What are some great gift ideas for teens and tweens?
It’s official, my 9 and 11-year-olds have decided they don’t want toys for Christmas this year. Every year of their lives, they’ve been showered with toys, gizmos, and gadgets from loving grandparents, aunties, and friends.
Recently, they have noticed that they just don’t play with them.
- Barbie barns full of horses, dolls, and accessories sit collecting dust on the shelf.
- A $300+ collection of Beyblades has not seen battle in almost 2 years
- 3 different drone toys left uncharged and unused
All of these were awesome toys that they just “had to have” in Christmas past.
This year, they have decided they value a clean room to relax in and experiences or activities with their friends and family members more than stuff to fill their room.
So, what, as a new tween parent, do I get my kiddos for Christmas?
Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens- Experiences
Instead of stuff that takes up space on a shelf, I love to get my kids experiences that take up space in their memories!
My 11-year-old, Pinto Bean, is very active in gymnastics, jiu-Jitsu, and other sports. He’s constantly asking for massages at home to relieve those sore muscles. This year, I decided to get him a professional massage!
It’s something he has asked about for years but we always told him he was too young. Finally being able to get a massage is a signal to him that he is growing up, and hopefully a great experience he will remember.
My 9-year-old is obsessed with painting her nails, so another experience gift idea would be going to get a pedicure or even a spa day.
What is something your kiddo really enjoys that could be a once-in-a-while experience? Groupon is a great place to get discounted experiences.
Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens- Classes or Memberships
As homeschoolers, my kids love trying and learning new things. Instead of a one-time gift, I am looking at potentially getting my kiddos some classes and/or memberships this year.
Both Pinto and Jelly Bean love to ice skate, but our local ice rink has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. The ice rink is scheduled to open again this winter so we are getting them ice skating lessons again!
Other options could be:
- Horseback riding lessons
- Museum/zoo memberships
- Art classes
- Cooking classes (awesome skills for teens getting ready to go out on their own in a few years)
What is something fun your kid loves but doesn’t normally get to do? Maybe you can find a class or membership that would allow them to do it more often.
Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens- Electronics
Nowadays, electronics seem to be a no-duh for teens and tweens. They’re on them all day, every day it seems, so this is an easy one.
Use Christmas as a time to get them that computer, phone, or Nintendo Switch they’ve been asking for. Or games or accessories.
Just make sure to keep it within your budget. Electronics can really add up and no one wants to be left with a mountain of debt after Christmas.
Even something small like headphones, charging cords, or memory cards can make a huge difference in a teen/tween’s ability to use their current electronics for the better.
Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens- Snacks
Growing bodies eat! Like A LOT!
If your kids are anything like mine, they always want snacks. And what better way to spoil them during the holidays than to buy them a Costco Size pack of their favorite snacks?
They get a gift you know they’ll love, and you can save on groceries for a few weeks! Win-Win.
The Gift of Investments
Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world! By investing early and giving money time to grow, one can easily become a millionaire at a young age.
Gift your teen/tween with investments. This could be as simple as opening a custodial brokerage account in their name and investing in simple index funds. You can use this account for other future gifts as well to help them build a financial base for later in life.
Or if your kiddo is really into a certain company or brand, like Lego or Roblox, you can purchase individual stocks of that company.
Purchasing individual company stocks is a great way to get them interested in investing. But as with all individual stocks, they can become worthless if the company tanks. Either way, it could be a great learning opportunity for your soon-to-be adult.
Good Old Fashioned Cash
It’s hard to think of a teen or tween who wouldn’t appreciate cash as a gift.
At this age, they are starting to want things of their own. They want to go out with their friends and do things on their own. Wants are becoming much more expensive than simple Barbie Dolls.
Use this gift-giving opportunity to teach kids about money and budgeting.
Jelly Bean dropped the Nintendo Switch she received for Christmas a few years back (in the toilet). Since then, it has not worked 100%.
Because it was damaged doing something we specifically told her not to do, multiple times, we told her she needed to save up to buy her own replacement.
So for the last year and a half, she has been saving up to buy a new Switch. This year for Christmas, she specifically asked for money to finally purchase the Switch she’s so close to affording on her own.
Aunties, grandma, and even her brother have decided to contribute towards her goal this Christmas. With cash gifts from enough people, she should easily be able to finally accomplish her goal!
What has your kiddo been bugging you about? Could a well-timed cash gift help them achieve their savings goal?
Wrap-Up
The tween/teen years can be a hard time figuring out gift ideas. They’re no longer excited about receiving a 25-cent toy train or plastic tea set.
But this is the age that your little baby is really becoming a mini-adult. It is a great time to get to know them as a person. Sit down and have a cup of cocoa or tea together. Cuddle up and watch their favorite movie on the couch. Really get to know this new person living in your home.
Enjoy this time together between the ever-changing hormones, stinky armpits, and constant eating. Watching them become their own person is the best!
What are you thinking about getting your teen or tween this year? Make sure to leave a comment below and share your favorite articles.