42 Best Galentine's Day Gifts for Tweens That Are Trending in 2026


Want to surprise the tween in your life for Galentine's Day but aren't into the idea of chocolates or candy? We've got you! There are so many sweet, thoughtful ways to show them a little love this year.
The tween years, which typically fall between ages 9 and 12, are a transitional time, hence the name “tween,” or “in between.” Finding gifts for 12-year-olds and other tweens can be a little tricky; the giftee may be out of the toy aisle and bored with Barbies and Bratz, but that doesn't necessarily mean the top gifts for teens are right for them at this point in their life either.
So what do you get a tween on your shopping list, whether you're looking for an adorable Galentine's Day or Valentine' Day sweet treat, a birthday gift, or a “just because” present? Luckily, you've got lots of options for your tween friends, siblings, nieces or nephews. Start by considering what the tween in your life is into. (If you're not sure, ask them or their friends!) If they're an aspiring beauty influencer, consider “starter” items like a cute nail polish, a quality sunscreen, or a fun tinted lip gloss. Games and activities they can do with friends and family, like a bracelet-making kit, are a thoughtful way to encourage connection, and room decor is a great option for tweens who are figuring out who they are and what they like. Tweens are very clued-in to what's cool and trendy, like the ever-popular micro Ugg boots and cute bag charms, so you can nod to the fact that they're exploring their style without going overboard. For 2026 gifting, consider leaning into some of our favorite fashion trends, like polka dots, brooches, and preppy loafers. And tweens will always love a cute hoodie—that's just a fact.
If you're shopping gifts for 12-year-old to 9 year-old tweens, here are some of the best gift ideas to get you started—from big splurges to cute treats.
Featured in this article
Trendy Sneakers
VIVAIA
Jogger Re-Nylon Sneakerina (Yancy)
Ballet sneakers are the adorable trend that we're expecting to see a lot in the spring. It's perfect for those who love the coquette aesthetic, and this red color will give them an edge.
Kpop Demon Hunters Merch
KPop Demon Hunters
Derpy Plushie
For someone who can't get enough of the movie, a piece of merch, like this plush, are a great reminder of it when they don't have time for a full rewatch.
Chic Hair Clip
The Hair Edit
Red Couture Claw Clip
You can never have too many claw clips. Treat your favorite tween to a stylish, on-theme red clip for their V-Day hairstyle and beyond. We love the subtle ivory piping, which adds to the elegant appeal.
Sweet Silk Scrunchies
Slip
Sweetie Skinny Scrunchies
Tweens who are just starting to experiment with hairstyling and hair care will love this six-piece set of skinny scrunchies made from gentle, colorful silk, which won't snag or cause breakage. They can even share them with friends so they can match!
Festive Faux Freckles
Fazit Beauty
Candy Heart Speckles Makeup Patches
Freckles are one of our favorite 2026 beauty trends, whether they're real or faux, and Fazit's sparkly, limited-edition Valentine's Day designs are so sweet. (Taylor Swift is a fan of the brand!) These would definitely delight any tween in your life.
A Body Care Kit
Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set
This set is worthy of going viral on TikTok and the perfect exploration for someone just getting into the fragrance world and experimenting with the different types, from scented wash to mist.
A Trendy Perfume
Bath & Body Works
Vanilla Café Eau de Parfum
For the perfume-lover that already has their favorites, a unique, trendy twist on a classic scent will add to their robust collection.
Something Polka Dotted
EDIKTED
Daliya Polka Dot Fold Over Pants
Polka dots are another huge trend, and these comfy, cute foldover loungewear pants are perfect for school or weekend hangs with friends.
Adorable Jellycats
Jellycat
Colette Heart Macaron
You gotta have a Jellycat or two! These precious plushies are at the top of every tween's wishlist, and the Valentine's Day designs truly couldn't be more covetable. They keep selling out, so get yours while you can!
iPhone Case
CASETiFY Compact iPhone 14 Pro Case
For many tweens, their phone is an extension of their style, so help them express their vibe and aesthetic with a cute new phone case—especially one that also helps protect their phone, because accidents happen.
Trending Hoodie
Pink Palm Puff
Classic Puff Hoodie
Hoodies are a mainstay in any tween's wardrobe, and the Pink Palm Puff brand—founded by a teenager!—is one of the most popular brands. We love the beachy, California coast vibe of their supersoft designs.
Sound Machine
Hatch
Restore 3
Teens and tweens are all about the Hatch sound machine-slash-alarm clock, which can be customized to help them wake up slowly and gently or help muffle nighttime sounds.
DIY Knit Scarf
Petite Knit
Sophie Scarf (Pattern)
This DIY knit scarf pattern is a huge trend right now, so if you've got a crafty tween in your life, they'll love trying their hand at whipping up a cold-weather accessory.
Platform Loafers
Amazon
Maichal Platform Loafers
Preppy loafers are an emerging 2026 trend that we're loving, and these platform loafers toe the line (pun intended!) between classic and punk.
Lip Gloss
Fwee
3D Volumizing Gloss
There's really never a bad time to gift a lip gloss, especially one as adorable and delicately tinted as this sweet shade from Fwee.
