42 Gifts for Tween Girls That Won’t Result in an Eye Roll

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Tween girls — those nestled in the perennially awkward ages between 9 and 12 years old — are mysterious creatures indeed. They’re not quite “children,” but they surely aren’t yet teenagers. They’re flexing their desire for independence — all while not yet knowing how to load a dishwasher or fold their own laundry. Their interests seem to change as often as their moods (read: several times daily). That is, of course, when they let you in on what their interests even are! All these contradictions can make it feel impossible to figure out good gifts for tween girls that won’t, well, elicit repeated eye-rolling and audible sighs of indignation.

On a bad day, this in-between phase (get it?) can be painfully confusing, and not just for parents but for tweens themselves. On a good day, though — and, believe it or not, there are some really good days — this short life stage represents the transition into a new world of discovery, growth, and transformation. This is an age when a lot of girls start trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in within their family, peer group, and even the world. Priorities shift, and their brains (and bodies) are constantly changing — it’s a trip.

With that in mind, it’s helpful to remember that this time in your child’s life doesn’t have to be so mysterious. In fact, it can be incredibly exciting and — quite possibly — downright enjoyable.

Ready to celebrate that fact? These gifts for tween girls can serve as IYKYK-level offerings that aren’t merely reserved for annual birthdays but are also perfect for recognizing milestones, big and small. Did they do something brave? Are you proud of their hard work in school? These gifts will let your tween girl know, “Hey you: We see you and we think you’re great.”

I Want Choo Forever Perfume

Back in my day *mumble mumble* years ago, a tween girl’s signature scent was an overly fruity, headache-inducing body from the mall. We can do better for your tween. This fragrance is sophisticated without being old lady-ish and so nice you won’t even when she gives herself a generous mist every day.

Gripper Slipper Bootie

She’ll keep cozy with these ultra-comfortable slippers from Bombas. It's the perfect slipper solution for those among us who wish socks were just a little bit warmer and more substantial.

Lip Library

We love Ulta’s in-house brand of products and we bet your tween will have fun experimenting with new looks with this expansive collection of lip oils, glosses, stains, and creams.

Subscription

Is she always complaining she has nothing to wear? A Stitch Fix subscription is the perfect solution. Every month she’ll be sent between 5 and 10 styles (depending on whether she’s in kids or adult sizes). If she likes it she can keep it, if she doesn’t she can easily send it back.

Taylor Swift T-Shirt

Just like the shirt worn by Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, this is a must have for any dyed in the wool Swiftie… and there’s a very good chance your tween girl is one.

Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie

Apparently, the athleisure brand we’ve been ogling for years is having a moment with the youths! This hoodie has cachet with tween girls, and unlike a lot of young people trends, we get it: it’s super cute and comfy!

Gift Card

Whether she’s into skincare, hair care, make up, or fragrance, she’s going to find something she loves at Sephora. (There’s a good chance when she opens this, she’ll already have multiple things in mind.) It’s a doubly good gift for a tween girl, since it’s also the gift of shopping.

Long Sleeve Tie Back Dress

We love this sweet, simple dress, which is breezy and age-appropriate without being babyish, romantic without being too mature. Honestly, it’s giving Taylor Swift vibes and we’re here for it. We’re guessing your tween girl will be, too.

Novelty Socks

We have yet to find anyone who doesn’t appreciate a fun pair of socks. That little flash of color and pattern that peeks from your ankle from time to time? Whom among us doesn’t crack a smile? These socks come in a variety of styles in sets of 6 to 12.

International Snack Box

Snacks are never a bad idea, and with this subscription box your tween girl will get to taste her way around the world. Every month she’ll receive an assortment of treats both savory and sweet from a different country.

Felt Letter Board

Is your tween girl chock-full of pithy phrases? Give them an outlet for their witticisms with this classic felt letterboard, where they can craft an inspiring message, joke, quote, or announcement that needs to be shared.

Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the board comes with 300 easy-to-place letters, characters, and shapes, so they’ll always be able to express themselves.

