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.

Spark curiosity and fuel the inventive spirit of your young innovators with the ultimate guide to STEM gifts for tweens!

As the world leans more into technology and scientific exploration, there’s never been a better time to inspire your pre-teens with presents that combine fun with educational value.

From mind-bending puzzles that challenge their intellect to cutting-edge gadgets that teach coding in a snap, our curated list of STEM gifts is designed to captivate and educate the growing minds of 9-to-12-year-olds.

With this collection of STEM toys for tweens, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery that will ignite passions and maybe even launch a lifelong journey in science, technology, engineering, and math.

You may also be interested in

20 Best STEM Toys & Set 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.

The kits on this list are inspiring and educational, suitable for children aged eight years and above, and include everything your budding scientist needs.

Mega Crystal Growing Lab

The best STEM gifts for tweens are hands-on and engage their curiosity. The Mega Crystal Growing Lab by National Geographic is an excellent example for preteens to start with. Preteens can grow crystals in six different colors (red, green, blue, purple, yellow, and glow-in-the-dark!).

It is a great way to inspire your child with a love of science and start a beautiful rock collection. With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and two silicone growing chambers, your kids will love growing and displaying the crystals.

This fun kids’ STEM activity includes four real gemstone specimens: rose quartz, fluorite, blue calcite, and quartz geode. These can help inspire a lifelong love of science and learning.

Find it on Amazon

Starter Rock Tumbler Kit

Your fossils and geology-interested tween will love this rock tumbler kit. With its sound-dampening cover, your pre-teen will watch his collected specimen reveal itself as sparkly quartz or agate.

This tumbling kit has all your tween needs to get started, including one pound of rough rocks, four bags of grit, five jewelry fastenings, a newly designed strainer, and an exclusive gem foam rock polish for a sparkly finish.

Find it on Amazon

Nintendo LABO

Nintendo Labo is a super creative way of combining video games with hands-on learning. It is a new line of interactive play designed to inspire creative minds and provide a new way of playing.

The Nintendo Labo kits provide the tools and technology to teach the principles of engineering, physics, and basic programming.

You can bring your inventions to life by assembling sheets of cardboard into a variety of shapes called Toy-Con and combining them with Nintendo Switch!

Find it on Amazon

LEGO Chain Reactions

A great choice for introducing STEM concepts with a LEGO mad tween, the LEGO Chain Reactions kit allows kids to design and build machines that move using bricks.

This kit creates extraordinary chains of reaction, and kids will not only have a blast but also learn the physics behind the concepts and use them to master their own inventions.

It includes step-by-step instructions for ten modules, six plastic balls, and paper ramps.

Find it on Amazon

National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit

If you’ve got a child still obsessed with dinosaurs well beyond their toddler years, you could well have a future paleontologist on your hands!

A Fossil Kit is a good way to introduce scientific concepts to a preteen, especially if you have a hands-on learner. The kit is packed with fossils that need to be unearthed. It is a good way to have fun while spending the afternoon exploring dinosaur bones.

The Mega Fossil Mine Dig Kit from National Geographic contains 15 genuine fossils that your tween will love digging up with the included tools of the trade: a brush, magnifying grass, and chisel.

Find it on Amazon

Gravity Maze

All young engineers start somewhere! This gravity-powered logic maze game involves reasoning skills and visual perception.

A single-player game, it has 60 challenges to test your tween’s skills, expanding your thinking capacity and skills to counter challenges.

It is an ideal STEM gift for a 9-year-old, with 60 challenges from beginner to expert, a game grid, nine towers, six target pieces, and three marbles.

Find it on Amazon

Marble Run

Classic educational toys like Marble Run never go out of fashion. Younger children, tweens, and teens will continue to get countless hours of fun from this classic set—made even more exciting with glow-in-the-dark elements!

As they play, your preteen can acquire and develop skills such as planning, spatial reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, logical reasoning, and motor skills.

It is one of the best STEM toys for kids of all ages, with five sturdy bases, 45 clear, smooth-run track pieces, 15 exciting action pieces, and six different colors that glow in the dark.

Find it on Amazon

Chemistry Model Kit – Molecular Models

This Molecular Model is designed to ease the study of chemistry while captivating your tween’s interest. It makes the study of chemicals, molecules, or atomic structures fun in 3D visual learning.

It has an eight-page instructional guide and a molecule stencil for drawing structures on paper.

Find it on Amazon

Snap Circuits STEM Kit

With this hands-on kit, students can learn about the relationship between electricity and magnetism and how switches operate to control the lights in their homes.

Snap Circuits enable kids to assemble electronic circuits on rows and columns grids. They function like a printed circuit board, each component having a distinct function and easily identified by color.

With this kit that requires no soldering as it is a snap, your tween will get to build over 300 experiments with 60+ parts.

Find it on Amazon

Microscope STEM Kit

Every curious kid needs their own microscope!

A great option for big kids, this particular microscope features a single coaxial coarse focus knob, a specimen stage with two built-in stage clips, and a nature light and/or LED illumination system. It can use either natural light or built-in LED light.

The microscope kit comes with sample slides, coverslips, plastic tweezers, a plastic scalpel, specimen vials, adjustable lenses, collecting vials, plus a sturdy hard case for easy storage and travel. This set is great for beginner scientists.

Find it on Amazon

Bath Bomb Science Kit

Does your child love crafts and science? Then, this innovative STEM Science Lab kit for kids would make a great STEM kit for girls.

The kit includes an illustrated learning guide for your tween to follow along. All the ingredients meet safety standards and can be put in your child’s bath.

It is a complete kit with all your tween will need to create ten fizzy bath bombs.

Find it on Amazon

4M Water Rocket Kit

Are your tweens soda lovers? If yes, then let us recycle the used-up bottles in a fun way. The 4M water rocket kit uses water pressure to blast its rocket (the bottle) up to 90 feet in the air.

This is one of the best STEM toys for 10-year-olds who are interested in rocketry and space flight. (Note that your tween will need a bicycle pump, which is not included in the kit.)

Find it on Amazon

K’NEX Education STEM EXPLORATIONS

With this intricate building set, your tween will learn all about mechanical advantage, gear ratios, rotational speed, gear configurations, and more as they put in place all those fine motor skills.

The set includes 140+ parts that your tween can use to build three unique geared models – a crank fan, an egg beater, and a car window. It is a perfect gift for your tween to learn engineering skills.

Find it on Amazon

Coding Robot Kit

This coding robot kit is one of the best STEM toys for 11-year-olds who’d love to learn more about programming, electronics, and robotics in a simple and fun way.

It features interactive software and rich tutorials for your tween to follow. This super cool DIY robotic toy for kids can be remote-controlled, as it is multifunctional.

Find it on Amazon

Ice Cream Making Science Kit

Kids of all ages will have so much fun getting to grips with this STEM Chemistry Kit with a twist; they get to make delicious treats!

With 18+ hands-on science experiments, your kids will make sorbets, popsicles, and ice cream with a lab guide and all the necessary lab tools and equipment.

