Bring some good-hearted fun into your favorite tween’s life (and no, this stuff isn’t lame). We’ve found everything from robots to LED capture the flag games to funny t-shirts and luxury bath bombs. Here are over 100 of the best Christmas gifts for tweens they’re sure to love.
First up, how is the Switch Lite different from the Nintendo Switch? Basically, the Nintendo Switch works as both a console that plays on the tv and in handheld, whereas the Switch Lite is purely a handheld.
And because the Switch Lite is purely a handheld, it has a much stronger battery life (I average around five-hours, give or take the type of game I’m playing on), and it’s around $100 cheaper.
The only downside is as the Switch Lite doesn’t have motion controls, so games that only use motion controls won’t work. That said, those types of games make up around 1 percent of Switch titles, so there’s still the other 99 percent of games to play.
I personally love being able to pull out a game console when the tv is in use and play Pokemon or Fortnite. And as kids love spending time in their rooms, I’m sure they will too.
You get 1TB of space, which is essential. There are 500GB models of the PS4, but they are a massive waste of money now simply because of how much space games take up on the hard drive.
As for the game that comes with it, Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the best games of the last seven years.
Even if they’ve just got a passing interest in Spider-Man, they’re sure to enjoy web-slinging around a jaw-dropping, hyper-realistic city.
It comes with the main three versions of Street Fighter II, namely Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Street Fighter II: The New Challengers, and Super Street Fighter II: Turbo.
And this thing has been designed with comfort in mind. No one wants to stand up to play games, so this machine is perfect when paired with a barstool (or barstool-sized chair).
Also, Arcade1UP has made a name for themselves by creating accurate arcade machines that just work.
If you’re after a gift that’s sure to impress, the Foldable GPS FPV Drone is the way to go.
This luxury drone is perfect for the outdoor child. Whether it’s capturing skatepark footage from above or just for the fun of flying through the sky, drones are a solid gift choice.
This drone is particular packs in a crisp 2.7K camera that’s capable of capturing images from up to 1000 feet away. 1000! That’s mad!
It’s also deceptively easy to use thanks to the well-thought-out controller.
And best of all, you won’t need to worry about the arms breaking off when it’s not in use due to the foldable nature.
If you’re after a gift that’s a little different and sure to result in wows, definitely consider going with a drone.
This pack comes with the Xbox One S console (which is slimmer and quieter than the original model), a wireless controller, and a mega Minecraft pack.
On the Minecraft side of things, this bundle includes a copy of the game, a vast selection of extra in-game content, and some marketplace currency to buy even more add-on content.
And if you’re wondering what Minecraft is, it’s essentially virtual LEGO. Kids the world over love it.
Want to be their favorite person ever? This is how you do that.
At home, Nintendo Switch rests in the dock that connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your home. For on-the-go play, lift Nintendo Switch from the dock and instantly transition to handheld mode for anywhere gaming. Play together by flipping the stand to share the screen, then share your Joy-Con controller for instant multiplayer fun.
It’s a daunting task to take on building a castle, but how about a Great Hall? This 878 piece LEGO kit contains house banners, a potions room, treasure room, and – get this – tower with movable spiral staircase. Includes 10 mini figures with all the main gang, Hedwig, Scabbers, and buildable Basilisk and Fawkes creatures.
I’ve been playing Pokemon Sword and as a massive fan of the Pokemon series, I can safely say this is the best one yet.
It’s still the Pokemon game kids and adults love, but with a few new exciting ideas.
In terms of the game itself, players explore a beautiful world in search of Pokemon to collect and battle with other in-game trainers as they set out to become the best battler in the region.
Although battling is a key part of Pokemon Sword and Shield, the real joy is collecting and improving all your Pokemon.
My favorite new element in this game is being able to explore wild areas. These sections are wide-open landscapes filled with Pokemon to catch.
If you wondering what the differences between both Pokemon Sword and Shield are, there’s a handful of Pokemon that are exclusive to each version and some of the gym leaders change between games.
So far, Pokemon Sword is outselling Pokemon Shield, so if you’re unsure, go with Sword.
That said, some players like to have both versions of the games so they can collect every single Pokemon, though most will be happy with just the one copy. Owning both is only for the really die-hard poke-fans (like me, because I’m a massive nerd).
Whichever version you end up picking up (links are all below), I can safely say your child is going to absolutely love it.
If your child plays Fortnite, the Darkfire Bundle is the first thing you need to buy before anything else.
This bundle comes with a selection of different in-game digital items including skins, backpacks (also known as backblings), weapon wraps, pickaxes, and an exclusive emote.
