The 50 Best Gifts for Preteens of 2024

4M Kitchen Science Kit

$13 At Amazon $13 At Walmart View On Misterart.com

Give your little scientist a good reason to play around in the kitchen. This kit allows you to convert your cooking space into a lab where they can complete six unique experiments. Watch along as they create a working volcano, generate electricity with a lemon, launch a vinegar-powered rocket, and more. With easy-to-use instructions and tons of fun included, they’ll be ready to explore the full range of other 4M science kits.

Jack Dire Studios Red Flags: The Game of Terrible Dates

$25 At Amazon $25 At Walmart $25 At barnesandnoble.com

Next time your tween has friends over, they can spend hours of fun playing this hilarious card game. One player acts as the judge of the round and selects a white "date" card, which lists a fun, romantic date, like seeing your favorite movie or strolling around the park. The catch? The other players' objective is to ruin this date with the worst "red flag" card in their possession—for example, if your date talks only with puppets.

SEI Tumble Dye Classic Tie Dye Kit

$19 At Amazon $19 At Walmart $17 At JOANN

Finding the perfect craft to keep your tween's attention can be a difficult task, but tie-dye kits have proven to be great fun for people of all ages. This kit from SEI comes with eight ready-to-use paints in vibrant colors that can dye up to 20 shirts. Think outside the box and transform sweatpants, socks, bed sheets, and anything else white you can find.

Scrib3d P1 3D Printing Pen

$30 At Amazon $30 At Walmart

This pen is fun for both kids and adults, so it's the right fit for your in-between preteen. Draw, doodle, and make 3D creations with this printing pen—the possibilities are limitless. The pen simply plugs in, heats up, and is ready for use. The kit comes with some stencils to get you started and 3 different colors to play with.

Owala Water Bottle

$33 At Amazon $36 At Walmart $36 At Walmart

The latest and greatest water bottles change with the tides, from Hydroflasks to Stanley tumblers to now, the Owala water bottle. This bottle has been circulating on TikTok for a few months, and now is the perfect time to gift it to your tween. They'll love all the fun color options, choosing one to fit their personality just right, and the water bottle's cute, minimalistic design.

Etsy Custom Neon Sign

$80 At Etsy

Add some flair to your tween's bedroom with a custom neon sign. Choose from 12 colors, three styles, and 36 fonts to perfectly match your pre-teen's tastes and bedroom decor. Opt for a sweet saying, their favorite song lyrics, or their name or initials to shine bright when the lights are off. These signs are completely customizable, but won't break the bank and double as a modern night light.

Le Puzz Kindness Is Contagious Puzzle

View On Lepuzz.com

A quirky puzzle like this option from Le Puzz is perfect for a hard-to-please tween. We know that preteens can certainly afford to cut down their screen time, and a puzzle is a super option. Let them pass the time with family and friends putting together this unique design filled with words of kindness.

Sugarwish

View On Sugarwish.com

A sweet treat is always a great gift option for a preteen and sending it through a company like Sugarwish ensures that you can still celebrate a special day when you can't be there physically. Sugarwish lets you select two to six candies, cookies, snacks, popcorn, and more for your recipient. Let your tween choose their picks themselves or gift a mystery surprise box full of delicious delicacies.

Beaded Blondes Custom Letter Bracelet in Gold

View On Beadedblondes.com

Here's betting your tween is obsessed with all things Taylor Swift, making this customizable friendship bracelet the perfect gift for them. You can send in the exact measurement of your wrist plus your desired, custom saying, and the team at Beaded Blondes will create the perfect bracelet.

Mactrem LED Ring Light with Tripod Stand

$14 At Amazon

If your preteen has piqued interest in filming videos and social media, get them the perfect gift with this tripod and ring light set. They can now film all of their "get ready with me," videos in the perfect lighting, as the ring adjusts to several cool and warm settings.

Raddish Kids Cooking Club

View On Raddishkids.com

If your child has a love of cooking, learning about other cultures, or all of the above, then this cooking kit is a must. Each box includes illustrated and informative recipe guides, a kitchen tool, a monthly collectible, a grocery list, helpful cooking tips, and access to Raddish+, a digital library with more recipes, tricks, and more.

Snaptain Mini Drone

$26 At Walmart $30 At B&H Photo Video

Likely, your tween is tech-obsessed and wants all of the latest and greatest gadgets. Drones have been an ever-popular tech gift over the past few years, and we love this affordable, kid-friendly option from Walmart. Take-off is simple with the press of a button, and you can go hands-free while operating as the drone zooms overhead.