AirPods 3rd Generation

Is she even a tween girl if she’s not walking around all day with at least one AirPod in her ear at all times? The latest generation of Apple earbuds, these feature great sound quality, long battery life, and a sleek design.

Air Force 1 Sneakers

This classic design from Nike is sure to be a hit with your tween girl, and is super customizable, so you (or she) can pick out all the materials and color combinations to best suit her style.

The Graveyard Book

Ever since his parents were murdered when he was a baby, Nobody “Bod” Evans has been raised by the ghosts and ghouls of the local graveyard. But as he grows older, the land of the living seems to be calling to him. As he ventures more and more beyond the gates of the cemetery, he begins to learn more about his past.

Book Nerd T-Shirt

We love bookish kids, especially those who take pride in their love of reading. This isn’t the right gift for every tween girl, but if it’s the right gift for your tween girl you probably already know it, and you know she’s going to love it.

Personalized Name Necklace

Custom name necklaces are a time-honored accessory for the tween girl set — one that has been popularized throughout the years (hello, Carrie Bradshaw!) and remains a top jewelry trend. Made of sterling silver, this piece can be customized with three additional types of metal plating (gold, white gold, or rose gold) and 12 different fonts!

If they don’t want their name engraved, they could have any word of their choice made into a chic piece of jewelry instead.

Artsy Fartsy Drawing Game

Think Pictionary — well, kind of — with a healthy sprinkling of potty humor. Draw the ridiculous prompts on the card (sometimes you’ll have to do this with your eyes closed or with your non-dominant hand), steal cards from opponents, and just try to do it all without laughing (you won’t).

Comfort Non-Slip Slides

Known as “Cloud Slides” on TikTok, these slip-on shoes — perfect for wearing both indoors and outdoors — are the new It accessory among tween girls. Thankfully, with comfort and practicality (they’re 100% waterproof) as top priorities, they are also parent-approved. In fact, grownups may end up snagging a pair for themselves.

DIY Flower Bouquet

Flowers are always a nice gift, but they never last more than a week or so. Want to give a beautiful bouquet that won’t end up in the compost bin? This floral arrangement will last forever — and they don’t even need to be placed in water!

Thanks to LEGO, the recipient will not just get some great room decor, but they’ll also have a fun time building this 756-piece project. Bonus points: The adjustable stems in this kit make it easy to tailor the arrangement for any vase or container.

Letter Marquee

For the tween girl who has decided their bedroom is in dire need of an upgrade, this marquee-style initial (available in all letters, naturally) is perfect. Lights change to 16 different colors and four different light-flashing modes to match their moods — not to mention their ever-evolving interior design preferences.

An upgrade from previous versions, this new marquee can now be managed via remote control, so no more awkwardly fiddling with it on the wall.

More: Our Favorite Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

Embroidery Starter Kit

A classic craft that’s seeing a major revival? Needlepoint! Not your grandmother’s embroidery, contemporary patterns have made cross-stitch officially cool again.

This kit’s easy-to-follow instructions are ideal for beginners because it focuses on developing artistic expression and coordination. The five finished products make unique backpack charms, too!

Create Your Own Video Game Set

Introduce young gamers to the world of coding with a customizable console that builds and runs old-school arcade games! If your tween is willing to dream up a new digital adventure (bonus points if it includes plumbers, mushrooms, and turtles!), this popular gift can make it a reality.

Fun fact: the device can transform into a motion-sensing controller or even a smartwatch with a pedometer.

Modern Witch Tarot

Getting their very own tarot deck can be considered a rite of passage for tween girls. It’s a great tool to promote thoughtfulness and self-exploration for a life stage all about introspection and self-discovery.

This set—which comes with 78 cards and a helpful guidebook—is beautifully illustrated by acclaimed contemporary artist Lisa Sterle and celebrates diverse bodies, up-to-the-minute fashion, and the powerful energy of 21st-century magic.

The empowering messages found in this deck will help tweens take the brave next steps toward their dreams, whatever they may be.