First, let’s breakdown everything you get, as per ProGameGuides:
Dark Power Chord (Skin)
Dark Six String (Backbling)
Molten Omen (Skin)
Molten Battle Shroud (Backbling)
Shadow Ark (Skin)
Shadow Ark Wings (Backbling)
Dark Angular Shift Wrap
Shadow Angular Shift Wrap
Molten Angular Shift Wrap
Dark Strikers Pickaxe
Molten Strikers Pickaxe
Shadow Strikers Pickaxe
Unification Emote
All of the above are exclusive to this bundle and given these types of skins typically go for around $15 each, this is one hell of a saving.
Kids love Fortnite, and if, like me, you’re sick of spending a small fortune on virtual currency and would like loads more for less, this is the way to go.
Encourage the computer lover in your life to nurture their passions. With a beginner-friendly interface, Cozmo is an educational robot for kids and adults alike to learn to creatively code. It’s easier than you think and extremely customizable, so you can always change up the games you can play with him!
Raspberry Pi is an affordable computer, but how many of us can list off everything we need with 100 percent certainty? I can’t. That’s why these bundle packs are so great. You don’t need to worry about forgetting something. All the cables, cases, and the thing everyone forgets, heatsinks, are included.
It’s all super easy to set up as well. It’s a shame getting Linux or Android onto the Raspberry Pi isn’t as simple.
If you’re after something for homeschooling or even running demanding emulators, this is one deal you don’t want to pass up.
The gamer pro in your life will go nuts to unwrap this headset. Wireless, Dolby surround sound, and a very precise microphone will elevate their gaming to the next level.
Boys and girls alike LOVE Fortnite right now. The release date for the new Deep Freeze Bundle isn’t until November 13, so this is new, cool and totally wanted. Includes Frostbite Outfit, Freezing Point Back Bling, Chill-Axe Pickaxe and Cold Front Glider, plus a free Fortnite Battle Royale game install.
You can expect a physical item that will be shipped with a code included. Bonus: it comes with 1,000 V-Bucks!
The great thing about the McFarlane Fortnite range is they’re not only super accurate, they’re also great for posing and playing with.
The 22 points of articulation mean these things are easy to pose, and the included display base lets kids plonk them on a shelf when they’re not in use.
Plus when it comes to play, the more they move, the more they can do.
This set also comes with a pickaxe, weapon, and backpack.
I was amazed by how much my kids took to the Genesis Mini.
It’s a mini-console packed with a ton of retro Genesis games that plugs into the TV.
Despite being games from the 90s, kids today still love them. Who knew? If you’re after a toy for 11 year old girls to get them into retro gaming, this is it.
The full list of games included on this tiny device are, via Polygon:
Tetris
Darius
Virtua Fighter 2
Alisia Dragoon
Monster World 4
Kid Chameleon
Road Rash 2
Eternal Champions
Columns
Dynamite Headdy
Strider
Light Crusader
Sonic the Hedgehog
Ecco the Dolphin
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Space Harrier 2
Shining Force
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
ToeJam & Earl
Comix Zone
Altered Beast
Gunstar Heroes
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck
The figures nail the look of the characters. I was seriously amazed by how accurate they came out, especially given some of the figures in this range aren’t great.
The Pharah figure has openable rocket launchers on her pack, removable wings, and the flight stand to pose her on is a brilliant addition.
Likewise, Mercy comes with moveable wings, her gun, and her healing staff complete with effects.
It’s a really good value pack that fans of the game are going to get a lot of enjoyment out of.
Of course, you do lose some articulation in the chest due to having six freaking arms, but the structural shell just wouldn’t work if it had articulation built-in (read: it would break easily).
Instead, Hasbro opted for a stationary chest which offers more support (read: it won’t break).
Not many kids will have heard of Doppelganger, but if they’re a spidey fan, having an evil Spider-Man figure is sure to lead to some fun games.
Motorcycles aren’t just for dad anymore. This slick full face helmet and your kid will look like a pro while keeping safety in mind. The 250 Watt Monster Moto caps at 11 mph, but can also be set to stop at 7 mph, depending on your level of chill. If he or she can handle it, the 1000 Watt version on the same page can reach speeds of 17 mph! Has anyone ridden an electric scooter lately? That’s actually pretty darn fast. Any preteen will absolutely LOVE this gift.
Look no farther: this is the perfect gift for grandmother, mother, and grand/daughter. This necklace is made of 925 Sterling Silver, the highest quality available. It will not rust and it will not turn your skin green. The chain is dainty but strong. Honor the infinite bond between grandmother, mother, daughter and granddaughter with three rings and let her know she’s always connected to you, just like these interlocking circles.
