We’re with you! In fact, we’ve got three of them! With a game that transcends so well across both boys and girls, you can guess what’s featuring heavily in this year’s gifting wish lists.

Once you’ve already got Minecraft on every device and format known to man, how can you keep feeding the Minecraft obsession?

From the cute and quirky to the totally practical gear they’ll use every day, here are our favorite picks of Minecraft gifts for teens and tweens in 2026.

(Psst if you’re still trying to work out your Creepers from your Ender Dragon or can’t figure out the modes, then pop over to our Minecraft parent explainer guide, coz no one wants to be a total noob!

Best Minecraft Gifts in 2026 – Under $15

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

UNO Minecraft Card Game

The classic family card game is made especially for Minecraft fans. Expect some little twists in the rules from Creeper Cards to TNT – brown, blues, and greens, but otherwise, the rules are the same, so its an easy game for the whole family to pick up.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Creeper Pop Up Hamper 

Don’t we all love a kiddy gift with a totally practical purpose? This clothing hamper is ideal bedroom décor for junior Minecraft fans. (*comes with no guarantee your kids will actually get their clothes in the hamper)

Find it on Amazon

ThinkFun Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle Logic Game 

This magnetic travel game offers players 40 challenges from beginner to expert. Ideal for eight years+ who love logic puzzles.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Overworld Adventure Hooded Towel

Just when you think kids may have outgrown their cute little hoody towels for the pool or the beach, I think you’ll convince them to stick with it a few more years with this cute but practical piece of Minecraft Merch!

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Creeper Ornament

An ideal stocking stuffer for the Minecraft fan whose tree can’t live without a creeper! Sure it’s not traditional, but tweens love to add their touch of personality to the tree too!

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Kids Classic Hero And Monsters Socks

Another practical Minecraft gift ideal, as well as an excellent stocking stuffer! Because I mean, it just isn’t Christmas without some new socks – everyone needs them, so have some fun with Minecraft-themed socks for those growing feet.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Coloring Book

Coloring books are an excellent gift for tweens to help them relax and unwind off-screen. They can still enjoy their favorite characters, though, while enjoying some downtime with this excellent Minecraft coloring book, perfect for kids around 8 to 10 years old.

Find it on Amazon

Best Minecraft Gifts in 2026 – Under $30

Minecraft Youth Pullover Sweatshirt

Perfect for any Minecraft-lover, these 3D print hoodies won’t crack or fade; they’re machine washable and come in a variety of designs and sizes ranging from 4 to adult. You’ll find something for every shape and size of Minecraft fan.

Find it on Amazon

Zak Designs 27oz Minecraft Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Ideal for school bags, junior Minecraft fans will love this robust stainless steel 27oz water bottle with a flip-up straw and locking spout cover to keep germs out and stop leaks.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft: Guide Collection 4-Book Boxed Set

Once your kids have got the hang of the Minecraft basics, the official Mojang Minecraft guides are the go-to resources to expand their playing skills.

This Minecraft box set series covers Red Stone, Creative, Exploration, and The Nether & The End.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Kids Backpack 4 Piece Set

The perfect back-to-school set, backpack, lunchbox, pencil case, and drink bottle, all in coordinated Minecraft print. All official Minecraft merchandise, perfect gifts for back-to-school season.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Dirt Block Nylon Bi-Fold Wallet

Anything practical suddenly becomes ultra-appealing once you put Minecraft on it, right? A wallet is no exception. Keep their hard-earned pocket money safe in this nylon bi-fold wallet, 3.5″ x 4.5″.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Boxer Briefs – Creeper Crew Underwear for Boys

Who says jocks from your Nan need to be boring?! Word her up on what’s hot this year or some practical stocking stuffers. These undies will be bound to please a little Minecraft fan while still keeping their cool in the school changing room.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Boys’ Creeper Lounge Pants

Comfort around the home for your junior gamer, these wonderfully soft lounge pants are a winner -your problem will be getting them to change out of them!

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Kitty Front Tie Girl’s Pink T-Shirt Gamer Tee

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that Minecraft is just a game for boys! Our gamer girl is always delighted to find suitable merch in more feminine shades. This cute kitty tee fits the bill as a perfect Minecraft gift for girls.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Girls’ Creeper Hoodie

Another favorite for your tween girl gamer, a Minecraft-lover hoody is a super soft and cozy winner! The darker shades may appeal to a girl Minecraft fan that doesn’t need everything pretty in pink.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Brownstone Torch Lamp

A wonderful night light solution for your Minecraft fan ready to give the baby nightlights away, this is a way cooler choice. 11.5″ high, it’s run on a USB rechargeable battery.

Find it on Amazon

Builders & Biomes Strategy Board Game 

This strategy board game from Ravensberg, developed in conjunction with Mojang, is the perfect Minecraft gift for a 10-year-old.

Ideal for playing with Minecraft-loving friends, it’s a strategy game that helps them work on their problem-solving and social skills while they enjoy some screen-free time.

