From KPop Demon Hunters and instant cameras to crochet, collectibles and games they can actually play with friends, these are the gifts tweens and early teens will be asking for in 2026. Shopping for a tween is a different kind of challenge. They are still kids who want to have fun, but they are also developing very specific interests, personal style and hobbies.

For our 2026 Holiday Gift Guide, we looked for gifts that hit that sweet spot: things they can create, collect, customize, share with friends or get really good at. These are not toys that feel like they belong to a younger kid. They are gifts that feel a little more grown-up while still giving tweens a reason to play.

The 2026 Gift Everyone Is Talking About: KPop Demon Hunters

KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Dolls & Collectibles

If there is one fandom we would expect to dominate tween wish lists this holiday season, it is KPop Demon Hunters. The Netflix hit now has an extensive lineup of dolls, action figures, plush, games, collectibles and craft kits from brands including Mattel and Hasbro. Netflix calls it the most-watched Netflix film of all time, and the licensed toy line has now arrived in stores for the 2026 holiday season.

Why we like it: This is not just another character toy. Kids can collect their favorite HUNTR/X or Saja Boys characters, recreate scenes, display them or use them for imaginative play.

For a bigger gift, look for the HUNTR/X fashion dolls, 6-inch action figures or singing dolls. For smaller gifts, the mini collectibles and clip-on figures are easy wins.

KPop Demon Hunters DIY & Crochet

For the tween who would rather make their fandom than simply collect it, there are now KPop Demon Hunters crochet and craft kits, including a Woobles bundle featuring Derpy and Sussie.

Why we like it: It combines one of the year's biggest fandoms with an actual skill kids can learn and continue beyond the kit.

Crafts & Construction

DIY V8 Race Car

The Thames & Kosmos DIY V8 Race Car is for the kid who wants to understand how things actually work. Kids build a working model of a V8 engine while learning about pistons, crankshafts and mechanical movement.

Why we like it: It turns STEM into a hands-on project and gives kids the satisfaction of making something that actually moves.

Shashibo Canvas Art Kit 

Part art project, part magnetic puzzle, Shashibo Canvas lets kids design their own shape-shifting cube. They can draw and color the blank cube with the six included markers, then twist and fold it into more than 100 geometric shapes that rearrange their artwork in surprising ways.

Why we like it: It combines creativity with hands-on puzzle play, encouraging kids to experiment with color, patterns, geometry and spatial reasoning. It is also reusable, screen-free fun for kids who enjoy both making things and figuring out how they work.

Alpaca Needle Felting Kit

Needle felting is one of those crafts that feels surprisingly grown-up. This beginner-friendly Alpaca Needle Felting Kit lets kids transform wool into a tiny alpaca.

Why we like it: It is slow, focused and creative, and the finished project is something they can actually keep.

Capybara Crochet Kit

Combine the internet's favorite animal with one of the year's biggest DIY hobbies and you get a Capybara Crochet Kit.

Why we like it: Crochet takes patience and concentration, and kids get to see a project develop from a ball of yarn into something they made themselves.

Diamond Painting Kit

Diamond painting gives kids the satisfaction of creating art without needing to be an artist. They place tiny colorful resin pieces onto a patterned canvas to create the finished design.

Why we like it: It is wonderfully absorbing for kids who enjoy repetitive, detailed activities and want something they can display when they are finished.

SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen

A SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen takes drawing into three dimensions. Kids can follow templates or experiment with their own designs, creating everything from small sculptures to functional objects.

Why we like it: It sits right between art, engineering and problem-solving. 

Klutz Felted Food Friends

This is another craft we would add to the 2026 list. Felted Food Friends lets kids create adorable felt food characters with different faces and personalities.

Why we like it: It feels very current, but it also requires real concentration and gives kids something they can proudly display when they finish.

Fashion, Room Style & Lifestyle

Fujifilm Instax Mini 13

If we had to choose one non-fandom gift for this age group, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 would be near the top. The 2026 model includes a built-in selfie mirror and close-up mode, and it has quickly become one of the year's standout instant cameras for younger photographers.

Why we like it: Tweens can photograph friends, decorate lockers and bedrooms, make scrapbooks or simply collect memories without another phone app.

My Look Insta Snap Camera

For kids who are starting to care about photography and personal style, the My Look Insta Snap Camera gives them their own camera to experiment with.

Why we like it: It encourages creativity and gives tweens a way to create their own visual world instead of borrowing a parent's phone.

KPop Demon Hunters LED Light Mirror

For the tween who has made KPop Demon Hunters their entire personality, this LED mirror brings the fandom into their room.

Why we like it: At this age, room décor becomes a form of self-expression. A gift that becomes part of their personal space can feel much more special than another toy.

