Not quite a teenager, yet no longer a little kid, an 11-year-old still wants to be surprised when it comes to gifts — they just don't want the typical toys they used to receive.
To simplify the struggle that is shopping for tweens, we've rounded up a list with everything you need to make an 11-year-old smile. From backpacks to fun hair accessories, these picks won't disappoint!
Gifts under $10 | Games | Outdoor gifts | Tech | Clothing and accessories | Unique gifts
Best gifts for 11-year-olds under $10
Cat & Jack Five Pack Tattoo Choker Necklace Set
Because everything old is new again, these affordable Y2K-style chokers are a must-have for the tween riding the nostalgia wave.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This simple and fun card game can be enjoyed anywhere. If they have 15 minutes to spare, this is the game for quick entertainment.
Whaline Blush Hair Scrunchies
Scrunchies have made a major comeback as a go-to hair accessory. This set comes in 12 shades, ranging from peach to white.
Funko Disney "Hocus Pocus" Tricks and Wits Card Game
The Sanderson Sisters are back and better than ever. This clever card game with let you split into two teams, kids vs. witches while you try to outsmart your opponents to capture the ghastly spell book before the black flame candle burns out!
SpaLife Winter Skin Facial Mask
Rated Amazon's Choice, these moisturizing facial masks are perfect for your tween who is hosting a sleepover party with friends. They will love pretending they're at a day spa with this rejuvenating treatment that won't break the bank. These hydrating masks are rated five-stars based on more than 2,100 Amazon reviews, so you won't regret this purchase.
Best games for 11-year-olds
Spin Master UpWords
One-up your opponent in this exciting word-stacking game. They can play solo or with a squad of two to four players.
Oonies Flipside Game
Gift your smarty-pants a game that will test their skills! With this game, they'll have to flip blocks to match the colors and lights before time runs out.
Scary Bingo
You won’t get this spooky spin of the classic game at the bingo hall! Each card features an array of illustrated monsters, ghouls and other eccentric creatures.
Mattel Pictionary Air
Pictionary came out with a fresh take on the popular game — but this time players can draw in the air! Have fun taking turns drawing the clues while your teammates guess the images.
Roblox $20 Digital Gift Code for 1,700 Robux
Is your 11-year-old a gamer? Odds are they love Roblox. This gift card is more than just the game. It gives your preteen a little something special with an exclusive virtual item after they activate their account.
Not Parent Approved Card Game
Don’t let the name fool you. Both kids and parents will love playing this fun card game. It’s like Cards Against Humanity but for a younger crowd, and it’s sure to fill your game nights with plenty of giggles.
Playstation 5 Just Dance 2023 Edition
Similar to the Mario Party Superstars, this game is also a great edition to their collection. Packed with the newest pop hits, this is a game they can bring out during sleepovers to keep the whole group entertained for hours.
Nintendo Switch Mario Party Superstars
If they already have a Nintendo Switch, this is the perfect game to add to their collection. It features 100 classic mini games returning from the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube, and supports online multiplayers so they can play with their friends.
Outdoor gifts for 11-year-olds
Pickleball Set
Whether they prefer hitting birdies or trying out their pickleball skills, this bestselling paddle set can withstand any kind of gameplay with its light weight and fiberglass make, making this a no-brainer to bring to outdoor birthday parties or beach hangouts.
Swurfer Surfing Tree Swing
Putting a modern twist on your classic tree swing, this stand-up option allows your growing tween to do advanced tricks and maneuvers while off the ground. It also holds youngsters up to 150 pounds, according to the brand.
NASA Lunar Telescope
They say the sky’s the limit, but for your tween, you can make it a galaxy! Gift them a telescope that allows them to observe the stars at night and nature’s little creatures during the day.
Razor Hovertrax Hoverboard LED Lights
This hoverboard is super fun for any tween on the move with an LED light show and can reach speeds up to 9 mph!
Dart 24" Kids' Trail Bike 7 Speed
This bike is ready for all terrains, bumpy trails and paved roads to and from school. It has great handling and control, making it very safe for riders.
Best tech gifts for 11-year-olds
Mini Portable Charger Power Bank
If your tween has a phone, they’re going to love having this portable mini charger as a backup. Its small size means it can fit into any backpack or pocket for easy access, and it has the power to provide their phone with approximately one full charge.
Echo Dot
The Echo Dot makes the perfect gift — and the possibilities are endless. Your kids can ask for the weather, play music or set an alarm clock to get up for school!