Find it on Amazon

Best Minecraft Gifts in 2026 – Under $50

Minecraft Grass Block Storage Cube Organizer

You’ll never see your tweens’ room so organized as when they get their hands on one of these Minecraft organizer cubes! 13″ x 13″.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Potion Bottle Light Color-Changing LED Lamp

An ideal night light for Minecraft kids, this color-changing LED lamp stands 7″ tall and changes eight colors at the push of a button. Two AAA batteries are required.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Touchscreen Interactive Smart Watch 

An interactive smartwatch powered via USB, this official Minecraft-branded watch is not just for telling the time. It also includes a selfie cam, games, a voice recorder, a pedometer, an alarm, a stopwatch, and even a calculator! It’s not bad for a small package—it comes in a really nice presentation box for gifting, a lovely Minecraft gift for a 9-year-old.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft: Construction Handbook: an Official Mojang Book

Tween approved! This is the perfect introductory guide for your new Minecrafter looking to brush up their skills and unlock some of the key construction techniques to make amazing creations in creative mode.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Jigsaw

If you’re seeking Minecraft gifts for teens or those who love problem-solving, they may be ready to tackle this detailed 1000-piece Minecraft jigsaw!

If this feels too difficult, you can always start with a 300 piece set and work up their skills.

Find it on Amazon

LEGO Minecraft The Zombie Cave

Lego and Minecraft together! Oh yes, it’s our tween boy’s dream come true! Loads of kits are now available for different age groups and skill levels; you can see a wider range available here.

Find it on Amazon

Steve Deluxe Minecraft Costume

Get set for Halloween, Minecraft fans! Looking for fun and novel costume ideas from school dress-ups to Halloween, “Steve” is sure to be a winner with small, medium, and large sizing four years to 12 years approx. Comes in a 3-piece set of pants, tunic, and a face mask.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Area Rug

The perfect addition for a kid’s bedroom or playroom, this Minecraft area rug made from polyester comes in 39″ and 52″ designs and the option of creeper or TNT.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Bomber Jacket for Boys

For boys who love to take their favorite game with them literally everywhere, they go, this cozy, warm bomber jacket could be the perfect Minecraft gift for a boy.

Available from sizes 4 through to 16, there’s something for kids of all ages who love Minecraft.

Find it on Amazon

Best Minecraft Gifts in 2026 – Over $50

Jay Franco Minecraft Creeper 4 Piece Twin Bed Set

This practical Minecraft bedding pack includes a twin comforter, flat sheet, and pillowcase. The soft microfiber material is easily machine washable. Visit the Jay Franco store for plenty of coordinating (and officially licensed) Minecraft bedroom accessories.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Explorer Kit

If you’re still trying to think of some unique Minecraft gift ideas for kids, then this is it!

This fabulous real-life Minecraft building kit is a sensational extension to the online game, taking your tween’s building skills to the next level.

High-density foam with brace connectors, make your own 3D world of forts, tunnels, or mazes, perfect for Minecraft fans aged 8 years+.

Find it on Amazon

Still stuck for ideas? There’s a complete Minecraft store on Amazon divided up by clothing, bed and bath, accessories, and more to try and track down that perfect Minecraft gift.

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Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

We are your online tween gift specialists! Pop on over to see our full collection of Tween Gift Guides, including:

Best gifts for gamer boys
Best gifts for gamer girls
Among Us gifts for tweens

You may also want to check out our guides to helping parents manage their tweens relationship with tech and devices – plus, we review the hottest video games your tweens will love – or for mobile devices, check out this guide to app-based games for tweens.

The post Discover 25+ Minecraft Gifts for Kids: Perfect for Little Builders in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Best Gifts For Girl Gamers

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Accessories Bundle (for use with Nintendo Switch Lite)

The perfect compliment for a girl with a Nintendo Switch Lite, this mega accessory bundle includes a carry case, headphones, screen protectors, extra charger cords, and a protective case for your Switch Lite. Available in a wide range of colors to suit your gamer girl’s personality.

Find it on Amazon

Pink Stereo Gaming Headset with Mic 

An ideal accessory must-have for a girl gamer is a proper gaming headset. This set from SOMIC comes in pink, purple, and white and is compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PC, tablet & mobiles. The cat ears are detachable if they feel they’re outgrowing this novelty feature.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Kitty Front Tie Girl’s Pink T-Shirt Gamer Tee

Minecraft fans will love the feminine design of this t-shirt with a front tie knot. It is made in a flattering fit for growing girls and is available in US sizes 6 to 14.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Girls’ Creeper Hoodie

A soft and cozy choice for your girl gamer, our tween girl loves nothing more than curling up with her favorite hoodie when she’s in gamer mode.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft: Super Bite-Size Build

Any Minecraft-loving tween with a creative flair will love these bite-size builds instruction books. Official releases from Mojang, they are packed full of helpful strategies with step-by-step diagrams to help your tween up her building game and expand her online creativity in the Minecraft world – we have a parent explainer for what exactly is Minecraft over here!

