Tween girls — those nestled in the perennially awkward ages between 9 and 12 years old — are mysterious creatures indeed. They’re not quite “children,” but they surely aren’t yet teenagers. They’re flexing their desire for independence — all while not yet knowing how to load a dishwasher or fold their own laundry. Their interests seem to change as often as their moods (read: several times daily). That is, of course, when they let you in on what their interests even are! All these contradictions can make it feel impossible to figure out good gifts for tween girls that won’t, well, elicit repeated eye-rolling and audible sighs of indignation.

　　On a bad day, this in-between phase (get it?) can be painfully confusing, and not just for parents but for tweens themselves. On a good day, though — and, believe it or not, there are some really good days — this short life stage represents the transition into a new world of discovery, growth, and transformation. This is an age when a lot of girls start trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in within their family, peer group, and even the world. Priorities shift, and their brains (and bodies) are constantly changing — it’s a trip.

　　With that in mind, it’s helpful to remember that this time in your child’s life doesn’t have to be so mysterious. In fact, it can be incredibly exciting and — quite possibly — downright enjoyable.

　　Ready to celebrate that fact? These gifts for tween girls can serve as IYKYK-level offerings that aren’t merely reserved for annual birthdays but are also perfect for recognizing milestones, big and small. Did they do something brave? Are you proud of their hard work in school? These gifts will let your tween girl know, “Hey you: We see you and we think you’re great.”

　　1For the One Who Loves TikTok

　　WYSBAOSHU Comfort Non-Slip Slides

　　Known as “Cloud Slides” on TikTok, these slip-on shoes — perfect for wearing both indoors and outdoors — are the new It accessory among tween girls. Thankfully, with comfort and practicality (they’re 100% waterproof) as top priorities, they are also parent-approved. In fact, grownups may end up snagging a pair for themselves.

　　2Best Journal for Tweens

　　Penguin Books ‘Wreck This Journal’ by Keri Smith

　　Creative and quirky prompts coupled with calculated acts of destruction (you’ll have to trust us on this!) make this a unique journaling experience your tween girl will love.

　　The open-ended book gives them the chance to think outside of the box, create, destroy, and reflect in a way that nurtures their inner artist, and it eliminates the idea that things have to be picture-perfect to be worthwhile.

　　3For the Homebody

　　Bombas Gripper Slipper Bootie

　　She’ll keep cozy with these ultra-comfortable slippers from Bombas. It's the perfect slipper solution for those among us who wish socks were just a little bit warmer and more substantial.

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　　4For The Vanilla Girl

　　Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie

　　Apparently, the athleisure brand we’ve been ogling for years is having a moment with the youths! This hoodie has cachet with tween girls, and unlike a lot of young people trends, we get it: it’s super cute and comfy!

　　5For the Quote-Obsessed

　　Felt Like Sharing Felt Letter Board

　　Is your tween girl chock-full of pithy phrases? Give them an outlet for their witticisms with this classic felt letterboard, where they can craft an inspiring message, joke, quote, or announcement that needs to be shared.

　　Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the board comes with 300 easy-to-place letters, characters, and shapes, so they’ll always be able to express themselves.

　　6Multiple Award Winner

　　TwoPointOh Games Artsy Fartsy Drawing Game

　　Think Pictionary — well, kind of — with a healthy sprinkling of potty humor. Draw the ridiculous prompts on the card (sometimes you’ll have to do this with your eyes closed or with your non-dominant hand), steal cards from opponents, and just try to do it all without laughing (you won’t).

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　　7A Bouquet That Lasts

　　LEGO DIY Flower Bouquet

　　Flowers are always a nice gift, but they never last more than a week or so. Want to give a beautiful bouquet that won’t end up in the compost bin? This floral arrangement will last forever — and they don’t even need to be placed in water!

　　Thanks to LEGO, the recipient will not just get some great room decor, but they’ll also have a fun time building this 756-piece project. Bonus points: The adjustable stems in this kit make it easy to tailor the arrangement for any vase or container.

　　816 Color-Changing Choices

　　Pooqla Letter Marquee

　　For the tween girl who has decided their bedroom is in dire need of an upgrade, this marquee-style initial (available in all letters, naturally) is perfect. Lights change to 16 different colors and four different light-flashing modes to match their moods — not to mention their ever-evolving interior design preferences.

　　An upgrade from previous versions, this new marquee can now be managed via remote control, so no more awkwardly fiddling with it on the wall.

