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Shopping for pre-teens can feel like entering a whole new world—one filled with changing interests, growing independence, and strong opinions about what’s “cool” and what’s definitely not. Whether you’re shopping for your own kids, nieces and nephews, or family friends, finding the perfect gift can be tricky. That’s why I put together this holiday gift guide filled with fun, useful, and age-appropriate ideas that pre-teens will actually be excited about.

From creative activities and room décor to trending gadgets and cozy must-haves, this list covers a little bit of everything. My goal is to make your holiday shopping easier, stress-free, and full of gifts that will earn you major “best gift ever!” points this season.

1. Creative & Artsy Gifts

Pre-teens love expressing themselves, and creative gifts are a perfect way to support their imagination. From DIY kits to beginner art sets, these gifts encourage hands-on fun and let them explore new hobbies. They’re great for downtime, rainy days, or crafting with friends.

  1. 3D Printing Pen: A 3D printing pen is the ultimate creative gadget for artsy pre teens. It lets them draw in the air and create real 3D objects using heated filament. From small sculptures to custom charms and décor pieces, this gift gives them endless room to explore their imagination.
  2. Glitter Pens: Glitter pens are a fun and colorful way for teens to decorate notes, journals, drawings, and school projects. They add sparkle to anything they touch, making them a great pick for anyone who loves adding a bit of shine and personality to their creations.
  3. Light Box: A customizable light box is a trendy room décor piece that lets teens spell out names and fun messages. It’s perfect for adding a personal touch to their bedroom and makes a great backdrop for photos, videos, or creative desk setups.
  4. Build Your Own 3D Heart: This hands-on craft kit lets pre teens build and assemble their own 3D heart model. It’s a unique mix of creativity and STEM learning, making it perfect for curious minds who enjoy detailed projects. The finished piece also makes a cute room display.
  5. DIY Journal Kit: A DIY journal kit gives teens everything they need to design their own personalized notebook. With decorative elements, they can create a journal that feels totally them. It’s ideal for writing, sketching, planning, or keeping memories.
  6. DIY Wall Collage: A wall collage kit lets pre teens transform their bedroom into an aesthetic, Pinterest-worthy space. It usually includes themed prints, inspirational quotes, and cute photos they can arrange however they like. It’s an easy way to refresh their room without spending much.
  7. Boba Crafting Case: This case is so cute, but also handy for storing your crafting goodies.

American Links: 1. 3D Printing Pen | 2. Glitter Pens | 3. Light Box | 4. Build Your Own 3D Heart | 5. DIY Journal Kit | 6. DIY Wall Collage | 7. Boba Crafting Case

2. Room Décor They’ll Actually Love

  1. LED Neon Name sign: A personalized LED neon sign instantly elevates any room. It adds a fun, modern glow and gives them a chance to show off ones name, initials, or a favorite word. It’s both aesthetic and functional, making their space feel uniquely theirs.
  2. Fairy Lights: Fairy lights are a simple way to make any bedroom feel cozy and magical. Pre teens can drape them over a headboard, window, or around shelves to create a soft, warm ambiance. They’re perfect for reading, relaxing, or adding a dreamy touch to photos.
  3. Ivy Macrame Hanging Shelves: These boho-inspired hanging shelves combine natural materials with faux greenery for an effortlessly stylish look. They’re great for displaying small décor pieces, plants, or favorite trinkets, while adding texture and personality to a pre teen’s room.
  4. Macrame Hanging Photo Display: A macramé photo display is a beautiful way for pre teens to showcase their favorite memories, Polaroids, or inspo pics. The woven design adds a trendy boho vibe, and the clips make it easy to swap out photos whenever they want a fresh look.
  5. Girl Cave Door Sign: This playful door sign gives teens a fun way to claim their space (except from their dad). Whether it’s cute, bold, or humorous, a “Girl Cave” sign adds personality and makes their room feel extra special—like their own little sanctuary.
  6. Hanging Vines for Room Decor: Hanging vines are a popular trend for those girlies who love an aesthetic, nature-inspired vibe. They’re easy to hang and instantly brighten up any wall, mirror, or shelf. Pair them with fairy lights for the ultimate cozy setup.
  7. Curtains for Bedroom: Soft pastel curtains add a warm, feminine touch to any room. They can make a space feel brighter, cozier, and more stylish all at once. Perfect for pre teens who are into soft, aesthetic décor themes.
  8. Mirror Decal: A mirror decal with positive affirmations is a meaningful gift that encourages confidence and self-love. Every time they look in the mirror, they get a little boost of inspiration—making it both cute décor and a daily reminder of empowerment.

