The 60 Best Gifts for Tweens That Aren't Serious Cringe

Come in walkie talkie-lovers, do you read? These toy walkies will keep your kids and their friends entertained for hours on end with its crisp sound that can travel up to three miles in an open field and approximately one mile in a residential area. “These walkie talkies are actually GREAT quality,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “I purchased them for my 7-year-old son. He has dropped them several times and they still work perfectly! We actually use these every day on our walks, at the park and in the house.” As for its protection, the walkie talkies boast 22 channels reinforced by 99 CTCSS sub-codes to minimize people hopping on the same frequency, and it even has a built-in flashlight. Over and out.

He may already have a lot of workout joggers, but these are fancy and Nike. Thanks to the moisture-wicking signature Nike Dri-FIT technology, these will keep your tween cool and dry on and off the court, field, track and wherever else he wants to wear ‘em. They were designed for running and training purposes, so every detail—from the ultra-soft, stretchy and adjustable waistband to the roomy hips to the front and back zipper pockets—is intentionally and carefully crafted with the athlete in mind. It comes in Big Boy sizes on Nordstrom’s site, which ranges from S to XL or 8 to 20. “My son is 10 and wears a M (10-12),” says one customer. “His legs are on the muscular side. These are his favorite pants, and he never complains. The grey is extra soft.” Speaking of soft, they're so versatile and comfortable thanks to that stretchy fabric, he won’t want to take them off once he’s dominated his workout.

Your little wannabe scientist will go nuts over this unique projector that can fill any room with numerous nebula clouds. In other words, it’ll make them feel like they’ve traveled space and time to enter another galaxy. As one parent put it, their children are pretty much mesmerized by anything remotely bright. “My kids are into anything that will light up their room, and this was by far the biggest wow factor yet,” he raves. “It has so many options and really puts out great light. Depending on where you put it, it will be very bright and fill a room. [I] absolutely love it and will be doing the whole basement!” Along with the projector, there’s a compatible app where users can control the speed, adjust the brightness and swap the colors as well as set presets, smart timers, routines and more. Let’s just say, we know who’s hosting the next slumber party under the stars.

Let’s face it, big kids have a lot to carry, from binders and pencil cases to tablets and headphones, so why not make it joyful with a vibrant colored or bold printed backpack? Good news: State backpacks are made with your kiddo in mind. It’s equipped with two water bottle pockets, a padded sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop, organizational pockets, zippered compartments and much more. (There’s even a luggage slip that makes it a breeze to travel with.) One parent reviewer says, “I have tried other brands, but always come back to ordering a STATE backpack because I know it will survive the school year. Plus, they have cool designs. It's plenty big enough for my fifth grader's books and all the things he needs to carry around.”

Milk Makeup recently unveiled their new cooling water jelly, and to say it was a huge hit would be an understatement. The buildable lip and cheek blush stain is squishy like, well, jelly (hence the name) and comes in a range of four vibrant shades (Burst, Chill, Spritz and Splash) of pink, red, orange and berry. You may have already guessed, it’s TikTok’s latest beauty obsession, garnering millions of searches and views on TikTok from prominent creators @aquiredstyle, @whitneyysimmons and @yourkoreanunni taking a liking to the products. And its compact twist-up stick packaging makes it easy for your tween to pop it in her backpack for a quick touch-up during lunch break.

“I bought these for both of my sons and have repurchased three as birthday gifts for some of their friends on their football team, says one Abercrombie Kids reviewer. “[It’s] so soft and cozy! I love the “vintage” vibe, [and it] washes well. We sized up one-to-two sizes for each child for a more oversized fit or just in case they shrunk.” The cotton and poly-blend provides a next-to-none comfortable fit that’ll feel just as cozy—if not more—than his worn-out sweats (you know, the ones that have seen its day). The sweatshirt has a relaxed fit that’ll just ooze cool vibes in the school cafeteria, and moms love the fact that it’s machine-washable and can be tossed into the dryer without the fear of shrinkage.