Find it on Amazon

Video Game Girls-Themed Gamer Wall Art Posters 

A cute and fun addition to your gamer girl’s bedroom, a wonderful and fun stocking stuffer idea. 8″ x 10″ (frames not included, will come rolled)

Find it on Amazon

Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo

This is the perfect way to organize your girl gamer’s desk. Its feminine colors and design have instant appeal. This gamer keyboard offers ergonomic comfort and even a slot to hold your phone.

Find it on Amazon

Blue Light Glasses for Girls

Worried about blue light and eye strain in your gamer girl? An understandable concern, especially for parents of young gamers, one line of defense to try (other than insisting on regular screen breaks) is investing in glasses like Optix 55, which offers a comfortable fit for your under 10s.

Find it on Amazon

Sterling Silver Gamer Girl Charm

Who says our gamer girls can’t combine their love for bling with their love for gaming? Let her state it loud and clear with a beautiful charm that can be added to necklaces and jewelry, or perhaps attached to their favorite backpack.

Find it on Amazon

Meijiafei Gamer Girl Novelty Sign

Let your girl gamer show off her passions with pride, a fun stocking stuffer idea for tween girls who love their video games.

Find it on Amazon

Razer Base Headset Stand

A headset stand is a super practical gamer girl gift. Not only holding their headphones when not in use, the stand will charge devices and help keep wires and electronics organized.

Find it on Amazon

Gamer Girl Mouse Mat

If you’re seeking out a gift for a gamer girl who’s still into everything cutesy, this will be the perfect addition to her computer gaming desk.

Available in various designs to suit her favorite console, this is the ultimate in practical but pretty stocking stuffer gifts for girl gamers.

Find it on Etsy

LED Adhesive Strip Lights

LED strip lights are the perfect addition to your gamer girl’s bedroom. This subtle LED lighting system is easy to install and easy on the eyes. It comes with a color-changing remote for eight lighting modes and easily attaches with quality 3M adhesives.

Find it on Amazon

Gamepad Bedding Set for Girls

Find the perfect bedding set for your girl gamer. When princesses and unicorns no longer cut it, and your tween girl gamer needs something much cooler, this might just fit the bill. Available in dozens of different shades and sizes ideal for tweens with a duvet cover and pillow slips.

Find it on Amazon

AutoFull Pink Gaming Chair

The deluxe of girl gamer gifts! Your tween girl will be delighted with this girly gamer addition to her bedroom if budget permits. Ergonomic comfort for gameplay, a tilt of 90 to 155 degrees, a 360-degree swivel, detachable lumber support, and cute bunny ears – what more could you want in an awesome girl’s gamer chair?

Find it on Amazon

Gaming Store Gift Card

When all else fails, a gift voucher for their favorite gaming platform is sure to do the trick. Just check which console they have so that the gaming voucher will be compatible, and they can choose their own favorite video games.

Buy XBox Gift Card

Popular Video Games For Pre-Teen Girls

Whilst attempting to choose a video game for your preteen gamer girl without her consent might be a precarious road to walk, we’ve included a few titles that have ranked with our girl gamer that you could float as ideas:

(Please do your own research on age appropriateness, and whatever you do, get the right console type!)

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Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

While finding the perfect gift for a tween girl can be a challenging quest, narrowing down her hobbies and interests is a great start. More girls than ever are into gaming, and you can find plenty of creative gifts to feed her hobbies and interests.

With recommendations from our own three tweens, why not dive further into our full collection of Tween Gift Guides, including:

Best tween gifts for gamer boys
Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tween girls
Best app-based games for tweens

The post 17 Gamer Girl Gifts – Ideal For Tween Girl Gamers in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Best Video Games for Tweens

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Marvel’s Avengers

Rated Teen

The Marvel films have taken the world by storm, with much of the focus being on an all-star ensemble of heroes known as the Avengers. Now, Earth’s mightiest heroes have their own video game that your tween is sure to leave.

Featuring awesome third-person action, Marvel’s Avengers lets you play as a variety of classic Marvel characters. Players will battle it out against an insane cast of Marvel villains as they fight to save the world.

Featuring single and multiplayer missions plus tons of challenges to do and gear to collect, your child is sure to love this game. If your child is a fan of fun action games or the Marvel universe of characters, then this game is absolutely for them.

Buy it for PS5

Buy it for Xbox One

Super Mario 3D All Stars

Rated Everyone / PEGI 7

The release of Super Mario 64 was a landmark event in the gaming industry. The Super Mario franchise practically wrote the book on what it meant to be a 3D game and what modern platformers should look like. 

Now, Nintendo has re-released Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy all in one game. The Super Mario 3D All Stars collection of games brings back three legendary Mario games.

Now you can introduce your kids to all of the action of these classic titles. Players will jump, climb, race, and fly across all kinds of colorful worlds. There are loads of enemies to face, secrets to collect, and challenges to complete!

The Super Mario franchise is renowned for its ability to appeal to just about any age of gamer. As such, the Super Mario 3D All Stars collection of games is a fantastic pick for your tween.

