Everything moves faster with kids. One minute it's back-to-school time (and deals) and then it's the holidays, where there'll be lots of things to get in terms of gifting. It's never too early to find a good gift, but for some reason kids get harder to shop for as they age. We're talking about kids in their middle-grade years. Young enough to still be a kid but old enough to play video games and want to be "cool."
To help parents of tweens out, we found 20 gifts that middle schoolers with varied interests will love. There's a lip balm set for makeup lovers, a hoodie for ballers, a paint set for budding artists, and even butterfly clips for a hair blast from the past.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Bath Bomb Push-Pop
$12
from
Uncommon Goods
Everyone loves a good bath bomb, kids, tweens, teens, and adults. It's one of those fun, child-like pleasures that extend into grown-up life, and likely why tweens love them. They'll especially love these colorful push-pop bath bombs that combine bath fun in the form of one of the ice cream truck's best treats.
Mandalorian Planner
$38
from
Erin Condren
With the school year coming up, kids may need a way to keep track of their assignments and activities (even if they might be virtual). That's why a good planner makes a great gift for middle-schoolers: they're starting to take control of their schedule and this Mandalorian themed one can make it more fun.
Shark Wireless Earbud Case Cover
Tech has reached kids of all ages, and so it's likely most middle school-aged kids you come across will have some sort of wireless earbuds, whether they're Apple ones or another brand. This case helps them show off their style and makes a great reason for them to keep their buds safe (and not lose them weeks into a new school year.)
Beaded Phone Lanyard
$18
from
TheTinyBauble/Etsy
Phones are another thing tweens can't seem to live without. Some middle school parents may have held out on these, but for the rest of them, giving the kid a beaded phone lanyard (or one like it) is a safe way for kids to hold onto their phones while they're out and about. After all, the phone is basically another accessory anyway.
Graphic T-Shirts
The kids are into fashion these days. Lots of styles are coming back, but one has never left: graphic tees. They're fun because they're cool to wear, can go with any sort of style and are super comfortable. We love these Minecraft and Garfield the Cat themed T-shirts and we think your middle schooler will, too, for back-to-school.
Printed Socks
$10
from
Urban Outfitters
When in doubt, go with socks. Luckily for gift-stumped parents of tweens, different patterned socks are cool to have, and can fit any type of kid's interest. These black smiley face socks are a safe bet as well as neutral. They go higher up the leg, which is how kids are wearing their socks with Vans or Nikes these days.
Bucket Hat
$15
from
Urban Outfitters
Bucket hats are a huge fashion trend right now, among the kids especially. They used to be a thing a decade or two ago, but now they're making a comeback (even among older kids). They come in different colors, like this Ying Yang one (also a popular pattern) and can go with any type of outfit — dressed up with a dress or down with jeans.
Roxy Resin Ring Set
$11
from
Urban Outfitters
For Gen Z, there is no such thing as too many rings. To give them a few different ones to have or mix and match with rings they already have, we recommend this ring set from Urban Outfitters. The set comes with three smooth resin rings that are brown-toned, clear, and light pink with sprinkles inside of it.
Vintage Amber Butterfly Clip Set
$10
from
Urban Outfitters
Millennial parents will recognize this hair fashion trend: butterfly clips. These ones aren't as obnoxious and large as a lot of the clips from back when the rest of us wore them, but they're back with a vengeance. These are tiny clips in a butterfly shape that middle schoolers can use to create fun hairstyles this year.
Gaming Headset
From Minecraft to Fortnite and who knows how many more games out there, middle schoolers are playing them in droves. And if they were playing them a lot before, we're sure the lockdown has upped their game time. Want a good gift for a gamer? Look no further than getting the kid a brand new gaming headset that also comes with a microphone.
Harry Potter Lap Desk
$99
from
Pottery Barn Teen
Harry Potter has officially become multi-generational, starting with millennial parents and filtering down to their kids as well as Gen Zers. That's why we think a good Harry Potter-themed lap desk is something to make doing virtual school and/or homework easy. Dare we say something to even look forward to?