This lululemon belt bag is all over TikTok and almost always perpetually sold out. It’s made with a water-repellent material and features an exterior zippered pocket and roomy interior compartment that can feature your tween’s essentials and snacks come the next field day or adventure. “This belt bag has so much space,” raves one lululemon reviewer. “That I normally store in it is my phone (it’s an iPhone 13, so it’s pretty big—like all phones these days), my lip gloss, my various cards and some hair ties, and there is still enough room for [about] three more phones, another couple of lip glosses, cards and [around] 20 more hair ties—and that’s just the main compartment! There is still a back zippered spot that is able to hold lots of belongings! Absolutely love this belt bag!”

A fresh pair of cool kicks can make your child feel confident and oh-so cool, especially when they’re the uber-trendy Nike Air Force 1s. “These are so popular at my daughter’s school,” says one Nordstrom reviewer. “She’s thrilled with these shoes and the sizing chart was spot on, [and] she even has a little room to grow in them.” These basketball-inspired shoes sport an absorbent and comfortable cushioning that’ll come in handy when your kid is running amuck.

We bet your kid hasn’t seen a Rubik’s cube like this before. The Galaxy Cube features both single and multiplayer modes with epic challenges that are out of this world, music and voice-guided instructions from Mission Control. Some of the games include Tic Tac Go, Rocket Trail, Space Command (think: Simon Says) and Shooting Star where they’ll have to keep the tail of the blue comet short. A charging cable is included, so they can plug it in once the power is low and play with it again in no time.

What do you get your Nintendo-obsessed tween who seems to have all the Switch add-ons and games, from steering wheels to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to Minecraft? Enter: the Nintendo Switch sports accessories bundle, which includes two golf clubs, two wrist bands, two tennis rackets, two swords, two leg straps and two bowling grips that are compatible with all switch sports games. For one Amazon reviewer, it almost sounded too good to be true. “I was prepared to be disappointed in this set because of the low price, but we are 100 percent happy with it! The controllers easily fit into each attachment without forcing them in, keeping the controller safe and snug, [and] they are easily removable without the risk of breaking them. It took my seven-year-old a few minutes to get used to the buttons on the fencing grip attachments, but he loves them now. The attachments helped him feel more confident in his games, especially the tennis.” Don’t forget to check off the Amazon coupon box to receive 15 percent off your purchase at checkout.

What’s better than a basic basketball? A glow-in-the-dark one, of course. This ball, which has the same feel, handling and size as professional basketballs, is equipped with vibrant LED lights that automatically turn off after play. While a pump is not included, it does come with spare batteries that are good for up to 30 hours of play. One Amazon buyer, who gifted it to her nephew, says, “He wouldn't put it down! He even tries to bring it to basketball practice most weeks. It lights up solidly when you bounce it but turns off after a period of time—not too long, maybe 15 to 30 seconds—to save battery.” They’ll never miss the ball (and you’ll feel a wave of relief spotting them on the court so easily.)

Now is the time for your tween to try every hobby under the sun, so they’ll be so excited when they receive these retro roller skates. Ideal for beginners, these waterproof quad skates are made with durable, wear-resistant and vegan materials, plus they’re available in some darn cute color combos, such as a green and orange, yellow and orange, cherry red and black and lilac monochrome. Zappos customer Jenny says that they have, “great ankle support, awesome wheels for indoor and outdoor, sturdy laces and [are] overall a comfortable boot! My only issue I had with these is, when I first received them, the laces were different sizes, but they’re nothing to be worried about. Also, this shipping was amazingly fast!” We love a reliable last-minute gift.

This might be the only time you’re OK with your kids throwing food. The Throw Throw Burrito game by Exploding Kittens is sure to get a rise from your goofball, and it’s especially fun for a packed house to play. “My family had a riot playing this, but it’s not for the easily insulted,” says one Amazon reviewer. “There is a lively physicality to it and there were smiles and laughter for the players and the spectators as well.” Think of this as a card matching game and dodgeball combined with…flying burritos. The players will want to collect cards, match three cards of a kind to earn points and throw burritos at people to make them lose points—hence the dodging. And look out for the three types of cards that trigger burrito battles, from Burrito Wars to Burrito Brawls to the Burrito Duel where players begin back-to-back, step forward three paces and throw. (Did we mention it’s a safe and fun way to get some aggression out?) Let the burrito wars begin.

So, your tween keeps begging you for a puppy, but it’s just not in the cards. (After all, who’s going to pick up the dog’s poo?) This stuffed animal from Build-a-Bear is the next best thing. While it might not bark or wag its tail like a real dog would, it’ll still help reduce anxiety and stress with a simple cuddle. And, they’ll get to name their new pup, too.