Find it on Amazon

Smart Lab Squishy Human Body

Ideal for Middle Schoolers learning biology, this STEM anatomy set is also loved by tweens. It takes them on a fascinating tour of the human body with 21 realistic vital organs, bones, muscles, forceps, and tweezers.

It includes nine squishy organs, a 12” clear plastic human body model, a stand, 12 plastic bones and muscles, a body part organizer mat, a 24-page illustrated anatomy book, and an instruction sheet.

Find it on Amazon

Scientific Explorer Disgusting Science Kit

The Scientific Explorer is an educational kit that helps your child understand fun facts about the body. It helps them learn how to grow friendly mold and bacteria, create a stinky intestine, slimy snot, and fake blood.

This kit includes four cotton swabs, a rubber balloon, a plastic bag, gelatin, sugar, baking yeast, and more. It is an incredible toy for STEM skills.

Find it on Amazon

Shape-Shifting Box

Perfect for putting those problem-solving skills into practice, can your tween master the shape-shifting box?

Based on making different 3D geometric shapes, this is the ultimate satisfying magnetic fidget toy and brain teaser. It is a great sensory stimulation puzzle and STEM toy gift ideal for older kids as they collect all 12 designs.

Find it on Amazon

Sphero Mini

Sphero Mini has been around for a few years now and continues to be a real hit with tweens., It is one of the great stem gifts for those entering the world of robotics.

Sphero is a compact, app-enabled robotic ball that offers a unique approach to play and learning. Children can use the Sphero Edu app to program the Sphero Mini, learning the fundamentals of coding by drawing paths, using Scratch blocks, or writing their own JavaScript.

Beyond coding, the Sphero Mini’s games and challenges also nurture problem-solving skills and creativity, making it an engaging educational tool that feels more like a toy than a classroom lesson.

Find it on Amazon

STEM activities for kids will give them a well-rounded understanding and ensure they become the innovative, forward-thinking leaders of the next generation.

Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

Our carefully curated tween gift guides have been compiled by our very own tweens and their friends, with updates made every year for the latest innovations and their ever-changing tastes! If you’d like more great gift ideas for your tweens, why not check out next:

• Awesome art gifts for the artistic tween
• The coolest tween tech items this year
• Brilliant kitchen gifts for the tween baker
• Brilliant family board games for tweens
• Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tweens
• Advent calendar ideas for tweens

The post 20 Top STEM Gifts for Tweens Aged 10-12 That Spark Innovation appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

If you’ve ever tried to surprise a tween with the ‘latest and greatest’ tech gift only to discover it’s so last season, then you know the struggle is real. Tweens are notorious for being a few steps ahead of the curve, seamlessly merging with the digital age and setting the pace for what’s cool.

So, why do we need to stay updated? That ultra-cool gadget can become yesterday’s news in the blink of an eye, and no one wants the ‘eye-roll’ of gifting outdated tech!

As we venture into the 2026 gift-buying season, let’s ensure our tech gifting game is as sharp as a brand-new stylus. Dive in to discover the trendiest, must-have tech treasures causing waves in the tween world!

You may also be interested in

Best Tech Gifts For Tweens

With a lot of prompts for our own tweens and prying some ideas out from their friends, we’ve come up with this bumper round-up of tech-related gifts perfect for a preteen.

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

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera 

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera is a cool gadget for tech-savvy tweens that ensures your tween gets some priceless physical snaps.

The latest Instax Mini 12 even lets you digitally store images via the Instax App.

Find it on Amazon

While the Instax Mini is for fun, if you think your tween is ready to really up their photography game, head over here next to learn more about the best digital camera for tweens.

Bluetooth Speaker

Tweens are all about good vibes (OK, when they aren’t a ball of emotions!). This all-purpose Bluetooth speaker is a great gift that will help them to take their party everywhere. And because it is waterproof and durable, your tween will not have to worry about rain or spills – ideal for pool parties.

The Bluetooth speaker is wireless and noise-canceling, making it one of the best tween electronic gifts.

Find it on Amazon

Mobile Game Controller

We bet there is no tween out there without a smartphone these days. Smartphones can do it, even serving as a full-on gaming device. Talk of technology!

The razor Kishi universal mobile gaming controller is a great tech gift, designed to bring your tween the console level control to their phone for gaming anywhere.

It connects to your tween’s phone through its charging port, adding buttons and analog sticks for perfect mobile gaming as it is compatible with leading cloud gaming services (depending on your tween’s phone, be sure to check whether it is compatible).

Find it on Amazon

You’ll find the best app-based games for your tween’s mobile here.

Smart Watch

Wearable technology has been trending for the last few years. And your athletic and health-conscious tween will appreciate having one up their wrist. If you are searching for the best gadgets for tweens, then the AGPTEK smartwatch is the right choice at the right price.

It is a feature-packed smartwatch that will provide your tween with everything they could need, from more than 70 sports modes for activity tracking to stress tracking.

The best part is that your tween will not need to stress over charging this smartwatch as it only takes two hours to charge and can run for 7-10 days or 30 standby time.

Find it on Amazon

Minifridge For Skin Care And Snacks

Show us a tween who would not love to have their mini fridge, and we will show you the one who still does not know its purpose! This AstrolAI minifridge is an excellent technology for tweens.

It is one of the coolest gadgets for girls. It will help them store their beauty products. It can also double up as a mini snack fridge for road trippers, keeping them cool.

Find it on Amazon

LED Light Makeup Mirror

If your tween girl is asking for a mini makeup fridge, she’ll likely also want help applying makeup.

This sleek and stylish makeup mirror looks great on her vanity. It opens to reveal multiple mirrors, including magnification and LED lighting.

Find it on Amazon

Drawing Tablet

Is your tween an aspiring digital artist? This compact, portable HUION drawing tablet will make a tremendous tween electronic gift. Moreover, it is suitable for left- and right-handed users, making it easy to use for beginners.

It has six customized press keys with an accurate pen performance and is battery-free; therefore, it will never run out on your tween.

Find it on Amazon

3D Doodler Pen

If your tween or the one you intend to gift inclines to arts, then the MYNT3D super 3D pen is perfect as it will help them turn their ordinary drawings into 3D works of art. The 3D pen is one of the top tech toys for tweens that uses wireless connectivity, ensuring that your tween has freedom of movement and creativity.

Made of children-friendly PCL plastic, this pen will allow your tween to create custom art projects. The best part about the 3D pen is that it has no hot parts, and it leaves no glue or residue to clean up afterward – the perfect tween tech gift for a crafty tween.

Find it on Amazon

Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock

Is your tween a deep sleeper? Then this wake-up light sunrise alarm clock on their bedside table is the best technology gift you should get for a preteen.

The alarm clock has a simulation light that gradually increases from soft morning red to orange within 30 minutes until your tween’s room is filled with bright white light.

This sunlight alarm clock includes 20 adjustable brightness levels and an FM radio.

Find it on Amazon

On-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If you are seeking the trendiest set of headphones for your tween, you must think about what they’ll be using them for. While small earbuds might look sleek, we have one tween who loves them and one who loathes them. They’re not for all preteens.

Equally, if they spend a lot of time gaming, a full headset with a mic might be their preference.

