Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

2019 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Tweens (w giveaway)

By

The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. 

Ready to move on from elementary to middle school, tweens have one foot firmly still planted in childhood while the other inches towards the teen years. This age group often feels stuck between the cute stuff of kid years and wanting to be grown up yet possesses growing self-confidence, independence, and academic skills that need to be nurtured. The best gifts for tweens encourage them to be their best selves while fostering their growing interests.

Since tweens flip flop between wanting to be seen as kids but also wanting to be viewed as grown up, give them the autonomy they crave to explore things they love as they continue developing meaningful friendships. Gifts for tweens can be increasingly pricey but can also be a worthwhile investment for the future as they start to want to learn about specific topics and develop proficiency in their skills. Here are my picks for the tweens in your life this year!

Best Gifts for Tweens (ages 8-12)

SRX Mini Hoverboard ($99)

*Keep reading to enter to win a SRX Mini Hoverboard

If you have a tween that has stared at awe at a hoverboard in action or has been coveting one of their own, the SRX Mini Hoverboard is a great choice. Since we’ve had ours for testing, it’s been ridden by all of my son’s teen friends in the neighborhood. Some get the hang of it quickly while others find balancing, even with the self-balancing mode feature, tricky. Even though the SRX Mini Hoverboard doesn’t go too fast (it tops off at 6 mph), this light and easy to transport hoverboard provides a fun ride. Just be sure that if you’re gifting a hoverboard, you check to make sure the recipient has a helmet that they can wear when riding it. Best for ages 9+ or those up to 132 lbs, the recommended weight capacity.

DIY Project Kit Laser-cut Custom Name Round ($30)

Image courtesy of Pew Pew Lasercraft

Every tween needs a good project and this DIY Project Laser Cut features a custom name round to be painted and finished exactly the way your tween wants. Choose the font and decoration theme and Lizz over at Pew Pew Lasercraft will laser cut, engrave, and ship all the wooden pieces you need for your project. Just be sure to head to your local craft store with your tween (or send along a gift card) for paints! Want to get more than one kit? Message Lizz if you’d like 2 kits for $50. Free shipping with code: TECHSAVVYMAMA Best for ages 9+

Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit ($21.99)

Exploring chain reactions like those in Rube Goldberg machines has never been more fun! This Klutz book provides instructions to build 10 machines that spin, swing, pivot, roll, lift, and drop. Machines can be combined to make dozens of different chain reactions using included LEGO bricks and ones from your own stash. Each machine builds on skills learned throughout the book to create things like quintopple, dominoes, seesaw and ramp, pop up flag and falling hammer, and more! The box attached to the book contains pieces for tweens to turn ordinary bricks into amazing chain reaction machines including 33 LEGO Elements, 6 LEGO balls, 2.2 yards of string, 8 paper ramps, 2 paper pop-up signs, 1 paper funnel, a paper bucket, and a platform. Best for ages 8+ to do independently, younger siblings can probably enjoy this more with a little adult help.

Carmen Sandiego Handheld Electronic Game ($24.97)

Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? If you were a fan of this game played on 5” floppy disks the new Carmen Sandiego Handheld Electronic Game is a great way to share it with a new generation to inspire them to develop a love of geography. Best for ages 9+

12-in-1 Solar Robot Creation Kit with Solar Powered Motorized Engine and Gears ($30.94)

If you’re looking for a versatile kit with a lot of building possibilities, the Solar Robot Creation Kit comes with all of the parts you need to build 12 real working robots. It comes with a wide assortment of different moving and connecting parts like gears, plates, tires, and shafts, you can use the included blueprints to build different styles of robots that will engage tweens. The kit includes a solar panel that powers the positive and negative cables. This kit provides endless opportunities to teach tweens STEM logic as they put together complex puzzles and work to problem solve with a blend of critical thinking and creativity. For ages 8+

LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection 21043 San Francisco Building Kit ($49.99)

LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection of the San Francisco skyline features models of the city’s most iconic architectural marvels. The 565 piece set includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Victorian “painted ladies” near Alamo Square, 555 California Street, the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, Coit Tower, Fort Point, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. It’s a set that will delight kids who have seen these architectural masterpieces in real life or are dreaming of visiting the City by the Bay. For ages 12+

MakerLab: 28 Super Cool Projects ($12.86)

This book is a great resource for families with young inventors who always want to be creating. It features 28 kid-safe projects that are age appropriate for kids ages 8–12 and can be done with household materials. Step-by-step activities are ranked easy, medium, or hard, and include an estimated time frame for completion. Tweens can build an exploding volcano, race balloon rocket cars, construct a lemon battery, make sticky slime, and more. Photographs and facts carefully detail the “why” and “how” of each experiment thanks to real-world examples that provide context so kids can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles applied. Best for ages 8+

