Best Overall
Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
Easy-to-fly beginner drone that survives crashes. A top tween gift.
Check price on AmazonHome › Best Gifts for 9–12 Year Olds (Tweens)
Gifts for Kids · 2026
Best Gifts for 9–12 Year Olds (Tweens)
Tweens are tough to shop for — too old for little-kid toys, too young for adult gifts. These are the best-selling picks kids 9 to 12 actually get excited about.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Products are picked for strong reviews and real-world usefulness.
Tech & STEM
Sillbird 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
Build 12 different solar-powered robots. Great for curious builders.
Check price on AmazonKids Smart Watch with Games & Camera
Games, camera, music and alarms — no phone needed.
Check price on AmazonBIGGERFIVE Kids Fitness Watch
Step tracker and activity watch for active kids. No phone required.
Check price on AmazonLEGO Technic NASA Artemis Rocket
A real-working-parts LEGO Technic build of NASA's moon rocket. Great for space-loving builders.
Check price on AmazonScience & magic
National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set
10 science-based magic tricks — part experiment, part show.
Check price on AmazonNational Geographic Science Magic Kit
100+ experiments in one box for kids who love to wow people.
Check price on Amazon4M Crystal Growing Kit
Grow seven different crystals with display cases.
Check price on AmazonLight-Up Crystal Growing Kit
Crystals that glow on a light-up stand — great for a bedroom shelf.
Check price on AmazonJust plain fun
Most Popular
Nerf Elite Disruptor Blaster
Nerf is always on the list. Six-dart rotating drum and slam-fire for epic foam battles.
Check price on AmazonUnicorn Slime Kit
A huge DIY slime kit with glitter, charms and colors.
Check price on AmazonUltimate Slime Kit
One of the best-reviewed slime kits — everything included.
Check price on AmazonBuying tips
- Drones need charged batteries — a spare battery pack makes a great add-on.
- Slime kits are messy; give them with a plastic tablecloth for an easy win with parents.
Questions people ask
What do 10 year olds want for Christmas?
Drones, Nerf blasters, smart watches, LEGO Technic and slime kits top most 10-year-olds' lists.
What is a good gift for a 12 year old boy?
A beginner drone, robot building kit or Nerf blaster are reliable crowd-pleasers.