It’s hard to find the best Christmas gifts for those we know are infinitely more aware than we are of what is cool, and tweens absolutely fit into this category — if not define it.
Being a tween in the age of social media may be uniquely challenging because they know what is on-trend and exactly what they do and don’t want. We want the best gifts for her to be something they’ll like, which is a tall order in this category!
The best way to impress a tween is trying to just pay attention to what they like. Those are probably things that allow them to have fun and look and feel their best. Whether it’s a gift that instills confidence or just a bit of shimmer with the best stocking stuffer, it’s sure to put a smile on their face!
1. RadBizz Push Pop Bubble Fidget Sensory Toy
Fidget spinners are so 2017, but fidgeting itself only seems to get more popular. The fidget-fixation gadget of the year is the Push Pop Bubble toy. How this took so long to become a thing, we don’t know (surely we have all popped our fair share of bubble wrap), but kids, tweens, teens and adults everywhere have flocked to fix their fidget fascination with this toy.
SO MANY OPTIONS!
2. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Sure, the adults you know may be all about that YETI life (so much so we have an entire list of the Best YETI Gifts just for them) but the tweens these days can’t get enough of the Hydro Flask. This is a great starter bottle, or second to add to their ever-growing collection.
3. GPED LED Strip Lights
Tweens will love these bright and flashing LED lights that they can hang in their bedroom. This set changes colors and can be controlled by the app, making it ripe for all those social media reels they are about to start posting.
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4. Kids’ Crocs Classic Lined Tie-Dye Graphic Clogs
Crocs are that shoe. But, they aren’t really that shoe for winter weather. Well, until you take a look at these fuzzy-lined Crocs below. With a faux fur-lined inside, these are the best Crocs for tweens to wear all winter long. They’re available in a ton of colors including tie-dye. Don’t forget to add some Jibbitz, too!
5. Squishmallows Bernie Saint Bernard Dog
There’s no doubt about it: tweens love Squishmallows. They’re like modern-day Beanie Babies, just bigger and, well, a lot more squishy. These adorable creates come in the shape of mystic animals, loveable cartoons and adorable pets to help bring a smile to your teen’s face. This Saint Bernard is totally cute and completely unisex, making this the perfect gift for any kid.
6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera Bundle with Film
Everything may feel like it’s supposed to be digital these days. Still, instant cameras with tangible photos in the accompanying album are a fun touch that has been around a lot longer than social media. And real photos are here to stay, for a lot of important reasons. It’s fun and creates tangible memories — no wifi required!
7. Clean & Pure 100% Natural Mint To Bee Lip Balms 4-Pack
Perfect for keeping lips feeling smooth and hydrated just in time for what could be their first-ever kiss under the mistletoe! This gift set is really sweet and perfectly packaged for the holidays and smells and tastes delicious. It’ll be a touch of luxury even while giving the essential benefit of providing dry, cracked winter lips.
8. Nintendo Switch Lite
If your tween doesn’t have a Nintendo Switch yet, we’re shocked that they’ve gone this long without one. Like, they’ve only been one of the hottest gifts to give in the past couple of years. That’s all! This holiday, gift your tween the Nintendo Switch Lite so they can play all of their favorite games whenever they want. Plus, it comes in an array of fun colors.
9. mermaker Burritos Tortilla Blanket
Burritos aren’t only for eating. Burritos are for wrapping your tweens in, too! This adorable tortilla blanket is a funny gift to give your favorite tween that we’re sure they’ll get a kick out of. It’s cozy, durable and will bring out a good laugh every time.
10. Anker Portable Charger
If you’ve got yourself a tween in 2021, there’s no doubt that they’re a bit smartphone obsessed. Why? TikTok. Whether they’re the number one TikTok creator in your area or they just love mindlessly watching their favorite creators, there’s no doubt they’ll run out of juice on that smartphone at some point. Luckily, the Anker Portable Charger will charge their phone more than a few times for more video indulging.
11. Deborah Lippmann Beautiful Dirty Rich Limited Edition Holiday Gift Set
A holiday-appropriate nail color set from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, this is a perfect gift to have them primed for the season’s holiday parties. The set has fun sparkling shades with loads of shimmer and includes a healthy vegan award-winning nail treatment that will leave their nails in good condition. What more could we ask for from a nail polish gift?
12. ZIUMIER Z20 Pro Camo Gaming Headset
Video games aren’t what they used to be, and the youngsters playing them these days are well aware. That just might be why gaming headsets, like this one from ZIUMIER, have made their way to the tops of lists this year. This model works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One and PC, and it’s available in multiple colors.
