Can we all agree that gift shopping for ~the youth~ is intimidating? Between their raging hormones and knowledge of all things trendy thanks to social media, tweens at that in-between age (10 to 12) are hard to impress. Like I really don’t want my cousin to think I’m cheugy AF this holiday season because I unknowingly bought them the lamest Christmas gift ever. And I don’t think you do either—which is why I did my research and rounded up 42 gifts for tween girls that are totally Gen Z-approved.
Of course, finding the perfect gift for a young loved one starts with figuring out what they're into. It's highly likely that whatever is piquing their interest 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!)
If it feels like the tween on your list is growing up too fast (cue the tears), these gummy bear- and chocolate pretzel-shaped soaps will help ‘em remember that being a kid is actually so much cooler than being an adult.
Thanks to its creamy consistency, medium coveage, and radiant finish, this concealer went viral when Hailey Bieber started using it in her makeup routine videos. And trust me—if it’s HB-approved, your fave tween probably already has it on their wish list.
Part of being a young person is having the constant urge to redecorate. I mean, just think about it—how many times did you beg your parents to let you redo your room in middle school?! For me, it was at least 10 lol. A cool neon sign like this cloud-shaped one will give the tween on your list a little bedroom upgrade without breaking the bank.
If you need an affordable option for a gift exchange with a price cap, consider adding a few cotton headbands to your cart. ICYMI this ‘90s staple is back—thanks to Gen Z style icons like Bella Hadid—and very much giving ballet core.
Ugh. Not me buying these while writing this gift guide...oops! Anyway, these snuggly slippers are cute enough for school but comfy enough for wearing around the house. Plus, they pair perfectly with another tween wardrobe staple: yoga pants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.