The best tween headphones we’ve found that have stood the test of time are the Purolabs on-ear, noise-canceling headphones with a built-in mic and available in multiple different colors to match your child’s personality.

Find it on Amazon

We have a full comparison guide for the best tween headphones and earbuds here to help you decide which might be the best model for a preteen.

Nintendo Switch

If there’s a tween in your life is a gamer, then the Nintendo Switch is a cool tech gift they will obsess over. This console is a hybrid and will offer your tween several ways to play.

Your tween can either plug the Nintendo Switch into the TV and play at home, or they can decide to attach the joy-con controller endgame on the go.

With three playtime modes, this Nintendo Switch has a multi-touch capacity touch screen that your tween can enjoy with the built-in speakers. The Nintendo Switch connects over WI-FI for multiple players and can connect up to eight consoles for local wireless multiplayer. It’s one of the best gifts tech for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

Gimbal Stabiliser

Whether it’s for shooting TikTok or making full-fledged YouTube videos, a gimbal stabilizer will allow your tween to produce better, smoother-looking content. This gimbal stabilizer has good flexibility, enabling your tween to shoot using their smartphone and upload.

And if your cinematography tween has the gimbal stabilizer as a gift, it will allow them to enhance their content to a new league. It’s portable and lightweight and works with every smartphone, ensuring versatility across all devices.

Find it on Amazon

LED Photo Clip String Lights

Strings and fairies are among the top accessories tweens love decorating their space with, allowing them to show off all the photos they have taken throughout their tween years.

The Minetom Photo Clips String Light has a creative design, making it the absolute gift for your tween. It is also multifunctional, battery-powered, and easy to install, with eight different loop lighting modes.

Find it on Amazon

Mini Portable Charger

Your tween is most probably spending most of his or her time on their smartphone. To ensure they never lose their lifeline while out with friends, consider gifting them this Anker Nano Power Bank for some extra juice on the go.

This small but mighty charger is light in their bag, unlikely traditional bulky charger units, and delivers a 5,000mAh capacity (normally good for at least one full recharger).

This would make an excellent gift for tweens that travel, and comes in several attractive colors likely to appeal to both boys and girls.

Find it on Amazon

Gaming Laptop

Yes, a gaming laptop might be a bit pricey, but hey, it is one of the best electronic gifts for tweens. With this gaming laptop, your tween can also make YouTube videos and participate in gaming communities.

Look at it this way: this gaming laptop can open up a possible career path for your tween (or at least we’re sure that’s what they’re trying to convince you of!).

Find it on Amazon

LED Strip Lighting

If there’s anything that clearly defines you as a tween in the 2020s, it’s got to be the cornucopia of LED lighting emanating from your bedroom.

Try this smart Wi-Fi LED strip if their bedroom is not lit enough. It comes in 16.4-ft lengths, so you may need a couple of boxes to completely circumnavigate their bedroom.

There’s no need for a remote control as you can voice command with home smart systems such as Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings.

Find it on Amazon

Graphics Drawing Tablet

Is the tween you are looking to gift into art? Do they enjoy sitting down with a pen and a piece of paper and letting their minds roam as they draw landscapes, cartoons, figures, animals?

If your answer is affirmative, we recommend getting this graphic design tablet.

This drawing tablet will help open up new opportunities for your tween, as it will ensure productivity and creativity. This tablet offers an ample drawing space of 10″ by 6″, providing creativity flow. It is compatible with all major software and has eight customized express keys to program shortcuts for uninterrupted workflow.

Find it on Amazon

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

The Rocketbook smart reusable notebook is a perfect gift for your tween if they are multi-taskers, love taking notes, or love to streamline their lives. It only contains 36 pages that can be used endlessly, as all your tween has to do is wipe clean with a damp cloth after uploading the notes.

Your tween can also decide to scan and export the pages of the notebook to their Google Docs or emails to make them digitized. It is a perfect gift that will give the tween in your life the privacy they crave as they write down their thoughts and feelings.

Find it on Amazon

Colorful Charging Cable

It’s not the most exciting stocking-stuffer tech gift for your tween, but nonetheless, we will guess it’s a pretty essential item. Even if they exclude it from their wishlist, they’ll be grateful!

These colorful Apple charger cords (also available in USB C for newer models and Android devices) will help your tween establish which cord is there and take charge of that all-important daily task of keeping their devices fully charged.

Find it on Amazon

Personal Charging Hub

Your tween needs a charging system to ensure safe and fast wireless charging. Then this one charging device for iPhone, smartwatch, and AirPods will be the best tech gift. Once your tween uses this silicone hub, they can simultaneously give all their devices a power boost.

Find it on Amazon

Smartphone

The gift of a smartphone is lit; that is what tweens say these days. Brighten up their selfie experiences with this large-storage smartphone. With these smartphones, your tween can stay in touch with their friends, take photos, listen to music, and do much more.

It is an all-in-one essential that is within arms reach. Just make sure you’ve set your ground rules for tween tech!

Find it on Amazon

R-fun Waterproof Air Tag Bracelets for Kids

Let’s be honest; this one is more for a parent’s peace of mind than a cool tech gift for a preteen! While we might hate the idea of ‘tagging’ our kids to keep track of them, the AirTag concept has certainly proven its weight in gold.

Having a stylish bracelet/watch strap to keep their Airtag on them is the perfect hands-free tech solution to keeping track of the kids out in the neighborhood.

Find it on Amazon

We hope you’ve found something unique here to gift your tech-loving tween.

Found This Tween Gift Guide Helpful?

With the help of our very own tweens, we have been devising these age-appropriate gift lists for tweens 9 to 12 years old over several years. Take a deeper delve into our full collection of Tween Gift Guides, including:

• The Best Advent Calendars For Tweens in 2026
• Cheap Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers For Tweens
• What To Include In A Tween’s Christmas Eve Box

The post 20+ Terrific Tech Gifts For Tweens: Plugging into 2026’s Trendiest Gifts! appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Smartphones and other electronic devices have been incredibly helpful, especially for activities like arranging pick-ups and keeping track of our tweens. However, it’s important to recognize when our relationship with these devices becomes unhealthy.

Excessive phone use can cause a number of health issues, from muscle and posture issues, eye strain and headaches to obesity; your child’s device usage needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand.

What happens when we start to see signs of addiction in our tweens? What steps can you take as a parent to ensure smartphones and electronic devices are being used for their correct purpose rather than becoming your child’s lifeline?

Here we’re going to look at 5 key tips for keeping your child’s relationship with their phone healthy.

5 Steps to a healthy relationship for tween phone use

1. Set Phone Restrictions

One of the best ways to deal with excessive phone use is to simply restrict it.

This will undoubtedly cause a battle, to begin with, but like overcoming any addiction, there will be discomfort before results. You may want to start with a gradual approach if going “cold turkey” will be too uncomfortable for your family or simply impractical.

You could start with a gradual restriction of use. For example, ensure mealtimes are cellphone free for everyone. As everyone gets used to this, extend this to time-limited starts in the morning and a cutoff point in the evening.

An overnight cut-off point to ensure they get a good night’s sleep is a non-negotiable.