Williams Sonoma DIY Fortune Cookie Kit

View On Williams-Sonoma

Whether your preteen loves trying new recipes or would rather order take-out, a simple cooking DIY kit is a great way to spend time with your tween or a perfect activity for a birthday party or special event. This kit has everything you need to make up to 40 fortune cookies. There are 60 pre-written fortunes included, along with 11 blank ones and an edible marker to use your creativity and fill in your own. For an affordable price, a kit like this guarantees hours of fun and results in delicious cookies.

Personal Chiller LED Lighted Mini Fridge

$30 At Walmart $50 At buydig.com

What's cooler for a tween than having a mini fridge? Whether they're interested in storing all of their favorite drinks or cooling down their skincare for a flawless base, this six-can beverage cooler does it all. Compact and lightweight, this gift is perfect for small spaces.

Kodak Printomatic Instant Print Camera

$60 At Amazon $60 At Walmart $60 At Target

Ditch the iPhone camera and gift your budding photographer an instant print digital camera. What makes the Kodak camera unique is the ability to easily print photos straight from the camera (no printer required!). The sticky-back paper will make hanging their photos in their locker or on their bedroom wall a cinch.

Apple AirPods Max

$519 At Amazon $519 At Walmart $519 At Walmart

If you're looking for a big gift to wow your preteen, they're sure to love the newest AirPod addition to Apple, the AirPods Max. They come in a slew of colors, make listening to their favorite playlist or podcast a breeze, and are cord-free for workouts and walks.

Govee Smart LED Strip Lights

$20 At Amazon

Your preteen will be so excited to customize their room with these strip lights. Chances are, they spotted them on TikTok, so now is the perfect time to give them as a gift. This light pack comes in a multitude of lengths and sizes, so you can pick the ideal size for your preteen's room, though they can be cut and adjusted as needed. The colors are completely customizable via an app and can be instantly changed to switch up the mood. Go from an energizing orange to a cool, deep blue in seconds.

Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie

$26 At Amazon $30 At Walmart

We used to call them Snuggies, but now, the blanket hoodie comes in all kinds of cuts and colors to please any tween. Perfect for snuggling up on the couch for a family movie night or throwing on after the shower instead of a robe, the wearable blanket comes with a hood and two pockets for holding essentials like snacks or the TV remote.

WYSBAOSHU Kid's Slides

$24 At Amazon

Your preteen likely spotted these comfy, nonslip slides on TikTok, so now is a perfect time to get them a pair of their own. Go for a neutral shade so they match everything, or try a fun pop of color.

Saiji Gooseneck Bed Phone Holder

$18 At Amazon

For an affordable gift option that your preteen is guaranteed to get lots of use out of, look to this phone stand that attaches to their bed. The flexible material makes it easy to adjust where their precious smartphone will lay as they obsess over their favorite shows. However, it may be difficult to pull them away from the screen at bedtime.

Brass Monkey Velvet Zodiac Coloring Set

$18 At Amazon View On Brassmonkeygoods.com View On Galison.com

The Kansas City-based company Brass Monkey has made the perfect gift for the zodiac/astrology-obsessed teen. The This Is a Sign coloring set comes with 12 velvet cards, one for each sign of the zodiac. And for a taste of humor, each sign has its own funny quip at the bottom of the page. Gemini: "They used to think they were indecisive, but they're not so sure about it."

YLL Kids Karaoke Machine, Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Microphone

$29 At Amazon

If your preteen is a budding superstar, this portable karaoke machine gives her the option to perform almost anywhere. It comes with a wireless microphone so they can really get into the groove, and the rechargeable battery holds for up to 10 hours. It also includes four different voice settings and LED lights that flash to the beat of the music.

ZIUMIER Z20 White Gaming Headset

$30 At Amazon $39 At newegg.com View On Ziumier.com

Gaming headsets can often cost a pretty penny, which is why we can't help but recommend this affordable option from Amazon with tons of high ratings. It's compatible with a few different gaming systems, like the PS4, PS5, and Xbox, and includes a noise-canceling microphone perfect for playing virtually with friends.

Victrola Vintage Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player

$45 At Amazon $79 At Wayfair $56 At Home Depot

Records are cool again, right? While most record players could set you back hundreds of dollars, this affordable Amazon option is the optimal way to let your tween in on the trend. It even has Bluetooth connectivity to act as a speaker, too.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

$17 At Amazon $18 At Walmart $16 At barnesandnoble.com

Chances are, your preteen made it to the movies to check out the latest installment of the Hunger Games. Let them indulge in the world of District 12 by gifting them a written copy of the story.

