Great gift ideas for tweens and early teens

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning teen or tween in your life is one of the biggest challenges of the festive season! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. As ever, we’re proud to shop small and support our fellow independent businesses. Here’s our pick of the best gifts from our go-to brands for 12 to 14-year-olds.

Teen Journal from The Happy Self Journal

We are huge fans of award-winning brand The Happy Self Journal. Their Teen Journal is designed to promote happiness and confidence in kids aged 12+. The 3-month journal guides teenagers through the journaling process with daily prompts. It’s beautifully produced and vegan-friendly too.

Multi Neon Rainbow Hoodie from Neon Marl

I’ve lost track of how many people I’ve bought Neon Marl sweats and t-shirts for! They are one of my go-to clothing brands for gifting thanks to their comfy clothes and eye-catching designs. Their bestselling neon rainbow sweatshirt is available for kids up to 12-13 and in adult sizes too.

Starter Skincare Box from Spots & Stripes

Specialist tween/teen skincare brand Spots & Stripes bridges that tricky gap between the baby/kids’ products that your 12-year-old has out grown and the teen-acne products that they’re don’t quite need yet. Their products are tried and tested at Parrot Street HQ and come highly recommended! The starter kit makes a great gift and is available in different versions for boys and girls.

Artists + Scientists Twin Pack from History Heroes

I live with a pair of young history buffs and card game enthusiasts, so this brand has been a lifesaver over the last couple of years! We’ve built up quite a collection of these fun, educational games that keep them entertained for hours. The range includes everything from Sport to Science, Romans to World War 2, so there’s something for everyone.

Creative Planner from Doodlemoo

We love stationery brand Doodlemoo and their Creative Planner makes a great gift for inspired (and inspiring) young minds. It’s packed with quotes, ideas and exercises to motivate creativity. The dateless format means you can dip in and out, while the striking design and beautiful gift-wrapping make this an easy gift option.

Macaw book subscription from Parrot Street Book Club

One of our book subscriptions makes a great gift for young bookworms and our Macaw reading category is perfect for teens and tweens. Designed to bridge the gap between middle grade fiction and young adult books, our Macaw subscription delivers a choice of age-appropriate books each month, along with exclusive stationery, activity ideas and access to our online Clubhouse. Opt for a gift voucher so the recipient can manage their own account online, making it even easier for you!

Of course, we think that books make the best gifts! For more book recommendations for the teenager in your life, check out our guide to the best contemporary young adult fiction and our advice on what to read next after bestseller The Hate U Give.