There are many good parenting control apps you could use to set these time limits, such as Family Link if you’re using an Android device that connects with your Google account, or there are Screen Time settings built-in on iOS to manage your child’s device.  

2. Set Aside Phone-Free Days

Once your tween starts getting used to restricting their phone use, you can introduce phone-free days. Typically, these should be family days where the focus is on spending time together, so there is a distraction in place, and you’re ‘in it together”.

These don’t necessarily need to be a full 24 hours, but long enough, they get a significant screen break and enjoy an activity outside the home. Maybe you can set a rule on how long they have to check their phone when they get back home, but whilst you’re on your family day out, nobody checks their device. You might be surprised just how much this benefits you too!

3. Let Them Use Just One Device at a Time

How many times do you catch your tween using more than one screen? One eye glued to their phone while the TV blares away, or YouTube playing on their laptop while browsing through TikTok?

One screen is bad enough, but when they are using multiple screens at the same time, it’s not only excessive but unhealthy.

So, if they are doing homework on their laptop, don’t allow them to check their phone. Similarly, their phone should be tucked away on the charger or in another room if they want to watch a movie.

4. Keep Phones Out of Bedrooms

I am sure it’s not just the kids who are guilty of this! Do you charge your smartphone next to your bed and use it as your alarm clock?

It’s no surprise our tweens may develop this habit too, checking their phone first before having any human interaction with family.

Set up a charging station in your house where all devices are kept overnight. No one should be touching these then until morning greetings have been made and tasks completed, such as getting dressed or having school bags packed.

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5. Limit Their Access to Social Media

Whilst this could also lead to many battles and comparison warfare, the reality is most social platforms are not intended for the pre-teen age group. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok all have an age limit set of 13 or 13 plus.

That said, I’m sure any tween brought up in the current generation knows how to download and access these. When setting up a new device for a tween, it’s essential to set the ground rules on what apps they’ll be allowed to access and when.

If you are making a conscious decision as a parent to allow them to bypass age rules on these platforms and have it on their device, usage needs to be closely monitored or completely restricted.

You can set restrictions on the phone so that certain apps can only be used during specific times of the day, for example.

Getting your tweens to spend less time on their phone and electronic devices these days isn’t easy. However, it is necessary if you want to promote healthy development and habits that they will see into their teenage years.

• You may also be interested in reading our detailed guide to tweens and technology
• If you’re in the market for tween tech, these are our top picks for gifts in 2023

The post 5 Tips for Dealing With Your Tweens Excessive Phone Use appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Nightlights aren’t just for small children, tweens and teens can find them useful too. Plus, when it comes to decorating your room as a tween, having a cool nightlight that lights up the room can be a great addition to bedroom décor and give a really fun effect.

These days, you can get just about any kind of cute, crazy, and creative nightlight you can think. The 3D nightlights are one of the most popular nightlights today. Mostly because they offer such fun designs, and they are 3D making them look really cool.

These fun nightlights for tweens are a selection of fun and creative lights we think they’ll love.

You may also be interested in

Best Nightlights 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.

3D Butterfly Crystal Ball Night Light

Crystal ball shape and remote control operated, this cute butterfly design will go perfect for your tween daughter’s room. It changes up to 16 colors and we surely think it’s a keeper!

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Rainbow Table Light

Great for any room, this nightlight can sit on the table and be turned on when needed. The light features all the colors of the rainbow and is battery-operated.

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Among Us Light

For tweens who love the game Among Us, they will get a kick out of this Among Us-themed nightlight that they can set on their bedside table.

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Neon Sign Wall Nightlight

A unique night light that goes on the wall, your tween will have fun customizing this light to reflect their style.

They also have the option to connect the light to their phone through Bluetooth so that the lights go with music.

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Shark Nightlight

There is just something about sharks that we love. They’re intriguing and mystical.

This novelty night light is a pretty interesting image of a shark that’s diving deep into the water and something tweens who love the creatures will enjoy.

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Eyesound Nightlight Bluetooth Speaker

This nightlight doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and has 7 different LED colors.

Your tween can place it on the bedside table and enjoy some relaxing music as they fall asleep to one of the many colored glows.

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Sky Lite Projector

Imagine sleeping in a sky full of drifting green stars around the nebula cloud. That’s what this nightlight projector aims for.

They will be able to cycle through the different light effects, adjust the brightness, and start or stop the rotation motion.

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3D Basketball Nightlight

For sports fans, there is nothing cooler than having the glow of a basketball light up their room throughout the night.

The illusion effect is pretty cool, and we think it is something your basketball-loving tween will like.

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5 in 1 Nightlight

Decked out with everything your tween will need, this isn’t just a normal nightlight.

The lamp can be used as an alarm clock, Bluetooth speaker, clock, and more. It also has a pretty cool light effect that we think they will love.

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Puzzle Night Light

What a fun design! This nightlight takes the shape of a Tetris puzzle, and the piece interlocks, allowing them to arrange and rearrange the lamp.

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Moon Lamp

Whether your tween enjoys studying the stars or wants a super cool galaxy lamp, this moon lamp is perfect for use as a tween nightlight.

The remote that comes with it will allow them to change the colors whenever they want.

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Clamshell Nightlight

Set up on the bedside table, and you have a decent, cool nightlight for your tween.

The glowing clamshell will be a fun addition to any room, and you can get it in various colors to match their style or décor.

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Minecraft TNT Block Night Light

Minecraft fans and players will love everything about this night light!

Resembling the look of the TNT block from the game, this nightlight will be a fun addition to your Minecraft-loving tweens room.

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Speaker Nightlight

A nightlight, alarm, speaker, and clock all wrapped into one!

When lit up, they can easily change the colors and set the dimness for the night light.

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Saturn Lamp

Shaped like Saturn, this nightlight is fun and bright.

It’s great for children who have an interest in space or the galaxy but doesn’t have anything fancy to it.

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Pokémon 3D Nightlight

3D Butterfly Nightlight

Fun for a girl’s room, this 3D butterfly nightlight is remote-controlled so that she can change the colors.

There are 16 different colors to choose from, and the butterfly has some fantastic detail to it.

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Star Projection Nightlight

This nightlight is also a white noise maker so that the kids can easily fall asleep.

It also had Bluetooth, so it can be hooked up to music. A remote is included so that they can control different settings.

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3D Jellyfish Nightlight

Shaped and made to look like a jellyfish, this acrylic LED night light is powered by USB and is a smart touch lamp.

Not only will this look super cool in their room, but they will have 7 different light colors to choose from.

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Color Changing Mushroom Light 

Skip the babyish hall lights; these cool mushrooms are the perfect way to light up the path to the bathroom or staircase in the dark for your tween.

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Mr. Go Dimmable Nightlight

A popular nightlight for both kids and teens, this square Mr. Go nightlight will look great in your tween’s room.

It is shaped like a cube, has different dimming levels, and 4 fun lighting effects that are controlled by a remote.

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Floating Globe with Colored LED Lights

This is one seriously cool LED light for your tween’s bedroom. Watch the world rotate 360 degrees with an electromagnetic sensor giving the appearance of floating in mid-air.