3-in-1 Portable Wireless Karaoke Microphone
Host your very own karaoke jam with this Bluetooth-enabled portable microphone. Your tween can use it in the car, their room and wherever they want to practice their singing skills.
PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
With tons of vivid colors and combinations, this will become your tween's favorite controller. This is a great gift for the young gamer looking for more fun in their play time.
Sphero Mini Programmable Robot Ball
The Sphero is way more than just a robot — it's the perfect entry into robotics for beginners. Paired with the brand's app, your child can learn more about coding and play arcade- and STEM-inspired games.
RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera
Your tween will love exploring with this mini drone with a camera. It comes equipped with a 1080p adjustable lens and wide view angle. Users can connect their phone or tablet to enjoy real-time panoramic views and photo sharing.
Fitbit Ace 3
They’ll love setting up personal goals and reminding themselves of their long-term achievements with Fitbit’s popular kid-focused activity tracker.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Encourage them to explore their artsy side with this revamped version of Fujifilm's legendary instant camera. They can take selfies, close-up shots, portraits and more.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Parents probably won’t mind their kids getting screen time when books are involved. The popular child-friendly version of the Kindle comes with a year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+, offering ad-free versions of books, apps, videos and more.
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Enjoy your favorite tunes, TV shows and conversations with the Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones. These headphones also have active noise cancellation, which is perfect to use when remote learning. The headphones also intuitively shut off when folded and offer nine hours of listening time.
Best clothing and accessories for 11-year-olds
AE Oversized Fleece & Love Shacket
This fleece fabric will help keep your tween nice and cozy. They can wear it as a top or layer it as a jacket during the school year.
OshKosh B’gosh Kid Quilted Mini Backpack
This quilted backpack is perfect for school days or extracurricular activities. It features side pockets and a front compartment for extra storage.
Resin Ring Set
If your tween loves fashion, they'll definitely love sporting some super trendy chunky jewelry. These come in several colors spanning the rainbow.
Chevron Quilted Medium Crossbody Bag
Available in over 25 colors and 6,600+ verified five-star ratings, this chevron crossbody bag is perfect for small items that get lost easily.
Vera Bradley Zip ID Case
Your teen can tuck their school ID card and maybe a little cash inside and they're ready to travel lightly. The very best feature? This style is made from 100% recycled cotton.
Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack
Tweens are juggling enough as is. When they're rocking this roomy (and whimsically colorful) belt bag, though, they won't need to fret about juggling their belongings.
Zion National Park Tee
Chances are, your 11-year-old is a fan of the great outdoors. Snag this cool graphic tee celebrating Zion National Park.
Charles & Clovard Soccer Cleat Profile Necklace in Sterling Silver
For the sporty tween who loves to show off their passions, this cleat necklace is a great choice. The jewelry comes in sterling silver and features a round moissanite that looks like a diamond.
The Eras Tour Pajamas Set
Your tween will surely be in style when she wears these trendy Eras Tour pajamas. She'll also love sharing photos of these PJs with friends or wearing them for the annual tween sleepover.
Warm Revelation Beanie
Shopping for Lululemon accessories? This beanie is the perfect gift (especially during the winter season). It's designed with merino wool, keeping the fit soft and warm. It also has over 100 five-star reviews on the Lululemon website.
Birkenstocks Arizona Essentials
These easy, breezy Birkenstocks are an update on your classic, summer-friendly style but offer the same comfortable support thanks to the lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA material.
Sanuk Donna St. Hemp
If you are looking for a hassle-free slip-on for your tween, these are the ones for you. They have sleek style and are super comfortable.
Custom Converse Chuck Taylo High Top Sneakers
Did you know you can design a custom pair of Converse Chuck Taylors for your favorite 11-year-old from the comfort of your home? With the option to select different colors, sole designs, laces and even lettering, each pair you create is uniquely one of a kind, just like your tween.
Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
This comfortable convertible backpack can switch from a shoulder bag to a wheeled backpack in a flash, perfect for lugging lots of books to and from school.
Unique gifts for 11-year-olds
Dan&Darci Gem Art
This is a cool paint-by-numbers craft but with gems! No glue or scissors (or mess) required. With 4,100+ verified five-star ratings on Amazon, each kit includes 3,000 gems in eight different colors, along with several suncatchers, stickers and keychains to bedazzle.