Movie night from bed, anyone? That’s just what you get with this portable Kodak projector that boasts a clear, crisp image and 4K resolution. “We bought this for our grandson for his 13th birthday,” says one Amazon reviewer. “He wanted to have a 'home theater' in his bedroom, so [we] came up with this as a solution, and oh did he get excited! He hooked up his Xbox to it and immediately started playing. He later used it on his computer with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and is having an absolute blast! My son and daughter-in-law want to also use it for movie night next.” From movies to gaming to presentations and pictures, there’s very little you can’t project with this. Oh, and did we mention it comes with an HDMI cord and micro USB cables?

Your tween might be experiencing their first bouts of hormonal acne and, with it, all the emotions that seem to come as a package deal. These Starface pimple patches are a cute and fun way to make acne woes feel more lighthearted and boost your kiddos confidence. The colorful stars are equipped with powerful hydrocolloid medicine that works to absorb the gunk from pores and reduce inflammation. And with 96 stickers in one pack, they can even share it with their friends at the next sleepover.

Save your kid from freezing their butt off or getting soaked the next time they have a field trip. They won’t mind wearing this super sleek jacket from Athleta, which has an excellent UV protection (40+), secure pockets and a protective hood. Comfortable and quick drying, it’s made from a breathable blend of recycled polyester and spandex, plus it’s super lightweight so your tween can’t complain about having to carry around a bulky lump.

If your tween asks you questions like, “Which major league soccer team does David Beckham own?” and “Who was the 2012 MLB World Series champions?” practically everyday, then this book is the perfect gift to school them at their own game. The sports trivia paperback book features 226 pages full of an array of superfluous facts, fun tidbits and backstories your sports-obsessed fanatic will devour. It covers 12 popular sports categories, from baseball to football, plus there’s a bonus section with 50 multiple-choice questions and answers. “This book has so many good categories for trivia to interest almost everyone,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “Baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, boxing, golf, tennis, olympics, bowling, horse racing and auto racing. The questions are all multiple choice and the answers are at the bottom of each page with a short explanation to each of them. [It’s] excellent for family game night, trivia night, or just sitting around a campfire and having some fun. My family sat around the kitchen table having a contest on who could get the most questions correct. I would recommend this book to get your brain active!”

If your tween is interested in the way gadgets and gizmos start from a pile of buttons, plastic, circuit boards, screens, wires and magnets to becoming a full-on working game console, then you just might have a future engineer on your hands. Good news, with projects like this Create Your Own Video Game Set from Uncommon Goods, they’ll develop a better understanding of what goes into the mechanics of constructing a handheld video game console. The beginner-friendly kit will introduce them to coding and programming languages like JavaScript and Python, and the purchase comes with everything your child’s going to need to get started, including: Xtron Pro, silicon case, cable tie, USB type-C cable, Sprite design card, stickers and a quick start guide. Best of all? It can convert it into their own smartwatch, too.

Got a competitive tween on your hands? They’re going to go crazy for this Spikeball set, which is meant to be played outside in the yard, lawn or sand. In a nutshell, the rules are strikingly similar to volleyball, and you’ll need at least four people to play. “I purchased this as a ‘family gift’ and it was a huge hit! My 12-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter both loved it, as did my husband and I,” says one Amazon reviewer. “It was easy to teach beginners the basic rules so they could join in. We played variations of games, 2v2 and 3v3, and one afternoon the neighbor kids (ages seven, eight and nine) even played. Game is portable [and] easy to understand but surprisingly hard to master.” Prepare to break a sweat.

Gen Z has made friends with press-on nails, and the new iterations come in subtle colorways and shorter lengths that are cool without being extra. This kit will help the tween with nervous hands get a jump on nail grooming with nine included tools such as a cuticle pusher, nail clipper, file, buffer, strengthener and set of short, mani press-ons. Most of the Olive and June press-ons come with 42 nails per package and 21 sizes that can be filed and shaped to your kid’s liking. Oh, and it includes a removal kit too for when it’s time to switch ‘em out. So, which style do you think your tween will like more…the cheetah French almonds or the star clusters in the squoval shape?

