Best Gifts for Tweens: Cool Ideas for Every Budget

Finding the perfect present for tweens can feel like deciphering a secret code sometimes, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back—I know how confusing tweens can be, as I have one of my own at home.

Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or during the holiday season, this gift guide is packed with gift ideas for tweens that are sure to be a big hit. From tech-savvy gadgets like the Nintendo Switch to beauty products, craft kits, and cool items for family game night, there’s something here for every tween interest.

Whether they’re into video games, art supplies, or love keeping up with the latest fashion trends, these gifts are perfect for those in-between years. Let’s dive into this ultimate list of gift ideas that will make you the coolest gift-giver in town! Parents of tweens, listen up!

Gender Neutral Gift Ideas for Tweens

I’ve got a little something for every interest and personality, and this first list is all gender neutral. I included items that could work for any tween, from beauty products to a console for video games, and even fun activities for the whole family. Plus, lots of wish list favorites are included!​

LED Strip Lights

All of the teens and tweens love LED lights! They are a great gift idea for any age group, honestly. These flexible, multicolored strips come with a remote control, allowing users to effortlessly switch between an array of different colors and dynamic lighting effects. With their easy installation, these lights can be quickly set up in bedrooms, living rooms, or any area that could use a touch of vibrant illumination.

Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Chair

This portable inflatable couch is perfect for various outdoor activities including camping, beach outings, picnics, music festivals, and backyard gatherings. It is also fun for indoor activities like gaming and friend gatherings. Setting it up is a cinch; it doesn’t require any external pump, and can be inflated by simply waving it through the air.

AirPods

AirPods are always a wished-for item by tweens and teens during the holiday season! They’re one of the best gifts for tweens, and honestly the whole family. 

Beats Headphones

The Beats Headphones are really popular among the tweens and teens, and for good reason. These wireless headphones are a premium audio accessory designed to deliver an exceptional listening experience. The perfect gift for the music junkie.

Roblox Gift Card

Roblox gift cards are always a good idea for all tweens. It’s on my tween’s wish list every holiday and birthday. Are your kiddos into Roblox? My girls are big fans of it.

Mini Fridge

Isn’t this such a fun gift idea? I have a feeling it’ll be a big hit for the tweens! This mini fridge holds 12 cans, has a removable shelf, but is a compact design. It comes in a bunch of different colors, and has a really cute retro style. Its compact size and portable design allow it to fit seamlessly on countertops, desks, or in small living spaces.

Amazon Echo

My kids love their echo dot Alexas in their rooms, and it really is a great tool to have! We use it as an intercom throughout the house, and it also can help tweens with learning independence. Since tween isn’t allowed to have her phone in her room at night, she uses her Alexa to set wake up alarms and reminders.

Instax Camera

Whether or not your kids are on social media, they probably love taking pictures. This instant camera is so fun to get little polaroid pictures, and the photos make great decor additions to their room. This compact and stylish camera offers instant gratification for capturing and sharing memories. Its built-in selfie mode and close-up lens attachment allow for creative self-portraits and detailed close-ups.

Nintendo Switch

Do the tweens in your life love video games? The Nintendo Switch is the perfect game console. Designed for gamers on the go, the Switch provides a comfortable and portable platform for playing a wide range of Nintendo Switch games. Its integrated controls and lightweight, single-piece design make it easy to carry and play games wherever you are.

Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle

The teens and tweens are still on the Stanley craze, but this one is school-approved because of the leak-proof cap. The Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle is designed to keep beverages at the perfect temperature, no matter the conditions. They come in a bunch of fun colors. Put some cute stickers in their stocking for an additional fun gift!

CraveBox Snack Box

How fun is this giant box of 50 snacks? Who wouldn’t love this gift?! Honestly, this is a great gift idea for everyone – little kids, older kids, teens, and adults! The price is pretty darn good for 50 snacks, too. 

Crocs

Crocs are all the “it shoe” for kids of all ages. I don’t quite understand it, but it is what it is, lol. If in doubt, grab them a pair. Then go grab a bunch of “jibbitz” charms for them to decorate their crocs! 

Awkward Family Photos Game

Board games for family game night are always a fun idea! This Awkward Family Photos game looks hilarious and has a lot of five star reviews. There’s also a few expansion packs available for purchase! 

What Do You Meme Family Game

We have this game and it’s so much fun! Whether you’re an avid meme pop culture fan or not, it’ll give everyone a good laugh. This game also has expansion packs available for purchase.

Adidas Sackpack Drawstring Backpack

This simple bag is great for sports, dance, and more. Comes in a bunch of different color combinations and sure to impress!

Loopy Cases

Cell phones are a bit polarizing during the tween phase, but if your tweens have one, Loopy Cases are always a great phone case. So many fun designs and colors – there’s something for everyone! Use code MEGO across the board for 10% off any purchase.  

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls

Looking for the best gift ideas for tween girls? I’ve got you covered here! This list is full of great gift options that are sure to wow any tween girl in your life. Whether she’s into the latest trends or loves a bit of creativity, there’s something here that will match her ever-changing interests. There are plenty of fun choices for the girly girls in this list of gifts, as well as good ideas that work as a gift in a fun way for any special occasion that she will love for a long time.

