Gifts for tweens (about 9 to 13)
Tweens are in between: too old for toddler toys, not yet teenagers, and often very particular about what they like. These ideas favour things they can make, play and do, rather than just own.
37 gift ideas.
These are ideas, not shop-checked picks. Where we have checked a product at a real shop we link to it; otherwise "Search for this" opens a plain Google search for your region.
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A big building set (Lego Technic or similar)
A weekend project with moving parts, and a model they can display afterwards.
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A beginner electronics or circuits kit
Snap-together parts let them build a working radio or alarm without soldering.
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A hands-on science experiment kit
Crystals, volcanoes or simple chemistry, with everything in the box.
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A quick strategy card game
Easy to learn, over in 20 minutes, and good enough that adults will join in.
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A cooperative board game
Everyone plays on the same side, so there is no sulking when someone loses.
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An escape-room-in-a-box game
Puzzles for two to four people, with no screen. Good for a rainy afternoon.
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Pokémon cards and a binder
Collecting, swapping and sorting in one gift. A binder protects the cards.
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A good sketchbook and drawing markers
Better paper and pens make drawing feel serious. Check the markers are non-toxic.
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A graphic novel series
A good way into reading for kids who say they don't like books.
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A bookshop gift card
Lets them choose their own next read, and fits any budget.
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Kids' headphones with a volume limit
Comfortable for long trips, and the limiter protects young ears.
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A scooter or skateboard (with a helmet)
Gets them outside and moving. Buy the helmet at the same time.
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A proper ball or racquet for their sport
A real size-and-weight ball, not a toy one, says you take their sport seriously.
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A backyard cricket or tennis set
Works with two people or ten, and it lives in the boot of the car all summer.
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Kids' binoculars or a pocket telescope
Birdwatching, stargazing or spying on the neighbours' cat from the verandah.
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A tough digital or instant camera
Their own camera, without the risk of dropping your phone.
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A self-watering jar grow kit
Herbs on the windowsill in a few weeks, and hard to kill.
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A seed-starting kit for beginners
Their own patch of sunflowers or salad greens to look after.
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A first proper baking set
A good whisk, tins and a simple cookbook, so they can make something for the family.
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A magic trick set
Practice, patience and a captive audience at Christmas lunch.
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A backyard hammock
A reading spot of their own. Choose cotton or polyester rope rather than rubber straps if latex is a worry.
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An indoor climbing or trampoline-park voucher
An experience instead of more stuff, and they can take a friend.
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A new game for the console they already own
Check the age rating and which console they have before you buy.
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An insulated drink bottle
Keeps water cold at school and sport. Stainless steel lasts; pick a plain finish if nickel is a worry.
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A Transformers figure that changes quickly
Simple robot-to-vehicle changes suit hands that are not into fiddly collector figures yet.
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A snap-together Transformers-style model kit
No glue and no paint, with enough pieces to feel like a proper build.
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A Transformers backpack
A school bag they will actually want to carry.
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A foam dart blaster set
Backyard battles with soft darts. Pick a set with a few targets and keep eye protection on.
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A toy car track and stunt set
Build the ramps, then crash the cars. Good for ages that are not quite too old for toys.
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A pair of football or footy boots
Measure their feet first, since they grow fast at this age.
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A rechargeable remote-control car
Outdoor fun for months, and the batteries are rechargeable.
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A friendship bracelet and bead kit
Hours of making, and the results double as presents for friends.
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A jewellery-making kit
Look for nickel-free findings and cotton cord or glass beads, which are kinder to sensitive skin.
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A big soft plush (Squishmallow-style)
Comforting to hug, and collectable. Check the label for materials and age grading.
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A journal with a lock, and gel pens
A private place for stories, drawings or just thoughts.
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A tie-dye or fabric painting kit
Make their own T-shirts and tote bags. Use plain cotton and wear old clothes.
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LED fairy lights or a night-sky projector for the bedroom
Makes their room feel like their own space.