Wondering what to get your preteen for an upcoming birthday? Shopping for tweens doesn’t have to be difficult. Try these top 25 birthday gifts for tweens to make this a birthday to remember for any young teenager. More: The Ultimate List of Gift Ideas for 11-Year-Olds
Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Purchasing Tween Birthday Gifts
Consider purchasing products that are age-appropriate. Tweens are in an awkward group where they still have the capacity of being kids, but are also on the verge of becoming teenagers. Cater to both of these by finding items that:
Fit their age group Can be shared with family Have parental controls Create peace of mind Doesn’t overload their sensory system
How We Chose Our Favorites
As always, Family Education chooses the best products and ideas. We utilize our huge database of professionals including teachers, parents, grandparents, reliable review ratings, and so much more. These tween birthday gifts are the top 25 on everyone’s list. Before you know it your tween will be a teen, here are our favorite gift ideas for teens or mature tweens. It’s the perfect gift for letting your child explore his artistic side, without the mess of paint. It’s like a sophisticated etch-a-sketch with water. Simply wet your brush, and it will leave black marks on the paper. When the water dries, your art will disappear, so you can use it over and over again. This gift is for the tween who loves video games, especially ones that are mobile. The Nintendo Switch is a bestseller and is easy to use, play and setup on a tv or on its own. Whether it’s an Apple iPhone or an Android, your older tween is most likely drooling over a chance to get a new smartphone. Even if it’s just for listening to music, they’ll love having it handy. You might even get a better deal going with the Cricket offer. For tween who have an iPhone or Android that need a cover, consider a phone case like this one with emojis and other fun illustrations. Just make sure it fits the phone they have! Do you have a tween singer who could make it on the next American Idol? Try a karaoke microphone to test out those vocals. This one is not only wireless, but it’s also Bluetooth so it makes it easy to pick and play songs from your mobile device. The Fujifilm Instax Mini is for the tween in your life that love taking photos and making memories. This bundle set comes with everything you need, including a case and extra film so it’s ready to start clicking and printing just like a Polaroid camera! Do you have a tween that loves Harry Potter and knitting? Look no further! The Harry Potter: Knitting Magic book has 25 ideas for your favorite knitter. Knitting is a great way to practice dexterity, focus, and creativity, so why not add a dash of magic? This cool craft kit is perfect for the tween who is not interested in dollhouses but finds building them more interesting. The Tiny Camper kit is a DIY craft that has everything she or he needs to create a neat setup for a camper van. The Master Guide to Drawing Anime book is especially for tweens who are not only very interested in learning how to draw anime characters, but also for those who want to fine tune their skills. With tons of templates and six of the most popular anime types, your artist will be confident in their anime skills in no time. A Sofa Sack bean bag seat is the perfect gift for a tween who loves to lounge. This beanbag features memory foam to make it personal for your tween’s impressions and also super soft micro suede for those who are sensitive to touch. This smart speaker with Alexa is for the tween who loves smart technology, music, and telling Alexa what to do. It’s also an affordable choice for those on a budget but who want to get a neat gadget for their tween! Some tweens are desperate for reliable Bluetooth headphones that have a long battery time. Try the JLab Wireless Bluetooth Headphones that are super comfy, sleek in design and have 30+ hours Bluetooth playtime! Really, LEGO anything is perfect for a tween who loves the brand but also loves to build things. LEGO is always coming out with some amazing stuff for kids of all ages, including this Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet. For tweens and teens who love to take nice baths, these Refugee Bath Co. bath bombs are personalized and offered towards a refugee charity. These kind gifts also make a great stocking stuffer. A cool gift that’s built for two, especially for those tween girls who love cats. Best friend necklaces help to maintain a lifelong friendship so you never feel alone. They also make great gifts for sisters, cousins and daughters. Do you have a tween who is “so not mature”? If so, Kids Against Maturity is perfect for him and his friends. It’s super simple and totally hilarious! For those tween girls who aren’t ready for makeup, but love to have shiny lips, try the Blossom lip gloss with flowers inside the bottle. She can choose one out of three types from the pack and toss it in her purse or wallet to take with her wherever she goes. (Parents will appreciate that it is considered “pre-makeup,” and isn’t full-on lipstick!) How fitting to have a board game about a pandemic? Let our tween have more control over an outbreak, especially for that tween who loves strategy and cooperative games. Board games are also good for sleepovers, camping trips and family nights. Not quite ready for a smartphone? A long range walkie talkie like this TopSung is a great choice for tweens who want to do some long range talking, either from homes nearby, in the woods, at a concert, or just in separate rooms. Parents will have fun with them, too, to remind their tween to clean their room! Zen gardens are notorious for helping people to calm overactive minds. If you have a tween that could use some mental peace, or even might like drawing designs in the sand, try a Japanese zen garden. The soft sand and tiny objects are just the beginning to make peace within. Have a tie dye party with a tween who loves tie dye. This kit contains enough for up to five people and nearly 30 projects, so there is plenty of creativity to explore. If your tween is into athletics, consider picking up a reliable and durable waterproof athletic watch like this Timex Ironman Essential for tween girls and boys. There are a variety to choose from and they look nice while also being functional. This is a unique gadget for a unique tween or teen. This color changing cinema lightbox is perfect for a tween who loves to spell things out - creatively and in bright lights. This kit comes with over 200 letters, numbers and emojis so your tween can squeeze in a short quote for inspiration.