Buy it for Nintendo Switch

Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy

Rated Teen

The Avengers might be Earth’s mightiest heroes, but who will protect all of the other planets? That is where the Guardians of the Galaxy come in! Plus, they have become exceedingly popular since the release of their first film in 2014. 

Now, in their new game, players can take control of Starlord, the leader of the Guardians. Players will battle it out across a variety of locations and against some of the baddest enemies the Marvel universe has to offer.

Players will get to work with other Guardians of the Galaxy and other heroes as they fight to save the galaxy from evil. Whether your tween is a fan of the Guardians or a fan of action and shooter games, this game is perfect for them!

Buy it for PS4/PS5

Buy it for Xbox One / XBox Series X

Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet 

Rated Everyone

Set in the open-world region of Paldea (inspired by Spain), this gaming duo offer players the opportunity to explore a vast landscape filled with wild Pokémon to catch, battle, and train. Players choose from three different starter Pokémon and embark on a journey to become the Champion of the Paldea region.

The gameplay introduces new features such as the Terastal phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to transform into sparkling forms with altered abilities.

Unlike previous titles, the games offer a non-linear story progression, allowing players to freely tackle objectives in any order. Scarlet and Violet emphasize exploration, featuring multiplayer modes where friends can join to explore the region together.

These games continue the Pokémon tradition while adding fresh elements to keep both new and veteran players engaged.

Buy it for Nintendo Switch

The LEGO Games

Rated Everyone 10+

We could put every game by the LEGO company in this entry, so why not all of them? Since the release of LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, LEGO has consistently released quality games based off of classic franchises. 

If your tween is a fan of LEGO City, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, DC or Marvel Superheroes or any of the other stellar properties that have been turned into LEGO games, this series is perfect for your child.

In the LEGO games, players will complete levels, explore worlds, collect characters to play as, solve puzzles, and build with LEGO bricks! Their lighthearted and quirky storylines will have fans laughing.

Plus, the simple action and fun puzzles are enough to keep any gamer coming back for more. If you are looking for a simple solution to your tween’s gaming needs, the LEGO franchise is always a safe choice.

Buy it for PS4

Buy it for Xbox One

Buy it for Nintendo Wii U

Jurassic World: Evolution 2

Rated Teen

Like its predecessor Jurassic World: Evolution, Jurassic World: Evolution 2 once again allows players to build their very own dinosaur theme park. Just like in the movies, players will have an entire island at their disposal and will need to manage resources and build their ultimate dream dinosaur park.

There are several modes to the game and all kinds of dinosaurs to collect and bring into your park. The fun of the game comes from managing guest happiness and the well-being of your dinosaurs.

Watch out, though, as failing to comply with the needs of your dinosaurs could cause them to become aggressive and attempt to escape from their enclosure. Like in the films, a dinosaur breakout spells disaster for all of your guests.

If your tween loves simulation or building games, or just dinosaurs in general, then this is the game for them, hands down.

Buy it for PS4/PS5

Buy it for Xbox One / XBox Series X

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Rated Teen / PEGI 16

It is safe to say that the Star Wars franchise has retained its popularity even with the first film being released in 1977. Now, the newest Star Wars game puts players into the perspective of Cal Kestis, a Jedi who lives in hiding from the empire.

Players will engage in awesome lightsaber combat as they traverse through familiar and beloved planets from the Star Wars universe. Meet new and old characters and get some backstory on what happens between episodes three and four of the Star Wars film series.

There are tons to do in this game and it features one of the most engaging single-player storylines in recent gaming history. Plus, there are loads of challenges to do, gear to collect, and skills to unlock.

If your tween loves third-person action and adventure games, or anything to do with Star Wars, then this is absolutely a good choice for them.

Buy it for PS4/PS5

Buy it for Xbox One

Super Mario Party & Mario Party Superstars

Rated Everyone / PEGI 3

The Mario Party franchise has become a party game mainstay since the first entry was released for the Nintendo 64 back in the 1990’s. Now, millions of gamers compete against one another in this zany virtual board game.

In Mario Party, players will battle against one another for board game supremacy. Players will have to collect coins and other items and traverse through a board. In addition, gamers can compete against one another in the many fast-paced video games. 

Super Mario Party was the first entry of the series on the Nintendo Switch, and it brought everything that is loved about the Mario Party franchise to a new generation and a portable console.

Now, players can take all of the wacky fun of Super Mario Party with them wherever they go. In addition, Mario Party Superstars was released this year and brings all new maps, minigames, and other things to do to the franchise.

If you have several children or if your tween loves party games, the Mario Party franchise is a must-have. There are few games that are as immediately accessible and fun as Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars.

Buy it for Nintendo Switch

Halo Infinite

Rated Teen

The Halo franchise is back and better than ever. Before we dive into the specifics, it is worth noting that this entry is moreso for more mature tweens. 

Halo is a first-person shooter (FPS) game wherein players will fight against one another in multiplayer to win objective-based matches. Additionally, there is also a campaign that sees the hero, Master Chief, fighting against evil aliens for the good of the universe. 