They may have their handy dandy smartphone to snap all the selfies and pictures they desire, but there’s something so special and exciting about getting an instant photo. The Fujifilm Instax pack features an automatic exposure that’s designed to capture the perfect shot whether it’s nighttime or daytime, and it comes in four dreamy pastel colors like this mint option. According to one satisfied customer, the “camera has a nice focus to it [and] all the images come out vibrant and crisp. [I] would definitely gift it to a teenager or young adult into photography.” While you will have to purchase the film separately, this purchase does include the two AA batteries needed to operate and strap for easy travel. And did you know that there’s even a selfie mode with a selfie mirror built into the camera? Now that’s what we call getting the shot.

Whip this out the next time the boys come over after school and they’ll be occupied for hours practicing their aim on this inflatable target set by NERF. It has an opening at the base which can be filled with water or sand to make the target pop back upright once it’s been knocked over by a strong shot or throw from your aspiring quarterback. “You can blow it up in less than two minutes with a good pair of lungs,” says one Amazon reviewer. “You can also buy any size nerf ball to make it easier…it's even fun for an adult to play with the kids.” He’ll especially love to find out that it’s compatible with all NERF blasters like the Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-8 blaster and the DinoSquad Raptor-Slash dart blaster, to name a few.

Pottery Barn Teen has some of the coolest luxe selects on the market. Case in point? This fuzzy bean bag chair that your child will love to lounge in after school while they complete their homework or when they’re playing video games. It comes with a plush insert (or you can choose to buy the cover only) that’s filled with 50% recycled polystyrene beads. But it’s the luxuriously soft sherpa slipcover that makes this a best seller. You can expect it to feel exactly like it looks—extremely soft and genuinely relaxing. And—get this—the cover is removable and machine wash- and tumble dry-friendly. Ahh, the joys of stain remover.

Buyers can't stop talking about how buttery smooth this mask makes their lips feel. And the results last all day, so they can make it through school feeling good about their pout. PureWow Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz attests, “While I no longer trudge to school every morning, I do still suffer from chronically dry lips—especially during the bitterly dry winter months—and the Laneige lip mask is a godsend. I slather it on every night before bed, making sure to coat my lips with a nice glob (although a little goes a long way, too) and it’s prevented my lips from quite literally peeling off. Plus, the small tub has lasted me months on end. Seriously, I can’t tell you the last time I ran out.”

Perfect for the junior electrical engineer, this easy-to-assemble lamp teaches them all about the principles of tension and tensegrity as they build a lantern that floats in mid-air. It comes with all the equipment they’ll need to construct their lantern, such as the individual lantern pieces, a stand base, sticky foam sheets, cords, rubber rings, cord spacers, an LED strip and an illustrated illustration booklet that they can use to follow along step-by-step. One reviewer found it to be both an entertaining and fun way to preoccupy her daughter, saying, “The Levitating Lantern might be our favorite crate yet. It’s functional and magical at the same time! My daughter needed some help taping the wires down (she broke one of the connectors the first time we tried) because it’s a delicate and tight area. But other than that, it was a simple build. She loved having the choice of color for the light.”

OK, picture day is right around the corner. Enter: The Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0. That’s right, the OG brush—beloved by PureWow’s Editor-in-Chief—got a few upgrades this time around. It’s lighter, slimmer and narrower in design, so buyers are in agreement that it feels less like a workout to blow out their hair. One reviewer explains, "My arms don't feel like they will fall off when I'm done. The 2.0 also seems to glide through my hair easier." The new brush boasts three times the ceramic titanium tourmaline technology, which will help protect your hair from heat damage and minimize the frizz. Looks like a smooth, silky blowout is in the cards for picture day after all. (Just don’t forget the heat protectant!)

These stunning hoops are made of gold-plated brass that has a good resistance to tarnishing if cared for properly—i.e., she may want to take them off before cannonballing into the pool—and a comfortable post-back closure. They’re also hypoallergenic, so they shouldn’t cause any irritation or allergic reaction to those with a nickel allergy or sensitivity to jewelry. It’s available in two additional sizes (37- and 46-millimeters), but we like the petite size of this 23-millimeter set for an everyday wear that she can reach for again and again. If she’s a fan of delicate fine jewelry, this keepsake pair of earrings is going to get you a gasp of appreciation.

