What do 12-year-olds want for their birthday?

Ask, honestly — at twelve the answers split hard by child. The consistent hits are a game for the console they have, a big LEGO set, headphones or earbuds, and for many, a first skincare routine of their own.

Is skincare an appropriate gift for a tween?

Gentle cleansers, moisturizers and lip products are — they are what dermatologists recommend at this age anyway. Avoid actives (retinol, strong acids) which are for adult skin.

How much should I spend on a tween?

Similar to a younger child: $15–40 for most relationships. The things they want most (a game, earbuds) sit in that range; the things above it (a console) are family decisions.

Gifts for tweens (10 to 13)

A tween is two people: the one who still builds LEGO on the floor and the one who has started asking for skincare and a controller. Buy for the wrong one and you get the polite face.

This list covers both — the bigger sets and games for the child, the first tech and the first proper skincare for the teenager they are turning into. Real US prices, rated for the age.

They will not tell their grandparents which one they are today. They will tell a wishlist.

30 products · prices and stock checked November 2026 · every link goes to the store

Victory Point Games Nemo's War (2nd Edition)
$74.99
6
Jellycat Amuseables Siofra Shamrock Bag Charm
$35.00
6
Harry Potter Children's Collection Box Set
$56.43
2
Slugfest Games The Red Dragon Inn
$28.79
5
Stronghold Games Hellas & Elysium: Terraforming Mars Exp
$19.99
4
Pearl Games The Bloody Inn
$32.99
4
Czech Game Editions Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
$49.95
3
Jellycat Yummy Mouse
$23.00
3
Stone Blade Entertainment Ascension: Legends
$33.99
3
Zygomatic Timeline: Games & Leisure - Clutch Box
$11.39
3
Oink Games Kobayakawa
$19.99
3
Renegade Game Studio World's Fair 1893
$40.00
3
Jellycat Larry Lobster 'Sailor'
$75.00
3
Lookout Spiele Dragon Overload
$16.99
3
Red Raven City of Iron Second Edition
$59.99
2
GMT Games Combat Commander: Resistance 2nd Printing
$49.89
2
Space Cowboys Splendor
$32.99
2
Lookout Spiele Ghosts Galore
$27.99
2
GMT Games China's War
$73.99
2
Mighty Boards Tenby
$30.00
2
Pencil First Games Vineyard: A Winemaking Game
$49.99
2
Mayfair Games Catan Junior
$30.39
2
Renegade Game Studios The Fox in the Forest
$15.99
2
Wizards of The coast Dungeons & Dragons: Lords of Waterdeep
$43.89
2
Renegade Game Studio Lanterns: The Harvest Festival
$35.00
2
Thames & Kosmos EXIT: Family - The Trophy Case and Night at the Carnival Vol 2
$25.49
2
Rio Grande Games Race For The Galaxy
$29.95
2
Allplay Book Club
$9.99
2
Alderac Entertaiment Group Smash Up
$27.99
2
Fantasy Flight Games Signs of Carcosa: Eldritch Horror Exp
$26.39
2

Make the list, stop getting guessed at

Save anything from any store to a free wishlist, share the link, and let people buy you things you actually want. Reserved items stay hidden from you, so the surprise survives.

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Questions people ask

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