16 Cool Gifts Tween Boys & Girls *Really* Want In 2020

For the tween who’s always dreamed of seeing their name in lights — bright, color-changing lights — this vibrant, retro lightbox looks like a real, back-lit marquee. You can choose from 15 different light colors, dim the brightness up and down, and play with “flash,” “strobe,” “fade,” and “smooth” light effects, all controllable with a remote. Tweens will love adding their own personal touch by customizing what they want their lightbox to say. (Ps. It comes with emojis, too.) “I previously ordered a cheaper light box and ended up returning it so I could get this, and I’m happy I did!” one reviewer raves. “This is easy to use, has lots of fun emojis, and enough letters to spell out a variety of messages.” And turns out, it has some clever uses. “I teach American Sign Language at a high school and I turn this on to signal that it’s time to switch from English to ASL.”

Talk about scoring major “cool” points. This beige chair macrame swing is the perfect place for your tween to write in a diary, read, or study for tomorrow’s science quiz. With a simple boho style and made from 100% handmade cotton, the macrame swing is cute, functional, and gives your tween a fun go-to space other than a desk or bed. You may even catch them napping in it! Reviewers mention that they had to buy hanging hardware separately, but there are cheap kits on Amazon. One reviewer adds that this chair was a hit with her 11-year-old. “We added jewels and fancy pillows to it, which makes it even better,” she says.  

Isn’t it everything a kid could ever want in a water bottle — a Bluetooth speaker and some H2O storage?! This water bottle-speaker hybrid includes a USB cable to charge it up and connects tunes via Bluetooth. Whether your tween hits the gym, goes for a run, lounges by the water, or just loves to impromptu dance, this is the water bottle for the life of the party. Did we mention you can also answer calls through your water bottle?! That’s some crazy spy sh*t! “This water bottle is dooopppeeeee,” says one enthusiastic reviewer. “The speaker is great, battery lasts through my work day. Keeps my water cold all day long. If I leave it overnight with ice, theres still ice the next morning. Color is sooo pretty too!”  

Ah, the preteen years. That’s usually when the “experimenting with my appearance” phase kicks off. Keep things PG (and washable) with these temporary hair chalk pens that can transform hair from dull to vibrant in just a few seconds.  The easy-applicator brushes makes it easy to color hair with multiple hues. Your kid will love their new (temporary) look and you’ll love that this sh*t comes out in the wash. “Impressed. I bought this for my daughters dance recital. The them was candy shop and I was hoping the bright colors would pop. And they did,” one reviewer says. “The texture was actually nice and didnt leave her hair sticky. The color was bright and showed up. The application brush was easy to use. We will definitely use again for upcoming shows or just to play dress up.”  

Possibly one of the best things about the Harry Potter series is that it’s timeless and virtually ageless, too. In other words, your kiddo will feel like they’re getting a “grown-up” gift, yet the books are relatable and appropriate for kids in the “tween” age range. Although the seven books total thousands of pages (as millenial moms know), it’s impossible not to become engrossed in these magical stories. This handsome set comes in a chest made of sturdy cardboard, so consider it a collector’s item that also looks great on display. It’s a must-have for any HP fan, and if your kid isn’t one yet, they will be soon.

It’s the calorie-free, clutter-free gift that keeps on giving. Get MIL a year subscription of Disney+ for around $70 and she’ll be able to enjoy hours (and hours and hours) of entertainment. While you may have to explain that this service isn’t just for kids, she’ll love watching everything from National Geographic docs to nostalgic movies with the grandkids.

If your tween is like the millions of others around the world, they are OBSESSED with the K-POP group BTS. If they don’t have their own Funko POP! collection yet, this is the perfect way to kick it off. Designed in Funko’s signature caricature style, this collector’s item can be played with or displayed on a bureau or shelf. And don’t forget to pick up the other band members! 

These adorable slippers from Old Navy come in Leopard, Koala, and Unicorn versions too! It’ll keep them super cozy with it’s sherpa lining, and not in a lame way. The perfect gift for the upcoming winter months!