Trendy Nail Polish
Essie
Sky Jelly
Sheer “jelly” nails are a cool way to switch up your manicure game, and baby blue has been one of the biggest, trendiest colors of the past year. Two trends at once? Genius gift.
Analog Camera
Fujifilm
QuickSnap Flash 400 One-Time-Use Camera, 2 Pack
More and more tweens and teens are moving away from all-digital everything in favor of the unplugged life, and what better way to capture their memories than with an old-school disposable camera?
High-Quality Headphones
Beats
Solo 4 Wireless Headphones
Ideal for gaming, listening to music, or blocking out sound to focus on homework, a pair of Beats headphones is always a safe bet for tweens.
A Cute Purse
Vera Bradley
Mini Roxbury Crescent Shoulder Bag
Vera Bradley is back and we can't get enough — and neither can the tweens in your life! This beaded bag feels like a special, grown-up purchase but is durable enough for daily use.
Ugg Booties
UGG
Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot
Uggs are still one of the biggest, most coveted gifts for all ages, especially the micro style, which looks cute with socks, denim, and sweats.
Trending Lip Tint
rhode
Peptide Lip Tint in Raspberry Jelly
Rhode is on everyone's wishlist this year, especially tweens! The Peptide Lip Tints have a subtle tint that is perfect for tweens growing their makeup collection.
A Bag Charm
Monchhichi
Beanie Plushie Keychain
Bag charms show zero signs of slowing down, but if the tween or 12-year-old in your life is over the Labubu look, consider treating them to a cute Monchhichi instead!
Another Bag Charm
Jellycat
Bashful Bunny Bag Charm
An adorable pale pink Jellycat bunny would be precious hanging from a backpack or purse strap too.
Splurge-Worthy Blanket
Lola Blankets
Sand Dollar Blanket
Room decor and cozy items are thoughtful picks for a tween who is establishing their space and personal style.
A Little Ambiance
SOLVINDEN LED string light with 12 lights
Don't neglect lighting when gifting room decor items! These string lights from Ikea make their bedroom feel so much more welcoming.
Bath Bombs
Da Bomb Bath
Cotton Candy Bath Bomb
Bath bombs are the best stocking stuffers, especially something as sweet (and sweetly scented) as this cotton candy pick. The company was founded by two sisters who began making bath bombs when they were tweens.
Everyday Jewelry
3 Pairs Gold Hoop Earrings Set
Gold hoop earrings are a forever go-to, so give the tween in your life a set of affordable faux-gold earrings to get them started on their jewelry journey. Because they're so affordably priced, it's not a huge deal if they lose one at school or sports practice.
A Sweet-Smelling Perfume Set
Kayali
Sweet Obsessions Mini Perfume Set
Tweens are just starting to get into the world of perfume, and this four-piece mini scent from Kayali gives them the chance to try several scents and figure out which notes they love.
Hydration to Go
Hydro Flask
Micro Hydro Mini Water Bottle
Stanley cups have been the go-to for a few years, but now it's time for something a little… well, a lot… smaller! Enter the mini Hydro Flask, which is perfect for toting to class.
Versatile Notebooks
Moleskine
Peanuts Journals
Every tween needs a safe space to share their deepest thoughts, hopes, secrets, and dreams. This Peanuts-themed three-piece notebook set from Moleskine couldn't be cuter. The large size makes them great for homework too.
Colorful Pens
Sanrio
Hello Kitty x Studio Oh! Gel Pens
And don't forget some jelly pens to write with!
Starter SPF
Beauty of Joseon
Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50
Sunscreen is an absolute must in your skin care and beauty routine, so gift your favorite tween a lightweight yet powerful SPF formula they'll want to use every day. Good skin care habits start young!
Bracelet-Making Kit
BaubleBar
Bracelet Bead Kit
The Eras tour may be over, but making and trading friendship bracelets is forever — especially when they're this bright and fun!
Gaming Gift Card
Roblox Gift Card
If the tween in your life is into gaming, a Roblox gift card would be much appreciated. Choose an amount and let them get to work!
Stylish Sanitizer
Touchland
Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
Touchland's chic hand sanitizers come in tons of fun scents and are easy to pop in a backpack for school. All it takes is a quick spritz to freshen up!
Cozy Fleece
Athleta
Cozy Hour Jacket
A comfy fleece zip-up jacket will keep them warm and stylish all school year long. We love the neutral color of this one; it will look great with pretty much everything in their closet.
Cute PJs
Roller Rabbit
Monkey Pajamas
Tweens love Roller Rabbit's soft, colorful PJs. They'll wow the group at the next sleepover in this adorable set.
Something Sparkly
Lululemon
City Essentials Nano Shoulder Bag
A sparkly mini purse from Lululemon feels a little fancy but not too dressed-up or grown-up. Tuck a lip gloss inside for maximum holiday delight.
Elevated Game Night
"Wicked" Monopoly Board Game
If they're a big Wicked fan, they'll love this thematic Monopoly game, which makes the world of Oz come alive in a new yet familiar way.
Selfie-Worthy Shades
Nordstrom
Oval Sunglasses
When in doubt, grab a cute pair of sunglasses as a stocking stuffer or just-because gift! This oval style is classic and versatile but still feels trendy and cool.









