This particular entry is rated T for Teen and contains less blood and strong language than previous games in the franchise. As such, it can be a good median between more child-oriented games and the wide world of adult-oriented shooter games.

On its own, Halo Infinite is tons of fun, and the multiplayer is totally free to play. Gamers who pre-order Halo Infinite will have access to tons more content including another entry in the critically acclaimed Halo campaign

There are tons of things to unlock through challenges and many ways to customize your player. Plus, the gameplay is fresh, fast-paced, and sure to offer hours of fun. If your tween is a fan of previous Halo games, or the FPS genre, then this is absolutely a good fit for them.

Buy it for Xbox One / Xbox Series X

In the current gaming market, there is, unfortunately, a rift between kids’ games and adult games. As such, it can be hard finding the right game for tweens, as it needs to be intelligent but not too mature.

There are plenty of games currently available and coming out soon that fit the bill, however, and this was a sampling of some of those titles. Ultimately, the perfect game will depend on what genres your child is interested in.

With the titles on this list, you are well on your way to finding the perfect game for your tween that is sure to offer hours of fun.

If you’ve still not found the perfect tween game or are nervous you’ll make the wrong choice, why not settle on a gaming console gift card? All you need to know is what type of video game console your tween is using:

Found this Tween Gaming Guide helpful?

Dive into our full collection of tween gift guides, including:

Best gifts for a tween girl gamer
12-year-old boy gamer gift ideas
All the best tween tech in 2026
The Best App-based games for tweens
Gifts for the Minecraft fan
Perfect gifts for the tween Star Wars fan

Or select the best gifts by age group here:

The post 10 Best Video Games For Tweens in 2026 [9 to 12-Year-Olds] appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Are you on a quest to find the ultimate gift for a 12-year-old boy gamer that will make his eyes light up like the glow of a new high score? Navigating the gaming galaxy for the perfect present can be as tricky as the final level in his favorite video game.

From the latest in gaming tech to accessories that will have him geared up for victory, our carefully curated gift guide is your cheat code to winning the ‘Best Gift Giver’ title.

So, ready your controllers, set your sights on fun, and let’s dive into a world of gaming gifts that are sure to score big with your favorite tween gamer. Let the games begin!

Best Gifts For Tween Boy Gamers

Jump straight to:

• Gamer Gifts For Tween Boys Under $15
• Gamer Gifts For Tween Boys Under $30
• Gamer Gifts For Tween Boys Under $60
• Gamer Gifts for tween boys over $60

There’s a broad range of gamer interests here, so if you know your 12-year-old gamer boy is into a particular game, you may also want to check out:

Ultimate Gift Guide for Tween Minecraft Fans
Brawlers Merch for Brawl Star Fans
Best Video Games for Tweens in 2024
Best Free App-Based Games For Tweens in 2024

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Gamer Gifts For Tween Boys Under $15

A great collection of simple stocking stuffers, clothing, and novelty items that may appeal to your twelve-year-old boy gamer.

Gamers Socks

Super stocking stuffers for tween boys, socks need not be boring. Get them something cool to wear around the house.

Find it on Amazon

Storage Case for 24 Nintendo Switch Games

A super handy addition for a Nintendo Switch fan. Keep your game cartridges safe and organized with this carry case, which fits up to 24 Nintendo Switch game cards.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Creeper Pop Up Hamper 

Finding the right gift for a choosy tween can be tough! Why not go with a super practical and inexpensive addition to your 12-year-old boy’s bedroom?

There is no guarantee that the hamper gets used for said purpose daily, but it’s certainly a start and could be a great addition if you already have Minecraft bedding in your boys’ bedroom.

Find it on Amazon

Top Trumps Sonic

Top Trumps never fails as a quick and easy stocking stuffer gift for tweens. A fun game that’s super easy to learn; they can geek out on their favorite Sonic facts while the whole family can get involved in this take-anywhere card game.

Find it on Amazon

Gamer Gifts For Tween Boys Under $30

Gaming Keyboard and Mouse

A fun and practical addition for junior gamers who want to get a little more serious. Ergonomically designed to fit small hands with a super responsive mouse and light-up LED background, this is the perfect gift for a tween gamer that will last into the teenage years.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft: Construction Handbook: an Official Mojang Book

Any new Minecrafter would find this official guide from Mojang the appropriate first step to upping their skills and learning the tricks of the game.

Once they have the basics down pat, there is a great series

Find it on Amazon

If you have an avid Minecrafter, make sure you check out our complete collection of Minecraft gifts appropriate for tweens

GIZORI Xbox One Headset 

A great and surprisingly affordable gaming headset choice for tweens, this noise-canceling headset is compatible with PS4, PS3 (Adapter needed), PS vita, PSP, Xbox One, Switch (audio), 3DS LL/3DS (audio), 3DS LL/3DS (audio), PC, Mac OS, iOS device and Android device.

Find it on Amazon

Gaming Headphone Stand

A popular gift for any gamer. Super practical and handy, this stand is a great option for keeping your tween’s headphones neatly stored and extra charging points for your other electronic devices.