American Links: 1. LED Neon Name Sign | 2. Fairy Lights | 3. Ivy Macrame Hanging Shelves | 4. Macrame Hanging Photo Display | 5. Girl Cave Door Sign | 6. Hanging Vines for Room Decor | 7. Curtains for Bedroom | 8. Mirror Decal

3. Self-Care & Cozy Gifts

  1. Cozy Wearable Blanket: A cozy wearable blanket is the ultimate comfort gift for the girls who love lounging. Soft, oversized, and warm, it’s perfect for movie nights, study sessions, or chilly mornings. It’s basically a blanket you can wear — and pre teens love how comfy and cute it feels.
  2. Self Care Koala Design Kit: This is the perfect mix where pre teens can use it to lounge and be comfortable, but also do some doodling.
  3. Sloth Night Light: A sloth night light adds a touch of cuteness and calm to any pre teens room. It provides soft, comforting lighting that’s perfect for nighttime reading or relaxing before bed. Plus, the sloth design makes it a fun décor piece during the day.
  4. Bean Bag: A bean bag chair is a must-have for anyone’s room. It’s comfortable, stylish, and creates the perfect spot for reading, gaming, or hanging out with friends. Available in tons of colors and textures, it’s an easy way to upgrade their chill-out space.
  5. Glow In The Dark Blanket: A glow-in-the-dark blanket adds a little magic to bedtime. Kids will love watching the stars, shapes, or patterns glow when the lights go off. It’s cozy, fun, and perfect for anyone who likes unique, aesthetic bedroom accessories.
  6. Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit: This DIY lip balm kit lets pre teens make their own custom balms with fun scents, colors, and shapes. It’s a hands-on craft that’s both creative and practical — and they get to use their creations every day. A great gift for beauty lovers or crafty girls.

American Links: 1. Cozy Wearable Blanket | 2. Self Care Koala Design Kit | 3. Sloth Night Light | 4. Bean Bag | 5. Glow In The Dark Blanket | 6. Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit

4. Games & Activities

  1. Notebook Doodles: This is a cute coloring & activity book filled with 32 encouraging full-page designs. With empowering art activities for young girls, there’s also instructions on basic coloring techniques, fully colored examples, and motivational quotes to go with every design.
  2. DIY Bracelet: Enjoy a fun, creative hobby for boys and girls of all ages. Friendship bracelets Kit is a unique and fun craft to stimulates their imagination, enhances creativity, improves hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and logical thinking. 
  3. Taco Vs. Burrito Game: Taco vs Burrito is a fast-paced, hilarious card game that kids can’t get enough of. Created by a 7-year-old (yes, really!), the game is all about building the craziest meal possible using outrageously funny cards.
  4. Game Cube: This Rechargeable Game Activity Cube is a fun, interactive gift idea that blends play and brain-boosting challenges — perfect for older kids and preteens.
  5. Make Your Own Flowers: This craft set — often marketed as a fun, mess-free art kit — lets kids and teens make their own colorful fabric-flower bouquets, decorations, or cute room-art projects.
  6. Paracord Charm Bracelet Kit: A bracelet-making kit is a fantastic gift for pre teens who love creativity, DIY projects, and self-expression.
  7. Grab The Mic Game: A super fun, interactive game that brings music, laughs, and energy to any get-together — perfect for pre-teens and their friends (or family game nights). This karaoke-style card game challenges players to race for the mic and belt out a lyric containing a particular word from a card. Even if they “can’t sing,” the fast pace, silliness, and friendly competition make it a hit.
  8. DIY Diamond Painting Windchime: This kind of craft kit is a thoughtful, budget-friendly present that’s more than just a “toy” — it’s a tool for creativity, self-expression, and relaxation. For a teen who enjoys arts, crafts, or decorating, it can be a lovely way to explore new hobbies, personalize their space, or create handmade gifts.
  9. 3D Brain Puzzle: If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, challenging and perfect for pre-teens, this game is a solid choice. The “Head-to-Head” version of the classic Kanoodle adds a competitive twist — two players race side-by-side to solve the same puzzle, then press a button to “pop” the other person’s pieces when they finish first.

American Links: 1. Notebook Doodles | 2. DIY Bracelet | 3. Taco Vs. Burrito Game | 4. Game Cube | 5. Make Your Own Flowers | 6. Paracord Charm Bracelet Kit | 7. Grab The Mic Game | 8. DIY Diamond Painting Windchime | 9. 3D Brain Puzzle

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