Prepare to become the favorite aunt with this sound-activated light blocks kit from Uncommon Goods that’s compatible with standard Lego blocks. “My nephew loved these,” raves one reviewer. “He is [obsessed with] ALL things Lego! These were great because he can build whatever he wants, then use it as a nightlight! I bought the bigger set so he would have more to build with.” This interactive kit gives your tween full creative and imaginative range to build amazing geometric sculptures like a skyscraper or robot, and they’ll lose it once they figure out that it 1) lights up and 2) is sound activated.

If your tween is running out of space in their piggy bank, feel free to have a proud mom moment and scoop up this funky pebbled leather Coach wallet for them. Perfectly sized to fit cash, spare change and their lunch pass, it'll keep their stuff safe behind a turnlock. We bet they'll love the wallet's adjustable crossbody strap that, one, allows them to show it off when they're cruising the mall, and, two, ensures that it won't fall out of their pocket. Wanna let them in on something *extra* cool? This wallet is made from at least 50 percent recycled leather, so you can show them how stylish saving the planet can be.

From salty snacks to soccer practice, trying to keep your tween hydrated is no joke, especially when they could care less. The Stanley Quencher tumbler just might be able to help you out with that. This stainless steel and dishwasher-friendly bottle is travel-friendly—so it can be lugged to and from school and practice—and holds up to 40 fluid ounces of their favorite beverage. And that drink will stay iced for up to two days or hot for up to seven hours, thanks to that double-walled vacuum insulation. It can even fit in most cars’ cupholders since it’s made with a wide shape up top and narrow base at the bottom of the cup. If Olivia Rodrigo and TikTok say it’s cool (and the 30.6 million searches certainly says something), then you can bet your tween will think so, too.

This upgrade to a basic skateboard features a pivoting deck and 360-degree inclined casters, meaning that just by shifting their weight, riders can speed up or slow down. At only eight pounds, this is a wheeled challenge tweens will love taking on. There’s a bit of a learning curve with this one, but once they get the hang of the swivel acceleration, there’s no stopping them. “I still think about my Ripstik fondly far too many times than I should probably admit to,” confesses PureWow Editor Meraz. “It was the board I’d pull out every day after school and ride back and forth down our quiet street. It was a little scary at first to learn the mechanics of it all (i.e., how to accelerate, stop or turn), but with a bunch of practice and helpful hands—literally, hands—from everyone in my family, I eventually got the hang of it and was gliding in no time.”

It’s said that history is told from the perspective of the winning side, and this young people’s version of Howard Zinn’s adult-focused work tells history using the voices of workers, enslaved people, immigrants, women, Native Americans and more. The book is 464 pages in length and suitable for grade level 6 to 9 (or ages 10 to 15), though we suggest you break this up into parts as not to overwhelm them with more social studies readings outside of the classroom. It might become an educational activity for the both of you to look forward to, as it did with one reviewer. “I read [my son] passages from this book, and then we have a little discussion about the content, where I provide additional context to the period in question, answer his questions and ask some of my own concerning his thoughts on the topic. In short, I think he is getting quite a lot of value out of the book, and I hope it impresses upon him the same passion for history that I had as a child.”

Whether they’re a diehard skateboarder or just want to look cool, these comfy, classic water-resistant slip-ons will be appreciated. The popular California brand specializes in providing some of the most iconic and classic skate sneakers, designed for movement and wear. According to the brand, riders are “drawn to the sticky soles, durable construction and laid-back vibe.” And we find that the thick rubber sole has a nice bounce to it and provides a flexible cushion for the bottom of your foot making them a comfortable sneaker choice for everyday use.. However, one mom writes that you don’t have to be a skater to wear them—her daughter wears them every day and finds them to be comfortable, easy to slip on and off and fashionable for school.

A liquid bronzer with a vegan and cruelty-free formula that also doubles as skincare? No wonder this racked in over 300 million views on TikTok. The hype is *so* big around these Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi drops, that it caused a flurry of demand, and the product flew off the shelves. Good news: It’s back in stock and just as good as ever. “The vegan formula includes cocoa extract, which features antioxidants that brightens the complexion and reduces redness,” says PureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario. “You'll also find platinum peptides and chronocyclin (which is similar to vitamin D) that helps soothe, smooth and hydrate your skin.”

