Skip to main content

BlissMark may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

jbudzienski
Jaime is a freelance writer and creator of the Instagram page @mommy.hooding (105k followers) which offers solidarity and…
Useful tools to mail items from home
A gift basket with bath bombs and a candle

Are you an old soul that loves writing handwritten letters to family members and friends? Maybe you’re looking for a scale to weigh personalized greeting cards and packages before mailing them out to ensure whether they need extra postage. Are you a craftsperson who sells creations on Etsy or relists and sells items through eBay? Whether you’re looking for a scale, want quality labels, need a label maker, label printer, or tray, these are five tools that will be useful for mailing items from home.

These tools are perfect for anyone working from home, mailing out letters and packages, or someone who wants to be more organized. Accurately weigh letters, packages, and other items with a scale that converts to five-unit modes. Have high-quality waterproof and oil-proof labels free from carcinogens that won't unstick easily. Print high-resolution labels that can be customized to your preferences and keep your space tidy. You'll work from home more efficiently, create your own mail office, and add some new tools to build your start-up or small business.

Read more
Have more fun gaming with these accessories
two people playing video game on flatscreen

A great video game is a joy to play, bringing fantasy, excitement and fun into our everyday lives. There's just no topping the thrill of beating the final boss, scoring the treasure, vanquishing the enemy or tending a glorious virtual garden. Like any hobby or activity, video gameplay experience can be greatly improved with the right tools. We thought of everything: from comfortable chairs designed with gaming in mind, to curtains to ensure a glare doesn't get in the way. With these five items, you can maximize your enjoyment of your games and ensure comfort, ease and an immersive experience each time you decide it's time to play.

Video games bring fun, adventure, strategy and relaxation to our lives. Maximize this enjoyment by considering every element of gameplay, including your physical well-being as you play. After investing in a thoughtfully-designed and high quality chair adjusted to your height and frame, you'll find yourself able to play better, and maybe more often. Remove the possibility of a glare and create a world-class experience with an easy-to-install projector and blackout curtains to compliment and enhance your projections. De-clutter your desk with a new wireless keyboard and mouse that will smoothly keep up with every element of play. Simple changes, big impact.

Read more
5 great gun and shooting gift ideas
A young couple sit outside of their tent near a campfire, talking over coffee

Figuring out a gift for a friend or loved one can be difficult, especially if you aren't as aware of the things that can help them with their hobbies. For some people, giving gifts to someone who enjoys shooting can seem intimidating, but you don't have to visit a gun shop to find an appropriate and handy piece of equipment that they will appreciate.

This list goes through some accessories that are great for people who enjoy shooting, whether they need to store pistols or they enjoy hunting with rifles. All of these items are affordable and multi-functional. They include safety features that are vital to make sure that your friend or loved one can enjoy their hobby in a safe and comfortable way.

Read more