
Are you looking for creative gift ideas for tweens and teens?
As kids grow out of playing with toys, it can be hard to find gifts that don’t fall into the super-expensive electronic variety.
Even more, as a minimalist mom of tweens, I want at least some of the gifts we give to foster independence, creativity, and real-life problem-solving skills. Crafts are great, but creative activities that produce actually useable results are even better.
As the gift-giving season approaches, I’ve been curating a list of really awesome gift ideas for the creative tweens and teens in my own life. There are so many great options out there!
So if you’re looking for some really cool creative and useful gift ideas for teens and tweens almost anyone eight and older, feel free to use this list to get you started.
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Creative Gift Ideas that Build Real-Life Skills
Ukelele Set + Learn Ukelele the Easy Way
You can find amazing, quality ukelele sets with everything you need to start playing for under $60! We got this colorful under-$40 ukelele kit for our 8yo daughter last year and have been super happy with it. I’m thinking about getting this fancy, more grown-up version for myself.
Weaving Loom Kit
There are so many highly-rated options out there! Here are a few I’m considering:
Build Your Own Computer Kit
Okay, so this is an electronic option, and it’s a little more spendy than the other things on the list, but aren’t these cool?
Learn to Code Books
Need some ideas for “something to read” that will build STEM skills? I know some kids who would love these:
Circuit Building Kits for Kids
My nine year-old daughter took a circuit-building STEM class in summer school this year and loved it. There are highly-rated options starting at less than $20. These sets below are the coolest!
Leatherworking Kit
Everything you need to make bracelets, bookmarks and key fobs, plus a new skill!
Wood Carving Tools
This is such a great starter set! Don’t forget to include wood for carving!
Cooking & Baking Tools for Beginners
Our daughter loves to watch baking videos, and she was thrilled to get a kid-sized baking kit. I love that she’s learning a new hobby and important life skill, and we’ve had a great time in the kitchen together!
Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine + Book
A beginner-friendly sewing machine has been on our wish-list for a while now. I love this super simple model from Janome.
Microscope + Experiment Set
Seriously though, how cool is this microscope set? My science-obsessed kiddos would LOVE this!
Craft Kit Gift Ideas with Actually Useable Results
Candle Making Kit
The beeswax candle-rolling set is such an easy craft — a great option for simple, handmade gift-giving. The pouring set takes it to another level, and would be perfect for a crafty teen!
Soap Making Kit
DIY soap kits are another great craft/homemade gift idea!
Jewelry Making Kit
My kids love making and wearing handmade jewelry, and there are so many kits out there for every style and skill level!
Latch Hook Kit
I’ve got my eye on a few latch hook kits – what a fun way for a teen or tween to make their own decor!
No-Sew Blanket Kit
My kids have done several of these no-sew blanket kits, and they love the sense of accomplishment from assembling their own cozy blanket! This is another great gift idea for almost any age!
Canvas Bag Decorating Kit
Decorate your own library bag, activity kit, shopping bag, or craft tote. This is a great gift idea for a budding artist.
Build/Paint Your Own Birdhouse Kit
Birdhouses are just so fun — and how cool is it to see something you created become a home for a living creature? My kiddos would love these!
Needle Felting Kit
Needle felting is such an amazing art form, and there are a ton of beginner kits to get you started! How adorable is that hedgehog?
Easy Knitting or Crochet Kits
Right now my tweens are into finger-knitting, but I know these are the next step. It’s a skill set they can use for the rest of their lives. So fun!
Don’t you love these gift ideas for creative teens and tweens? I know I’ll be working off this list for years to come! Is there anything amazing that I missed? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it to the list!