If there’s one thing we trust your pop-obsessed tween to want more than anything in the world right now, it’s the new and limited-edition GUTS vinyl by Olivia Rodrigo. Back when the album released in early September, fans of Rodrigo jumped at the opportunity to get their hands on this colorful vinyl. Some even took to TikTok to record their genuine reactions to her new songs, which include “get him back!,” “ballad of a homeschooled girl” and “bad idea right?” But as TikToker @daylightgab quickly noticed, the catchy, new songs were overshadowed by the deluxe track hidden at the end of the vinyl. Parents, your tween will definitely want to hear it.

Your kiddo won’t want to take off these cute Old Navy leggings, which are made with a high performance four-way stretch, buttery soft lightweight fabric that’s meant to feel like a second skin. They’re available in iridescent tie dye designs, solid hues and fun patterns. They’re designed to feel extremely comfortable and durable, but don’t just take our word for it. One Old Navy reviewer says, “My daughter thinks these leggings are the most comfortable thing. One thing I really like about them is that they are durable. Leggings often get holes in the knees especially during gym class if she falls on the gym floor, but these have yet to do that, and she has had several pairs this past year.” Oh, and did we mention that these are moisture-wicking, too? Yeah, that’ll come in handy at recess.

This 1,073-piece Lego sculpture is rated for ten and up, so it’s not going to be impossible to put together. In fact, many reviewers rave about the easy assembly and sturdiness of the finished product. But don’t let that fool you; your tween can spend hours taking their time on the build, so you’ll still have the chance to reclaim some me-time after all. “This was a gift for my grandson's 10th birthday,” explains an Amazon reviewer. “He and his brother are whizzes when it comes to putting together complex Lego projects partly because Lego instructions are so detailed and clear. He was able to construct ‘The Child’ over a few days with no adult help.” And once it’s assembled, the mouth and ears can be adjusted to their liking.

Chances are, your kid already has these platform UGGS marked down on their wish list because it’s all anyone (1.5 million people, to be specific) can think about on TikTok. They boast the same treasured qualities as the originals but with an extra two-inch platform bottom. Whether your tween chooses to style them with sweats or under straight leg denim jeans, the ultra-minis make it so easy to style since it doesn’t have the added bit up top that can make your pants bulk out. “These are the most comfortable footwear that I have ever had on my feet,” raves one buyer. “I used to think regular UGGs were the greatest, [now] multiply that feeling by a hundred and you have these.”

Take it from TikTok, you’re going to want to play this at the next family fun night. This video, posted by @tiktokboardgames, gathered a ton of attention from viewers—3.8 million views, to be exact—showcasing the card game adaptation of what originally started off as a public campaign to promote safety on Australian Metro Trains, says Digiday. Of course, that catchy jingle went viral and has since been used for video games, TikTok voice overs and now card games. The premise of the game is simple: stay alive and kill off your opponents’ beans. Think: a modern-day Uno with accident, death and psycho killer cards hidden in the deck. Stay safe, kids.

Whether they’re into makeup tutorials, fitness demos or just the latest TikTok dance, the tween in your life will find a use for this adjustable ring light that has nearly 50,000 five-star reviews on Amazon when they’re making videos or joining a Zoom study session. It has a high sensitivity touch panel with three color modes (cool white, warm yellow and daylight) and ten—yes, ten—brightness levels. It’s USB-powered, so you can forget about replacing any batteries, and there’s a phone holder in the center that’s compatible with most smartphones. What’s more, this comes with a pocket-sized remote control that uses Bluetooth to snap selfies and group photos in an instant without needing to connect via an app. Don't forget to apply the coupon to get $6 off.

School is in session, so you know what that means…lots and lots of slumber parties. What better way to send your tween off than with a brand-new NASA PJ set for the space fanatic? This two-piece pajama set comes with a white, long sleeve T-shirt and navy pants that have an elastic waistband. They’re made with a breathable and comfortable cotton fabric, which will keep them warm at night and feel cool against the skin—and if you ask us, that’s definitely something you want to feel when you hit the hay. Not to mention, the spaceship motif is pretty cool, too. Per the brand, it runs small, so we suggest you refer to Zara’s measurement chart to find out which size will fit your tween best.