Smiley Face Slippers

Tween and teen girls will love these smiley face slippers – trust me! So many fun color combinations, as well. 

Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

Nike gear is not cheap, so holidays and birthdays are a great time to gift! Apparently all the kids in middle school are wearing Air Force 1s, and my daughter requested a pair. They really are a great, comfortable, and versatile shoe. 

Stanley Tumbler

The Stanley craze not only spans to Millennials and Gen Z, but those youngins (apparently they’re “Gen Alpha”) are loving them! The 40 ounce tumbler may be too large for a tween to tote around, but the smaller sizes are great and “on trend.” 

Sol De Janiero Body Spray

Sol De Janiero seems to be a huge hit among the tweens and teens (reminds me of how much we used to love Bath & Body Works). This body spray set is a great way for her to try a few of the scents and figure out what she likes best. The best part is this set is priced really great!

Swiftie Sweatshirt

For the Swiftie teenage girls and tweens! These sweatshirts are a cozy fabric, come in a bunch of different colors, and are such a fun design. 

Lululemon Belt Bag

If your tween is asking for Lululemon, but you don’t want to spend $90 on a pair of leggings, their belt bags are really well priced! They also come in a bunch of fun colors and sizes. 

Flared Leggings

“Flared leggings” aka yoga pants to us Millennial moms are so on trend! Luckily you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a cute pair. 

Oversized Graphic Trendy Tee

I asked my tween for her wish list and she specifically told me “oversized graphic trendy tee” and put this exact shirt on her list. This listing has a few different designs and colors, and you can buy a size up for the oversized look. (These come in women sizes, so it’ll likely fit oversized for a tween.)

Bracelet Making Kit

Thanks to the Swifties, friendship bracelets are super popular. What a fun idea for a crafting night or a sleepover. This kit comes with all the supplies you’ll need to make fun and cute bracelets.

Eye Masks

If your tween is obsessed with beauty products, she’s sure to love these glitter eye masks! They actually have a lot of super positive reviews and do an amazing job of depuffing. You may want to steal a few of them for yourself.

Lighted Vanity Mirror

One of my daughters has this LED light vanity mirror on her desk in her room, and it’s such amazing quality! Not only teens and tweens will love this, little girls will too. It has a few different temperature settings and gives the perfect amount of light. I would’ve absolutely gone nuts over this as a tween.

Neon Sign

What a fun idea for your favorite tween girl! This neon sign is the perfect addition to a vibey room. Not to mention, we all love to see a positive affirmation, am I right?

Gift Ideas for Tween Boys

I get it… tween boys are hard to shop for. I did a LOT of digging and surveying to find these great gift ideas, and I promise there is something on here your favorite tween boy will love! From video games to items for active play and even some of the latest trends, I’ve covered all the bases. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because for your tween’s room, these good gifts are sure to be a big hit.

Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

​The boys also love these shoes! They’re a great “go with everything” shoe, as well. So I guess it’s a win for everyone!

Nike Tube Socks

Okay, I get it’s kind of lame to get socks as a gift on Christmas, but these are expensive socks. Put them in his stocking, I guess? 

Nike Hoodie

​We’re just getting him all Nike gear from head to toe, I suppose. This hoodie is really stylish and on trend! Can’t go wrong with it.

Drone

​Drones are so fun! I guarantee any kid will have fun with this, especially the tween boys. It has a built in HD camera and you control it with a device connected to your phone. Fun for vacations or just exploring the area you live in.

Prime Hydration Sticks

​Pretty sure every tween boy is obsessed with Prime drinks, right? Order him these hydration sticks and the hero.

Neon Sign

​Neon signs are not just for girls! Give his room a little somethin’ somethin’ with this stylish sign.

Spikeball Game Set

I have no idea what Spikeball is, but apparently it’s a fun game and this is on a lot of wish lists! Lots of amazing reviews!

Gaming Headset

​Level up the video game setup with this awesome gaming headset! Comes in a few colors, as well.

Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker

​This bluetooth waterproof speaker is good for so many things – hanging out in his room, playing sports outside, travel, by the pool, and more. 

Light Up Basketball & Rim

​How cool is this?! Play basketball at night with this light up ball and lights you attach to the rim! 

Pizza Throw Blanket

These types of food blankets are going viral right now with the kids and this pizza blanket is a fun one. It looks like a giant pepperoni pizza!

Electric Scooter

​I’ve seen a lot of these electric scooters in my neighborhood, and I do think they’re so fun! This comes in a few different color combinations, as well.

Electric Scooter

​I’ve seen a lot of these electric scooters in my neighborhood, and I do think they’re so fun! This comes in a few different color combinations, as well.

And there you have it! I hope this list of tween gift ideas has sparked your creativity and made your shopping experience a breeze. I put a lot of thought and effort into these ideas, along with polling my amazing Instagram community!

Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and your effort in choosing something special will surely be appreciated. Happy gifting, and here’s to making those tween moments unforgettable!