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Tween girls — those nestled in the perennially awkward ages between 9 and 12 years old — are mysterious creatures indeed. They’re not quite “children,” but they surely aren’t yet teenagers. They’re flexing their desire for independence — all while not yet knowing how to load a dishwasher or fold their own laundry. Their interests seem to change as often as their moods (read: several times daily). That is, of course, when they let you in on what their interests even are! All these contradictions can make it feel impossible to figure out good gifts for tween girls that won’t, well, elicit repeated eye-rolling and audible sighs of indignation.
On a bad day, this in-between phase (get it?) can be painfully confusing, and not just for parents but for tweens themselves. On a good day, though — and, believe it or not, there are some really good days — this short life stage represents the transition into a new world of discovery, growth, and transformation. This is an age when a lot of girls start trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in within their family, peer group, and even the world. Priorities shift, and their brains (and bodies) are constantly changing — it’s a trip.
With that in mind, it’s helpful to remember that this time in your child’s life doesn’t have to be so mysterious. In fact, it can be incredibly exciting and — quite possibly — downright enjoyable.
Ready to celebrate that fact? These gifts for tween girls can serve as IYKYK-level offerings that aren’t merely reserved for annual birthdays but are also perfect for recognizing milestones, big and small. Did they do something brave? Are you proud of their hard work in school? These gifts will let your tween girl know, “Hey you: We see you and we think you’re great.”
Back in my day *mumble mumble* years ago, a tween girl’s signature scent was an overly fruity, headache-inducing body from the mall. We can do better for your tween. This fragrance is sophisticated without being old lady-ish and so nice you won’t even when she gives herself a generous mist every day.
She’ll keep cozy with these ultra-comfortable slippers from Bombas. It’s the perfect slipper solution for those among us who wish socks were just a little bit warmer and more substantial.
We love Ulta’s in-house brand of products and we bet your tween will have fun experimenting with new looks with this expansive collection of lip oils, glosses, stains, and creams.
Is she always complaining she has nothing to wear? A Stitch Fix subscription is the perfect solution. Every month she’ll be sent between 5 and 10 styles (depending on whether she’s in kids or adult sizes). If she likes it she can keep it, if she doesn’t she can easily send it back.
Just like the shirt worn by Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, this is a must have for any dyed in the wool Swiftie… and there’s a very good chance your tween girl is one.
Apparently, the athleisure brand we’ve been ogling for years is having a moment with the youths! This hoodie has cachet with tween girls, and unlike a lot of young people trends, we get it: it’s super cute and comfy!
Whether she’s into skincare, hair care, make up, or fragrance, she’s going to find something she loves at Sephora. (There’s a good chance when she opens this, she’ll already have multiple things in mind.) It’s a doubly good gift for a tween girl, since it’s also the gift of shopping.
We love this sweet, simple dress, which is breezy and age-appropriate without being babyish, romantic without being too mature. Honestly, it’s giving Taylor Swift vibes and we’re here for it. We’re guessing your tween girl will be, too.
We have yet to find anyone who doesn’t appreciate a fun pair of socks. That little flash of color and pattern that peeks from your ankle from time to time? Whom among us doesn’t crack a smile? These socks come in a variety of styles in sets of 6 to 12.
Snacks are never a bad idea, and with this subscription box your tween girl will get to taste her way around the world. Every month she’ll receive an assortment of treats both savory and sweet from a different country.
Is your tween girl chock-full of pithy phrases? Give them an outlet for their witticisms with this classic felt letterboard, where they can craft an inspiring message, joke, quote, or announcement that needs to be shared.
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the board comes with 300 easy-to-place letters, characters, and shapes, so they’ll always be able to express themselves.
Is she even a tween girl if she’s not walking around all day with at least one AirPod in her ear at all times? The latest generation of Apple earbuds, these feature great sound quality, long battery life, and a sleek design.
This classic design from Nike is sure to be a hit with your tween girl, and is super customizable, so you (or she) can pick out all the materials and color combinations to best suit her style.
Ever since his parents were murdered when he was a baby, Nobody “Bod” Evans has been raised by the ghosts and ghouls of the local graveyard. But as he grows older, the land of the living seems to be calling to him. As he ventures more and more beyond the gates of the cemetery, he begins to learn more about his past.
We love bookish kids, especially those who take pride in their love of reading. This isn’t the right gift for every tween girl, but if it’s the right gift for your tween girl you probably already know it, and you know she’s going to love it.
Custom name necklaces are a time-honored accessory for the tween girl set — one that has been popularized throughout the years (hello, Carrie Bradshaw!) and remains a top jewelry trend. Made of sterling silver, this piece can be customized with three additional types of metal plating (gold, white gold, or rose gold) and 12 different fonts!
If they don’t want their name engraved, they could have any word of their choice made into a chic piece of jewelry instead.
Think Pictionary — well, kind of — with a healthy sprinkling of potty humor. Draw the ridiculous prompts on the card (sometimes you’ll have to do this with your eyes closed or with your non-dominant hand), steal cards from opponents, and just try to do it all without laughing (you won’t).
Known as “Cloud Slides” on TikTok, these slip-on shoes — perfect for wearing both indoors and outdoors — are the new It accessory among tween girls. Thankfully, with comfort and practicality (they’re 100% waterproof) as top priorities, they are also parent-approved. In fact, grownups may end up snagging a pair for themselves.
Flowers are always a nice gift, but they never last more than a week or so. Want to give a beautiful bouquet that won’t end up in the compost bin? This floral arrangement will last forever — and they don’t even need to be placed in water!
Thanks to LEGO, the recipient will not just get some great room decor, but they’ll also have a fun time building this 756-piece project. Bonus points: The adjustable stems in this kit make it easy to tailor the arrangement for any vase or container.
For the tween girl who has decided their bedroom is in dire need of an upgrade, this marquee-style initial (available in all letters, naturally) is perfect. Lights change to 16 different colors and four different light-flashing modes to match their moods — not to mention their ever-evolving interior design preferences.
An upgrade from previous versions, this new marquee can now be managed via remote control, so no more awkwardly fiddling with it on the wall.