This cunning read is a part of a four-book series called, The Tween Witches’ Guides, and it unlocks all the secrets of the starts astrology has to offer. They’ll get to explore all the juicy and fun details, from zodiac signs to powers of the planets to astrological houses. It’s ideal for readers aged 10 and up who are curious to read about how the stars influence things in their everyday life, like their latest grade on their math test or the big food fight that broke out in the cafeteria last week. Your tween will certainly get a kick out of this entertaining guide full of colorful, graphic illustrations. And remember, they’ll have three additional books in the series (on crystals, palm reading and spells) to look forward to once they’ve finished reading up on astrology.

Someone’s going to have to explain the Metaverse to you, and it might as well be the kid who is 11 years old now. This hands-free headset lets the user just slip it on and set up with the smartphone app right out of the box. It’s a totally immersive 3D experience that places you directly into the virtual reality world, plus it’s completely wireless, has a built-in battery and doesn’t require a PC or console. The advanced hand tracking and haptic feedback makes your virtual reality feel unbelievably real. Your tween is about to be entertained for hours travelling universes, taking VR tours of the Eiffel Tower or getting the bejeezus scared out of them in a horror adventure.

A digital tuner, a strap and everything your little warbling giftee needs to become uke adept is in this bundle featuring a 21-nch soprano ukulele, picks and more. The musical gift comes with free online profession video lessons for beginners, and there’s an added digital clip-on tuner that’ll help your little entertainer hit all the notes. “I have to say how impressed I am with the sound of the Donner—it is rich and warm,” says an Amazon reviewer who gifted it to her granddaughter. “It is versatile in that it includes guitar and other instruments. It gives sharps and flats indications, and the screen turn green when you're in tune. Overall and for the money spent, this is nearly a perfect way to start playing ukulele.” Check off the Amazon coupon box for an additional $6 off.

Any young athletic person will appreciate how pressure-point manipulation can help loosen strained or tensed muscles. This set comes with a coconut fiber and linen acupressure mat and memory foam and linen acupressure pillow that have tiny little spiked discs to really get the neck, shoulders, lumbar, back or other regions going every day or weekly for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. There’s even a how-to guide with the purchase that’ll help explain the traditional principles of acupressure and how to properly use the set to get the most relief and relaxation.

He'll want to host hangouts in his room with this 28- or 33-inch-wide, best-selling faux leather lounger chair that’s a little more structured than yesterday’s free-form blob. The durable saddle-style upholstery cover is spot cleanable and tough enough to stand up to all his ruffian friends. The arm rests and backrests offer soothing support that’ll feel nice to sink into after a long day at school. Pottery Barn Teen used a new construction on this model which keeps the filling in place, so there won’t be any lumps, bumps and wonky holes down the road on your watch.

The editor-approved and tested SolaWave skincare wand recently got a major upgrade. This warming wand uses twice the red-light therapy compared to the original version to help kill off acne-causing bacteria and calm redness which seems to run rampant for tweens. “I have been struggling with acne and discoloration form PCOS among other things, and this has been the only thing that has helped,” says one reviewer. “For the first time in my life, I’ve been getting compliments on my skin!” In as little as ten minutes post-cleansing, a few swipes of this vibrating Galvanic current wand will really bring out your giftee’s healthy glow.

With so much information bombardment, social pressure and school responsibility, it can be helpful for them to let off a bit of steam by squishing a squeeze ball in their hand, setting a liquid motion timer or playing with a flippy chain. All those toys and more are in this cornucopia, which features extremely good stress relievers, especially for those who may struggle with anxiety, attention span or quieting an overwhelmed brain. “I keep some of the smaller ones in my car for when I go out with friends and start feeling overwhelmed. They fit in my pocket perfectly so I can have them when need be. I definitely recommend these to help decompress or to calm your nerves,” says one Amazon reviewer.

Thermoplastic clogs with a strap that can be flipped back or hinged forward to make a slip-on shoe…convenience, thy name is Crocs. It’s no wonder they’re an Amazon number one best seller with a cult-like following. Don’t believe us? These rubber shoes garnered over 139,000 five-star reviews from Amazon customers alone, who collectively rave that they have a comfy sole, are easy to slip on and feature a wide toe box that can help prevent your kiddo from developing blisters or more serious foot issues later down the line. Plus, they have a myriad of colorways to choose from, like a banana yellow, lime green, orange sorbet, ballerina pink and much more. Now put ‘em in sport mode and lock that strap down because it’s go time.