What girl doesn’t dream of having this hang from the big tree outside? Girls and boys alike will love to swing on this macrame swing. Totally suitable for indoor use, too. (Best bedroom ever?)
I know what you’re thinking. Cardboard toys, what’s the point? Oh boy have I got some news for you. The Pulp Heroes range is fantastic. Surprisingly so!
I didn’t know what to expect when I got sent some of these for review, but me and my kids are having a blast with them.
Each cardboard toy comes with a plastic comic-book box. Push the body together, fold the head and push it shut, and the little toy can hide inside the comic box then pop out and reinflate as if by magic.
What’s more, each toy comes with wheels. You know those ones you pull back then let rip? Yeah, those. Let the fighting begin!
As you can probably guess, my family’s had a lot of fun making them charge head-first into one another. I know, I’m a big kid, but what can I say? If a toy comes along that’s able to generate giggles from an adult and a child, it’s doing something right.
I’m also kind of amazed by the choice of cardboard used here. It’s strong, and despite worrying I was going to break it when I was folding it down, it didn’t rip or become misshapen.
The Pulp Heroes range is cute, durable, very affordable, and above all else, just plain fun. Don’t let the fact these things are cardboard put you off. They are the real deal.
This totally new Nintendo Switch game lets you take your favorite Pokemon out for a stroll! Feel like a real Pokémon Trainer as you travel through the Kanto region with your friends.
Your preteen will have so much fun printing their photos from Bluetooth or social media. Peel-and-stick backing allows them to decorate anywhere. Available in mint green, rose gold or slate gray. Requires smartphone. This is also one of the best gifts for teenage girls.
Like tennis, golf is a skill that you’ll benefit from for your whole life. If you’re struggling to come up with gifts for tween girls, help them start their golf career early. For boys, too.
Prismacolor is known in the industry as a premier art supplier. They are especially famous for their soft core colored pencils that are perfect for shading. Richly saturated pigments, ultra-smooth, even color, long lasting — the list of pros doesn’t stop. If there’s an artist in your life, they will definitely appreciate these beautiful colored pencils.
Baths can be weird for tweens. Some think baths are only for babies and kids (ha, little do they know!). Bath bombs are a way to make baths fun and cool again (before they can hit up the wine and candles). These jewel-like bath bombs are organic and handmade in the USA. Will not stain your skin or bathtub with their awesome fizzing.
Your favorite preteen will feel very grown up with this stylish aromatherapy diffuser. Cycle through 14 LED colors while enjoying fragrant oils or blends. There’s an auto-shutoff feature for safety, too. Get him or her their first set of essential oils and let them create their own special blends for nighttime, studying, energy, or relaxation.
The book he doesn’t know he wants yet. All the questions he doesn’t want to ask in fear of looking silly are answered in this manual for manhood, and everything is written in a fun way. At the end of this book, your tween or teen will know All The Manly Man Things. It’s kid approved and many even “study” it. And that is pretty cool.
Build a fully motorized, remote-controlled LEGO Technic RC Tracked Racer! Drive in any direction and make 360° turns while driving over large obstacles. For something new, rebuild it into an RC Off-Road Truck — it’s a 2-in-1. If your kid loves this gift, you can take the guesswork out of future gifts. Each LEGO set can be mixed and matched to create something fun and new. And it comes with a side effect of boosted confidence — “I made this!”
You won’t even have to convince them to go outside to play some basketball right at your home! Kids and adults alike love this full-sized and professional basketball hoop. A tempered glass backboard is modern and stylish, and the in-ground anchors make sure it’s not going anywhere. This is a tremendous value for the price — competitors start at $2,000 for the same thing.
Get ready for a glow-in-the-dark adventure. Play the classic game of Capture the Flag at night and with style. Using futuristic lights, 12-24+ hours of batteries, game variations and ALL NEW games, your teens will have fun for hours over and over again. This game brings people together and it’s fun for the whole family.
Isn’t it the best when toys are both fun and educational? Bonus points because it’s a remote-controlled robot. For STEM students or students-to-be, this LEGO robot helps teach you how to code. This fully functioning robot walks, talks, and even play games and complete tasks!
This game is inspired by Cards Against Humanity, but it’s slightly more age-appropriate. It’s not quite Apples to Apples, either — more mischevious than that. There are still butts involved. Not Parent Approved is a multi-award-winning party game for tweens and teens, but it’s fun for the whole family. It’s a HILARIOUS game of fill-in-the-blanks that’s easy to pick up for anyone ages 8+. Slumber parties and road trips have never been more fun. Comes with 455 durable, premium-printed cards (2″x3″) and a rules insert.