More: Best Gifts for Teens

Karaoke Microphone

Whether they’re harmonizing with their friends or belting out power ballads in front of their bathroom mirror, your tween will love this rose gold karaoke microphone, which can be paired with a phone or tablet to play all of their favorite songs. Adjust the voice and music volumes on this wireless device, and sing along!

Nail Polish Set

When you’re a tween girl, fashions change like the weather. With this 15-piece mini nail polish collection from Nicole Miller, however, they’ll be ready with perfectly coordinated nails for any trend. Shades of pink, purple, blue, and green pop with a glossy or glitter finish. (We won’t tell if you borrow a bottle.)

‘Harry Potter’ Time-Turner Clock

Hermione used her time-traveling clock to take more classes — so what would your tween do with extra time? Although this gilded time turner sadly doesn’t actually add more hours to the day, its gyroscopic design and hourglass detailing make it a magical addition to the room of any die-hard Potterhead.

‘Wreck This Journal’ by Keri Smith

Creative and quirky prompts coupled with calculated acts of destruction (you’ll have to trust us on this!) make this a unique journaling experience your tween girl will love.

The open-ended book gives them the chance to think outside of the box, create, destroy, and reflect in a way that nurtures their inner artist, and it eliminates the idea that things have to be picture-perfect to be worthwhile.

Comfycush Checkerboard Slip-On

Trends come, and trends go, but ever-lasting through it all? The classic checkered-print Vans. You may recognize them from your own closet, so why not let your tween girl kick it old school, literally, with these iconic shoes. Slip-on, comfy, and sturdy, they go with everything and add a pop of fun skater style to even the most casual outfit.

Family Edition

If you’ve been tempted to play Cards Against Humanity with your tween but aren’t prepared for some of the awkward conversations the NC-17 cards of the original game might necessitate, you're in luck! You can enjoy this family-friendly version — think toilets, butt spaghetti, and “Mom’s Friend Donna” — of the irreverent, off-the-wall game of wit and weirdness, now rated PG.

Cruiser Plus Record Player

There’s something so romantic about vinyl, and — with the proper parental guidance on how to care for (and collect!) records — your tween will enjoy listening to music the old-fashioned way with this portable record player.

If they still want to stream the latest hits from their Spotify account, fear not! This turntable, available in four striking colors, comes equipped with Bluetooth capability.

‘Just Between Us’ Mother and Daughter Journal by Meredith and Sofie Jacobs

Tween girls and their moms often find themselves on uneasy ground — they’re going through so many changes, and parents don’t always know how to handle them. How do you connect? What do you even say to each other? With this journal, you don’t have to say a thing. Instead, you can write it all down with the help of thoughtful prompts.

Balm Dotcom Trio

The philosophy that good things come in threes certainly rings true with this trio of cult-favorite lip balms from makeup brand Glossier. The vegan formula is packed with antioxidants and ultra-hydrating emollients, so it actually locks in moisture.

The best part? You can customize your tween’s set from nine different choices. If you’re stuck, we definitely recommend Birthday Balm!

Handmade Bath Bombs

This set of 12 beautifully handcrafted bath bombs was originally created for the founder’s own children. They are made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that are specially designed to moisturize and soothe.

With gorgeous scents like coconut and shea, lavender, and “Fun on the Beach,” as well as a pleasant fizz, your tween will love relaxing in the tub with these bathtime must-haves.

INSTAX Mini 7+ Camera

Remember the days when you didn’t need an iPhone to snap high-quality photos? Well, your tween certainly doesn’t. Delay the purchase of a smartphone a smidge longer with this solution to their picture-taking needs.

This Fujifilm camera makes snapping (and printing!) photos a breeze, and at this price point, it’s a far more affordable option for shooting selfies, candids, and other scrapbook-worthy moments. (Do tweens even scrapbook anymore?)

Elle Lacquer Wall Jewelry Organizer

As your tween’s collection of glitzy rings, bracelets, and necklaces grows, so does the need for a proper storage solution. Unlike a jewelry box that keeps accessories out of sight (and out of mind), this wall-hanging organizer — complete with a multipurpose bar and multiple hooks — shows off every bejeweled item and doesn’t take up any coveted dresser space.