Soft faux suede texture covers this oversized pillow that can help the student (or Netflix binger) not get a sore neck or back when they’re logging in the hours. It is filled with 100 percent polyester that’s supposedly incredibly supportive and comforting according to one reviewer who received the pillow as a gift. So while it won’t necessarily get them up and out of their bed rotting activities, it will provide an extra layer of support that’ll stretch all the way up to the head (thanks to that extra tall back design) as they do it.

She will shriek when she gets a load of this excessive in-the-best-way silk scrunchie set. This pack of five scrunchies comes in an assortment of neutral and pink hues. The uber-popular hair ties are made from 100-percent mulberry pure silk that won’t tug, damage or tear your hair like traditional hair ties tend to do. In fact, these won many accessory and beauty awards across various publications such as Women’s Health, Marie Claire and Allure, to name a few. Fancy awards aside, she’ll just appreciate that it won’t leave any lumps and ridges in her hair when she takes out her ponytail.

If you’re looking to reward your superstar student with something that you know they’ll appreciate and use daily, look no further than the Apple AirPods Max. They’re the new, reimagined over-ear headphones designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and optional noise-cancelling capabilities. The battery life can vary by use, but there is typically around 20 hours of listening on this sleek gadget. One of the really cool features with the Apple product is that it uses spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, which basically means that it’ll sound like there’s a surround-sound movie theater experience happening around them. And these headphones won’t leave them with sore, achy ears either because of the soft knit-mesh canopy and squishy memory foam ear cushions.

If he’s the type of guy who sees no problem wearing a t-shirt to a wedding, ease him out of his comfort zone with this loose-fitted blue plaid number made by L.L.Bean. He’ll enjoy the soft feel of the cotton fabric so much, and the long sleeves will be a godsend for the times he refuses to wear a jacket when the colder months approach. Plus, he can layer it over his favorite T-shirt and leave it unbuttoned when it’s warm out.

Thanks to KiwiCo, the science lab can now come home with your tween. This kit lets them craft two kinds of soap that looks like quartz in a science experiment and only requires the included molds and a microwave. They’ll get the chance to play with colors, learn about mineral science and experiment with mesmerizing chemical reactions. Then, when they're done, they've got something to inspire them to keep clean.

You’ll want to start nagging them early about always wearing SPF, and this mineral sunscreen goes on practically invisible, so no one will think they are wearing anything on their face. In fact, Dr. Alexis Stephens, a board-certified dermatologist and founder at Parkland Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery based in Florida, completed a review to determine if the mineral formula—which typically has a white tint to it due to zinc—leaves a white cast on darker complexions. Spoiler: it doesn’t. And if they give you some pushback about slathering on sunscreen, just remind them that 139.6 million TikTokers love it. Bonus: The formula protects against blue light, too.

Calling all little chefs! With the Raddish subscription box, your little helper will quickly become a chef equipped with all the cooking and baking skills needed to whip up a healthy meal they’re proud of. Join one of three specialized cooking clubs (cooking, baking or global), and Raddish will send a cooking kit and digital recipes every month. Think: handmade sushi, Swedish meatballs, three cheese raviolis and more mouth-watering meals the whole family can enjoy. The only caveat? You’ll have to supply the ingredients, but they will provide a complete grocery list to use at the store.

“I recently got the Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game for my son, and it's been a huge hit,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “He's been playing it for hours and really enjoying the challenge. It's educational and inspires creativity, making it a great choice for kids” who like puzzles, challenging activities and smart games. In short, Gravity Maze is a marble run, logic game and STEM toy with 60 challenges that are designed to help develop critical thinking skills, planning skills, logical reasoning and spatial reasoning. It comes with an instruction manual, a game grid, nine towers, one target piece and three marbles.

Ask any tween: Robes are so grandma and grandpa. So, gift an oversized hoodie that they can toss over their PJs for body confidence, no matter what is going on growth-spurt-wise. It’ll feel like they’re wrapped in their favorite fuzzy, comfy blanket all the time. And they’ll get a kick out of the giant pocket with top and side openings at the front that’s big enough to hold their book, snacks and even the cat (yes, really) all while keeping their hands nice and toasty. It's one-size-fits-all, so you can be sure it's loose enough to be comfortable. Forget “You had me at hello,” because this had us at sherpa lining.