From the viral six-seven trend to Italian brainrot memes, tweens are hard to figure out. This is perhaps especially true during the holiday season, when you’re racking your brain for a holiday gift idea for preteens that won’t elicit an eye roll.
We removed some of the guesswork by speaking to 20 tweens to decode what items they are coveting this year. From trendy skincare to Squishmallows, here are 47 holiday gift ideas for kids ages nine to 12, both boys and girls.
All prices current at the time of publication.
For the stylish dresser
Ugg Classic Mini Boots
They’re cute and comfortable and really easy to slip on, and they go with every outfit. They’re easy to slip on if you do swim. Caroline, 11
Lululemon clothing
They are very nice clothes, number one. And number two, I heard really good stuff about them, and all the people wear them. Lizzy, 9
Oversized clothing
I really like baggy stuff, like oversized hoodies and shorts. I really like Free People and Abercrombie & Fitch, and maybe White Fox. Charlie, 11
Dog claw clips
I really like dogs a lot and dachshunds are my favorite. Summer, 10
Fingerless gloves
Because they are really soft and comfy, and I think they look cool. Della, 11
Wide-leg sweatpants
I want pants that are baggy but like, sweatpants that don’t have a cuffed bottom. Della, 11
Abercrombie sweatpants
They look cute and they’re probably cozy. Caroline, 11
Pierced earrings subscription
It’s an earring brand that has seasonal and holiday items. Caroline, 11
Nike Air Max Shoes
I think they’re really stylish. Nolan, 11
For the stuffed animal and toy collector
Mini Squishmallows stuffed animals
They are fun to play with, and I have a little house for them so I can play with them and I’m able to watch the show while I play with them. Nadia, 9
Jellycat elephant plush toy
I want the elephant one. It’s so cute. Evie, 12
Hatchimals collectible toys
You’re able to take care of some of them, and there’s some where you have to do certain stuff, and they’re really fun. Nadia, 9
Littlest Pet Shop collectible animal toys
Lots of people play with them. People make videos of them. I watch those videos and I see them saying lines for them. I just think they’re good to play with. Lennon, 10
Eevee Pokémon toy
Eevee is cute, of course. She’s just a little fox. Lennon, 10
For the thrill-seeker
Nerf guns
They are a great way to interact with friends and maybe have a fun battle, which could increase your ability to focus. And it’s fun. Noah, 11
Electric scooter
Lots of my friends have them, and I want them because they’re fast and cool. Jackson, 11
Hoverboard
My friend has a hoverboard and it’s really fun. Smith, 10
For the crafty and creative
Wicked Legos
I like Wicked a lot and building Lego. It distracts me and I get concentrated. Summer, 10
Needlepoint set
Some arts and crafts, and sets. Maybe a needlepoint set or a learn-to-crochet set. Della, 11
KingArt markers
I like drawing. I love foxes, so I draw lots of foxes. Lennon, 10
Festive Gingerbread House Lego set
It helps you get smarter, it has rules and it’s interactive. Nadia, 9
Electric guitar
after newsletter promotion
I really want an electric guitar because I know someone who can give me lessons, and I think they’re cool. Elsa, 11
3D printer
I want to make cool things with it. Nicholas, 10
Markers
Alcohol markers do really well with blending. Charlie, 11
For the gamer and techie
PlayStation gaming console
Maybe a PlayStation. I like all the games. The popular ones are Fortnite. Peace, 11
Roblox gift cards
It has an infinite amount of games inside of it, so you can play any game you want basically. Jackson, 11
Nintendo Switch gaming console
A Nintendo Switch game or gift card, because playing a good video game is always a pleasure. Elysian, 11
Apple Watch
I need them for school, or just a normal watch because I need to look at the time. Peace, 11
Yellow Apple iPad
My iPad is really old, so I really want a new one, and I like the yellow coloring. Summer, 10
Amazon Echo smart speaker
My Siri never listens to me. Evie, 12
For the sports fan
Customized NFL team football
There’s a football that has your favorite team on them. I think a lot of my friends play football, and a lot of my friends like that brand too. Smith, 10
Massage gun
I’m an athlete and I need it for recovery. Nicholas, 10
Autographed sports posters
I think a lot of my friends are sports players and are asking for paintings. Smith, 10
Huupe smart mini basketball hoop
It has a TV screen and it calculates how many shots you made, and you can watch games on it. Smith, 10
For the beauty and skincare lover
Ulta gift card
I like Bubble skincare products a lot. Charlie, 11
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
I really like the Pink Sugar flavor. Evie, 12
Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer
I also want the Touchland Berry Bliss because it runs out, and I traded it for some ducky Squishy. Lizzy, 9
For the star student and bookworm
Stationery set
I just came to middle school and I want stuff for school, especially stationery. Peace, 11
Silent fidget toys
I like silent fidgets because the teacher allows you to play with them in class. Molly, 11
Brain teaser
Just a puzzle of some sort because they challenge me and are fun to solve. Elysian, 11
Harry Potter series box set
I have watched all the movies. Irys, 9
Wings of Fire-inspired merch
I really like the series. Pichamon, 11