The C-shaped frame contains 9 LED bead lamps, so it looks equally impressive in the dark as it does during the day. Available with blue, gold, or black globes.

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Your tween may not want to willingly admit they’re still a little scared of the dark, but there will be nothing to cover up with a sensational and modern night light giving them a gentle glow to get to sleep.

Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

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

• Best gifts for a tween that loves art
• Brilliant family board games for tweens
• Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tweens
• Advent calendar ideas for tweens

The post Coolest Night Lights For Tweens – Helping Your 9 To 12-Year-Old Sleep appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Cameras have become exponentially better while also becoming quite affordable. And if you have ever wondered how your tween sees the world, then a camera designed for that age will help you get a glimpse of their perspective.

Your tween will love to take their photos and videos with an action-quality camera compared to a regular smartphone. Why not allow them to snap away as they develop their creativity and photography skills?

Difference Between Action Cameras, Compact Point and Shoot, Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras

Confusing, right? Allow us to break it down and narrow your search for the best camera for tweens.

An action camera is a much more compact, rugged, and waterproof digital camera capable of recording 4K videos in top-notch quality without any hassle. It is an easy-to-mount camera that takes high-quality videos and photos from your dashboard to underwater. It is designed for recording actions while being immersed in it.

A compact point-and-shoot camera is a pocket-sized autofocus camera designed for simplicity. It has a focus and exposure that is entirely automatic. You need to aim the camera and press the button; it will do the rest.

Mirrorless cameras work without a reflex mirror. This digital camera allows you to adjust settings and shoot manually. It is a relatively lightweight camera 9compared to a full DSLR) that has a fast shutter speed and a packed full of functionality.

What is the full meaning of a DSLR camera? A DSLR camera is short for a digital single-lens digital camera. This camera uses a mirror placed behind the lens to show you the true image you will see in the photo. What you see is what you get. It allows interchangeable lenses and is typically larger and more robust than other camera types.

Gifting your tween the perfect digital camera will not only allow them to learn how to take a good photograph. It will also help them exercise their creative muscle and encourage exploration, thus building visual and critical thinking skills later in life.

What to Look for When Choosing a Great Digital Camera for Your Tween

Before you start off your tween on their creative journey, there are some things that you should consider.

Note that your tween will prefer different gadgets at different ages, and some may be more into shooting video and action than stunning landscapes and portrait photography. When doing your research, keep your tween’s shooting needs in mind to ensure you get them the best tween camera that they will actually use.

Size and Memory

Can your tween independently carry their cam during all their adventures and not find it a piece of baggage? How many photos can it take? Does it come with any built-in memory or will you forever be purchasing more memory cards?

Share-ability

Can the camera share pics through email or social media? The trend is for your tween to show off all his/her fun moments with their friends as instantly as it happens. Getting a wireless camera will ease the transition between devices.

Age-appropriate/ Ease of use

Is the camera age-appropriate and user-friendly? Is your tween patient enough to learn the functions of the camera and shoot manually, or should you get a simple one that allows them to always shoot in auto?

Battery Life

You wouldn’t want your tween to miss out on snapping away all the memories of their adventure because their camera is out of power. So are the batteries of the camera rechargeable, or does your tween need to carry spares?

Breakability

You will agree that tweens are still a bit clumsy. Then again, accidents do happen. Ensure the camera gift you are getting your tween has a protective case for transporting. Carry straps are also handy.

Waterproof

If you want your tween to be able to use their digital camera for all occasions, it really helps to find something that is waterproof – or at the very least, water resistant. It can also feature a wrist strap or a floatation device if they’ll be taking it into the sea or a lake this will come in super handy.

Videography

Do you want your tween’s camera just for still images or is video capability a key criteria? If they are filming, you want to look for the 4K feature for the best resolution, but be mindful that they will then need a camera with a lot of memory and image stabilization to make great videos.

Price

What is your budget, and how much are you willing to spend? Is your tween truly invested in photography? Is it just a fun way to make memories with their friends?

We would suggest unless they have had a lot of experience already using an adults camera, you stick with a relatively inexpensive model until they’re ready to up their skill levels to something like a DSLR and are prepared to take the time to learn the tools and perhaps take a photography course.

8 Best Digital Cameras for Tweens Compared

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

Best Compact Digital Camera for Tweens: Nikon Coolpix W150

The Nikon Coolpix W150 is a cool, updated edition of the Coolpix W100. It is a waterproof camera that is easy to use, thanks to its large chunky buttons.

It is shockproof due to its tough design and thus can survive falls from 5.9 feet and go as deep as 33 feet underwater. It also uses icons rather than words, making it a great little starter to pique your tween’s interest.

It includes a memory card wallet, 32GB ultra memory card, a flexible tripod, and more within your start-up set, so no extra purchases are necessary.

We love it because:

• It is water, shock, freeze, and dustproof – idea for the way your tween will likely treat it
• It is simple to operate
• It has an appealing camera body
• It has Bluetooth capabilities, i.e., it allows your tween to transfer images easily to other devices

Limitations:

• It lacks optical stabilization, therefore expect lower image quality than more advanced cameras
• It has a low-quality screen

Best Action Camera for Tweens: GoPro Hero 7 Silver

Are you looking for an inexpensive but highly capable digital camera for kids? Look no further; the Go Pro Hero 7 Silver is a perfect rugged and waterproof action camera. Your tween will love it as it will capture quick videos and photos in crisp details without much effort.

It is an ideal camera for older kids tackling new adventures and outdoor pursuits, as it shoots full HD. There is more to love about it, as your tween can control it by voice when they are out and about. It also allows shooting time-lapse videos that turn longer events into short, sharable moments.

We love it because:

• It is compact enough to fit into your tweens pocket
• Perfect for smooth 4K videos, burst image and self-timer – ideal for filming their moves
• It is inexpensive (compared to the leading GoPro and action cameras – the functionality will more than suffice for your tweens)
• It has tough credentials as it can stand out to the rough and tumble adventure life with kids

Limitations:

• It has no zoom lens
• It has poor battery life, you will most definitely need to buy spares
• Mountings and accessories cost extra, for full benefit you will want to include these items too when gifting to a tween to use as a true action camera

Best Durable Camera for Tweens: Fujifilm FinePix XP140

The Fujifilm Finepix XP140 is the latest model in the XP series of Fuji rugged cameras. It is fully waterproof down to 25 meters, shockproof to 1.8 meters, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof; this will follow your kids everywhere!

It covers a greater length of focal length with a 16.4-megapixel back-illuminated sensor and features optical stabilization (with great 5X optical zoom) even underwater.

Your outdoorsy tween will love it as it has eye detection AF and a self-timer mode for improved portrait pics. It includes Bluetooth capabilities, and your tween can also remotely control the camera with the Fujifilm camera remote app.

