Can we all agree that gift shopping for ~the youth~ is intimidating? Between their raging hormones and knowledge of all things trendy thanks to social media, tweens at that in-between age (think 10 to 12 years old) can be hard to impress. Like, I really don't want my little cousin to think I'm lame or old AF once her birthday rolls around. I remember when a trip to the toy aisle used to cut it, but the last thing I want is to be that older cousin or aunt who's out of touch with the new generation. And I don't think you do either—which is why I did some digging and rounded up 46 gifts for tween girls that are totes (do they still say that?) Gen Z-approved.
Of course, finding the perfect gift for a young loved one starts with figuring out what they're into. It's likely that whatever is piquing their interest is also what's trending on TikTok or maybe whatever Taylor Swift is wearing at the moment. Or you could always find out if they're big on the latest fashion trends, dipping their toes into clean beauty, or exploring the world of tech.
Whatever they're into, I'm sure you'll find something worthy of their "yea, I guess you're kinda cool" approval in this list of gifts. From fun pimple patches meant to be worn proudly in public to Alix Earle's holy grail Amazon finds, consider this your one-stop-shop for all the best gift ideas for your hard-to-please tween. (Warning: Your gift-giving standards will be high from here on out!)
(And by the way, if you're already worried about what to get them in just a couple of years, don't fret, because we also have a gift guide for teens. Gotchu, friend!)
Something we wished we had as a tween: a mini projector in our bedroom. So selfishly go ahead and get this for them, so you can use it as soon as they're off making TikToks.
Not sure when this happened, but dare I say that having pimples is actually kinda cool now? Okay, hear me out here—this new generation is all about self-love, and that includes adorning blemishes with cute lil star stickers that help reduce the appearance of inflammation.
Seeing Abercrombie have one of the best comebacks was definitely not on our bingo card, yet here we are. And now that these vintage-inspired jeans are all the rage (*cries in 90's baby*), it only makes sense to get your tween a pair to prove you're keeping up with the trends.
This colorful phone case makes every mirror selfie a moment (the way it was intended to be). You can customize the color, name or monogram, and they'll instantly have a fun personalized case.
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this celeb-loved lip mask
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C
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this celeb-loved lip mask
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C
Okay, yes it's a bit on the pricier side, but hear me out—Coach is having a major comeback with their new designs, it's a good investment piece, AND it has trendy lil mushrooms on it!
The chokehold these smiley face slippers have had on me ever since I laid eyes on them is honestly not okay. Yes, I've gone through two pair already and, yes, I can confirm they're the perfect gift for any Gen Z-er in your life.
Fact: Tweens are bound to lose things. Also fact: You can never have too many AirTags. The only downside is that your tween is gonna wish they had these sooner.
If it feels like the tween on your list is growing up too fast (cue the tears), these gummy bear- and chocolate pretzel-shaped soaps will help ‘em remember that being a kid is actually so much cooler than being an adult.
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this celeb-favorite concealer
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
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this celeb-favorite concealer
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Thanks to its creamy consistency, medium coveage, and radiant finish, this concealer went viral when Hailey Bieber started using it in her makeup routine videos. And trust me—if it’s HB-approved, your fave tween probably already has it on their wish list.
Part of being a young person is having the constant urge to redecorate. I mean, just think about it—how many times did you beg your parents to let you redo your room in middle school?! For me, it was at least 10 lol. A cool neon sign like this cloud-shaped one will give the tween on your list a little bedroom upgrade without breaking the bank.
If you need an affordable option for a gift exchange with a price cap, consider adding a few cotton headbands to your cart. ICYMI, this ‘90s staple is back—thanks to Gen Z style icons like Bella Hadid—and very much giving ballet core.
Ugh. Not me buying these while writing this gift guide...oops! Anyway, these snuggly slippers are cute enough for school but comfy enough for wearing around the house. Plus, they pair perfectly with another tween wardrobe staple: yoga pants.
Level up their old, outdated mirror with this touchscreen one that's got three magnification modes and built-in LED lights. Psst, bonus points when you mention that this exact one is on Alix Earle's Amazon storefront!
Not only is this backpack super stylish, but it's also extremely functional and durable, thanks to its water-resistant fabric, convenient top handles, and adjustable straps. But the best part? It comes in more than 30 different colorways.
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.