Here’s how it works: Each player grabs a handle. Press the button in the center, watch for the red blinking light, and listen to some suspenseful music. When the red light randomly turns, green, GO. Press the trigger button as quickly as possible. If you’re the slowest one, you’re going to get an electric shock! Test your reaction time against your opponents. Shock can be set to low, medium or high and it’s safe to get zapped.
Toys just keep getting cooler. Now you can draw in 3D — and it’s not even expensive. No mess, safe, non-toxic, and the filaments can be removed easily, which is great for changing colors. This is a perfect gift for your aspiring artist.
With more than five million copies in print all over the world, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is the ultimate teenage guide to success, and now it’s been updated for the digital age. Sean Covey has a way of connecting with teens and preteens and this book has become so popular because kids are receptive to his advice. This is a roadmap for the future. Also makes a great addition to any curriculum.
If you’re 20-35 years old and female, you probably had this book yourself!
It has answers to all the embarrassing questions she doesn’t want to ask. If you know it’s going to be a bad time, just spare yourself “the talk” and try giving this book instead. It tells them everything they need to know about changing bodies and growing older. With over 2,500 5 Star reviews, this book is a huge bestseller and cult favorite when it comes to growing up.
Who doesn’t want to be a mermaid? Literally nobody. This tail is super warm, cozy and it’s not knit, so it won’t be ruined the first time the dog gets at it. Choose from 6 different styles.
These things are designed to last for up to 30 years, so when it comes to durability, you’re in luck.
On the safety side of things, you’ve got nets all around the outside – something that’s important if your child is going to be attempting flips and spins.
If you’re looking for something to keep them exercising, or even get them into exercise, this is the one for you.
Whether they want to feel cooler having a nightlight or just want to be cool in general, this LED cosmos projector is LIT. (Literally.) This is so neat that you may just want to order one for yourself. This moon light is also really awe-inspiring.
Cooking enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Nobody knows teens better than… well… teens. Remmi Smith is a 16-year-old chef that hosts two cooking shows. She’s appeared on Chopped, she’s a student ambassador, and she’s written a book of 80 recipes “for kids by kids”. These healthy recipes feature spices and cultures from all over the globe. Remmi says: “You can explore the world through food. Writing this book was a really big adventure for me and I hope it will be an adventure for everyone else.”
Does your favorite tween have a favorite place? Celebrate his or her spot with this pendant that’s handmade from start to finish, embossed with coordinates (00° 00′ 00″ N 00° 00′ 00″ W). 17.5-inch chain available in rosegold, gold or silver.
Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know. Tween years can be hard, but this is a good reminder for anyone.
Here’s the wildly popular “Exploding Kittens” party game, explaining itself: “Exploding kittens is a card game for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” This family-friendly yet fun-for-everyone game was the most backed Kickstarter ever. The people have spoken, and they want magical enchiladas and kittens that can kill you…apparently. (But for real, this game is funny AF.)
Fun for adults too! This kid-friendly electric scooter is foldable, lightweight and easy to carry at only 17 lbs. The entire frame and deck of the scooter are crafted from high-quality Carbon Fiber, which makes it super lightweight yet sturdy. Reaches speeds of up to 15 mph!
Life isn’t just about video games! Encourage the tweens in your life to spend some time outside in a competitive game of tennis. Once they get started, they’re not going to want to stop!
OMG IT’S SO BIG! This unicorn will definitely make a statement. Unless you’re somewhere it’s hot all the time, they may have to wait for this one. But it’ll be worth it!
Bring the arcade to you! Every kid has favorite friends’ houses. Make your house the coolest stomping grounds on the block. Children and adults alike love this classic arcade game of basketball against the clock, and you can be sure this is a toy that will be used over and over again. Oh yeah, and since it’s the future, there are state-of-the-art infrared sensors to ensure accurate scoring. This thing is strong AND foldable, so even if you don’t have a basement or somewhere to put this, it can be stored away after use.
This hilarious game pokes fun at the world’s growing iPhone addiction. Perfect for smartphone junkies, this game blends the wonder of smartphone technology with the simple fun of a traditional board game. Players/teams match both wits and smartphone skills in a frenzied race to answer captivating questions and complete hilarious challenges — all of which were designed to stretch the limits of your mind, fingers, and mobile devices.
What’s better than endless hours of Minecraft? Answer: Endless hours of Minecraft on a touchscreen tablet you built yourself! Possibly one of the most awesome items on this list of best gifts for tweens.