We love it because:

• It has a great 5X optical zoom
• It is well-priced for the number of features packed into a very small camera
• It is a tough camera that can handle whatever is thrown at it

Limitations:

• Although it features 4K at 15fps, many buyers have noted this feature is a bit of a letdown
• Some buyers have also reported it has a dull screen

Best Waterproof Camera for tweens: Olympus Tough TG-6

This ultracompact is perfect for older kids who love travel and landscape photography. It has an eye-catching red finish making it stand out. It can go down a pool of water to 50 feet, can survive drops of seven feet, freezeproof to -10 degrees C, as well as be crashed by anything up to 100 kgs.

It is also anti-fog with excellent macro and microscopes modes, a crisp 4K video for filming adventures with an f/2 lens, and a great zoom range of 25-100 mm. It is also available in a sleek black if your tween prefers the high-tech batman look.

We love it because:

• It has a decent range of accessories
• It features raw format support
• It has a 3” tiltable touchscreen

Limitations:

• It has image smoothing at high ISOs
• Some buyers report it has a fiddly zoom control
• It lacks a lens cover to keep the camera protected

Best Instant Camera for Tweens: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Simply can’t wait to see your snaps? The Fuji Instax Mini 11 is a perfect first instant camera that has the appeal of an old polaroid camera and is great for your tween photographer. It does not feature a digital sensor, so your tween has to shoot on self-developing paper with a shutter speed of ½ to 1/250 sec.

It has auto exposure with a variable shutter speed, plus a built-in adjustable lens with a close-up setting, making it ideal for selfies. It includes the Instax Mini 11 camera, film, photo album and case for your tween to start snapping right out of the box.

We love it because:

• It has auto-exposure; thus, fewer wasted snaps
• Comes with an adjustable lens for easy macro shots
• It is comfortable to hold as it has big rounded edges
• Comes in several pastel colors for your tween to express themselves!

Limitations:

• It will start to get pricey paying for the replacement film packs
• Images are quite small – about credit card size so not as large as your old polaroid
• Its exposures can be a little too bright in the sun as the flash automatically fires

Best DSLR for Tweens: Canon EOS Rebel T7

Is your tween really ready to level up their skills? It may be time they invest in a DSLR.

The Canon EOS Rebel is an excellent entry-level DSLR, meaning that what you see in the viewfinder is what you will get in the image. It features an interchangeable lens with the macro lens allowing your tween to take sharp photos of tiny objects as well as landscapes.

The superzoom lenses allow your tween to tackle pics of distant objects. With a modern DIGIC eight CMOS, APS-C sensor of 24.1 MP, a nine-point AF system, five fps continuous shooting, and microphone input for videography.

It also has built-in WI-FI, NFC, Bluetooth, and HDMI connectivity. It also features a classic 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This bundle comes with a memory card, deluxe padded camera case, flashlight, three pieces filter kit, and more to ensure your tween can also use it for long-distance photo situations like sporting.

We love it because:

• It features an LCD screen with live-view capability
• It has great pre-set modes, which is great for beginners who are still not confident to shoot manually
• It has video recording capabilities too

Limitations:

• It is only ideal for older kids as it is a bit heavy and will take some time to learn
• It has no center contact on the hot shoe

Don’t forget to throw in the great companion product Canon EOS Rebel For Dummies guide to help enhance their digital camera learning experience.

Best Budget Point & Shoot for Tweens: Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 Kit

If these all feel too advanced for your tween needs, let’s head back to basics. The Kodak PIXPRO camera is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot model with some fun features for beginners.

It has a 16.1 MP 4x zoom capability that provides your tween with an opportunity to explore how zoom affects your final image.

With a built-in microphone that makes the audio crisp and clear, the 720 HD video option is a feature your tween will enjoy. It has four photo shooting modes and a video-making mode that uses pre-programmed scene modes. It requires two AA batteries.

We love it because:

• It has easy-to-replace batteries
• It features simple printing options
• It is simple enough to point and shoot and still get great results

Limitations:

• You might need frequent battery changes
• It does not have great image stabilization which can result in blurry photos
• The video quality isn’t as great as an action camera

Best 4K Digital Camera for Vlogging: VETEK 4K Digital Camera

The VETEK 4K Digital Camera is the perfect choice if your pre-teen loves to make their own videos and wants something a little more advanced than a point-and-shoot at a reasonable price.

A 4K small digital camera with 30fps video resolution and 56-megapixel still images, your tween will enjoy the ultimate in smooth filming experiences. It has the best resolution for shooting YouTube-worthy videos.

The camera is equipped with wide angle & macro lenses and supports 16X Digital Zoom, great for filming sports or action from a distance without blur. USB2.0 data cable, 32GB TF card, charger and batteries are included.

We love it because:

• Several appealing colors for tweens to choose from
• Supports tripods and has a hot shoe connection (top mounting)
• Still light and compact vs a full mirrorless or DSLR
• Includes two interchangeable lenses so no need to invest in additional gear upfront

Limitations:

• Not as good for macro (close up) filming
• Need to invest in extra SD cards for better memory

Extra accessories to consider

In addition to the camera itself, there are many photographer accessories you could also include to make a superb bundled gift for a tween with everything they’ll need. Why not also consider

Ready to purchase your tween a digital camera?

Digital cameras can be a whole lot of fun for everyone and more so for your tween who loves to spend time with friends. We all want to ensure that our tweens have a way of remembering all the fun things that they are doing. It would help if you had something that fits their style and needs.

Photography is good for your kids as it encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. It Promotes creativity and self-expression. It also helps manage stress, and visual art activities promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Always take care of your equipment, including preventing it from getting scratches and cleaning it properly. At first, you can use a tripod to take pictures, as it makes it easier to take good pictures. Also, take your camera with you everywhere to not miss out on good shots and great memories.

More Gear Reviews For Your Tweens

If you’ve found this gear guide for tweens useful, you may also want to check out:

• Best headphones for tweens
• Best watches for tweens
• Best fitness trackers for tweens

The post 8 Best Digital Cameras For Tweens in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Let’s see how to keep your tween on track and whether it will be worth the investment to move your tween from an ordinary watch to a smartwatch now that they’re approaching their teens and high school.

Types of Smart Watches for Tweens

To ensure that you buy the best smartwatch for your tween, you can start by understanding different types of smartwatches. This will help you know which smartwatch might be the right gadget for them. Types of smartwatches for tweens include –

a) Simple Smartwatches:

Basic smartwatches are the jack of many trades, if not all. They have a touch screen and options like pedometer, calculator, alarm clock, etc. They may not connect with smartphones via Bluetooth or the net, especially if they are for youngsters. But a cable connection may be possible.

b) Smart Sport Watches

These are advanced variants of fitness trackers – and are light and waterproof. These are advanced watches that track everything from your trajectory to your heartbeat, from activity levels to oxygen levels. They store data that can be accessed using phones and computers.

c) Traditional Bluetooth Smartwatches 

Traditional smartwatches can be connected to your smartphone with the help of Bluetooth connectivity. You will receive notifications for messages, calls, social media platforms, and other apps. They come with a variety of features, and they can be used along with the smartphone.

d) Smartwatches with Phone Functions

These smartwatches have all the features to work independently from a smartphone. That’s because you can add a SIM card to it, and that will allow you to make calls, reply to text messages, use social media platforms, etc., even when your phone is not with you.

e) Hybrid Smartwatches

These watches have the face of a regular watch, but they offer the connectivity and technological advancements of a smartwatch. You can still monitor your health or access your phone using this watch. But the face of this watch is not designed for interactions in all of this.  

