25+ gifts even the pickiest tweens will love

If you’re like me and waited too long to purchase these last year only to find them completely out of stock, the good news is, they’re still on the must-have list this year. The better news is that now you can actually buy them.

The tween years are often the start of becoming more self-reflective. And while regular journaling can seem like a daunting exercise, the Five Minute Journals from Intelligent Change offer a simple but effective approach. The kids edition is designed for kids as young as five (and as old as 12) to take just a couple minutes to practice gratitude and reflect on the good in each day. It’s a habit that will benefit them (and everyone around them!) for years to come.

CrunchLabs was founded by a NASA engineer turned YouTube prankster, and the playful approach the brand takes to engineering is perfect for kids. Created with ages 8-12 in mind, CrunchLabs monthly subscription boxes provide all the materials they’ll need to create a build-it-yourself toy like disc launchers and coin spinners. The parts are super high quality which means there’s no unnecessary frustration and each offer video support that takes learning to a deeper level and makes it easy enough for them to tackle solo. (But there’s a good chance you’ll want to share in the fun.) Prices start at $24.95 per month.

Talk about a vibe! The Star Light Projector from Govee creates immersive auroras and starscapes that are sure to make their room the sleepover hot spot. With the app, they can choose from dozens of pre-set options featuring every color of the rainbow, or create their own to fit the mood. It’s also equipped with 18 white noise options that range from nature to spa music and can be set on a timer as they drift off to sleep under the ethereal hues. And while I can make no promises it will work the same in your house, my teenager seems far less grumpy waking up to magical bird sounds and swirling colors than a blaring alarm in the dark.

The sweat-proof jewelry from OXB looks sweet and dainty but is made to wear everywhere from the soccer field to the school dance. Their delicate heart chain goes with everything and the hue of their gold-filled pieces makes them look far more expensive than they are. Even if they never take it off, it will still look absolutely perfect for years to come!

Now that they’re getting old enough to appreciate a good veg out sesh, this will become their weekend wardrobe of choice. The thick, sherpa-lined wearable blanket keeps them warm and cozy while they game or watch movies, with a high-low hem that’s perfect for pulling their knees up inside. The giant marsupial pocket offers a place to put their phone or smuggle snacks. And while they are oversize, consider the adult version for kids over 10.

Even if you have to tell them 100 times to put the book away and go to bed, are you really all that mad about it? Upgrade their nighttime reading habit with this handy reading light. The flexible, u-shaped design keeps them hands-free while the three color temps ensure it’s easy on the eyes.

The go-with-everything bead bracelet from Beads By Tara look great in a stack or simply on their own. Consider it the beginning of a timeless collection!

Gamers can keep their various devices charged and organized with this convenient headphone stand. And it’s even got LED lighting effects because, tweens.

It might look a bit silly, but the Omatone is actually an impressively capable instrument. Designed in Japan, the portable synthesizer is played by sliding your fingers up and down and the stem to vary the pitch, then adding a bit of vibrato by squeezing its cheeks. It’s easy to learn but a challenge to master!

When they’ve outgrown their little kid headphones and have the audacity to ask for $600 Apple Airpod Pros that you wouldn’t even buy yourself, you land here. The Studio3 Wireless Headphones from Beats are the very cool, very high-performing, still-a-splurge option they’ll love. Their noise-canceling capabilities and sound quality are top notch and the battery life is pretty impressive too.

From cozy homework sessions to taking a Netflix break, this foldable laptop desk provides plenty of surface area for all their necessities. The above-average height makes it tall enough to cross their legs underneath while features like a book stand and drawer keep things tidy and organized.

Perfectly portable, waterproof and durable, the JBL Clip 3 is a great wireless speaker for the tween set. Yes, there are newer models but at half the price with comparable performance and features, this one is an undeniable bang for the buck.

Dainty and delicate, the handmade Twisted Tiny Twist earrings from Hello Adorn are a total tween hit. How do I know? Because since my daughter borrowed them, she’s never taken them out, let alone given them back. The clever design makes it look like they finally convinced you to get that second piercing, and since they’re made from 14k gold fill, they can be worn day and night, through showers and sleep without discoloring. They’re also super comfortable, almost impossible to lose and come in two small sizes.

Phone selfies are fine, but tiny Instax photos are real treasures. (My tween took her Instax camera to sleepaway camp and finding her cabinmates hilarious snaps among her dirty laundry was the best thing ever.) I highly recommend this particular bundle which comes with enough film to get them started, a selfie lens, photo album and most clutch–a matching case.

