Holiday Guide to Gifts for Tweens 8 – 12 year olds

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

• 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.

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!