Nintendo Switch ($299)

Despite all the gaming systems on the market and ability to play Fortnite and Minecraft on the computer, Nintendo Switch still tends to be a hit in our house into the teenage years. We first got our Switch when my son was a tween and even thought I was hesitant at first (another gaming system, more screen time!?!), the Switch is something our whole family enjoys. We love the versatility of this device that can be played at home docked in a console for game play on the TV but also taken on the go for portable play. Game play is also flexible thanks to pairs of controllers called JoyCons that can be used attached during portable play or taken off and shared with a friend so you can game together. Like mini Wii controllers (remember those?), JoyCons work as controllers since they each feature 4 buttons and a joystick. Separate them and give one to a friend so you can play together and add a couple more so you can play a 4 person game with more friends. Nintendo Switch is a cool hybrid system that promises lots more new games on the horizon and is fun for parents and kids alike. If your kids are getting a Switch this year, great add on gifts from relatives include games like Super Mario Maker 2, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or these Switch games that inspire offline learning. Nintendo America announced their Black Friday Nintendo Switch Bundle (starts November 28) includes a Switch console with a code to download Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for free so you get the price of a Nintendo Switch system with a game, valued at $59.99. Some of the most popular games will also be also $20 off starting on November 27. Visit this link for a full list of deals and participating retailers. Best for ages 7+ 

30 Pack of Stickers ($5.85)

Whether or not your tween is a VSCO girl or not, 30 stickers for under $6 is a steal to help them customize their stuff and show their personality on or off their Hydro Flask.

Best Subscription Boxes for Tweens

Bitsbox ($24.95/month)

Hooray for a subscription box that teaches real coding! Each month Bitsbox sends a box with a mix of coding projects, ranging from simple to more advanced. Kids start with the code from the materials in the box and then customize it to make it their own. Bitsbox apps run on any computer, tablet, or phone with a web browser, so kids can see and share their creations. Other materials that come with a monthly subscription include an Apper-Keeper to keep Bitsbox materials organized and easy to use, coding super cards featuring app projects to inspire and guide you, Grownup Guide with information about the month’s new coding concepts and commands, and also stickers and chart to track progress.  Get $20 off your subscription purchase of 50+ with the code SAVVY until November 23. Best for ages 6+ but tweens will enjoy being able to complete the more advanced projects independently.  

Little Passports Science Expeditions ($25.95/month)

Mail-loving tweens who enjoy solving real scientific mysteries will enjoy getting a Little Passports Science Expeditions subscription. Each month’s experiments give kids a head start by fostering a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math through themes like forensic science, caves & crystals, hydrology, optics & vision, rockets, and more! Each box contains everything your tween needs to get started including the signature Science Expeditions tote bag, a 16-page comic book, and a special lab notebook to jot down their findings. Best for ages 9+

Books Your Tween Will Actually Read

Enter to Win a SRX Mini Hoverboard

GoTrax is providing one SRX Mini Hoverboard to a very lucky Tech Savvy family this holiday season. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AGE APPROPRIATE GIFT GUIDES:

SPECIALTY GIFT GUIDES:

I hope you enjoy this year’s picks and wish you happy and stress-free holiday shopping!

Samples were received to facilitate this post and affiliate links are included. No compensation was received for this post or hosting this giveaway and all opinions are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Karen L says

    My soon to be 10 year old (omg in 2 weeks where does the time go?) already has the switch on her list. That would be her favorite with books in second. We have the between us book and it is great. It is so nice to see what she writes. Then the hoverboard in third 🙂

  7. jeanna says

    My son would love the Nintendo Switch! It’s been on his “wish list” since last year! He has convinced us that should get it so we can all play together!

  8. Will G says

    My daughter would probably love the Nintendo Switch because there are a lot of fun games on there.

  15. Dan Dykstra says

    I think my grand son, not yet a tween, would love the DISCOVERY KIDS Mindblown STEM 12-in-1 Solar Robot Creation 190-Piece Kit with Working Solar Powered Motorized Engine and Gears, Construction Engineering Set.

  20. Brittany Raisor says

    My boys love science and learning with their hands so I think they would love the little passports science expeditions!

  22. Brittany Raisor says

    The hardest person to buy for is my 16 year old brother! He loves video games the most, but he spends far too much time on them, so thank you for other gifting ideas!

  27. Ellie Wright says

    My 12 year old grandson would love the Switch. He has it on the top of his wish list. He and his brother love playing video games.

