Finding the right gift for tweens can be tricky. They’re too young for most “toys” but not quite old enough for teenage gifts. So, what are the best gifts for tweens? Read on to get some ideas!
This is a collaborative post, which means I was gifted some of the products to try before including them in this guide.
Stunt Scooter
Stunt scooters are a great option for kids who enjoy being outdoors and want a quick and fun way to get around. They’re also great for doing tricks at the skatepark and are more “grown-up” than three-wheel options. There’s a wide range of options in terms of style, colour, size and “stuntability”.
Skates is a UK-based family business specialising in stunt scooters. They offer a wide range to suit all abilities, ages, and price ranges, such as the Legacy Hydro Drip scooter, which has the perfect blend of weight and durability. Skates also sell skates and skateboards, so you’re bound to find something for the speed junkie tween in your life.
Painting by numbers from Davincified
I used to love painting by numbers when I was a kid and both my girls love creating masterpieces with paint.
The painting by numbers kits from Davincified take the concept to a different level. The kits are amazing quality, comprising of a canvas role with the printed design on it, paints and brushes. Both the canvas and paints are extremely high quality making a gift that will last.
You can choose from either a standard design, or you can create your own using an image.
My kids are seven and 11 and they used the kits with their cousins who are 17 and 20. Our youngest daughter enjoys crafts, but she usually only lasts about 30 minutes, but she was completely engrossed in her painting for well over an hour, making it a great kit for all ages.
Science Set
This is a great age for kids to start learning more about science and doing experiments themselves to learn how things work. Bright Minds has a wide range of science-based games and sets that help children learn while having fun and often making a mess too! The Explosive Science Experiment Kit is perfect for kids who like to create a bang!
Personalised Reading Cushion
Encouraging kids to read can be an uphill battle, so anything to help give them a comfortable space where they can chill out and read is definitely a win-win.
I love these personalised book cushions from Glitter Pig. They have a pocket for your child’s book and some treats, so they’ve got a special place to keep everything together. There are several options in terms of colour, and whether it comes just as the cover or with the cushion pad.
Perfect for bookworms and kids who need a little bit of encouragement to get into a good reading habit.
A Book Subscription
A book subscription is a great gift to encourage tweens to spend less time on technology and more time reading. The Little Book Boutique has a range of options from rolling monthly to 3, 6, and 12-month subscriptions for all age ranges and genres of children’s books.
Each subscription box includes two age-related books, a sticker chart and stickers, a book review template, bookmarks and reading tips, making them great value and exciting for kids.
Positive affirmations
Heading into their teenage years, but not quite being there, can be a tough time for some kids. Their bodies are changing rapidly, and hormones can play havoc with their mood and behaviour. Creating a gift using positive affirmations can be a great way to give them a boost and a reminder that they are amazing. You could get one printed and get it framed for their wall, or add one to the front of a notebook or engraved on some jewellery to create a meaningful and thoughtful gift.
Unique driving experiences
Young Driver offers unique driving lessons for 4 to 17-year-olds across 70+ UK venues, giving them an experience they’ll remember forever while teaching vital road safety skills. The scheme has options from Suzuki Swifts and Porsche 911s to fire engines – and even a specially created electric car for under 9s!
Ages 9-17: Kids get behind the wheel of a real dual-controlled car, such as a Suzuki Swift, with a qualified instructor. They’ll learn everything from steering and braking to roundabouts and parallel parking – and its proven to make them safer drivers when they take to the road for real. Lessons start from under £50.
Exclusive and Classic Collections: At select venues, youngsters can try something extra special, including a Porsche 911, Mercedes SL 500, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a classic car or even a fire engine. Prices from £25.
Pepe and Tete Spanish lessons voucher
Learning a new language is a great skill for kids and adults alike. If your tween would like to learn Spanish, or is already learning and wants to enhance their skills, a voucher to learn with Pepe and Tete is a great option.
The lessons provide an authentic learning experience that is created around Pepito, a fun and engaging character who brings to life various aspects of the Spanish culture. To find out more and buy a voucher, contact Pepe and Tete.
Lifestyle Gift voucher
If the tween in your life is difficult to buy for, take the stress out of getting them the perfect gift by letting them choose for themselves. A Lifestyle gift card is easy to set up and use, and can be used to shop at over 300 brands.
The card can be purchased in either a physical gift card or eGift, depending on whether the recipient prefers to go shopping online or visit the shops in person. They’re both easy to set up by creating an account, choosing which brands they’d like to shop at (you can choose more than one), adding to their basket and confirming and they’re good to go shopping.
Badminton Set
An outdoor gift is a great way to get kids off their screens and into the fresh air with all of the benefits that brings. A badminton set is a great option for tweens due to the many health benefits it has from providing a physical workout, which helps to build strength, stamina bone density, to improving attention, focus and memory recall, as well as teaching children how to work together, communicate and learn how to follow rules. It can also develop limb coordination, balance and fine motor skills.
Badminton HQ have a wide range of sets, from just rackets and shuttlecocks to full kits which include portable nets, making them a great option to take when you’re out on a day trip or holiday.
CONNETIX 70-PIECE PRO CONSTRUCTION SET
New spin on magnetic tiles, uses SmartSpin™ technology to let magnets rotate 360° & click into place. With smaller tiles & ultra-powerful magnets, older kids can build complex, multi-dimensional, interactive designs that can be picked up & moved.
Our kids love their Connetix tiles, particularly our youngest. They’re easy to use and durable -definitely a toy that will last.
Have a look at our other gift guides if you’re looking for inspiration for Christmas or other celebrations.
