Yeah, gift shopping is hard. Point blank, period. But shopping for a tween? Oh, that’s a whole other type of difficult because they’re at that in-between age (10 to 12) where they’re still figuring themselves (and their interests) out. So if you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for a young loved one, well, we feel you. And also we’re here to help.
Of course, it all starts with figuring out what they’re into. It’s highly likely that whatever is piquing their interests is also whatever’s trending on TikTok at the moment. Perhaps find out if they’re becoming obsessed with fashion or dipping their toes into the makeup world. Or maybe they’re big on tech? Or want to give their room an extreme makeover?
Whatever they’re into, I’m sure you’ll find something worthy of adding to your cart in this list of gifts for tween girls and boys. From fun Y2k jewelry to merch made by their favorite influencers (they’re def an Emma Chamberlain fan), Cosmo is here with all the best gift ideas for your hard-to-please tween. (Warning: Your gift-giving standards will be high from here on out!)
(And by the way, if you’re already worried about what to get them in just a couple of years, don’t fret, because we also have a gift guide for teens. Gotchu, friend!)
1
this customizable pearl necklace
Frasier Sterling Custom Angel Gal Necklace
Ya can’t go wrong with a fun, beaded necklace with their name on it! How darling is this one from Frasier Sterling?
2
this chic purse
JW PEI Women’s Eva Shoulder Handbag
The baguette bag trend is back and better than ever. This celeb-approved purse is (obviously) absolutely adorable, and it’s also a lot more spacious than it looks.
3
this fancy mirror
HUONUL Makeup Mirror Vanity Mirror with Lights
Level up their old, outdated mirror with this touchscreen one that’s got three magnification modes and built-in LED lights.
4
this compact polaroid camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera – Ice White
If they love taking photos, they’ll be all over this polaroid camera that they can bring with them wherever.
5
this popular backpack
Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack
Not only is this backpack super stylish, but it’s also extremely functional and durable, thanks to its water-resistant fabric, convenient top handles, and adjustable straps. But the best part? It comes in more than 30 different colorways.
6
these high-top shoes
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Canvas
Bless their wardrobe with these white platform sneaks. A fresh pair of crisp, white shoes is a closet staple!
7
this sleek flat iron
Conair Double Ceramic Digital Flat Iron
If she’s started styling her hair with hot tools, treat her to this top-rated flat iron that she can use to both straighten and curl her hair.
8
this handy wallet
Stoney Clover Lane Classic Mini Keychain Wallet
A small keychain wallet will perfectly hold gift cards, cash, and loose change whenever they’re at the mall with friends.
9
this set of makeup brushes
Morphe Flash of Rose Gold Brush Set
The makeup-obsessed tween in your life will be stoked to get this fab pink set of makeup brushes from Morphe. Trust.
10
this stylish tee
Princess Polly Sunshine On A Rainy Day Knit Top White
Found: the cutest white crop top they won’t be able to stop wearing. Peep the sweet message on the front!
11
these dainty earrings
Notte Jewelry Heart Lock Earring
Get them a classic pair of earrings that’ll go with any outfit. Grab these hoops with cute lil heart pendants. They’re timeless, but also have their own ~flair~ to them.
12
this iconic gaming console
Nintendo Switch
This Nintendo Switch has your gamer girlie’s name written alllll over it.
13
these leggings that feel like second skin
lululemon Align High-Rise Crop
Whether they have a ton of Lululemon leggings or none at all, they’ll be pumped to open their gift and see these tie-dye bottoms from the cult-favorite athleisure brand.
14
this splashy ring
BONBONWHIMS Adjustable Flower Bomb
Chunky jewelry is having a moment right now—and if you know they’re a fan of the trend, snag ’em a colorful flower ring from BONBONWHIMS.
15
this galaxy lightning projector
BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0
Are they even a tween if they don’t have neon lights in their room? Buy them this machine that projects different bright colors and galaxy-themed lighting that they can easily control from their phone.
16
this gratitude journal
Papier Good Vibes Journal
Journaling is a great way to let their thoughts out. With this gratitude journal, they can write down everything they’re thankful for on a daily basis. It also has uplifting affirmations and activities to help them find joy on both good and bad days. Love it!
17
these fashionable sunglasses
INDY Dolly / Beige
Introducing: her new fave pair of sunnies. I’m sure she doesn’t have any like these pink checkered ones in her collection.
18
this flexible phone tripod
UBeesize Phone Tripod
A phone tripod will come in clutch whenever she wants to watch videos while she’s getting ready, take photos, or if she likes to film vlogs of her life.
19
this durable water bottle
Hydroflask 32 oz Wide Mouth w/ Straw Lid
Fact: Cool tweens drink their water from Hydroflasks. I don’t make the rules!