  32. Sarita says

    For the record my son got the switch for Christmas last year and has been obsessed. Would love to win the hoover board to maybe get him off the switch and outside. 🙂

  36. JoAnna Carpentier says

    The most difficult person to shop for is my boyfriend. He is kind of a minimalist, but also very particular about what he likes.

  44. kelly tupick says

    She would just love the hover board! I didn’t think she was ready yet till about now. I just wanted her to wait until she was a little older and more responsible.

  45. Ann Fantom says

    I would like to get Nintendo Switch because my daughter has been begging for a Switch for a year

  50. Danielle Porter says

    Probably the hover board, followed by the lego architect, then the nintendo swtich. Although looking through the list he would probably like all of it!

  53. Danielle Porter says

    My husband is definitely the most difficult person to shop for. Although honestly he would probably like this hoverboard! lol. He likes really thoughtful gifts but doesn’t have that many interests and really doesn’t need anything so it makes it difficult.

  54. Danielle Porter says

    I’m most excited about the gadget lovers gift guide. My dad is a gadget guy and this is right up his alley!

  60. Richard Hicks says

    Our son would love MAKERLAB: 28 SUPER COOL PROJECTS because of the neat projects and planets.

  65. KIM DAVIS says

    I think the Nintendo Switch would be a awesome gift for my tween who does not have a video console. He would have so much fun.

  67. Ellen B says

    probably the Nintendo Switch – they would have fun with video games and it is a small item that can be put away easily

  69. Ellen B says

    difficult person to shop for is my younger son – I never know what to get him as his interests change

  72. April Brenay says

    my tween is really wanting camping gear, he loves the outdoors and camping trips with his friends

  76. Laurajj says

    Other than the hoverboard…his next favorite would be the LEGO ARCHITECTURE SKYLINE COLLECTION 21043 SAN FRANCISCO BUILDING KIT! He is so into buildings and skyscrapers. He would love to build this!

  78. Laurajj says

    The most difficult person for me to shop for is my nephew. He is at a harder teen year now…and I get so lost as what he is into. These are such great ideas!

  80. beth shepherd says

    My daughter would love the hoverboard. She loves to be outside and this looks fun. Thank you

  86. Antoinette M says

    I find it difficult to buy for my nephew, because I don’t know new gift ideas for his age group.

  90. Michelle Tucker says

    I think chain reactions because she really loves watching those types of videos. It’d be fun to create your won.

  96. Sandy Sawyer says

    The Nintendo Switch would be a hit with my kids. They are serious gamers who love all things Nintendo. The games for the switch are awesome!

  99. Susan Chester says

    The Nintendo Switch would be on the top of my grandson’s list. It has been on the top of his list for awhile now!

  103. elizabeth miller says

    My tween would love the switch the most. She would love it because she loves Mario games and puzzle games and I know she keeps hinting how her 3ds is so out of date and one of these would be amazing.

  104. elizabeth miller says

    My parents are the hardest to shop for every holiday every year. They are primarily hard because my mom will say we want to get and she will start doing it just a few weeks before a holiday and then when you start to go get it she goes, ” Oh I picked it up for dad to give me orfor her to give my dad.” Drives me nuts and stresses me so bad.

  110. Donna says

    My son is usually the hardest to shop for. He tends to be very vague about what he would be interested in getting as a gift, so I just have to guess and hope for the best!

  116. Rosey says

    My tween would most like the mini hoverboard because his electric skateboard that he loved, broke when he got caught riding it in an unexpected rain shower. Yeeikes. He misses it, and this would be a nice change.

  117. Susan Chester says

    The gift guide I am most excited about is the Subscription boxes. I am addicted to subscription boxes. They make excellent gifts!

  120. Rosey says

    My oldest son is the hardest to shop for because he buys what he wants before anyone gets a chance to do so for a surprise.

  128. Daniel M says

    12-in-1 Solar Robot Creation Kit with Solar Powered Motorized Engine and Gears – always fun to build stuff

  138. Ghram Myers says

    Apparently all the rave is about the Nintendo Switch so that would be my pick this year. Pretty sure it’s all because of pokemon. Gotta catch em all.

  140. Heather Dawn says

    My son would love the 12-IN-1 SOLAR ROBOT CREATION KIT WITH SOLAR POWERED MOTORIZED ENGINE AND GEARS. He is always building stuff and I’m always buying little motors for him off of Amazon. Solar powered would be perfect.

  141. Heather Dawn says

    My dad is the hardest because he is a minimalist. I usually get him a movie theater gift card.

  144. Tabathia B says

    my mother is the most difficult. she is a reader like me but has plenty of tablets and doesn’t really go on social media. I usually stick with amazon gift card but would love to get an actual gift