Features to Look for in a Quality Tween Smart Watch

Tweens these days are tech-savvy – probably more so than you! As a parent, you might feel a little intimidated while buying a smart gadget for your kids, right? While browsing the market for the best smart watches for tweens, it is a good idea to start by looking for the following features:

1. Battery Life: The primary feature of a smartwatch is how long it lasts. For your active adolescent, they could easily burn through a full overnight charge in day if they are using all of its functionality. Seek out smartwatches that can hold their charge for days.
2. Fitness Tracking: Most smartwatches have some form of a fitness tracker, starting with a basic pedometer to monitoring and recording your heartbeat, sleep pattern or pre-programmed exercises. if your tween predominantly wants a smartwatch for sports and fitness, consider whether a smartwatch is the right option or a fitness tracker.
3. Smart Features: You’ll get various smart features, like daily utility applications, along with call and app notifications, but does a tween’s watch really need to be THAT smart; work out what smart features matter most.
4. Phone Features: Some advanced smartphones for tweens come with the options to answer calls, respond to messages, and more, giving the user freedom from phone use; alternatively you may prefer a smartwatch for your tween that doesn’t require a smartphone alongside it to work.
5. Sizing: Tweens will invariably have much smaller wrists than your teens and adults so check that the smartwatch will not be too large and loose on their wrist.
6. Replaceable Straps: Not just for fashion, we all know how hard-going kids can be on their kit, and a watch is no exception even with great care taken the straps can wear. Brands that come with a replaceable strap option can be advantageous.

Our Favorite Smartwatches for Tweens

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Now you know of the various types of smartwatches for tweens and the features to look for. It’s time to check out the reviews of our favorite smartwatches for tweens currently available on the market.

Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

The Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch is one of the best smart watches for tweens who want to take the technologically advanced route to good health. The first name that crosses our mind while thinking of fitness trackers is that of Fitbit. It’s designed to track heartbeats all the time, from swimming to sleeping.

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We love it because

• It offers incredible battery life, working 24/7 for 6 days.
• It’s equipped with Alexa for quick access to all kinds of information.
• It’s available in a wide range of stunning colors for boys and girls.

Key Features:

• Perfect for workouts, with easy access to playlists.
• Tracks your heartrate – all day and all night.
• Allows you to control apps, messages, and calls on the phone.
• Water resistant to 50m

Possible Cons:

• Quick reply and voice reply options only for Android 
• On the pricier side for a tween

SAMSUNG Galaxy Active 2 Watch

If there’s one thing you cannot go wrong with when it comes to your pre-teen, it’s a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch. The Active 2 watch comes with advanced options for monitoring health and fitness. It’s designed to match with all kinds of outfits. It’s the best smartwatch for tweens who like to wear sophisticated accessories with an “adult” touch.

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We love it because:

• It has a sleek and light design that looks good all the time.
• Comes in a 40mm model suitable for smaller wrists.
• It comes with a variety of faces and bands for a new look every day.
• It can go on for more than a day without charging.

Key Features:

• Samsung’s OS that makes it widely compatible
• LTE connectivity to give you freedom from your phone
• Advanced features to monitor health   

Possible Cons:

• Gaps during sleep monitoring reported by some users
• Cost compared to other brands

Blackview Smart Watch

A wonderfully simple and affordable option for those looking for a greater starter smartwatch for their tween. All the functionality you’d expect in an adults smartwatch

We love it because:

• 4 different stylish display modes.
• Great battery life.
• It will not burn a hole in the pockets.

Key Features:

• Built in fitness tracker with 9 exercise modes
• IP68 Waterproof rating – water resistant to 50m
• 2.5 hours of charging will last 10 days of use or 30-45 days on standby
• Supports iOS 9.0 and Android 5.0 and above

Possible Cons:

• Some users have reported the plastic wrist band cracking over time.

L.O.L. Surprise! Touch-Screen Smartwatch

If your little girl has just stepped into her pre-teen years, she will love the blast of pink and animation in the Touch-Screen Smartwatch by L.O.L. Surprise! It’s ideal as the first smartwatch for tweens learning the nuances of a smart fitness tracker. It offers fun and useful features, too.

We love it because:

• It has the perfect color and animation for a younger girl.
• It lasts all day and night after charging once.
• It offers the perfect combination of entertaining and practical features.

Key Features:

• Selfie-camera, voice and video recording – with easy download and sharing.
• Comes with useful options like calculator, stopwatch, and alarm clock.
• Touchscreen smartwatch with pedometer

Possible Cons:

• No option for phone connectivity or advanced fitness tracking.
• Your tween could outgrow the novelty theme quite quickly.

Marvel SPD4588AZ Spider-Man Touchscreen Smart Watch

Has your little boy just turning into a tween? Is he still in love with all the fun, action, and vibrancy of the superhero world? It’s time to gift him the Marvel Spider-Man Smart Watch. This attractive smartwatch is the perfect watch for a growing pre-teen who’s still too young for an expensive and advanced smart device.   

We love it because:

• Its Spider-Man design in a vibrant color is perfect for young tweenage boys.
• It can continue functioning round the clock for a day without charging.
• It is loaded with entertaining and practical features.

Key Features:

• Touchscreen phone with alarm clock, timer, and calculator for everyday usage
• Pedometer to get your young boy started on the journey of fitness tracking
• Easy to access games, share photos, and use in-built selfie-camera

Possible Cons:

• Basic fitness tracking with no option to connect with phones

AGPTEK IP68 Smartwatch

The AGPTEK IP68 Smartwatch allows your tween kid to access apps, music, messages, etc., remotely, even without a phone nearby. It’s a brilliant combination of style and functionality, without much of a pocket pinch. It’s a sturdy health-tracking smartwatch – perfect for a tween on a fitness journey and looking to add some style. 

We love it because:

• It’s available in three stunning colors with five dials, with 30 more in-app dials.
• It is light, sturdy, and scratch-proof – perfect for all occasions.
• It lasts for 7-10 days after two hours of charging – with an incredible 30 days of standby time.

Key Features:

• Easy to access apps using this smartwatch for tweens without a phone.
• High accuracy in heartbeat sensing, thanks to the HR sensor.
• Easy to view health reports on the Fitcloudpro app.
• IP68 Waterproof.

Possible Cons:

• Calling and replying options not available. 

Amazqi Smartwatch Phone

Planning to buy your pre-teen their first ever smartwatch? It’s best to choose a pocket-friendly and user-friendly option, like the Amazqi Smartwatch Phone. It is easy to sync this watch with smartphones and allows access to phone apps and functions, including answering and making calls, responding to messages.

We love it because:

• It’s a standalone watch that offers access to phone apps, social media, etc.
• You can choose from four stunning colors for both boys and girls.
• It can be the perfect fitness buddy, with easy song access and storage. 