20
these bold pants
Social Tourist Ultra High-Rise Pop Art Kick Flare Pants
The D’Amelio sisters left no crumbs when they created their clothing line Social Tourist with Hollister. And these pop art-inspired pants? So good.
21
these fan-fave headphones
Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
You’ll be surprised by how important headphones are in a tween’s life. They can use these top-rated ones to focus on schoolwork, pump them up during sports practices, or vibe out to their favorite songs.
22
these soft slippers
UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper
Fuzzy UGG slippers will for sure win you the best gift-giver award. You’re welcome!
23
this sleek iPad
2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver
These days, kids are bringing iPads to school. Wild! And if your tween is still in need of one and you’re trying to go big with their gift, this is your sign to make the move and buy them one. They can use it to do work on the weekdays or watch shows and movies on the weekends—the best of both worlds.
24
this pencil made for tablets
Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
Complete their iPad gift with an Apple Pencil. It’ll make taking notes in class and studying sooo much easier.
25
this pretty headboard
Dormify Daisy Headboard Wall Decal
Perhaps they’re in the process of elevating their bedroom from little kid vibes to big kid vibes. This daisy peel-and-stick headboard decal will make the perfect addition to their new and improved space.
26
this smiley face rug
Smiley® x Maison Deux Smiley Wool Wall Rug in Pink
Help them achieve the trendy room of their dreams with this pretty pink smiley rug.
27
this cozy blanket
FORESTAR Glow in The Dark Throw Blanket
What’s better than a regular blanket? A blanket that glows in the dark.
28
this all-purpose pouch
Mark and Graham Monogrammed Patch Travel Pouch, White
This nylon pouch is so versatile! They can use this as a pencil case or to hold all their makeup in it. You can even get it monogrammed with their initials for a personalized touch.
29
these hair clips
Ahoney 4 Pack Checkered Hair Clip Hair Claw Clips
Looking for something that’s cute, useful, and affordable? These funky hair clips check all those boxes. Amazon, FTW.
30
this fun card game
What Do You Meme? Family Edition
If they’re always responding to text messages with memes, they’ll get a kick out of this hilarious game that they can play with their friends and family.
31
this trendy sweatshirt
Nike Sportswear Essential Women’s Fleece Long-Sleeve Crop Top
A cropped Nike sweatshirt will go so well with their streetwear style.
32
this at-home nail kit
Le Mini Macaron Lilac Blossom – Gel Manicure Kit
They’ll never have to spend their precious allowance on an expensive mani again with this at-home gel manicure kit.
33
this sweet perfume
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
This one goes out to the Arianators who have to have anything and everything the pop star makes. If they don’t already have her delightful Cloud perfume that smells like lavender, vanilla, and coconut goodness, hop on that ASAP.
34
this quality airpod case
Casetify AirPods Case Customization
Misplacing their AirPods will be a thing of the past when they have this five-star rated custom case on ’em.
35
this cool tumbler
Chamberlain Coffee Transparent Tumbler
Your tween is more than likely a h-u-g-e Emma Chamberlain stan. And receiving this chic clear tumbler from the social media star’s brand will 10000 percent put a smile on their face.
36
this ring light
Sensyne 10” Ring Light
If they’re trying to jumpstart their TikTok career, they’ll be so appreciative of this ring light that includes a phone holder and a Bluetooth remote.
37
this tiny portable charger
iWALK Mini Portable Charger
She’ll never complain about her phone dying again with this small but mighty portable phone charger—oh, and did I mention it’s cordless?
38
this two-in-one microphone
Sing-Along Tye Dye Karaoke Microphone
This karaoke microphone also doubles as a speaker. All she has to do is connect it to her phone and she and her friends will be singing their hearts out at every sleepover.
39
this pack of lip glosses
Fenty Beauty Gloss Goalz Universal Lip Luminizer 3-Pc Set
If they rock the glossy look, they’ll def need some pretty lip gloss in their makeup stash. These gorge lippies from Fenty Beauty are shimmery without being glittery and they also have shea butter in them to condition their lips.
40
this one for astrology lovers
Uncommon Goods Woven Astrology Zip Pouch
Astrology and Gen Z naturally go hand-in-hand. (You prob know after all the convos you’ve had with them about birth charts!) So, it’s no doubt that they’ll be so thankful for this lil zipper pouch with their sun sign and associated traits embroidered on it.
41
this set of cooling eye masks
KNC Beauty Star Eye Mask 5 Pack
Self-care days aren’t the same without cool eye masks!
42
this box of sweets
Sugarfina Happy Birthday 3 Piece Candy Bento Box
Play it safe with a box of luxe candy if you’re not exactly sure what they’d like. Sweets will usually do the trick!
Megan Uy
Assistant Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to.
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