I know there is some controversy around what age actually constitutes a “tween,” but for all intents and purposes, I’m using it to describe kids ages 8-12, mmkay? And if you have a girl in this age range, you know that shopping for them can be both incredibly fun and surprisingly challenging.
They’re in that funny in-between stage where they’re not quite little kids, but they’re definitely not teenagers either. One minute they’re playing with stuffed animals and the next they’re asking for skincare. The interests change by the day, the opinions are strong, and everything I thought was cool last year is now cringe.
The good news is that this gift guide has been given the official gold stamp of approval by my very own very adorable very moody tween girl. I had her go through my picks and tell me what she would actually want to unwrap on Christmas morning, so you can rest assured that these gifts have been vetted by someone who knows exactly what’s cool.
I tried to include a little bit of everything: fun and creative gifts, cozy things, accessories, beauty goodies, games, and a few splurges. Whether you’re shopping for your daughter, niece, granddaughter, or a friend, I hope this makes finding something she’ll genuinely love a little easier.
And if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out my full list of gifts for tweens, as well as my all-inclusive comprehensive holiday gift guide for everyone on your list!
Claw Clip Craft Kit, $35
I love that this kit lets them design their own claw clips that they’ll actually wear after they make them. Such a fun activity for a playdate or sleepover, and they actually get something cute to wear afterward!
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Tin Can Phone, $100
We gave Amalia one of these for her birthday and she and her friends call to chat every night. It’s such a fun way for kids to communicate without giving them a smartphone. Imagine that!
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iScream Fuzzy PJ Pants, $43
This is the least offensive pair of fuzzy pants in Amalia’s extensive collection.
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Owala FreeSip, $29
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Summer Fridays Lip Balm Duo, $38
The chokehold that Summer Fridays has on these girls needs to be studied. Amalia and her friends are obsessed with these lip balms. I love that it feels like a grown-up beauty product without being actual makeup. Plus, I like to steal them for myself 🙂
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Ombre Poof Lounger, $299
The cutest, coziest lounge poof for reading a book or doing homework on a clipboard. It has a matching throw ($79) too! The things I would have done for this as a kid.
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UGG Tasman Slippers, $89
These are still going strong with the girlies, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. They’re cozy, cute, and count as an entire outfit when paired with leggings and a sweatshirt. Amalia would happily wear hers every single day if I let her.
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Karaoke Set, $59
If you’ve ever been in a room full of 10 year old girls belting out Taylor Swift at the top of their lungs, you know exactly why this is on the list. A karaoke set is such a fun gift for sleepovers, birthday parties, or a random afternoon. Earplugs for parents sold separately.
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Sprinkles Clipboard, $32
Perfect for drawing, writing, doing homework, or making the very elaborate lists that seem to be a major part of tween girl life.
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Pretty Stationary Set, $38
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Fashion Design LED Toy, $35
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Sol de Janiero Gift Set, $39
These girls want to smell like a tropical vacation at all times. This gift set is such a fun way to try a few products without committing to the full-size versions. A guaranteed hit with this age group. The rule in my house is that she has to spray hers outside, however.
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Photo Booth Printer, $599
Definitely a splurge, but HOW FUN would it be to have your own photo booth at home? I can already picture Amalia and her friends taking photos at every play date and sleepover. Such a fun way to make actual printed memories instead of having every picture live on a screen forever.
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Speks Squishy Set, $19
The obsession with squishies is alive and well in our house (and every house). The Speks ones are my personal favorite because of the squish-quality and they’re not an eyesore.
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Mini Vanity, $349
Amalia has the matching jewelry box so I think the vanity will be her big gift this year. She’s just starting to fall in love with skincare and makeup so having a little light up mirror will be so fun for her.
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Initial Custom Cord Bracelet, $42
I love a personalized gift, especially one that doesn’t feel overly precious or grown-up. This little initial bracelet is so sweet and perfect for stacking with other bracelets. Such a cute gift for a daughter, niece, or best friend!
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To find over 60 more gift ideas for tween girlies, head right this way!
