Best Gifts for Tweens in 2024

Spikeball is a trendy, fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four square. Instead of hitting a large ball over a straight net, your tween will be smacking a softer, grapefruit-size ball onto a bouncy, ringed net, sort of like tetherball but without the string. Be prepared, parents: This is a physical game that requires fast movement and probably some diving to score points. Consequently, this might be best for just the kids, though it does require four players.

If your tween wants to document their next action adventure, GoPro cameras can't be beat. We love the newer GoPro Hero 13, but not its $400 price. The GoPro Hero 10 is not nearly as much, and they'll get a lot for the money, including amazing stabilization and 5.3K video.

This clever drone can be used with any Nerf gun or gel blaster for target practice. Just throw it up, and the drone levitates and maneuvers as it tries to avoid blasts and tracks your hits. It's tons of fun to play solo or with a group of friends.

Gel Blaster's Surge is tons of fun for kids and adults. Note that you definitely want to take this one outside, and the "Gellets" do sting a little on impact -- not as bad as paintball or airsoft, but protective eyewear is still recommended. The gel pellets are water based and evaporate after shooting. That means no more cleaning up a hundred foam Nerf darts.

Ping-pong is a great rainy day activity, but not everyone has the space -- or the pocketbook -- for a full ping-pong table. Enter Pro-Spin's portable ping-pong set. It comes with two paddles, three balls, and a retractable net that clamps onto any table. We were impressed by the overall quality of the equipment, though it works best if you've got a standard rectangular dining or patio table.

They might have outgrown Hot Wheels, but no one is too old for this 1:10 RC car from Laegendary. CNET's James Bricknell is the proud owner of a lot of RC cars, and this one is his favorite. Keep in mind that it's a step up from the remote-controlled cars they might have used when they were little, with speeds that go up to 31 mph, so it'll probably take some practice to learn how to maneuver it.

They don't have to be a seasoned pilot to fly Deerc's budget-friendly D10. It's easy to operate and has a built-in camera that captures and records high-definition video. It's compact, foldable and weighs just 5.8 ounces, so tweens can take it just about anywhere. 

Converse sneakers are still popular among teens and tweens. Make theirs extra-special with these customized Chuck Taylors. Tweens can choose from a variety of colors and patterns, then add customized patch logos, racing stripes, laces, eyelets and more for a one-of-kind look. Prices vary by style and start at $85.

If you're looking for a personal, meaningful gift, Kate Spade's initial necklace is a surprisingly affordable option. It comes on a 17-inch gold chain with a 3-inch extender, so your tween can easily adjust the length and layer it with other jewelry.

Sol de Janeiro's popular scents are deliciously sweet, with notes of warm vanilla and caramel, and plenty of beach vibes -- perfect for tweens. This set includes the popular Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a moisturizing shower gel and a light perfume mist. 

Give the gift of luminous skin with this six-piece mask set. Tweens will find every mask they need for a healthy complexion, including a green tea sheet mask to brighten and purify, an aloe mask for intense hydration, and a coconut sheet mask to clean and revitalize.

The Stanley cup has been hitting social media feeds for a while, so we decided to try it out ourselves. Though it's not spill-proof, it definitely keeps you hydrated all day -- perfect for tweens on the go.

AirPods are a tween staple. The AirPods 4 are the latest in Apple's lineup, and thanks to improved sound and the powerful H2 chip, they're a worthy upgrade, according to CNET's David Carnoy. In a first, Apple is offering two models, the cheaper, entry-level version for $130, and the step-up earbuds with noise cancellation for $180.

Selfies are important. And what better way to take selfies and fun pictures with friends than with an Instax? It's easy for your tween to throw into a large pocket or backpack so they can document daily life. There's also something great about immediately getting a physical photo after snapping a pic.

Create a fun, chill space for your tween with these affordable LED strip lights. Set them on one solid color, or rotate through different hues on rainbow mode. You can also sync them to music. I purchased one and ended up buying a second strip for my son's room -- he loves them that much. They come with an app, but my kid prefers to use them with Alexa for voice control. 

What tween doesn't love mochi? Making homemade mochi can be tricky, but this kit makes it super easy, and it'll be a fun rainy day project for your preteen. Flavors include matcha green tea and cocoa powder, but you can come up with your own flavors, too.

If your tween is a Swiftie, chances are they'll want to have plenty of friendship bracelets on hand. Yes, trading friendship bracelets at Taylor Swift shows is a thing. This kit comes with 6,000 clay beads in 24 colors, along with letters and charms for customization.

If your tween is into boba tea, also known as bubble tea, this kit has everything they'll need to make their own delicious concoctions at home. It includes tapioca balls, a variety of loose-leaf teas, straws and recipe cards.

Once your tween starts snapping pics with their Instax, they'll need a great backdrop and lighting. These dreamy string lights help add a magical feel to any room. With 50 clips for their favorite pics, your tween will love their sparkling retreat.

If your tween is a fan of Exploding Kittens (or even if not), they'll get a kick out of this game. It's a card game and dodgeball set (but with burritos!) all in one. Players collect matching cards to score points, all while dodging flying burritos thrown by opponents. It's a great way to get tweens off their screens -- just be sure to move any breakables out of the line of fire.

If your tween has been wanting to learn about Dungeons & Dragons, this is the perfect way to start. CNET's James Bricknell is an avid tabletop gamer and loves giving these starter kits out to friends and family. "This box has everything you need to start your first adventure," he says. "Imagination is the key to a good D&D campaign, but you also need rules and dice. This set gives you both."

If the tween in your life is into PC gaming, level up their toolbox with a gaming keyboard. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is our favorite budget gaming keyboard, thanks to its durability, quiet switches and eight lighting zones. Bonus: It's IP32 water-resistant, so it won't matter if your tween is a chronic spiller.

If your kid doesn't have a Nintendo Switch, you can't go wrong with this gaming system. It's a splurge, but it's not as expensive as the PS5 or Xbox Series X, and it's easier to travel with. The Switch offers endless entertainment, with games including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pimkin 4 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's fun for adults, too.