Girl's Life Magazine

A Girl's Life subscription is an old-school gift that still works.

Why we like it: Getting something in the mail gives tweens a reason to read away from a screen while discovering ideas around hobbies, style, friendships and creativity.

Tween Magazine

A Tween Magazine subscription is another fun option for kids who want content that feels specifically made for their age.

Why we like it: It feels more grown-up than a children's magazine without jumping straight into adult media.

Littlest Pet Shop x Like Nastya DIY Bag Charms

Bag charms are having a major moment, and this Littlest Pet Shop DIY kit lets tweens make their own instead of simply buying one.

Why we like it: It combines collecting, crafting and personal style in one gift.

Cool Maker Charm'd Accessory Studio

The Charm'd Accessory Studio lets kids design jewelry and accessories they can wear, trade or give to friends.

Why we like it: It feels creative and social without feeling like a little-kid craft.

For Writers & Book Lovers

Zebra Mildliner Dual-Tip Highlighters

For the tween who color-codes everything, Zebra Mildliners are a surprisingly great gift.

Why we like it: They are useful for school, journaling, reading and creative projects, but the soft colors make them feel much more fun than ordinary highlighters.

Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil

The Kuru Toga is a favorite among students because its rotating mechanism helps keep the pencil point consistently sharp as you write.

Why we like it: It is a practical gift that feels special enough to make school supplies exciting.

Kobo Clara BW E-Reader

For a serious reader, the Kobo Clara BW puts an entire library into a compact, glare-free e-reader with audiobook support.

Why we like it: It gives independent readers more freedom and makes it easy to take a huge reading list on vacation, to school or anywhere else.

Locking Diary

Some gifts never really go out of style. A locking diary gives tweens a private place to write, doodle, plan and record what is happening in their lives.

Why we like it: It supports journaling and self-expression while giving kids something that feels completely their own.

Gamers & Family Play

Rubik's Rush

Rubik's Rush is one of our favorite new additions for 2026. Players race to match colorful patterns and can play solo or against someone else.

Why we like it: It is fast, competitive and easy to learn, but getting really good at it takes practice.

If your budget allows - we are very excited about these games: 

Harry Potter GoChess Wizard Chessboard

For the Harry Potter fan who loves a challenge, this smart chessboard brings the magic of Wizard’s Chess to game night. The movie-inspired pieces and board feature illuminated squares that offer move guidance, while players can compete face-to-face, play against the board or connect online.

Why we like it: It combines a collectible Harry Potter design with features that can help players build their chess skills. It is a standout gift for tweens and teens who enjoy strategy games, although its premium price makes it a splurge-worthy pick.

NEX Playground

For kids who love video games but need a reason to get off the couch, NEX Playground turns your TV into an interactive play space. Its motion-tracking camera lets players jump, dance, kick and move to control the action, with games for up to four players. Five games are included, with an optional Play Pass unlocking a much larger library featuring favorites like Bluey, Barbie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Why we like it: It makes screen time more active and gives the whole family a reason to play together, especially on rainy days or when outdoor plans are not an option. It is designed for ages 3 and up, has no ads, and includes a camera privacy cover. The Play Pass is an additional cost.

Fourth Wing: Rise of the Wingleader

For the tween or early teen who cannot get enough of Fourth Wing, this new strategy game brings the Empyrean world to game night as players compete to rise through the Riders Quadrant. 

Why we like it: It is a particularly fun pick for older teens, 14+, who want a game that feels a little more grown-up.

Tamagotchi Paradise

The latest Tamagotchi brings the classic virtual-pet experience back with a new zoom feature that lets players move from a tiny cell all the way out to the larger world.

Why we like it: It hits the retro-tech trend perfectly. It feels nostalgic to parents but new to kids, and it gives tweens a portable digital pet to care for without handing them a smartphone. The 2026 release launched with multiple worlds and colors.

Cats and Robbers

Cats and Robbers is a silly, social game that is particularly good for sleepovers and family game nights.

Why we like it: The rules are approachable, but the real appeal is getting everyone laughing and playing together.

Catan: On the Road

For tweens who are ready for strategy games but do not always have time for a long board game, Catan: On the Road turns the classic Catan experience into a portable game that can be played in a shorter format.

Why we like it: It introduces strategy, trading and resource management while working well for travel.

Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens remains a reliable pick for this age group because it is quick to learn and genuinely funny.

Why we like it: It is competitive without requiring a complicated rulebook, and parents can actually join the game.

Theory 11 Playing Cards

These are playing cards that feel like a gift, not an afterthought. Theory11 creates premium decks with intricate artwork, foil details, embossing, and high-quality finishes, with options ranging from classic designs like Monarchs to collaborations featuring Star Wars, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Fortnite, The Beatles, and more.