Find it on Amazon

Memory Card

Always a super handy stocking stuffer idea no matter the device that your gamer boy is using, you’ll find having a few extra memory cards on hand a practical birthday gift for a 12-year-old.

Find it on Amazon

Ps Icons LED Light

Works great as a nightlight for your gamer boy, this fun light in the shape of the PlayStation icon (unofficial) has both USB power and 3xAAA batteries to create a comforting night glow in your tween boy’s room.

Find it on Amazon

Builders & Biomes Strategy Board Game 

Perfect for your older tween, this strategy board game from Ravensberg has been developed in conjunction with Mojang.

Ideal for playing with Minecraft-loving friends, this will engage their problem-solving skills, as well as their social skills, making it a great option for a tween who enjoys their off-screen time as much as being on it.

Find it on Amazon

Minecraft Boys Long Sleeve Hoodie T-shirt

The latest in Minecraft fashion is a super soft long-sleeve hoodie option perfect for 12-year-old boys.

Find it on Amazon

Gamer Door Sign

Gift ideas for gamers can go beyond just games and console accessories. Your tween gamer boy will love marking out his favorite space with this personalized door sign.

Have it inscribed with Xbox or PlayStation logos, and add their name for that special touch.

Find it on Etsy

Gaming Store Gift Card

Gifts for 12-year-old gamers don’t get easier than a gaming store gift card (as long as you know what console they’ve got!)

This gives your tween boy gamer the freedom to choose exactly what they need. All use digital codes, so they are a great gift for when you can’t be there in person to give them a gift.

PlayStation

Xbox

Brawl Stars Gamer Figurines

The popularity of collectible gamer figurines never ceases to amaze me! Once you’ve found your tween boy’s favorite game, this is a great gift idea.

Find it on Amazon

You can find our complete guide to the best Brawl Stars Merch over here

Jay Franco Minecraft Full Bed Set

Officially licensed bedsheet sets from Jay Franco include a comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheets, and pillowcases. Several sizes and designs meet the subtle needs of a 12-year-old passionate about Minecraft.

Find it on Amazon

Monopoly Gamer Mario Kart

Classic board games with a gamer’s twist can be the perfect gift for your tween boy. Enjoy some of the basic concepts of Monopoly blended with the familiar features of Mario Kart.

Race your way around the board in favorite character cars, watch for banana peels, and activate extra abilities with power-ups, perfect for family game night.

Find it on Amazon

Gamer Gifts for tween boys over $60

Once you creep into the $60+ category, you’re looking into some serious gamer gear. We’re talking about actual consoles, chairs, and equipment to up their game.

Switch Lite

A smaller version of the popular Nintendo gaming console, Switch Lite is ideal for use on the mover. They have slightly less functionality than the full console, but still work great for solo and pairs play.

Find it on Amazon

RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair

One of the more affordable and highly-rated gaming chairs that would suit boys as young as 12. This racer-style gaming chair provides ergonomic comfort and comes with a lifetime warranty, sure to grow up to a weight of 275 lbs with your tween through the teens.

Find it on Amazon

PlayStation 5 Console

Not got any gear yet? You can’t go wrong with PlayStation 5 as a starting point for your tween gamer.

This slim console model with controller offers ultra-high-speed SSD and is compatible with over 4000 PS4 games, so if you’re upgrading, don’t worry; you won’t need to purchase everything again!

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Nintendo Switch

A Nintendo Switch will make your tween boy’s Christmas. This is a sensational top-of-the-range gaming console (though look out for package deals with games included). We love the ability to switch from handheld to home console mode, catering to both solo and group play sessions.

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Xbox Series X

The zenith of current gaming consoles, the Xbox Series X offers incredibly fast load times and stunningly realistic graphics that bring virtual worlds to life like never before.

This console doesn’t just play games; it immerses players in them, with performance designed to make the most of 4K TVs and support for high-frame-rate gameplay.

With the addition of parental controls to tailor his playing environment, it’s a gift that would utterly thrill any 12-year-old boy gamer, offering endless entertainment.

Find it on Amazon

Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

Full tween-approved by our own gang of tween boys, dive into our full collection of curated Tween Gift guides, including:

Best tween gifts for boys
Best tween gifts for girl gamers
Advent calendar ideas for tweens

The post Game On! Top Trending Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boy Gamers appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Here’s what they’re eyeing up on their Brawl Stars merch wish list!

Best Brawl Star Gifts for Tweens

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Brawl Stars Collectible Stampers

Stamp away! Collect popular figures like El Primo, Poco and Colt, and more. These stampers represent the game’s characters. They’re just like in the game!

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The Brawler’s Encyclopedia

This is the unofficial but very handy strategy guide to improving your Brawl Stars game. This 128-page full-color guide includes screenshots and how-to guides explaining all aspects of the game.