It's an organizational win-win and the perfect gift for tween girls who are in the exciting process of growing their jewelry collection.

Hooded Fleece Robe

An important life lesson comes with every tween girl’s first plush bathrobe: It’s not only meant to be worn post-bath or post-shower. This ridiculously soft robe — with its oversized hood and roomy pockets — is the perfect cozy coverup for afternoons spent reading a good book or nights spent exclusively on the couch for a Netflix binge.

Available in six colors, your tween will be happy to have one as the temperatures begin to dip.

Echo Dot

Your tween girl can use the Echo Dot to not only play music, audiobooks, and podcasts, but they can also use it to get help with a whole host of at-home tasks. They can set alarms and timers, ask Alexa questions, check the news and weather, or call friends and family.

You can also consider stocking up on a few of these since multiple Echos can be used as an intercom (but no promises about whether your child will actually listen).

‘Stargirl’ by Jerry Spinelli

A modern-day classic from Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli, this beloved celebration of individuality is now an original movie on Disney+. The story follows Stargirl as she begins her first day at Mica High.

At first, everyone is enchanted by her, but over time, her differences make her the subject of scorn rather than adoration. Will she submit to the pressure to become normal? Or will nonconformity conquer all? It’s the start of a series to which tween girls can certainly relate.

The Wacky Guess My Answer Game

If your tween has called you “sus” a time or two, don’t be alarmed. In this “What would I do?” card game, players can ask up to 200 age-appropriate questions with a whopping 650 possible answers. It’s a perfect icebreaker and a natural conversation starter.

Without even realizing it, you and your tween will be practicing empathy and honing their speaking — and, more importantly, listening — skills until the final draw.

Quad Skate

Roller rinks may seem like an establishment from a bygone era, but much like pulling up to the drive-in movie theater, strapping on a pair of rollerskates and hitting the neon-light-filled rink is a coming-of-age essential.

These eye-catching quad skates are available in a dozen pops of color, but more importantly, they’re ideal for beginners.

Warrior Yoga Mat

Whether your tween is interested in yoga for mindfulness, relaxation, fitness, or flexibility, they’ll get to practice in comfort with this luxe yoga mat.

Cushioned for support in poses and for comfort in Savasana, the warrior mat is also dry-wicking, slip-free, and anti-odor-formulated. It’s the perfect investment piece for a long life of yoga practice.

Shower Affirmation Set

Self-care is more than just moisturizing face masks and bubble baths, and this set of 20 waterproof cards gets to the root of it. They don’t just stick to the wall, either: With joyful optimism, the phrases on each card (for instance, “I live in a universe where I am loved and supported”) will surely stick with tweens and grownups alike.

3D Printed Mini Bike Vase

A bouquet of flowers can really spruce up a room, and the same is true for your tween girl’s bicycle. This chic geometric vase — available in pink and yellow — adds a stylish touch to any bike’s handlebars. Simply attach this 3D-printed, biodegradable plastic vase with a rubber band, and voilà! Pop in the faux flower that comes with it or pick some fresh bulbs of your own.

‘The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing’ by M. T. Anderson

Although most dystopian YA fiction takes place in an imagined future, Octavian Nothing imagines a not-so-far-fetched vision of the past. Octavian and his mother live in a strange house with a cadre of rational philosophers. Given a robust, classical education, Octavian believes himself privileged until he learns the true nature of the philosophers’ experiments.

It’s a novel that has startling resonance for today’s young readers, making it a perfect gift for any tween girl.

‘Just Between Us’ Mother and Daughter Journal by Meredith and Sofie Jacobs

Tween girls and their moms often find themselves on uneasy ground — they’re going through so many changes, and parents don’t always know how to handle them. How do you connect? What do you even say to each other? With this journal, you don’t have to say a thing. Instead, you can write it all down with the help of thoughtful prompts.

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