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

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.

BUY IT: $45; uncommongoods.com

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

BUY IT: $20; uncommongoods.com

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

BUY IT: $68;baublebar.com

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

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.

BUY IT: $19; uncommongoods.com

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

BUY IT: $45;nordstrom.com

This playful iPhone case is cute and functional.

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.

BUY IT: $19.98; amazon.com

Let her tune out the world in style.

BUY IT: $44.99; etsy.com

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

BUY IT: $12.49; worldssoftest.com

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

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.

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.