Gifts to encourage independence in tweens

Birthday gifting becomes more complex as kids get older and their interests narrow. When the fascination with dolls, superheroes, and pretend play fade, it can be tough to find something to engage that kid who’s not really a child anymore – but not quite a full-fledged teenager, either. AKA, a tween, loosely defined as kids between the ages of 8 and 12. One major change at this phase is a newfound sense of independence. “Because of the change in the way they see themselves and each other, pre-adolescents become progressively more attuned to their peers and less identified with their families and parents,” writes Juliann Garey, a journalist, novelist and clinical assistant professor at NYU on the Child Mind Institute website. For the tween in your life, check out these unique picks that encourage that burgeoning sense of independence and exploration of the world on their own.

GlowCity LED Light-Up Basketball u2013 Size 5, 27.5 inch, Ideal for Youth & Pre-Teen Night Games u2013 Impact Activated Glow-in-The-Dark Fun, Nylon Wound Durability, Batteries Included

Tweens will love hanging out post-sunset with this glow-in–the-dark youth sized basketball by GlowCity. Two LED lights create up to 30 hours of evening play in the driveway, at the park, or during camping trips. Impact activated, it illuminates with a bounce and will shut off automatically when not in use. Bonus: it comes with pre-installed batteries, so all kids need to do is inflate and go. Previous reviewers reported this is a durable basketball that withstands frequent use and moisture, and lights up the night well.

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Hercules Tuff Safety Lights for Kids [3-Pack] | Running Lights for Runners | Excellent Stocking Stuffer idea for Kids, Teens, Dog Walkers, Bikers & More!

These clip-on safety strobe lights are just the thing to keep a tween safe who might be biking, jogging, or walking solo for the first time. Light, versatile, and waterproof, the Hercules Tuff Safety Lights can be clipped onto many surfaces, such as athletic pants and shorts, baseball cap visors, tee-shirts, and dog collars. And whatever they can’t clip on, they can strap on. Strap on the back seat of the bike or the handlebar, and use them as tail lights or headlights to signal to surrounding traffic (strap included).

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Elite Sportz Table Top Curling

This innovative set by Elite Sportz takes the fun of curling and makes it into an accessible tabletop game. A fun alternative to ping-pong or air hockey, tweens will love playing with their friends and developing their aptitude for strategy and skill. The “stones” (with hidden ball-bearings) skim the slippery curling board in shuffleboard-fashion, sliding into the “house” (the target). This gift is sure to solve the age-old “There’s nothing to do” problem and offer an outlet for healthy competition.

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Jungle Gym Kingdom Holds

These easy-to-install rock climbing holds are ideal for tweens looking to take more physical risks and push the boundaries to see what they are capable of. This set includes 25 assorted rock climbing wall handles in three challenging shapes and five bright colors. Crafted of high quality, durable plastic, these holds are built to sustain the elements. Also included: an 8-foot-long kids’ climbing rope, which can easily be added to an indoor/outdoor climbing wall, obstacle course or treehouse for some added challenge.

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Tweens can be a challenging age group to buy for, but a gift that sparks their sense of adventure and independence is always a good bet. This is the age that many kids are getting a small taste of freedom for the first time: walking or biking to a friend’s house, going away to overnight camp, or getting dropped off to play at the local park or recreation center. They’ll love these grown-up-ish gifts that aren’t babyish, but aren’t beyond their years either. From a glow-in-the-dark basketball to safety lights to a travel towel, there’s something for every tween here.