Hatch Sound Machine

$130 At Amazon View On Hatch.co

Late for school, no more. This alarm clock, noise machine, and sunrise lamp all-in-one from Hatch is a fan-favorite we tested. It's all controlled via an app, so your tween can set up their wake-up and nighttime routines and personalize them as they like. This is one gift that they're sure to use every day—and makes waking up for early middle or high school mornings much easier to tackle.

SolidRoots Store Game of Phones

$15 At Amazon $12 At Uncommon Goods

Not only will your preteen enjoy this gift, but it can be enjoyed with the whole family. This Game of Phones party game turns your phone into a digital sidekick for a hilarious scavenger hunt as three or more players conjure the funniest answers to game prompts.

pindaloo Skill Game

$32 At Amazon $29 At Walmart View On Pindaloo.com

Pindaloo is as fun to play as it is to say! This popular game helps develop kids' hand-eye coordination—and helps to get them out of the house, most importantly. The goal of the game is to get the ball from one end of the cylinder to the other, and can even be turned into a competition with friends and family.

Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game

$40 At Amazon $40 At Walmart $40 At Target

At an age where their energy is at an all-time high, this is one activity that’ll keep up with their pace. KanJam has all the elements of a good time and makes a great toy for a tween. The goal of this fast-paced two-on-two flying disc sport is to get the disc in your opponent's can, hence the name KanJam. The lawn game comes complete with everything for hours of fun—two portable goals, two labels, custom-designed discs, and instructions, making it the perfect entertaining idea for the backyard to the beach.

LEGO Flower Bouquet Building Kit

$48 At Amazon $60 At Walmart $48 At Target

These went viral on TikTok for good reason this year. Give a gift to your teen that they definitely won't throw away with these Lego flowers. They're customizable, and beautiful, and make for a nice, screen-free activity that lasts for a few hours.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

$38 At Lululemon

For the tween who loves to hike or likes being hand-free when running errands or vacationing, a stylish belt bag is the perfect solution. This one from Lululemon is understated and can be worn around one shoulder or your waist for two different looks. The material is designed for active wearers and is made of water-repellant fabric built to last. There are 11 colors available so boys and girls alike can find their perfect match.

Squishmallow 8" Plush Mystery Pack

$23 At Amazon $39 At Walmart

Any age recipient will love receiving a Squishmallow, which is arguably one of the hottest toys of the year—making this a great gift to please a preteen. This mystery park is perfect if they are already an avid Squishmallow collector, as the contents will remain a surprise.

ALEX Toys Spa Hair Chalk Salon

$13 At Amazon $21 At Walmart

Let your tween express their creativity in the most colorful way! The ALEX Toys Hair Chalk is sure to make their tresses as vivid as their imaginations. The set includes five washable hair chalk pens, 24 metallic beads, and 24 hair elastics for a full range of fun that allows them to experiment with several colors on any hair type. During testing, we found the chalk pens are precise and easy to use with minimal mess. A comb helps distribute the product, but this can also remove some of the colors in the process. The chalk works best on light-colored hair when applied with high pressure. Note that kids with brown or black hair may not get the same results.

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Building Kit

$162 At Amazon $158 At Walmart

If your tween loves Harry Potter, this detailed Lego set is a must-buy. There are 878 pieces, which may seem intense at first, but LEGO always includes extremely detailed and easy-to-follow directions that will ensure success. It may take a few hours or even days to build, but that is all part of the fun. After it is complete, your tween will have a Hogwarts Great Hall Building to display in their room as a collectible for years to come.

Lulu Jr. Book Making Kit

$30 At Amazon

This award-winning book makes it easy for kids to write, illustrate, and publish their own 20-page book. The set includes templates, instructions, and a set of markers. Also included is a postage-paid envelope so that after the artist has crafted their masterpiece, it can be professionally printed and mailed back to them within a few weeks.

Big Joe Milano

$55 At Amazon $50 At Walmart $92 At Macy's

This affordable bean bag chair will elevate any space and provide the perfect place for your preteen to read, game, or simply relax. Unlike other picks, this bean bag chair has a structured seat and back for ultimate comfort. The fabric is easy to spot-clean, and bean refill bags are available for when your chair needs a pick-me-up.

Pottery Barn Teen Aurora Recycled Backpack

$70 At PBteen

A good backpack should be functional, and this one is also fashionable and eco-friendly. The Gear-Up Aurora backpack is made from 100 percent recycled polyester and features an intergalactic design. Also, there's no shortage of exterior and interior pockets, including a secure laptop sleeve. For a few extra bucks, personalize the backpack by adding their name or initials.