Learn to code with 100+ creative challenges and stories. Make art, games, and music. Hack Minecraft to do something new. But wait, there’s more! Play with Google’s song maker, browse the internet, watch YouTube, write stories, and download some of the 100+ free apps. Yes, you will build a fully functioning tablet, and it’s kid-friendly. The Computer Kit Touch runs on a custom model of Raspberry Pi 3.
This classic game always brings lots of laughs. Now it’s twice as big! The goal is to keep all of your hands and feet on the mat. It sounds easier than it is, because after a few moves, you start to get twisted!
A great indoor/outdoor party game, Hasbro has kicked it up a notch to include game modes like Spot Elimination – remove a row – or Spinner’s Choice, where the person who spins chooses the next move. (I hope you’re on your spinner’s good side for that one!)
Awesome for sleepovers, birthday parties, or any time you want to have a lot of fun.
If you’re a money-giver for Christmas, let me introduce you to a game-changer. Make them work for it with a money-maze! It’s affordable for the giver, awesome for the recipient, and can be used as a coin or money bank. It also doesn’t have to include money. Pop a note in instead and use this as the beginning of a much longer scavenger hunt! Kids, tweens, teens, and adults will all love this as a Christmas gift this year.
Give your superstar a gift they will absolutely love! This best-selling modern karaoke machine helps make bad singers sound good and good singers sound amazing! It’s designed to feel like a concert performance and sound like a recording studio with natural pitch correction (which is a plus for you, mom and dad).
One of the best things about this machine is it won’t become dated: it works with the thousands of already FREE YouTube karaoke & lyric videos, smartphone apps, and mp3 music. You can even use an instrument in place of karaoke tracks.
This King of Karaoke plays out over 300 effects and covers every genre and generation of music. Everyone will have a good time on karaoke night!
Find a more portable and less expensive option here.
Yeah it’s a $39 lip balm. Hear me out. In all of my 28 years, this lip balm is the ONLY ONE I have ever finished in my life! I made darn sure to keep it safe and always on me because it’s just so perfect. It’s truly moisturizing, the slight pink tint is perfect for that “barely there” look, and you can feel the quality of the item on your lips. It’s just refreshing! If you want to treat her to something really special that she will definitely cherish, this is a good choice. Remember, it’s a gift – and the best gifts are the ones you LOVE but wouldn’t ever buy yourself!
How to Encourage Friendly Sibling Rivalry 101. This ping pong table is one of the best out there! It also rolls effortlessly and folds for easy storage. Don’t forget the paddles and balls!
Looking for a less expensive option? This one is $99.99 and includes paddles and ping pong balls.
For the fashionista in your life! Learn contemporary craft techniques that develop artistic talents specifically designed for tweens and teens. This kit includes everything they’ll need, including instructions on the art of ombre fashion dying.
Never buy another disposable camera on vacation again. This double screen, anti-shake, waterproof camera/video recorder makes a perfect gift for your photo lover. It works just as well out of the water, too! It’s rugged, compact, and lightweight – built for an active lifestyle. Take pics at up to 24 MP with or without a timer, then switch to the front-facing camera for allllll the selfies with tropical fish and underwater handstands.
(Speaking from someone who lost her phone when the canoe toppled over, I HIGHLY recommend one of these to keep it afloat. You’ll also need a memory card so they can start taking pictures right away!)
Wreck This Journal was released when I was 12. I bought this with my own money and thought it was the coolest thing ever. It is still the coolest thing ever. Grab a friend and complete the journal — it will definitely be the most fun and artistic journal your preteen/teen/adult friend will ever complete!
I haven’t done it, but I can also see this being wildly fun when combined with wine.
Finish This Book was written by the same author — or well, co-written. You’re the other writer. It’s also really cool and inspires creativity.
These letter boards are becoming insanely popular on social media, especially Instagram. Even if they’re too young for social media, they will love letter boards. It’s so fun to change the message every day! Choose from 14 beautiful colors. (I can’t stand not owning one of these and actually just ordered one myself. LOL #doitforthegram)
Are you struggling to communicate with a tween? This beautiful journal gives the safety of distance. You may be surprised at the personal questions and answers your child will ask on paper. If you’re experiencing some new issues communicating with your preteen, this book could be the answer to your prayers. It strengthens the bond between mom and daughter.
Coolest part? The diary was written by a mother-daughter team.
This is also a really heartwarming Mother’s Day present. It’s sure to create a new, special bond between mother and daughter. There’s also one for mother and son. For what it’s worth, you don’t have to be a mom to use this book with a child.
Preteens can be hard to shop for. It's okay, that's why we're here. Here are 101 gifts for tweens that they're sure to love.