Find it on Amazon

Brawl Stars Plush Dolls

The perfect collectible for a tween Brawl Stars Fan, these 7″ plush dolls are the perfect bedroom accessory. Made with high-quality soft plush and cotton filling, there are plenty of the colorful Brawl Stars gang to choose from – or buy all 7 in the set.

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Brawlers T-shirt

Eat, Sleep, Brawl, Repeat. A fun and simple t-shirt for your Brawl Star fan, available in youth sizes.

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Brawl Stars Action Figures

A fabulous gift for a birthday or Christmas, these Brawl Stars figurines are the perfect collector’s item for a Brawl Stars fan.

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Looking for gifts for your gamer tweens?

They may also like our guides to:

Best tween gifts for boys
Among Us Merch
Minecraft Merch for tweens
Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tweens

The post Brawlers Merch For The Brawl Stars Fan appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

We get it! Painting town from magenta to cyan and everything in between these simple little alien astronauts has been invading our lives this year, so it’s come as no surprise to see Among Us merch featuring highly on our tweens’ wish list.

Still not even sure what Among Us is? Head over to this article first!

So if you know your Impostors from your Crew, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Among Us Merch (that’s merchandise for us Gen X’s)!

Best Among Us Gifts in 2026

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Among Us School Pack

Among Us Short Sleeve T-shirt

A classic gift idea for an Among Us fan, this soft short-sleeve, crew neck t-shirt comes in sizes from XS to 3XL, so there’s something for tots through to teens.

With several different designs available making it a perfect gift for a tween.

Find it on Amazon

Among Us Face Mask

Totally on-trend, a fashionable Among Us reusable cotton face mask will keep kids content with pandemic requirements.

Adjustable ear straps and machine washable, this design is for older tweens/teens.

Find it on Amazon

Among Us Action Figure Set

The perfect imagination toy for your Among Us fan wanting to set up their own real-life spaceship adventure, a set of 8 figurines available in 2 different styles.

Find it on Amazon

Among Us Plush Toys

Among Us 3D Night Light

These practical 3D hologram lamps are ideal for your tween who needs something far cooler in their room than a traditional night light.

Powered by USB or battery, there are 16 different color settings with remote control to enjoy or seven settings by touch lamp.

Find it on Amazon

Among Us Hooded Sweat Shirt and Track Pants

Your Among Us fan will love getting dressed for the occasion in this hoody and track pant combo set.

The unisex hoody can come in several colors so there is no fear for your kids who aren’t keen on black. You’ll find sizing from 3 to 12 years.

Find it on Amazon

Among Us Push Pop Fidget Toys

Among Us Construction Toy Sets

Among Us Fleece Throw

Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

Dive into our full collection of Tween Gift guides, including:

Best tween gifts for boys
Best gifts for girl gamers
Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tweens
Best advent calendars for tweens

The post Among Us Gifts & Merch – Best Tween Gifts appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

While its popularity cannot be understated, many might wonder what exactly all the hype is about? With so much information about Minecraft in the media, finding out what exactly it is at its core can be a bit tricky.

Following is a simple guide explaining everything you, as a parent, need to know about Minecraft in a nutshell.

What Is Minecraft?

Minecraft is a video game released in 2011 and developed by the Swedish game studio Mojang. It is a game that focuses on procedurally generated worlds and ultimate creativity. Procedurally generated means that players can create a world in the game that is totally random and unique.

The world is made as players venture out, so it is nothing like any other world ever made. There are several game modes that you can play in Minecraft and a plethora of things to do. Further, Minecraft allows for multiplayer play, meaning that several people can explore and create in the same world.

There’s even a Minecraft Education edition specifically for teaching STEM skills in school.

How Do You Play Minecraft?

Minecraft uses fairly standard controls. Players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives in order to move their character around the world. Players will need to obtain blocks and other items in order to build with them and use them.

Obtaining items will depend on what mode you are playing, but all modes give players an inventory where they can store their possessions on their virtual person. Gamers can run, jump, use items, sneak around, and do all sorts of actions with their character while they look for items.

What Do I Need To Purchase to Play Minecraft?

To play Minecraft, you will need to buy a copy of the game. The game is sold physically in retail and gaming stores or online as a digital code. Right now, Minecraft is available for PC, Mac, Android, IOS, Xbox, PlayStation. Wii U, Apple, New Nintendo 3DS,  and Nintendo Switch.

This means that you can play Minecraft on most contemporary gaming devices. There is no real difference between buying the game physically or online.

However, some physical releases do come with extra content, such as player skins. Extra content can be purchased through Minecraft using real money. Players can purchase pre-made maps, skins, and game modes to play.

These additional purchases are optional, though, and once you purchase the base game, you need nothing else to get started.

Can You Play Minecraft Across Devices?

Yes! You can absolutely play Minecraft across multiple devices. The only version of Minecraft that is not cross-platform compatible is Minecraft Java edition, which is one of two versions offered on PC.

All of the other versions are compatible with one another. That means that players on different devices can connect to the same world and play with one another for hours of fun.  Your kids can be at home playing with a friend or family member in another location playing the same game in the same world.