Ravensburger The Earth 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

$39 At Amazon

For the kid who’s probably done a million puzzles, this option is a little different and sure to keep them engaged. The puzzle has 540 pieces and when completed, it’s a 3D model of a globe. The pieces click securely together and there are numbers on the back if your kid needs a bit of help. Also, the rotating base is included, making this perfect to display.

Gemmy Inflatable Movie Screen

$160 At Amazon $199 At Home Depot $150 At Walmart

Though this is a gift for a tween, it's an item everyone in the family can enjoy. Gemmy's movie screen inflates in a matter of seconds and measures 11.5 x 12 feet. Family movie nights are sure to get an upgrade, thanks to this screen that would look great in the backyard while displaying your favorite flick.

Boogie Board Writing Tablet

$29 At Amazon $29 At Walmart View On Myboogieboard.com

For the tween who's not exactly ready for an expensive device or who needs help getting organized, opt for a writing tablet from Boogie Board. It's absolutely perfect for jotting down notes, a to-do list, or simply doodling. Everything can be erased with a swipe of the magnetic stylus or scan and save any important notes to the app.

Liene 4x6'' Photo Printer

$130 At Amazon

Whether your preteen has a smartphone or not, let her print and savor precious memories in the blink of an eye. The Liene Photo Printer prints 4 x 6-inch pictures instantly from your device using Bluetooth. It also operates on a WiFi hotspot, so you can print photos from anywhere. Tweens will love having high-quality pictures of family and friends to hang up in their room or paste into a scrapbook.

Amazing Items Personalized Water Bottle

$37 At Amazon

Keep your tween hydrated for school or sports practice with a personalized water bottle with a handy straw lid. Choose from nine colors and four sizes, then add in your preteen's name for a personalized touch. These would work perfectly as a birthday party goodie bag gift, or get a bunch for a sports team and customize the bottle with your child's team name.

Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker

$115 At Asos $115 At nike.com View On Snipesusa.com

A good pair of sneakers is a must-have for your tween's wardrobe and Nike's Air Force 1's are a bestseller for a reason. The unisex design is sleek and modern and pairs perfectly with any outfit. They are also extremely comfortable and transition effortlessly from school and casual errands to playing in the park or going to basketball practice.

Anomia Card Game: Party Edition

$26 At Amazon $26 At Walmart $33 At Macy's

Gift your preteen a high-energy card game perfect for family game nights or birthday parties. Anomia is designed for players ages 10 and up who will turn over cards from the two decks with 92 different category cards each until the symbol on both cards matches. This is a great option for your tween to throw in a backpack for a sleepover or vacation to play on the go.

BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

$25 At Amazon $48 At Walmart

There is no wrong age to belt out your favorite song. Elevate every party or sleepover with a karaoke microphone like this one, that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Without an entire karaoke machine, this choice makes it easy to bring the fun of karaoke anywhere without annoying cables or cords. Pick up a couple for your tween and their friends for hours of musical fun.

Magneto SUV Skateboard

$70 At Amazon View On Dick's

Prepare for warmer days with a stylish skateboard, perfect for the tween who loves skating or wants to pick up a new hobby. This option is perfect for beginners, but also suitable for those who have been skating for a few years. The medium concave of the deck helps riders maintain their balance and provides a more comfortable stance as your tween improves their skills.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

$75 At Amazon $70 At Walmart View On Dickblick.com

If your tween loves to create art or is looking for a stress-relieving pastime, a professional set of colored pencils is the perfect gift. Prismacolors are artist-grade pencils with several vibrant shades that are easy to blend and build. They can be expensive compared to other brands, but the quality definitely equates to a high price tag. For an affordable option, choose the 36-count or splurge on 150 bright colors.

Book of the Month Subscription

View On Bookofthemonth.com

If your tween is a voracious reader, they need a Book of the Month subscription. They will receive a new release right to their door every month. Your tween will have the choice between five books all from different genres so there is something for everyone. This is a relatively affordable subscription service that is customizable and perfect for gifting to any age.

USAopoly Blank Slate Game

$23 At Amazon $23 At Walmart $25 At Target

Test how well you know your fellow players with this addictive word game, Blank Slate. We love this game for its simple design that results in tons of fun. Pick a word cue card from the deck, for example, "cold." Players will take a moment to write the first word that comes to mind on their small whiteboard and reveal their answers to the group. If you think alike with another player, you both will get points.

Klutz Sew Mini Treats

$15 At Amazon $13 At Walmart $12 At Target

Klutz's Sew Mini Treats kit is the cutest gift to give any time of year. It comes with all the necessary tools and supplies to make 18 cute, smiling food items. The instructions are easy enough for beginners to stitch, and each felted treat has its own page of guidance, so there's no guesswork involved.