Find Engaging Gifts for Creative Tweens

Do you have a budding photographer or filmmaker? An artist or crafter-in-training? If the tween in your life is creative, this is the perfect age to skip the “kiddie kits” and introduce higher quality creative supplies. These are some of my favorite gifts for those kids who are ready for more grown-up ideas, but still young enough to enjoy the fun of playing with a new toy.

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Engaging Gifts for Creative Tweens

From the stocking stuffer to the big gift under the tree, give gifts that will let your tween’s creativity run wild. *This list contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Brick Flicks: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Own Stop-Motion LEGO Movies – Learn to make stop-motion movies using the piles of Lego around the house. (And also the floor. And maybe the one you dug out of the arch of your foot last night.) Also available on Kindle: Brick Flicks on Kindle
Spirograph. A classic that is still loads of fun! Get a mega set for extra options, or the travel size as a stocking stuffer.
Knitting Loom. Knitting is becoming more popular than ever, and a loom is a good way to start learning. Projects are easy to complete, and there’s no need to worry about holding needles. A set of looms in varying sizes will give a variety of project options, and don’t forget to grab a few skeins of yarn for that first one.
Grownup Coloring Books. From Harry Potter to inspirational doodles to bookshelves, there’s a coloring book for every interest. These “grown up” designs are great for holding the interest of tweens, as well as older siblings.
Good quality art supplies. Pair those new coloring books with a good set of student-grade colored pencils, markers, or watercolors. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are a great starter level for this age group, and what my kids use in their projects.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera. A flashback to the Polaroid days we grew up in, the Instax prints instant photos that your photographer can share right away. No more photos trapped in a camera or phone! Pair with a few packages of film and a Smashbook or scrapbook for a gift set that works together perfectly.
Smashbook. For the tween that loves to ~~hoard~~ save everything, the Smashbook is a place to keep memories together in a fun, artsy way. Kids glue printed photos, movie tickets, and memorabilia, write notes, and decorate with colorful tape and stickers.
DIY Paracord Bracelet Kit. Combine a giant package of colorful Paracord and Buckles with the EZZZY Jig Bracelet Maker (great for little hands that need help holding ends!) to put together a kit that makes approximately 1 bajillion bracelets.
Creative journals and notebooks. Young writers are full of imagination, but sometimes need a little nudge to decide where to start. Wreck This Journal combines journal writing with fun creativity boosters, and 642 Things to Write About: Young Writer’s Edition is loaded with writing prompts to start the words flowing. (These will be under our tree this year!)
Fabric Marker Project. Doodling and coloring clothes doesn’t have to be off-limits. Give a set of Fabric Markers along with a fresh pair of white tennies, blank t-shirts or pillowcases, and let them express themselves and wear their creations.
Beginner sewing machine. Look for a basic mechanical machine that isn’t too confusing. The SINGER 3323S Talent 23-Stitch Sewing Machine is beginner machine that has a few extra useful bells and whistles. It as a 1-step buttonhole (instead of 4 steps), includes multiple sewing feet, and a drop-in bobbin. Add in a couple fabric fat quarters and coordinating thread to start the first project right away. Pair with a project/instruction book like Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing for sewing projects geared toward tweens and teens.