Pooqla Colorful LED Marquee Letter
Most LED lights stick to the walls, allowing for potential damage to paint or moldings. This LED marquee letter makes those headaches disappear as it has no adhesive. Purchase your child’s initial and allow them to add a little background flare to their TikTok’s or use it as a nightlight if they aren’t ready to sleep in the dark. It’s additionally remote controlled so your 11-year-old can turn it on and off with just a click.
Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Gloss
A recent Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner for Best Gloss, this tasty pick (seriously, it's made with good-for-you ingredients derived from plants!) from Tower 28 is a great gateway lip product for the tween who's beginning to dabble in the beauty realm.
Nailed It: A Family Cookbook
Salty cake? Not in their kitchen! Inspired by the bingeworthy Netflix sensation, they'll have a blast testing their culinary skills with dozens of recipes inspired by some of the show's most infamous bakes.
Lilly Pulitzer Ink Pen Set
You might not think of gifting your 11-year-old school supplies, but we guarantee these multicolor pens will be a hit with your tween. They will enjoy doodling during lunch and sending notes to their friends with this pack of four pens in black ink.
GoLine Cat Lamp
Add some light to their room with this adorable cat lamp that can be used while they're doing their homework or going to sleep (you're never too old for a nightlight!). Tap the silicone surface to switch between seven colors, standby mode and warm white light mode.
Squishmallows Original 16-Inch Malcolm Mushroom
Preteens are in love with Squishmallows and this mushroom is a classic. Collecting these plushies are all the rage right now. Gift them this fluffy mushroom named Malcolm to start off or add to their collection.
Made By Me My Very Own Sewing Machine
Whether a budding fashion designer aspiring seamstress or master crafter, your fashion-forward 11-year-old is going to love this kid-sized sewing machine. It comes with picture-based instructions that are easy to follow as they make amazing craft projects like pillows, toys, and clothes. The best part is that everything they need to get started is included, from the sewing machine and measuring tape to fabric and spools of thread.
Case-Mate Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch
Keep your kid’s expensive phones dry and floating in this phone pouch that’s vibrant and fun. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids, it’s designed with watertight seams, a waterproof closure and touchscreen compatibility.
STMT DIY Journaling Set
Help them document their most memorable moments with this journaling set. It comes with tons of decor for personalization, including glitter frames, tassels, foil and up to 70 pages to decorate.
Piggy Bank ATM Bank
Give them a place to start stashing their dough with this highly-rated electronic bank. It’s an Amazon bestseller and a tween-pleaser.
Crayola Inspiration Art Case
Let them get creative while also staying organized with this art case. It has over 140 colored pencils, crayons, washable markers and 15 pieces of paper to get them started. If they also like to paint, opt for the deluxe art set.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
This viral water bottle with over 149 million TikTok views is just what you need for all-day hydration. Take it with you to a high-intensity field hockey practice or an extra-long road trip with the family to keep your drink cold for hours. Available in a dozen colors and three sizes, it features a patented spout for multiple sipping options and a push-to-open lid that locks.
Babycakes Cake Pop Maker
What 11-year-old doesn't love cake pops? This cake pop maker from Babycakes can make up to 12 cake pops at a time, and it includes a plastic stand, fork tool, 50 cake pop sticks and fun recipes to try.
Posh Creations 29" Malibu Lounge Bean Bag Chair
This plush bean bag chair is lightweight according to several reviewers and perfect to sit in when studying or playing video games.
The Milk Bar Sampler
Who doesn’t love Milk Bar cookies? This sampler pack has all the sweet treats your favorite 11-year-old is craving, including birthday truffles, assorted cookies and a slice of Milk Bar's famous pie.
Bedside Bookshelf
For the young reader who loves to keep track of where they last left off, this house-shaped bookshelf is the perfect gift. Also, it's an easy way to mark the last page without the bookmark.
Casio Casiotone Keyboard
Casio’s next generation of Casio tone keyboards are ultra-compact and feature 400 tones and 75 rhythms. It comes in black, white or red. There’s also a handle so you can take it wherever you go!
Dormify Custom Neon Sign
Time for a glow-up! Turn any phrase into your own neon wall decor with this custom made-to-order neon sign. Choose your fav font and color and let your personality shine! Neon sign includes on/off switch with dimmable capabilities.
Slackers Ninjaline Deluxe Kit
Now your child can train like a real ninja warrior and build their very own obstacle course. This intro kit comes with essential obstacle course equipment including nine hanging attachments.