Holiday Gifts for Tweens That They'll Actually Love—Because This Crowd is Tricky

By Southern Living
Courtesy of Pottery Barn

When it comes to shopping, the tweens might just be the most challenging group on your list. What's cool? Who is cool? Certainly not Santa. Well, unless the man in the big red suit shows up with some incredible surprises.

So it’s hard to know just what to get this unpredictable and demanding group of boys and girls. They’re dreaming of cell phones and worrying about tests and hanging with their friends. They’re trying out for after-school activities and fighting breakouts. Times are tough so there's extra pressure on gift-giving. We’ve collected some of our favorite products from around the web that you can easily click, order, and put under the tree for them this year. Don’t worry, we also have ideas for everyone else on your list—check out our gift guides here.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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What's Cool? These Gift Ideas for Tweens are!

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Echo Dot with Alexa

Amazon

BUY IT: $20; amazon.com

 

If you have a tech-savvy tween on your list, this voice-controlled speaker that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, make calls, and answer questions will definitely prompt a holiday hug or two.

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Tabletop Cornhole

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $45; uncommongoods.com

The weather outside might be frightful, but they can still play this backyard classic indoors. 

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Fujifilm Instant Camera

Amazon

BUY IT: $58; amazon.com

 

We just love when old things come back in style—and looking cuter than ever. This instant camera comes in almost every color of the rainbow and will make sure every holiday event is well documented.

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Clear Gameday Bag

Mark & Graham

BUY IT: $139; markandgraham.com

 

Those college visits are coming, and these clear bags are well worth the money. With stadiums only allowing clear bags from here on out, she’ll be able to use it for years.

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Ultimate Coding Kit

Amazon

BUY IT: $115; amazon.com

 

Coding is not only a fun and challenging activity for tech-savvy tweens, but it’ll be an incredibly useful skill as they get older. This ultimate kit makes it easy to get started.

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Tropical Terrarium Kit

Amazon

BUY IT: $18; amazon.com

 

For those who love to create, this terrarium kit makes for a creative activity that will double as a fun addition to any tween’s bedroom.

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Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $20; uncommongoods.com

Turn their iPhone addictions into real-life entertainment with this goofy game.

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Dainty Gold Necklace

BaubleBar

BUY IT: $68; baublebar.com

She will start accessorizing early. Make it a dainty gold piece.

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Smartphone Projector

Courtesy of Amazon

BUY It: $32; amazon.com

This ingenious smartphone projector requires no batteries--all you need is a fully charged phone and a bowl of popcorn.

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Awkward Moment Card Game

Uncommon Goods

BUY IT: $19; uncommongoods.com

Awkward? Not so much. Add a few (necessary) laughs with thhis comical card game.

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Kate Spade iPhone Case

Nordstrom

BUY IT: $45; nordstrom.com

This playful iPhone case is cute and functional.

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Waterproof Speaker

Courtesy of Amazon

BUY IT: $23.99; amazon.com

Mistakes happen. A waterproof speaker just seems like a handy precautionary step (and quite a steal at this price!) for the kid on your list.

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Lightweight Colorful Headphones

Courtesy of Amazon

BUY IT: $19.98; amazon.com

Let her tune out the world in style.

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DIY Succulent Garden

BUY IT: $44.99; etsy.com

Budding gardeners on your list? Give them a starter kit with this build-your-own succulent garden.

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Spikeball Set

Courtesy of Amazon

BUY IT: $53; amazon.com

You may have seen this invention on Shark Tank but you've probably also noticed its popularity at tailgates, on the beach, and around camping grounds. 

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Colorful Card Holder

Coach

BUY IT: $50; coach.com

 

Eventually, those punch cards for frozen yogurt will give way to a learner’s license and credit card. This cute color-bocked card holder covers both stages and makes your tween feel a little grown up.

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Gap Sweatshirt

Courtesy of Gap

BUY IT: From $29.99; gap.com

Middle school is tough; sometimes a little encouragement goes a long way. Especially when it comes in the form of a cute sweatshirt. Gap has plenty.

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Toms

Courtesy of Toms

BUY IT: From $42; toms.com

Precious meets philanthropic with a pair of TOMS, which provides a pair of shoes to a child in need.

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World's Softest Gallery Mini Crew Socks

BUY IT: $12.49; worldssoftest.com

A stylish layerine piece made just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee.

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Rookie Yearbook Four

Courtesy of Amazon

BUY IT: $21.88; amazon.com

Help her celebrate all the “beauty, pain, and awkwardness of being a teenager” with Rookie Yearbook Four, a compilation of the website’s best stuff.

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Splendid Spa Nail Dryer

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

BUY IT: $25; pbteen.com

 Friday night calls for slumber parties with her girlfriends. Give the gang permission to glam-it-up up with this mini nail spa set.

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