Important to note, however, that you will need to purchase Minecraft on each device in order to play it. Thankfully, Minecraft is a rather inexpensive game, and its price will depend on what console you purchase it on.

What Modes Can You Play In Minecraft?

There are three main Minecraft modes to play: survival, creative, and adventure. Each mode offers different things, and all are worth trying out.

Survival mode is exactly as it sounds. Players will spawn into a random world and must collect resources while fighting off monsters in order to survive the night and thrive in their world.

In order to survive, players will have to fight against monsters that spawn in the dark, as well as keep up on their hunger. To do this, gamers will have to explore their surroundings and collect materials to build tools, shelter, and get food and other such resources.

Of course, the difficulty and other such settings can be changed, and you can even remove monsters from the game if that is something that you want to do.  This is especially helpful for younger gamers so they don’t get frustrated.

Creative mode gives players access to every item in the game, as well as invincibility and the ability to fly. In this mode, players can build to their heart’s content and create anything that they could ever want.

Adventure mode is similar to survival except more restrictive. Players will need the proper tools to destroy certain blocks. For example, in survival mode players can collect wood from trees with their hands. In adventure mode, players will need an axe to chop down trees.

Adventure mode is typically for gamers who want to play linear, story driven adventure maps that are either downloaded through the internet or from the in-game store.

What Is A Minecraft Server?

Minecraft servers are large multiplayer hubs that allow many players to communicate and play with one another. An internet connection is required to join a Minecraft server.

There are servers that are just major survival and creative worlds that let players survive with one another. There are also servers that have different features and let players play minigames or role play with one another.

On Minecraft Java edition, there are thousands of servers that you can join by finding the code for them online. On Minecraft Bedrock, there are a few servers open to the public that you can join through the server menu in-game.

I will caution you as a parent that most Minecraft servers allow for chat functions and for players to type and build whatever they want. This means that there are some servers where players will swear or build suggestive or otherwise raunchy builds.

However, there are family friendly Minecraft servers that enforce strict, child-friendly rules. These servers can be found online through the many Minecraft server listing sites.

What Age Is Appropriate For Minecraft?

Minecraft is rated E for everyone by the ESRB. It features fantasy violence and weaponry, however, both are very comically done. When players attack monsters or other enemies you will hear a sound to know that you hit them.

Further, when players take damage the screen will flash red for a second. When players die there is no blood or anything even remotely gory. Essentially, the violence in Minecraft is really no different than kids playing with toy weapons outside.

As such, kids of pretty much any age can play the game. However, the game does get a bit complex in survival mode and in navigating through the menus in creative mode. Generally, Minecraft is recommended for players nine and up.

Although, depending on maturity younger kids can play it as well. I have heard of kids that started playing Minecraft at as young as five-years-old and still had fun.

What Settings Should I Know To Keep My Child Safe on Minecraft?

Because Minecraft does not really have any non-child friendly content, there are not really any settings that you can use to help improve the safety of your child’s experience, at least not in-game.

If you are concerned about online play, you can always disable it through your child’s gaming console. How you go about that depends on which console you are using, but most of the time you can find them under parental settings in the consoles settings menu.

A Guide To Minecraft Jargon

Minecraft jargon can be a little bit complex, especially for unfamiliar parents!

As the game has grown more and more popular, its vocabulary has seeped into the mainstream. Following is a simple guide to Minecraft terminology.

Creeper

Creepers are enemies in the game that will explode if players get too close. Creepers are infamous for their destructive capabilities as they can destroy a player’s build in a matter of seconds.

Mob

Mob is a catch-all term for the enemies in Minecraft. It is an acronym of mobile, which was used to describe enemies that can move around the world. It has since been shortened into just mob and has quickly become a popular phrase among players.

Spawn

Spawning just means to appear, in the context of spawning into a new Minecraft world. Enemies will spawn at night time or in dark areas and animals will spawn when players are not around.

One-Hit

One-hit is a term coined in player versus player modes and means that an enemy needs to be hit only once before they are defeated. It is commonly used if a player is talking to a teammate and is defeated in a battle.

Players will say that an enemy is one-hit to encourage other players to attack them without fear. One-hit applies to both real player enemies as well as mobs.

The Nether

The Nether is an area that players can access by building a portal in their Minecraft world. In the Nether, players can access new areas and fight new enemies to get special resources.

Even ten years after its release, Minecraft is still as relevant today as it was back then. It has become an all time fan-favorite game, and for good reason. No other game lets players unleash their creativity and work together towards different goals.

Minecraft is especially popular among younger kids, resulting in lots of parents wanting to know more about it. With this guide, you have everything you need to know to jump into the world of Minecraft with your child!

Shopping for a Minecraft lover? If they already have game play down pat, take a look at all these fun accessories and fan gear you can get for your tween Minecraft-lover.

Find out more about the latest trends in video gaming popular with the tween audience over here, or if you’re looking for portable games, check out the latest in smartphone games and apps for smaller devices, perfect for tweens.

The post Minecraft 101 – Parent Explainer appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.