By definition, tweens are at an in-between stage. By the time they’re 10 years old, kids have achieved mastery over many skills — but still want toys, games and to cram as much fun into their tween lives as possible. So, when it comes time to buy tween gifts, basically the world is your oyster.
Cozy Gift
Smiley Face Slippers
Perfect for sleepovers or just lying around the house, this is the ultimate self-care gift in that it’ll put a smile on a tween’s face. Amazon reviewers say they’re ultra-comfortable and that the bottoms hold up to repeated wear. No age recommendation given
Coolest RC
‘Godzilla X Kong’ Heat-Ray Breath Godzilla RC
It’s hard to get a sense of how truly big this guy is: He stands 14 inches tall and is nearly two feet long. When he’s controlled via a remote control, he stomps, roars and charges up his atomic breath, which comes out in the form of (cool) steam. The breath effect was a huge hit with Good Housekeeping Institute testers, who wouldn’t stop setting him off. Ages 8+
For Young Chefs
Global Grub Make Your Own Fortune Cookies Kit
Now they don’t need to go out for Chinese food in order to sample the best part — the fortune cookies. This gives them everything you need to make 48 fortune cookies, including ingredients, sizing tools and even an edible ink pen. It also comes with both pre-written fortunes and blank ones so they can write their own. No age recommendation given.
Unique Gift for Pokémon Fans
Pokémon Soda Pop Plush
Inspired by the retro style of Japanese artist F*Kaori, these stuffed animals are a little more graphic, a little brighter and have cooler colors than your regular Pokémon plush. “”I love Pokémon and Bulbasaur and how cute it was,” one kid tester raved. But it’s not just Bulbasaur — you can get more than 20 Pokémon plushes in this style, so they can collect their faves. Ages 0+
For Trading-Card Gamers
Magic: The Gathering Blanket
Next time they’re getting ready for a marathon Magic session, give them this throw blanket to help them stay warm and keep their mind sharp. If Magic isn’t their game, they can also get one for Dungeons and Dragons. No age recommendation given
Creative Gift
Klutz Paint & Peel Jelly Stickers Craft Kit
They can decorate almost any space with these cool stickers. They come out of the tube as a liquid, but dry with a jelly consistency. The kit comes with four jelly paints, plus other accessories to bring their designs to life.
For the 10-Year-Old Who Has Everything
‘Create Your Own Secret Language’ Book
If they’re into making codes, breaking codes and generally trying to keep secrets, this book will lead them through how to make codes, cyphers and even, eventually, entirely new languages. It’s written by David J. Peterson, a language consultant for things like Game of Thrones and Doctor Strange. Ages 10+
Cute Accessory
Cat Ear Headphones
Whether they’re doing work for school on their laptops, listening to music or playing games, they can do it in style with these cat-ear headphones. They light up with LEDs, and it has a microphone for gaming or video calls. No age recommendation given
For LEGO Fans
Klutz LEGO Gear Bots
It’s a little art, a little STEM and a whole lot of LEGO fun. This set gives kids the pieces to make eight different kinetic sculptures, made from both build-on bricks and papercraft. Along the way, they’ll learn about engineering concepts like axles, cranks, pistons and simple machines. They can make an octopus that DJs, a menacing yeti, a pterodactyl, and more. Ages 8+
Trading Card Game for Disney Fans
Lorcana Gateway Games
Disney fans met the introduction of the Lorcana trading-card game with great excitement, but these kinds of games always have complicated rules and take a minute to figure out how to play. This set helps new players understand the nuances of the game. Players start using only a portion of the deck, and as they master the skills, they unlock more of the deck with different kinds of cards. It’s a step-by-step introduction to the gameplay. Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved the art of the cards, too. Ages 8+
