Sigh. Eye Rolls. That’s the response I sometimes get from my 9-year-old when I ask what the hottest toys and gifts are this holiday season. And other times she rattles off a million ideas that seem to change from week to week. Since kids this age can be so hard to predict, I decided to ask friends and family who are in the know for this age group, or who have lived through this era and can suggest what’s best to buy to put together this Guide to Gifts for Tweens 8 – 12 year olds.

Their suggestions are below. What I love about this list is that some gift ideas are tried-and-true year-after-year, while others are popular just this season. Either way, I’m sure you’ll find something sure to please!

Local Places to Shop for Kids

Thank you to the following businesses for sponsoring our gift guide this year!

Be Kind Kids

Website: www.bekindkidsgso.com
Description: High end kids consignment and gifts

Urban Air Greensboro

Website: https://www.urbanair.com/north-carolina-greensboro/
Description: $149 Three Season Passes (winter, spring & summer)

On Stage School of Dance

Website: www.onstageschoolofdance.com
Description: Give the Gift of Dance with On Stage School of Dance! Dance classes improve coordination, promote healthy habits, stimulate memory, and give a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Polliwogs Children’s Boutique

Website: https://polliwogs.shoplightspeed.com/shop/gifts/gifts-by-age/tween/
Description: Treat the tweens on your list to Mahjong! From mini sets for on-the-go play, to Taylor Swift-inspired score cards, Polliwogs has something for every young player.

For the Adventurous Ones

A trampoline or bounce house: We got a small one that barely fits in our living room, but on rainy days we blow it up and get some energy out.
Bow and Arrow Set
Zipline
A basketball hoop or soccer net: Encourage them to get outside and play with friends.
Nerf
Skateboard
Roller Skates
Gift card to Dicks or other sporting/outdoor stores

For the Gadgety Ones

Anything Apple (iPhone, ipad, Airpods)
Kindle or Kindle Fire
Smart Phone
Nintendo Switch
Cases and covers for electronics. Visit BestBuy for safe, sturdy selections OR VistaPrint for customized covers!

For the Creative Ones

Rainbow Loom or Friendship Bracelet Kits
Make-your-own crayons sets
Art supplies
Green Kid Craft Boxes – Craft boxes are specially designed to help children exercise creativity, develop a love of discovery, and learn about the world around them while being environmentally friendly.
A musical instrument: Let them explore their musical talents with a acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, or drums.
Portable Karaoke Machine – This mini Karaoke machine can change your voice to a variety of choices to keep the laughs coming or to just use it as a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Kids Camera

Fun LED strip lights, personalized neon sign, or message boards to decorate her room.

Classic Gifts that never go out of style

American Girl doll, accessories, games, and books. Check out this blog post The Gift that Keeps Giving
Board games some best-sellers are Taco vs. Burrito, Battleship, Jenga, Farkle, Clue, Mexican Trains
Lego and Lego Friends
Kids Camera

For Music Lovers

iTunes gift card
Beats headphones

For Girly Girl

A Pedicure or Manicure.
Gift cards or items from Bath and Body Works
Jewelry Box

Ideas That Are Not Toys

College Fund
Books
Gift Cards
Clothing
Experiences – get them passes or memberships to local kid’s museums, trampoline parks, or play gyms.
Money
Little Passports (20% off if you use this link) -For this age group they have World Edition, kitchen adventures, and Science Expeditions.