Paint by Numbers Canvas
$29
from
Paint by Numbers
We can't forget about the artists out there. Kids who love art will take any opprtunitry to flex the craft or learn more about it, which is why this paint by numbers is a great gift. It can both teach them step-by-step how to paint a beautiful piece of art while also just allowing them to get creative. The kit comes with canvas, paints, brushes, a frame, and a hanging kit.
Birthdate Candle
$48
from
Birthdate Co.
Some tweens love to create a comfy or cool space that expresses who they are, whether it's their room or a playroom, and a kid like that loves decor. Get that kid a piece that not only looks good, but smells good, too, with a personal touch. Birthdate candles can be personalized to have the child's exact birthdate on it.
Glossier Lip Balm Trio
Makeup-loving middle schoolers and parents alike will love Glossier's lip balm set, called the Balm Dot Com trio. We love this because it's lip balm, which can be worn anywhere, even at school without issue, and it helps soothe the lips. Even adults love it, which will make kids feel grown-up, which they love.
Turtle Adoption Kit
$60
from
World Wildlife Federation
Lots of Gen Z-ers care very much about the environment. Show them you care, too, with their gift being something that helps animals. The World Wildlife Federation has "Turtle Adoption" kits to buy as a donation that include a stuffed turtle, a photo of the actual adopted turtle, a certificate, species card, and an optional gift bag.
Gift Box
$25
from
Natural Life
Adults love surprise boxes and kids do, too. If anything, older kids, like middle schoolers, will appreciate them a bit more as they'll be able to anticipate its arrival as well as the fun items inside of it. This box, called The Happy Box, comes with a bunch of motivational items in it, like headbands and pouches.
Baked by Melissa Cupcakes
$70
from
Baked by Melissa
Calling all parents of kids with a sweet tooth: we highly recommend gifting a baked treat. Cake is great, but something special, like these Happy Birthday Baked by Melissa cupcake gift box set, can really feel like a treat (no pun intended). This one comes with 25 rainbow cupcakes in all different flavors.
The World Game
Board and card games are super fun as they exercise the mind and can involve the whole family or a group of middle school friends. We like this game called The World Game. It's a great way to "learn about flags, capitals, and locations of all world countries." How it works: "Find the strongest fact about the country and win. Train your memory and brain while having fun."
Basketball Hoodie
$40
from
Chalk Talk Sports
For lots of middle-grade kids, sports are everything. While gifting them a ball or other piece of equipment will make them happy, we think of multifunctional gift like this hoodie will also put a smile on their faces. It says "Eat. Sleep. Basketball," so everyone knows how much the kid loves to play the game.
Edible Chemistry Set
$20
from
Fat Brain Toys
Future chemists will love this edible chemistry set, because who doesn't love to make something that can be eaten afterward? It's a great way to get kids interested in STEM or foster an already-growing interest. Plus, it's unusual and a nice break away from phone screens that all the kids love to stare at endlessly.
Neon Sign
Neon lights have become a super popular decor item over the last few years, mainly in the wedding world, but it has extended to becoming cool decor items for kids' rooms. There are a bunch of places that create them, including this Etsy shop which can create a design that looks like a dinosaur. Customize by size and color.
Animal Crossing
For the middle school kids that love video games, whether on a console or handheld, they'll love this game: Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It's advanced enough for older kids, but not too advanced that parents have to worry. This game in particular is compatible for the Nintendo Swtich.
Handheld Game Console
Speaking of video games that kids love to play, they also need a place to play them. Having a home consol is one way but thanks to portable players, like this handheld gaming tool, it's possible for kids to take it on the go. Ideal for parents who have to run errands or maybe for when there's a long car ride.
Hello Kitty Gift Bundle
$317
from
Pottery Barn Teen
Hello Kitty has been a fan favorite among middle schoolers, or really people of all ages, for a while. A plush toy may be too juvenile for a middle-grade kid but a chic Hello Kitty makeup set definitely isn't. It comes with a light mirror, glass canisters "and a pencil/brush cup add adorable style to their desk, vanity and bedside."
90s Super High-Rise Baggy Jean
$57
from
Aeropostal
Middle schoolers take lots of care into what they wear and the styles they like. These jeans are very in-style, which we know because the're definitely not skinny jeans. They're a light-wash 90s style jean with rips on the pan legs. And high-rise of course! All for under $60. Would look awesome with a t-shirt and sneakers.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
