hogwarts night sky projector can provide the perfect accent lighting for reading – or a nightlight to fall asleep under the stars.
45. Faux-Fur Backrest Pillow
When reading or doing work in bed, proper back support is crucial. A faux-fur backrest pillow can provide that much needed support while adding a cozy way to finish those last few chapters.
46. Chunky Throw Blanket
Anyone can appreciate a quality blanket – especially a book lover. A chunky throw blanket adds comfort and warmth when the time comes to crack open a new book.
47. Harry Potter™ Time-Turner™ Table Lamp
For something with a little more flair, consider a Time-Turner lamp. This Harry Potter-inspired light is a great ally for late-night reading.
48. Swivel Chair
There are some tweens who love to read in bed, and others in a comfy chair. For the latter, a quality swivel chair can provide the perfect environment to breeze through a few chapters.
Coming up with gift ideas for tweens can be a challenging task. The formative age between childhood and early adulthood comes with rapidly changing preferences and personal tastes.
We hope you found value in our expansive guide. If you need additional ideas, head over to our gifts page for even more shopping inspiration for your tween. You’ll be sure to find the perfect present for even the pickiest person on your list.