　　9For the Mini Beauty Junkie

　　Nicole Miller New York Nail Polish Set

　　When you’re a tween girl, fashions change like the weather. With this 15-piece mini nail polish collection from Nicole Miller, however, they’ll be ready with perfectly coordinated nails for any trend. Shades of pink, purple, blue, and green pop with a glossy or glitter finish. (We won’t tell if you borrow a bottle.)

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　　10For the One Who Loves to Pamper Themselves

　　Lifearound2angels Handmade Bath Bombs

　　This set of 12 beautifully handcrafted bath bombs was originally created for the founder’s own children. They are made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that are specially designed to moisturize and soothe.

　　With gorgeous scents like coconut and shea, lavender, and “Fun on the Beach,” as well as a pleasant fizz, your tween will love relaxing in the tub with these bathtime must-haves.

　　11For the Cozy Tween

　　Lands' End Hooded Fleece Robe

　　An important life lesson comes with every tween girl’s first plush bathrobe: It’s not only meant to be worn post-bath or post-shower. This ridiculously soft robe — with its oversized hood and roomy pockets — is the perfect cozy coverup for afternoons spent reading a good book or nights spent exclusively on the couch for a Netflix binge.

　　Available in six colors, your tween will be happy to have one as the temperatures begin to dip.

　　12Best Conversation Starter

　　Sussed? The Wacky Guess My Answer Game

　　If your tween has called you “sus” a time or two, don’t be alarmed. In this “What would I do?” card game, players can ask up to 200 age-appropriate questions with a whopping 650 possible answers. It’s a perfect icebreaker and a natural conversation starter.

　　Without even realizing it, you and your tween will be practicing empathy and honing their speaking — and, more importantly, listening — skills until the final draw.

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　　13For Girl Who Loves Makeup

　　ULTA Beauty Lip Library

　　We love Ulta’s in-house brand of products and we bet your tween will have fun experimenting with new looks with this expansive collection of lip oils, glosses, stains, and creams.

　　14For The Boho Girl

　　Blibean Long Sleeve Tie Back Dress

　　We love this sweet, simple dress, which is breezy and age-appropriate without being babyish, romantic without being too mature. Honestly, it’s giving Taylor Swift vibes and we’re here for it. We’re guessing your tween girl will be, too.

　　15For The Foodie

　　Treats International Snack Box

　　Snacks are never a bad idea, and with this subscription box your tween girl will get to taste her way around the world. Every month she’ll receive an assortment of treats both savory and sweet from a different country.

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　　16For a More Personal Gift

　　Joelle Jewelry Design Personalized Name Necklace

　　Custom name necklaces are a time-honored accessory for the tween girl set — one that has been popularized throughout the years (hello, Carrie Bradshaw!) and remains a top jewelry trend. Made of sterling silver, this piece can be customized with three additional types of metal plating (gold, white gold, or rose gold) and 12 different fonts!

　　If they don’t want their name engraved, they could have any word of their choice made into a chic piece of jewelry instead.

　　17For the Crafty Kid

　　CRAFTILOO Embroidery Starter Kit

　　A classic craft that’s seeing a major revival? Needlepoint! Not your grandmother’s embroidery, contemporary patterns have made cross-stitch officially cool again.

　　This kit’s easy-to-follow instructions are ideal for beginners because it focuses on developing artistic expression and coordination. The five finished products make unique backpack charms, too!

　　18For the Gamer Girl

　　Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Video Game Set

　　Introduce young gamers to the world of coding with a customizable console that builds and runs old-school arcade games! If your tween is willing to dream up a new digital adventure (bonus points if it includes plumbers, mushrooms, and turtles!), this popular gift can make it a reality.

　　Fun fact: the device can transform into a motion-sensing controller or even a smartwatch with a pedometer.

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　　19For Intergenerational Connection

　　Chronicle Books ‘Just Between Us’ Mother and Daughter Journal by Meredith and Sofie Jacobs

　　Tween girls and their moms often find themselves on uneasy ground — they’re going through so many changes, and parents don’t always know how to handle them. How do you connect? What do you even say to each other? With this journal, you don’t have to say a thing. Instead, you can write it all down with the help of thoughtful prompts.

　　20A Tube for Every Mood

　　Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio

　　The philosophy that good things come in threes certainly rings true with this trio of cult-favorite lip balms from makeup brand Glossier. The vegan formula is packed with antioxidants and ultra-hydrating emollients, so it actually locks in moisture.

　　The best part? You can customize your tween’s set from nine different choices. If you’re stuck, we definitely recommend Birthday Balm!