Is your tween’s upcoming birthday or special occasion leaving you stumped on what to gift them? Fret no more! We’ve curated a list of 10 surprising gift ideas that will make their eyes light up with pure delight. Forget about the generic options – we’re bringing you a collection of unique and unexpected presents that will leave your tween in awe. Prepare to dive into the world of mind-bending puzzles, immersive virtual reality experiences, and DIY science kits that ignite curiosity. With arts and crafts supplies, outdoor adventure gear, and innovative coding toys, there’s something on this list to captivate every interest. Join us as we explore these astonishing gift ideas that are sure to bring joy and excitement to your tween’s special day.
Tween Gift Ideas 2023
Pre-teens or tweens, as they are often called these days, can be tricky. They are beginning to grow out of some toys but they still love to play. Here are several pre-teen gift ideas for the holidays that my nine year old boy and eleven year old daughter have tested and love. All of these suggestions are fun for both boys and girls because I love for my kids to be able to share things. A few of the items on this list were provided to me with the hopes that I would share my honest opinions.
1. Space Scooter
The Space Scooter X580 is designed for ages 8+ (up to 200lbs). A Space Scooter® is powered by a unique Pump & Go action – so you can ride with both feet on board. It’s faster than a normal scooter (up to 17 mph!), and easier and more compact than a bicycle. Of all my favorite Pre-Teen Gift Ideas, this is my favorite because I can steal it and it use it myself (just like my husband’s fav is the drone). It’s perfect for daily exercise, to ride to school or just for fun days playing in the driveway or cul de sac.
Learn more at spacescooter-usa.com
2. Mind-Bending Puzzle Games
For tweens who love to challenge their minds and immerse themselves in brain-teasing fun, consider gifting them mind-bending puzzle games. These captivating games are designed to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning, all while providing hours of entertainment. From challenging 3D puzzles to mind-boggling logic games, there are plenty of options to ignite your tween’s intellect.
One popular choice is the Rubik’s Cube. This classic puzzle has been captivating minds for decades, and its endless combinations will keep your tween engaged for hours on end. If your tween is a fan of mysteries and riddles, you can also explore mystery-solving puzzle games. These games often come in the form of board games or escape room kits, allowing your tween to become a detective and solve thrilling mysteries. With clues, codes, and hidden secrets to unveil, these games offer an exciting and immersive experience that will keep your tween entertained for hours. For a hands-on approach, there are also 3D mechanical puzzles that will test your tween’s dexterity and problem-solving skills. These intricate puzzles require them to assemble various pieces and unlock hidden compartments, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment once they’ve solved the puzzle.
3. Virtual Reality Headsets for an Immersive Experience
Virtual reality headsets are the latest trend in technology, allowing users to experience a completely immersive and interactive virtual world. Not only are these headsets a great source of entertainment, but they can also provide educational value by offering unique and engaging experiences that stimulate both the mind and the senses. With virtual reality headsets, your tween can step into a whole new world and explore fascinating environments and scenarios that they could only dream of.
Imagine your tween being able to swim with dolphins, explore outer space, or even travel back in time to witness historical events firsthand. Virtual reality headsets can transport them to these incredible places and ignite their imagination in a way that traditional toys or gadgets simply can’t. The ability to move and interact within these virtual worlds creates a sense of excitement and wonder that will surely make their eyes light up. From exploring the human body in a virtual anatomy lesson to discovering the wonders of the natural world through virtual field trips, these headsets can open up a whole new world of learning opportunities for your tween. Here is a cool set and my affiliate link on Amazon.
4. Clothes & Shoes
I would also include clothes and shoes as fabulous options among my Pre-Teen Gift Ideas. You know they always need new clothing and shoes and now they are old enough to begin appreciating them. I just got both my pre-teens some great waterproof jackets and they both need new pants because of their long legs that keep getting longer. Even if your kids are still not that into fashion yet, chances are they’d love a snazzy new pair of sneakers that actually fit them. My son was just provided with a new pair of Under Armour basketball shoes from Kids Foot Locker and you can bet his teammates noticed them. My daughter is loving her faux shearling boots.
5. DIY Science Kits to Ignite Curiosity
DIY science kits provide a unique opportunity for your child to dive into the fascinating world of scientific experiments and discoveries from the comfort of their own home. Create a science station that comes equipped with all the necessary materials and instructions to conduct various experiments, making it easy for your tween to explore different scientific principles and phenomena.
From building their own volcano and creating colorful chemical reactions to learning about the power of electricity through circuitry experiments, these DIY science kits cover a wide range of topics that are sure to captivate your tween’s interest. Not only do these kits provide valuable educational experiences, but they also promote problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the scientific method.
As your tween delves into the world of DIY science, they’ll develop a sense of confidence and empowerment, knowing that they have the ability to explore and understand complex scientific concepts. With each successful experiment and newfound understanding, their eyes will light up with excitement and enthusiasm, fueling their curiosity and motivating them to push their scientific boundaries even further.