13. INNOCHEER Safety Dart Set
Who doesn’t love a good game of darts? The only issue when it comes to darts and tweens: it can get a little bit dangerous. Luckily, the INNOCHEER Safety Dart Set is built with zero risk so kids can get in on the fun. By using plastic tips and inner grips on the board, safely throw a bullseye without the fear of a loose dart headed your way.
14. Victrola The Journey Bluetooth Record Player
A record player? For tweens? Oh yes, Bluetooth record players are straight fire. We love the tie-dye of this affordable option for reputable brand Victrola, but The Journey comes in 24 colors, so go with hot pink, purple or classic black.
15. Bold Made Card Games Unique Remake of Old Maid & Go Fish
Bold Made flips the script on Old Maid and includes bold women who made huge impacts on our world and has a more aspirational goal of ending the game with the Bold Made card. The perfect way to learn about inspiring women!
16. OIYA Alli Friendship Bracelet Bundle
OIYA’s handmade, friendship-style stackable bracelets and necklaces make great gifts for Gen Z tweens who love the 90’s and Y2K nostalgic fashion. Plus, the activist generation can feel good knowing their gift fed a child in need for a day through OIYA’s donations with every purchase to Share the Meal (a world hunger-fighting initiative of the UN).
17. Maison Miru Ear Cuffs
Ear cuffs are a good idea for teens because they can get the “ear party” look without getting more piercings. Graceful and edgy without being too edgy, this is a gift that she’ll quickly fall in love with.
18. V Coterie Dream Pave Necklace
It’s rough being a kid, especially these days. This beautiful necklace has an important message — just keep going, and don’t give up.
19. Queeng Playing Cards 2nd Edition
This diverse gender-balanced deck of cards is so fun and a modern version of the old-school deck of cards — so it has a more socially relevant messaging but still works with all classic card games. The deck includes Monarchs (male and female), Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses and a female Joker. Queeng is also the first multi-ethnic deck of cards, making it an incredible gift for any tween in your life.
20. Copic Alcohol Sketch Marker Set
Copic alcohol markers have taken the world by storm (and by the world, we mean art YouTube). These bright, blendable, long-lasting markers are perfect for easy sketching or serve as a great start for art, as the brand offers a staggering 358-color variety.
21. RPZL Polisher Brush
If she’s really into her hair, get her a brush that will make it look it’s very best. Regular and gentle brushing is important for keeping blood circulating to the scalp, encouraging healthy hair growth. This brush will not break the hair or cause extra frizz and will look pretty elegant on her vanity, too.
22. Gnome on the Roam
Gnome on the Roam is an interactive story that sparks creativity with a customizable DIY gnome for any tween who loves a good adventure. Aside from a book, there’s also a journal filled with blank pages waiting to be filled.
23. Tiny Turnips Kitchen Monogrammed Spatula
For the tween that is just discovering a love of the kitchen, it’ll be so fun for them to have their very own tools. These monogrammed spatulas are super cute and can be customized with their initial and favorite color options.
24. L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Series 3 Roller Chick Fashion Doll with 20 Surprises
If you’ve been living under a rock, then you’re in for a surprise … or 20. Surprise toys are everywhere right now (in fact, it’s one of our picks for the best toys of 2021) so as an OG to the genre, L.O.L. Surprise is worthy of a spot under the tree for the tweens who follow the fantasy world even remotely closely.
25. Trademark Beauty Blow Dryer Brush
While we can’t ignore that this is a fun shade of pink, this blow dryer brush will also make it incredibly easy for her to style her hair at home, meaning a lot fewer bad hair days to ruin her day! This 4-in-1 heated brush will soon become essential as it does the work of a straightening hair brush, blow dryer comb, curling iron brush, and blow dryer, all in one tool compact enough to throw in a gym bag.
26. Doctor Unicorn Hooded Bathrobe
While any robe would be a good holiday gift, especially for someone who likes to be warm and cozy, there’s probably none cuter than this hooded unicorn-inspired robe. Available in a range of color options and a wide variety of sizes, this is such a cute robe; their siblings may want to borrow it!
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27. Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast Gift Bag Set
Was it a go-to gifting stop when you were in middle school? It sure was. Is it still a good spot to buy great gifts during the holidays? It sure is. The new scent Champagne Toast my sound saccharine-sweet, but the fresh fruit notes that lie underneath actually smells delightful. This means your tween can spritz on a little something that all the grownups can still love.
28. New Apple AirPods Pro
When in doubt, go with the new AirPod Pros. They are on everyone’s list, and you can often find them and the regular AirPods on sale on Amazon. Low hanging fruit? Sure, but no one will be mad opening these up on Christmas morning.
ON SALE!