Why we like it: They are a fun pick for tweens who love collecting, card games, or simply having something cool to show off on their desk.

Purrfect Pitch Karaoke

For the tween who turns every room into a stage, the Purrfect Pitch Karaoke Machine is an easy win.

Why we like it: Karaoke gives kids an outlet for confidence, performance and self-expression, and it becomes a ready-made activity when friends are over.

MrBeast: The Ultimate Game

For fans who love MrBeast’s big challenges and friendly competition, this fast-paced party game brings that energy to the table. Players take on challenges, face off in duels, complete secret side quests and collect Beast Bucks as they compete to finish with the most.

Why we like it: It is a lively choice for tweens and teens who enjoy games that get everyone involved. With challenge cards, surprise side quests and plenty of opportunities to outplay friends and family, it is a strong pick for sleepovers and game nights.

Fidgets & Tactile Play

Hello Kitty and Friends Clickeez

Clickeez combines the satisfying feel of a fidget with the collectible appeal of Hello Kitty and her friends.

Why we like it: It is small enough for a backpack or desk and gives kids something tactile to play with when they want a quick sensory break.

Crazy Aaron's Better Butter Thinking Putty

Better Butter Thinking Putty is especially appealing for kids who like a soft, stretchy texture.

Why we like it: It is tactile, portable and requires no set-up. 

Squishmallows 'MallowMees

Squishmallows have moved well beyond the toddler room. For tweens, smaller plush can become collectibles, backpack accessories or room décor.

Why we like it: It combines collecting with comfort and personal style.

EmotoBOT Interactive Robot

EmotoBOT responds to touch and sound, giving tweens a small interactive robot that feels more like a gadget than a traditional toy.

Why we like it: It is a fun fit for kids who are starting to gravitate toward tech but still want something they can physically interact with.

Color Changing Nee-Doh

Nee-Doh remains one of the biggest names in the squishy category, and the Color Changing Nee-Doh adds another layer to the experience.

Why we like it: It is satisfying, portable and simple enough to pick up whenever a kid needs something tactile to do.

Slimygloop Gelli Gells

Slimygloop Gelli Gells combine squishy sensory play with the collectible trend.

Why we like it: They are inexpensive enough to collect and trade, making them particularly good for tweens who like comparing their finds with friends. Good Housekeeping named Gelli Gels among its top 2026 gifts for 11-year-olds.

Collectors & Unboxers

Pop Mart Blind Boxes

Pop Mart's blind-box collectibles have become a major part of tween and teen collecting culture. With themed series, limited designs, and rare “secret” figures to discover, they are an easy win for tweens who love collecting, trading, and displaying their finds.

Why we like it: The surprise is part of the fun with these collectible figures, featuring popular characters like Labubu, Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hirono, and more.

aespa Memorable Picks

For K-pop fans, the aespa Memorable Picks blind boxes combine music fandom with the collectible surprise of a blind box.

Why we like it: It gives fans something tangible to collect, trade and display.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Pop Mart

This collection combines a familiar fandom with the surprise element of a blind box.

Why we like it: The characters can become room décor once the unboxing is over, so the collection has a life beyond the initial reveal.

Hacipupu x Crayon Shinchan

The Hacipupu x Crayon Shinchan collection is a quirky crossover for kids who like unusual characters and collectibles.

Why we like it: It feels different from the standard character merchandise and is particularly fun for kids who enjoy trading with friends.

Peach Riot Holiday Mixtape

Peach Riot Holiday Mixtape brings a more fashion-forward aesthetic to the blind-box category.

Why we like it: These are collectibles that can become part of a shelf, desk or bedroom rather than simply disappearing into a toy bin.

Mr. Pa Party Show Plush Blind Boxes

Mr. Pa Party Show adds plush to the blind-box trend, giving kids the excitement of a mystery reveal with something soft and displayable at the end.

Why we like it: It works equally well as a small gift, stocking stuffer or beginning of a collection.

A Gift for the Tween Who Has Everything

Buddha Board Enso

For the artistic tween who does not need another collectible, Buddha Board Enso is a completely different kind of gift. Kids paint with water, watch the image slowly disappear as it dries, then start again.

Why we like it: There is no pressure to make something perfect. It is creative, calming and endlessly reusable.

The best gifts for tweens and early teens are the ones that let them show who they are becoming. Maybe that means a KPop Demon Hunters doll, an Instax camera, a crochet project, a collection of Pop Mart figures, a game they can beat their parents at or a hobby they can spend an entire afternoon mastering. 

At this age, the goal is not to find something that feels "educational." It is to find something that makes them think: This is so me.