6. Arts and Crafts Supplies for Budding Artists
Arts and crafts offer a hands-on and immersive experience that allows tweens to express themselves, experiment with different mediums, and create something truly unique. One gift idea that will surely make their eyes light up is a comprehensive art set (affiliate link). These sets typically include a variety of drawing and painting materials, such as colored pencils, watercolors, markers, and brushes. With a wide range of colors and tools at their disposal, your tween can explore different techniques and unleash their imagination onto a blank canvas.
For the more technically inclined tween, a digital drawing tablet could be the perfect gift. These devices allow them to take their artistic skills to the next level by providing a digital canvas, complete with pressure sensitivity and customizable settings. With a digital drawing tablet, your tween can create stunning digital illustrations and explore the world of digital art.
If your tween is interested in crafts beyond drawing and painting, consider getting them a jewelry-making kit or a DIY craft set. These kits usually come with all the necessary materials and instructions for creating unique jewelry or crafting various items. From beading to knitting to sewing, these kits will help your tween develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and patience while also giving them the joy of creating something tangible.
7. Books
And never forget a good book! Books set your mind free to wander, to escape, to learn, and to just plain enjoy. There a million and one suggestions and it just depends on your child. I know at this age, I just loved the James Harriot series, (All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All) and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables series. My son loves Leonardo Ramirez’s The Jupiter Chronicles and Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. My daughter loves Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time fantasy series. Here is my Amazon affiliate link in case you want to order those books at amazon.com
8. Outdoor Adventure Gear for the Adventurous Souls
From hiking to camping to exploring the great outdoors, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered. Help your tween embrace the wonders of nature by equipping them with the right gear. Consider starting with a sturdy and reliable backpack that can hold all their essentials for a day of outdoor exploration. Look for one with multiple compartments and adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit. Having a backpack that can easily carry their water bottle, snacks, and other necessities will make their outdoor adventures a breeze.
To further enhance their outdoor experience, a pair of binoculars can open up a whole new world of exploration. Your tween will be able to spot birds, wildlife, and distant landscapes with ease. Encourage their curiosity by giving them the tools to observe and appreciate the natural wonders around them. For the more adventurous souls, consider gifting them a portable camping hammock (affiliate link). This compact and lightweight hammock can be easily set up in various outdoor locations, allowing your tween to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s the perfect companion for camping trips or simply lounging in the backyard. To ensure their safety during outdoor activities, a reliable headlamp is a must-have. Whether they’re exploring caves, hiking at dusk, or simply navigating their campsite after dark, a headlamp provides hands-free illumination. Look for one with adjustable brightness settings and a durable design to withstand any outdoor adventure.
9. Music and/or Instrument Accessories
For the tween with a passion for music or an interest in learning to play an instrument, music and instrument accessories make for fantastic gift ideas that will surely make their eyes light up. One accessory that can enhance their musical experience is a pair of high-quality headphones. Whether they prefer to listen to their favorite tunes in peace or dive into the world of virtual music lessons, a good pair of headphones will ensure crystal-clear sound and a comfortable fit. Look for features like noise cancellation and wireless connectivity to truly elevate their listening experience.
If your tween is ready to take their musical skills to the next level, consider gifting them a digital metronome. With its precise tempo settings, a metronome is a valuable tool for practicing timing and rhythm. This accessory is especially handy for young musicians learning to play instruments like the piano, guitar, or drums. Lastly, if your tween is already a proud instrument player, consider gifting them a personalized music stand. Not only will it provide a sturdy and convenient place for sheet music or tablet, but a personalized music stand will also make them feel like a true performer. Look for options that allow for height adjustment and foldability for easy transportation to band practices or music lessons.
10. Innovative Coding Toys for Future Tech Geniuses
In today’s digital age, coding is a vital skill that can open doors to endless opportunities. Whether your tween dreams of becoming the next tech innovator or simply enjoys exploring the world of technology, coding toys are sure to captivate their imagination and introduce them to the wonders of programming. One fantastic option is the programmable robot kit (affiliate link) that allows tweens to build and program their very own robot. With step-by-step instructions, they can learn the basics of coding while constructing their robot from scratch. As they progress, they can experiment with different functionalities and even add sensors to make their robot more interactive. This hands-on experience will not only teach them foundational coding concepts but also foster problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.
If your tween enjoys puzzles and challenges, consider gifting them a coding board game. These games offer a fun and interactive way to learn coding principles while competing against friends or family members. By solving coding puzzles and completing coding challenges, your tween can enhance their problem-solving skills and develop a solid foundation in coding.
Conclusion:
As you search for the perfect gift for your tween, we hope our list of 10 surprising gift ideas has sparked your imagination. From mind-bending puzzle games to virtual reality headsets, and from DIY science kits to interactive storytelling devices, these unique presents are sure to bring joy and wonder to your child’s eyes.
No matter what their interests, be it art, technology, or outdoor adventure, there is something on this list that will capture their heart and ignite their curiosity. So go ahead and choose a gift that aligns with their passions and watch their eyes light up with excitement. Which of these pre-teen gift ideas do you think your kids (or grandkids, niece, nephew, etc.) would like the best?
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