If you’ve been watching my Instagram stories, you know that I’ve been struggling this year with my oldest. Her traditions change as her Christmas beliefs change with age (wink wink hint hint) so I want to make sure she’s extra special on the big day! BUT, it is very difficult to shop for boys who feel too old for toys but at the end of the day is still children. So, if you’re tween is maturing and you’re not sure what to buy her this year…keep reading (and don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the girls! keep scrolling for in their guide). Although it’s a little difficult, I think I’ve compiled a great gift guide for 8-12 year olds!
For The Boys
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
1: Marvel Lego
Although they are getting a bit old for Lego, they make a great Christmas present as they are also an activity that will keep them busy for a bit. I love this one because once built it’s a really cute room decor for a Marvel lover! Lego has a wide variety of characters to choose from so browse for a character that’s perfect for your tween!
2: Carhartt Beanie
Especially considering the cold weather we’ve been having this year, this is a great choice! Plus, it’s a gift they can start right away, so they’ll be excited to put it to good use!
3: ripstik
They are so much fun! Definitely take some practice (and you should definitely invest in some protective equipment), but they are very happy. If your tween already has a bike, but you still want to give them a fun outdoor toy, this is a great choice!
4: Hoodie Without Drawstrings
As I’ve mentioned in other gift guides, I feel like drawstrings on cozy clothes tend to show wear more than anything else. So, why not opt for a hoodie without drawstrings?
5: Boxballen Boxing Game
This game is super fun and easy. Basically you hit the ball, like a paddle ball attached to your head 🤣, and the score is kept through the app! Be warned, it can get very competitive amongst the family, but it’s a really fun addition to game night.
6: Wireless Headphones
These are the headphones I have and I love them!! And luckily, I don’t have to worry about him growing out of them so while this will be a “big” gift, he’ll be using them for years to come!
7: Skip the Ball Beach Game
This game is so much fun and it’s so small it’s easy to pack up and take to the beach!
8: New Nike Socks
These socks will go with all my son’s gift guides 🤣 Can never go wrong!
9: High Top Sneakers – Under $40!
These sneakers are super trendy without the name brand price tag! While they are growing fast, I am happy to stick with the budget friendly version!
10: Big League Chew
My son is a huge baseball fan so I had this gift in mind! I know he will love it, especially in the off season when he doesn’t have baseball!
11: JR is comfortable
I LOVE my Comfy so I already know I’ll be gifting one to all of my kids this year.
12: At Home Laser Tag
One frustrating thing about Nerf blasters is all the parts! I feel like you find nerf darts in every nook and cranny of your home 🙄 This laser tag is a great idea! And, you don’t have to worry (as much) about the mess!
13: Portable Video Game Consoles
It’s in my teenage gift guide, so I’ll just reiterate my feelings here! These Backbone gaming controllers are REALLY cool. Basically, they allow users to play games on otherwise inactive gaming platforms like Xbox and Playstation. One drawback is that it requires a membership-based subscription, so you have to gift the membership or feel secure that the receiver can continue it!
14: Official MLB Hat
My son is a huge Yankees fan, so I knew I wanted to get him some official merch. At this age, a hat seems like a best bet. It’s adjustable so I hope he gets it for years to come!
15: Airhogs Helicopter
These are always a winner! I love these because there is basically no set up time, so a great Christmas morning gift!
16: Spikeball Kit
I think this would make a great family gift when the kids get a little older! I’ve seen Spikeball play before and it looks like so much fun, I’m excited to try it out!
For Women
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21
1: New Sneakers
A nice new pair of sneakers is always a fun Christmas morning treat! These sneakers are probably better for the older tween, but if his foot is growing too fast to justify this purchase, here an easier budget alternative.
2: Vanilla Beauty Set
You can never go wrong with donning some great makeup products. Vanilla is a super popular scent, so I thought this was a great find!
3: Friendship Bracelets
If your daughter is anything like mine, she’s been bitten by the Taylor Swift bug. In his concerts, it’s typical exchange friendship braceletsso getting a DIY kit is perfect for the Swiftie in your life.
4: Barbie Bath Bombs
Another craze this Summer is Barbie! This bath bomb is so cute and perfect for Barbie lovers!
5: Lip Gloss
While our girls are probably too young for makeup, a nice lip gloss is a fun starter makeup item!
6: Polaroid Printers
I recently got my daughter a mini Instax Camera and he LOVES it! This printer looks super cute because you can turn photos already taken on your phone into polaroids!
7: Light up the Picture Hanger
And…you need a place to display them! This photo hanger is made of LED lights, so it’s super cute!
8: Cable Knit Hat
This is a very cute Winter accessory that any girl will be happy to receive!
9: Insulated Tumbler
I have already shared this tumbler in my stories! This is the water bottle my son uses at his various dance and sporting events and he loves it!
10: Comfortable Bath Robe
As I shared in the stories about me, I love a good dress. No wonder my daughter is the same! I ordered him to a Comfy Jrso I’m sure he’ll love it!
11: New Squishmallows
While stuffies are the bane of my existence (seriously they’re taking over my house 🤣), I know they make my kids, so I’m sure I’ll be gifting several this year!
12: Fuzzy Throw Blanket
The fuzzy throw is a Winter staple. Love this one from Forever 21, and it’s under $15!
13: Funny Shacket
Isn’t this the cutest?? I know my daughter will love it.
14: Scrunchies Set
You can never have too many scrunchies! And, it’s $5! Perfect stocking stuffer!
15: Sherpa Lined Clogs
The Birkenstock Boston Clogs were a HUGE hit at Christmas, and I’m sure they will be this year as well. But, I just can’t justify the cost while the feet are still growing, so I love this alternative from Gap – under $20!
16: Pack of Leggings
I love these Leggings packs because one gift turns into 5! Plus, these are super cute patterns!
17: Band Tee
As I mentioned, my daughter is a huge Taylor Swift girl, so I’ll definitely be getting some Swiftie merch. Listen to what your kids want and cater to that – they really appreciate being thoughtful!
18: Inflatable Tumbling Mat
My daughter has it and she loves it! She’s already trying to convince me to turn her into a gymnastics studio in our house 🤣 Luckily we don’t have to build a whole studio because this mat is inflatable! This makes it super easy to store!
19 + 20: iPad Mini and Custom Case
If your kids are anything like mine, as they enter the middle school years, the phone calls become more frequent. So far, I’m still holding my ground that I don’t gift a phone at this age. But, a mini iPad is a great alternative! It still gives them some freedom, but it’s simpler to track. And I love this custom case! It’s hard to lose 🤣
21: Fun Hair Clips
Fun hair clips (and hair accessories in general) are great stocking stuffers! And, it’s Barbie themed so they have an extra layer of fun!
Tweens are really hard to shop for (like all kids are 🤣). But I hope this helped! We’re all in this together 🤣 Be sure to check out my other holiday gift guides, and have a Happy Holiday ❤️
