Shopping for Tweens? Let Us Help You With That
Shopping for tween girls comes with a few rules. You never want to give her a gift that feels too kid-like. She's not a little kid, she's almost a teenager, remember? Second, (and very important if you're not her parent), you don't want to shoot for a gift that's beyond her age. (So skip the car-themed gifts since she doesn't have her license.) Finally, stick to what she really cares about — feeling pretty, being silly, and showing off her creative side. And it's always sweet to show a tween some extra love.
Gifts for Feeling Pretty
Homework will feel like less of a drag with her papers set somewhere under the rainbow.
$44.00
She'll love having a water bottle that's different from everyone else's — because it's wrapped in glitter.
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Bring the salon to your tween with this set of 12 shiny, vegan-friendly nail polishes — since color favorites change up fast with her.
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You can't go wrong with pretty sparkly things — like a sweet crown of glittery stars she can wear on her head.
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Present her with a rainbow she can wear everyday — especially on those days that feel anything but sunshine-y.
$25.00
Sporty meets sassy with a pair of sneakers that are old school cool.
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For the tween who wakes up on the grumpy side of the bed, here's a way to help her morning shower brighten her mood.
$21.99
You know hair is important to her. (Just think about how much time she spends playing with her hair and twirling it into braids.) So here's a good twist on a practical gift for tweens.
$14.95
Gifts for Feeling Silly
Spice up her set of keys. Pom-poms are still irresistible when you're a tween, especially ones with glittery eyes.
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Because the best gifts for tweens speak their language.
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Flamingos seem to be the it-animal of the year. And this pool float is built for two — your tween and her BFF taking in the summer sunshine.
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Not only are these cat ear headphones adorable, but they're purr-fect for tween study sessions. Your tween can listen to tunes privately — or turn on the cat ear speakers to share music with friends.
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Let her decorate her backpack or jacket with enamel pins that speak to her fun-loving style.
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What's not so temporary? How fun these tattoos are to wear around for a couple days — they're simply rad.
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Here's a more compact version of the modern instant film camera. She'll love taking goofy snaps of her squad.
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In cheery yellow, this portable radio lets your tween bring the good vibrations with her wherever she's lounging out.
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Give her a watermelon ping pong set to make hanging at home more fun (and less about screen time.)
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Tweens are not ones to mince words, and this slightly snarky tee-shirt is way too funny to pass up as a gift.
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Perk up her desk with a porcupine pencil holder, and maybe she won't prickle with horror at the mention of math homework.
$19.00
Before she turns into a full-on teenager (and doesn't want to do anything but be with her friends), set up some family time with a colorful, fun board game.
$34.95
Swish something fun and unexpected into Friday movie night with a blanket that's just for her.
$39.94
You'll be winning in the gift department when this rolls in. And your tween will love making snow cones for your crew.
$39.25
Since she was a toddler, she's always loved to perform little shows for you all. Give her a gift that plays to her imaginative side (something you hope never fades.)
$12.00
Your tween is sure to geek out over putty that glows in the dark with a black light.
$15.00
Because she still appreciates accessories with animals on them — and these handmade slippers look pretty cozy.
$38.00
If your tween owns an iphone, then you're probably aware that she likes to decorate every single surface — here are stickers for the charger.
$12.95
Gifts for Feeling Loved
Handmade tiny heart-and-initial stud earrings are the perfect personalized gift you've been searching for. If your tween likes gold, choose the rose gold plated set — it feels sweet and less expected than standard sterling silver.
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Your tween puts a lot of time and heart into her sport-of-choice, so give her a special travel/gym bag for uniforms and gear to remind her she's doing her best.
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This adjustable friendship bracelet is the sweet-and-simple style that hits home for any tween. Even better idea? Buy two, and let her give one to her BFF.
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Because you want to remind your tween to be herself (even through the highs and lows of middle school drama) — and she's someone who simply radiates positive vibes.
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Shower her with compliments in the shape of number 2 pencils. You'll make the point that your tween is awesome.
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Don't be surprised if you get a heart-eye emoji text of thanks for this sweet little gift.
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For tweens who share a room with siblings, here's a simple way to mark her pillow as hers.
$13.29
She loves her breakfast cereal a certain way, so give her a bowl that lets her set her own ratios.
$18.99
Gifts for Feeling Creative
For your budding crafter, here's a modern stamping kit that's not too young and not too hard for tweens.
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Give your tween a fresh way to communicate what she's feeling with this old school letter board. Just don't be surprised if you see "I want to be alone" hanging up in her room — she's 12, after all.
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Here's a complete set of classics by the amazing Roald Dahl. Take a trip down memory lane with your tween with these treasured stories — from James and the Giant Peach to The BFG.
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Encourage her science-minded curiosity with a kit that keeps her playing and learning at the same time.
$49.99
Nothing like busting open a geode rock — and seeing all the beautiful crystals inside — to turn a boring afternoon into something magical.
$49.95
Here's a gift that manages to get tweens to unplug and have fun with the family — a win-win gift!
$18.00
Pair together two things you know she loves — doing her nails and doing fun experiments.
$45.00
Let her inner maker shine with a DIY kit that lets her make lip balm for her and her friends.
$40.00
Because bongoes never looked so fun. You may need to start a family band!
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She's at that tween age of thinking that 23 is the oldest age ever . So give her a gift that will give her a good (funny) read in years to come.
$14.95
Don't overlook simple ways to have some fun outside. Flying a kite is still magical when you're a tween.
$25.95
Prompt her inner sketch artist with a fun drawing book she can use in those moments when there's "nothing to do".
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Because your tween is growing up in the age where doodling is now on an electronic tablet — and that's pretty rad.
$199.95
For the always-busy tween who likes to do projects, this yarn tree will be her next proud achievement.
$30.00
Give her a gift that keeps her doing what she loves best — making things.
$17.00
Still feeling stuck on ideas for tweens and teens? Here are gifts that will truly impress teens, awesome gifts for 12-year-olds, as well as the best gifts for 13-year-olds.
