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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!

For the Adventurous Ones

trampoline or bounce house

Bow and Arrow Set 

Zipline

Sports goals (for soccer, lacrosse or hockey, as well as basketball hoops and football field goals)

Nerf

Gift card to Dicks, Sports Authority, Gander Mountain, 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 Crafty Ones

Rainbow Loom

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.

For the Classic Ones

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

Alt image 1 for Elliot 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 Boxes- For this age group they have World Edition, kitchen adventures, and Science Expeditions.

 

Local Businesses for Kids Ages 8-12 Gifts

Toys and Co.
Bibs & Kids
Polliwogs
Kaleideum
Greensboro Science Center
Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum

Other Posts from TMoM

Gift Ideas for Toddlers
Brain Boosting Toys for 5 – 12
Teen and Tween Activities in the Triad

What else did we forget any gifts for tweens 8 – 12 year olds? If you have gift-giving ideas, please share them below!