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. Gone are the days of singing, dancing toys and clothes that aren't trending on TikTok. Meaning, you'll need to think twice before gifting them something that isn't considered "cool" anymore.
Thankfully, our team of editors shop for a living and have cracked the code on all things gifting. And to simplify the struggle that is shopping for tweens, we've rounded up a list with of over 40 creative gift ideas. And spoiler alert, this list has everything you need to make an 11-year-old smile and earn their somewhat difficult seal of approval.
Between backpacks their friends at school will be jealous of to fun, quirky hair accessories, these picks won't disappoint any tweens on your list. Get ready to earn some major kudos, you're welcome!
Best gifts for 11-year-olds under $25
Associate editor Allie Wise grew up playing Mad Libs and calls them the perfect educational gift for preteens. Brush up on the parts of speech while spending hours laughing! Your friends and family will love joining in on the fun.
This simple and fun card game can be enjoyed anywhere. If they have 15 minutes to spare, this is the game for quick entertainment. One reviewer wrote, "My sister and her kids absolutely loved it. They said they haven’t laughed that long in a long time."
Cozy up all winter long with this adorable, personalized blanket that comes in over a dozen hues. Made of flannel, this breathable blankie is super lightweight and is perfect for lounging on the couch or outdoor sporting events.
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.
This popular STEM fidget toy was featured on Amazon's 2024 Toys We Love list. Consider it an affordable sensory box that comes in a variety of colorways and transforms into over 70 shapes.
Does your 11-year-old have the need for speed? This affordable Lego Ferrari F1 set includes both the racecar and driver figurine and will lead to hours of fun for your preteen. With nearly 300 pieces, this popular building set makes a perfect rainy-day activity.
If your tween hopped on the bracelet-making trend that has them up to their elbows in beaded accessories, gift them with this set that features charms inspired by “chill” symbols.
Best games for 11-year-olds
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.
If your 11-year-old is a gamer, odds are they already love and use Twitch. From watching esport matches to creators playing every game under the sun, this is the gift that keeps on giving.
One-up your opponent in this exciting word-stacking game. They can play solo or with a squad of two to four players, where the winner earns that title by creating the tallest “tower” with the letter tiles included.
This small but mighty 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.
Upgrade their game collection with the most recent edition of this classic game. Packed with the newest pop hits, this is a game they can bring out during sleepovers to keep the whole group entertained for hours.
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
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.
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 200 pounds, according to the brand.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
They’ll love setting up personal goals and reminding themselves of their long-term achievements with Fitbit’s popular kid-focused activity tracker.
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
If your tween loves fashion, they'll definitely love sporting some super trendy chunky jewelry. These come in several colors spanning the rainbow, and the brand says they're sized in a way to where you can stack them, or let them sit on the top half of your finger without fear of them sliding.
Available in almost two dozen colors and bearing 6,600+ verified five-star ratings, this chevron crossbody bag is perfect for small items that get lost easily. It's made out of a faux leather fabric and has a chevron pattern that reviewers appreciate because it adds a touch of "flair" to the bag.
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. It works great for when they're on-the-go, too. "I do a lot of bicycling and have tried several other packs, so far this is my favorite," wrote one reviewer.
Chances are, your 11-year-old is a fan of the great outdoors. Snag this cool graphic tee celebrating Zion National Park. It's made out of a recycled cotton and polyester blend fabric, promising to wick away sweat and added moisture.
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.
Unique gifts for 11-year-olds
This is a cool paint-by-numbers craft but with gems! No glue or scissors (or mess) required. Each kit includes 3,000 gems in eight different colors, along with several suncatchers, stickers and keychains to bedazzle.
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.
A winner in last year's Shop TODAY Beauty Awards, 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.
It's available in six "semi-sheer" shades, ranging from pops of pink to cashew and almond tints.
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.
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.
Give them a place to start stashing their dough with this highly-rated electronic bank. It’s an Amazon bestseller and a tween-pleaser. Available in 12 different colors, password-protected ATM is sure to keep their stash safe from younger siblings.
Nothing makes kids more excited than candy! This customizable gift from Sugar Wish allows you to select from a variety of candy and snack options and send it to your loved ones. It even includes a customizable eCard, gift box and printed note with your message.
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.
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.
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.
Add some bling to their school bag with this charm, from a brand that’s most likely been top of mind. This adorable duo includes a pink and white marshmallow, with rosy cheeks and and easy-to-clasp keychain.
This viral water bottle with millions of 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.
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.
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.
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.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for every kid on your list including babies, 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.
