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 50 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 $20
Cat & Jack 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. “My daughter looks completely adorable with these on,” wrote one reviewer. “They definitely remind me of some of the chokers I had when I was much younger. I love how stretchy these are. They are very easy to get on and off.”
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. One reviewer wrote, “My sister and her kids absolutely loved it. They said they haven’t laughed that long in a long time.”
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 versus witches while you try to outsmart your opponents to capture the ghastly spell book before the black flame candle burns out!
SpaLife Beauty Fruit Facial Sheet Masks
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.
Claire’s Heart-Shaped Dry-Erase Board
Leave a sweet note as they’re dashing out the door for school or jot down reminders on this heart-shaped dry-erase board that comes complete with a marker. It even has a light-up feature so they can easily read messages in the dark.
Super Smalls Make It Chill Bead Kit
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
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.
Twitch eGift Cards
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.
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.
Roblox Digital Gift Code
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.
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, where the winner earns that title by creating the tallest “tower” with the letter tiles included.
Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2024 Edition
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.
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! It can be customized to their preference, thanks to the three different colors of grip tape that are included.
Dart Kids’ Trail Bike
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.
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.
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.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best clothing and accessories for 11-year-olds
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, 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. It’s made out of a recycled cotton and polyester blend fabric, promising to wick away sweat and added moisture.
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.
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. It’s available in 14 different solid colors and decorative prints, perfect for sporting their school’s colors if they prefer.
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. Each kit includes 3,000 gems in eight different colors, along with several suncatchers, stickers and keychains to bedazzle.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Available in 12 different colors, password-protected ATM is sure to keep their stash safe from younger siblings.
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.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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.
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.
Jellycat Amuseables Pair of Marshmallows Keychain
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.
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.
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.
Posh Creations Malibu Lounge Bean Bag Chair
With a cover made entirely out of (easily-cleanable) nylon, messes are no reason to stress with this lounger whenever your tween inevitably spills. Reviewers say this plush bean bag chair is lightweight and perfect to sit in while studying or playing video games.
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!
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.
