Gift Ideas For The Pre-Teen

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I was a little stumped when it came to gift ideas for the pre-teen in my house at first. My own pre-teen is at a weird gifting age. He wants big things but the small things still bring him joy too. For example, he has “RV” and “a map” on his list currently. His interests are all over the place and while we won’t be getting him everything on this list, these are all things I know he’d love.

Pre-Teen Gift Ideas

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

A camera is such a great way to get those creative juices flowing. This compact camera packs a lot of punch and comes in 5 colors: Sky Blue, Lilac Purple, Ice White, Charcoal Gray and Blush Pink.

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Roald Dahl Gift Set

Harrison is really into these books right now. He read Matilda and then we watched the movie and it was such a nostalgic walk down memory lane for me, his Millennial mother.

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Lego Set

Don’t discount a good lego set for a pre-teen. And as kids get older there are so many cool, more challenging sets to choose from!

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Metal Detector

I’ll do basically anything to get my kids outside exploring with minimal whining––and I think this metal detector and the chance of finding treasures is just the ticket.

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Robot Ball

This programmable mini Robot Ball is every tech-y kids dream! Code your way through the eight included cones to set up a goal, practice your ball-handling skills or challenge a friend to a game.

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Grounded For Life Game

If you are in the thick of what I like to call the “Poop Butt Fart Humor” phase, this game will make a great gift. I have to admit, it makes me LOL every time I play too. From the creators of Cards Against Humanity, this is basically a kid-friendly version!

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Microscope

A gift for the blossoming scientist! This set comes with a high powered microscope, plastic slides, and carrying case!

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Mastermind Game

Definitely getting this for Harrison on Heather’s recommendation. Breaking and creating hidden code is right up his alley.

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Oculus VR Headset

This is a big ticket item that packs a lot of punch and is fun for the whole family. When I tell you Tyler and I stayed up way too late playing Angry Birds the first week we owned this––that’s not an exaggeration. Beyond games, there are countless videos to explore whatever you’re interested in. My pre-teen LOVES the journeys through space and anything National Geographic.

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Apple iPad

I think the time has come to switch my oldest over to Apple products. We are an Apple family and while he’s had Chromebooks that have served their purpose, they just aren’t lasting as long as we’d like. He is very much into coding and will be thrilled to have an iPad to do his thing on.

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Bean Bag Chair

Whether he’s reading or playing games, this comfy bean bag chair will be a bit hit. I’ll even grab one for younger son.

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Echo Dot

Our Echo Dot Kids Version gets the most use when Harrison needs to know what the population of Libya is or how many miles are between Japan and New Zealand. Highly recommend so you can learn right along with your kiddo!

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Battleship Game

Battleship is a classic board game for two that my kids love.

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Behind The Door Basketball Hoop

Do your kids constantly complain there’s nothing to do? Same. I’m always on the hunt for off-screen “busy” activities. This behind the door basketball hoop will be a great boredom killer.

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National Geographic Kids Magazine

This fun-filled, fact-packed magazine if perfect for any mini scientist who loves animals. Arriving every month, it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

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Highlights Magazine Subscription

My kids LOVE Highlights (yes, the same magazine from when we were kids!!) They look forward to it arriving every month.

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Hoverboard

This heavy duty hoverboard is great for first timers. It’s light up LED wheels are super fun and can handle up to 185lbs.

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Nintendo Switch

Gaming consoles will always be a top pick for our tech lover. We aren’t quite ready for PS5 or XBox but the Nintendo Switch has been a great starter console, if you will. Pro tip: if a gaming console is on your list, make sure you buy it early, they are a hot ticket item and will sell out fast.

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I hope this got your wheels turning on gifts for a pre-teen! Let us know in the comments what we forgot! Follow us on Instagram so you don’t miss any updates!