Unlike some of the skincare your tween may be hounding you for, this trio of products from the TikTok famous brand Bubble are formulated with ingredients which are appropriate for the younger set. Winter Warm Up 3-Step Hydrating Routine includes their Fresh Start Daily Cleanser, Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturizer and Bounce Back Hydrating Mist to keep dry winter skin at bay while looking very aesthetic on their bathroom counter.

If you’ve got a tween girl under your roof, chances are you know all about Florence by Mills already. Launched by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown in 2019, the cruelty-free beauty brand is highly coveted by every middle schooler I currently drive around town. That said, this gift will make them make a sound only dogs can hear. The Ava’s Mini & Mighty Essentials Set (named for Millie’s little sister) includes five mini skincare and makeup faves all tucked into a lilac makeup bag!

Micro Kickboard is one of those brands my kids have literally grown up with. We’ve owned various sizes and styles over the years and at this stage, the Micro Sprite Suspension Scooter can’t be beat. The bigger wheels and front suspension make the scoot to school as smooth as possible and once they arrive, it folds in half for easy storage. Couple the fact that every single part is replaceable with the 220 pound weight limit and this one is in it for the long haul.

As someone who grew up spending Saturday afternoons at the local roller rink, these may be the skates of my childhood dreams. (Because brown with bright orange laces decidedly was NOT.) These super pro, super sassy numbers are great indoors and out–just don’t forget a set of pads to go with it!

This one is actually fun for the entire family! The game play is simple (it literally takes less than three minutes to learn) and the illustrations are ahhdorable. But be warned. They may look cute but games can get intense quickly. So much yelling. In the good way, of course.

A sweet twist on your typical initial necklace, this dainty piece from Caitlyn Minimalist can be personalized with up to three initials. The best part is it just looks expensive–but at less than $40 it’s both affordable and everyday wearable instead of just special occasions.

Inspire your budding chef with this easy-to-follow cookbook that’s created just for kids. The New York Times best-seller includes tons of kid-tested and approved recipes that not only teach the basics, but make cooking so much fun. The step-by-step instructions are impressively clear and the recipes themselves are healthy and appealing to both picky and adventurous eaters. Imagine a world where your tween cooks dinner! Ah, living the dream, right?

Tweens need a dash of self care as much as we do, but at this age, boring old bubble bath isn’t it. Instead, the sweet smells and super fun shower foams from Allkinds meet them right where they are. Scrubbing up with a watermelon and jelly body wash that smells like vacation? Yes please.

They might already have a basketball, but they definitely don’t have one that looks this cool. The vibrant sports equipment from Chance is sure to impress even the pickiest tween and remind them that you’re pretty cool yourself.

If you’re looking for a splurge, word on the street is the classic Stripe Hoodie from Aviator Nation is the gift to give this season. (And by the “street” I mean the Google slides Christmas list presentation I’ve been emailed by my 12-year-old with this one in all caps.) The celeb-loved brand is colorful and fun, with a surf-ready vibe that’s grown up but still tween-appropriate. It’s definitely pricey, but they often have pretty good sales!

You’ll know they’ve turned the corner into pre-teen territory when they begin to take a vested interest in making their room “cool.” (Honestly, those Tik Tok essential LED lights are giving me agita.) If you’ve peeled the rocket ship decals off the wall and are now on the hunt for something more sophisticated, check out this awesome collage kit from Tezza. It includes 75 high-quality 8.5 x 11 art prints that they can arrange to make the ultimate statement wall. What says love more than a mini room remodel?

Of course, if they’re a Swiftie, there’s only one way to redecorate. This collection of Taylor Swift-inspired postcard-sized prints are great for bedrooms and lockers and come in packs of 30, 50 or 100.

Another “cool room” must-have? Clever photo displays. This one is great because it checks two boxes. Rechargeable LED lights and photo display. It also comes with a remote to swap between eight different lighting modes.

You can never go wrong with a burrito themed novelty gift when it comes to this crowd. These super soft tortilla blankets are sure to be a hit at home and at their next sleepover.

My tween found this on Tik Tok and has spammed me with text requests for one ever since. The teeny bead can be customized with any image you’d like. Them with their bestie, your family pet or even a photo of yourself (because who’s nearer and dearer to their heart than mom?). Just hold it up to the light and peer inside to see it!

My son has been fiddling with these things for a solid twelve years now. The mini skateboards and skateparks from Tech Deck are strangely fun and addicting and require far fewer ER visits than the real thing.

With this bonkers-huge snuggle machine you’ll never have to hear your kids argue about who has enough blanket ever again. At 10 x 10 Big Blanket Co.’s best-selling signature blankets are a must-have for movie night but double as the ultimate fort builder. (Because you’re never too old for that.)