Key Features:

• SIM card mode available for calls, messages, apps, and connectivity if required.
• 0.3 MP camera and shutter mode to access phone camera.
• Ideal fitness tracker with pedometer and sleep monitor.
• Average standby time is 24 to 48 hours.

Possible Cons:

• Functionalities available only partially when synced with iPhone (fully compatible with Android devices) 

Donerton Smart Watch and Fitness Tracker

A smartwatch and fitness tracker with a sleek and stylish look, the Donerton Smart Watch is ideal for tweens who love accessories that look mature. The watch will track your kid’s activities and help them monitor their progress. Your pre-teen kid will enjoy using it as they can easily check incoming calls and social media on the watch while looking sleek and stylish.

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No products found.

We love it because:

• Its battery can endure 7 days of regular activities and 30 hours of standby time.
• It allows quick access to social media, call, and text notifications.
• It comes in four striking colors – and offers four stunning clock faces.

Key Features:

• Supports 8 sports modes to record all-day activities.
• Large touchscreen for easy use of everyday tools.
• Easy control over phone camera by shaking the wrist.
• IP67 Waterproof

Possible cons:

• Over-sensitivity of step counter and sleep monitor reported by some users.
• The larger 1.4″ sized screen may make it two big for a smaller tweens wrist.

Efolen Smart Watch for Women 

One of the most stylish smartwatches for a tween girl at a really reasonable price. This slim design smartwatch still delivers on fitness features while giving your tween girl a look she can be proud of. The watch comes with several different color straps and designs.

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We love it because:

• Unique and elegant design that doesn’t scream sports watch.
• Includes 8 fitness modes and physiological tracking for young ladies.
• Customizable face watches to suit your tweens personality.

Key Features:

• 1.09″ wide screen, great for smaller wrists.
• Compatible with advanced Android and iOS phones.
• Incoming call notifications, sedentary and drink water reminders.
• IP67 Waterproof.
• 2 hours of charge lasts 5 to 7 days and 15 days on standby.

Possible Cons:

• Some users complain the small screen makes text messages hard to read.

More Gear Reviews For Your Tweens

• Your sporty tweens may also be interested in our range of tween fitness trackers. These are specialized watches that not just tell the time but can help them with tracking steps, heart rate, and more.

• Looking for something a little more low-tech that doesn’t need charging and will simply help your tween keep track of time? Try this range of trendy and functional watches for tweens.

• Is your pre-teen showing an interest in photography? Check out this great range of digital cameras for tweens, from simple point and shoots to beginner mirrorless and DLSR cameras.

• Every tween needs a reliable set of headphones. Whether it’s for doing their homework or home learning or for chilling out to their favorite tunes, here are the best headphones and wireless earbuds for tweens.

• We have a complete round up of all our favorite tween tech items for 2026 over here.

Looking for gift ideas for a tween? You may also be interested in

The post 9 Best Smartwatch For Tweens (9 To 12-Year Old Kids) in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

If you are finding that your child can benefit from a watch, whether it be a simple watch or some type of sports watch, these are some good choices.

There is a variety of watches for tweens included in the list. Everything from something super simple with no frills to sports watches and smart watches that have all the times, alarms, and more advanced functions they may need.

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Best Watches 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.

Digital Sport Watch

A popular watch for tweens, this digital sport watch is an analog quartz watch that also includes an alarm and a stopwatch.

Your sporty tween can use it to keep track of time and it is water and shockproof so they can wear it whether in the pool or at practice.

Find it on Amazon

Color Statement Watch

Colorful and fashionable, this watch is easy to read. Tweens can wear it with them wherever they go because it’s waterproof.

We love that it comes in several bright and unisex colors.

Find it on Amazon

Armitron Sport

A good starter watch for your tween, this sports watch has just a few functions and isn’t as complicated as some of the watches out there.

It is water resistant and has an alarm if they need it.

Find it on Amazon

Timex Ironman Essential

The durable resin strap on this watch will not only help it from coming off their wrist but it’s also comfortable.

The face lights up so that they can easily see the time and the watch includes an alarm and timer. There are several bright strap colors to choose from.

Find it on Amazon

Leather Strap Girls Watch

Teen Sport Watch

For more advanced tweens, it may be time to go up to one of these multifunctional watches. It has a digital display and three alarms and is waterproof.

It’s a great pick for when your tween is ready to get a more advanced watch with a few more bells and whistles.

Find it on Amazon

Casio Digital Watch

Sporty but also stylish, this silicone watch is a digital watch that will be comfortable on their wrists.

It’s great for everyday use and includes a timer and an alarm. It would be a perfect pick for a sporty girl.

Find it on Amazon

Digital Boys Watch

With quite a few functions to this watch, this would be a great digital watch for your tween.

They can easily see the date, time, and day of the week it is on their face. If they need an alarm or a stopwatch, those are also available.

Find it on Amazon

Unisex Sport Watch

This is a great watch for tweens because it’s simple yet has all the functions they need. The front has an LCD display of the time, the day of the week, and the calendar date.

When needed, they can set the alarm or stop the clock. It is available in different colors so you can pick out the one you think they will love the best.

Find it on Amazon

Kids Smart Watch

Another beginner smartwatch for your tween, this waterproof smartwatch also has a GPS tracker and support for calls and video chats.

There is a spot for a SIM card which you can use with many of the larger carrier companies.

Find it on Amazon

CakCity Kids Digital Watch

Sporty Digital Watch

Great for active children, this digital watch has a silicone band for comfort and plenty of functions.

The backlight can be adjusted to different colors depending on which they prefer, and it’s water-resistant, and fashionable.

Find it on Amazon

Mokast Smart Watch

This smartwatch includes an alarm, calculator, calendar, music player, and even games. Your tween can even set the watch for school mode so that they aren’t disturbed throughout the day.

This is a great beginner smartwatch and can grow with them as they get a bit older.

Find it on Amazon

Casio Unisex Neo-Display Watch

This Casio watch is a popular watch among tweens. The resin band makes the watch comfortable and will help keep it from sliding off their wrist.

The face shows the date, time, and day of the week. It’s water resistant up to 100m and the hands do glow in the dark for easy night reading.

Find it on Amazon

Your sporty tweens may also be interested in our range of tween fitness trackers. These are specialized watches that not just tell the time but can help them with tracking steps, heart rate, and more, or pop on over to our guide to tween smartwatches with even more extensive functionality.

Found this Tween Gift Guide helpful?

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

• Beautiful baking gifts for tweens who love to bake
• Brilliant family board games for tweens
• Stocking stuffer gift ideas for tweens
• Advent calendar ideas for tweens

The post 16 Wonderful Watches For Tweens in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

In recent years, the mobile games market has grown exponentially. Now, major game companies are making games for and porting beloved console games over to mobile platforms.

Gamers can play as fan-favorite characters and embark on new adventures wherever they go. Plus, as the graphical capabilities of mobile phones get better and better, so too does the quality of the games available. 

However, choosing the right game in the sea of possibilities can be tricky. Some games might look fun but be full of ads and in-app purchases. Plus, some games might only be available for iOS and not Android, or vice versa.

That does not mean that finding fun and age-appropriate games is impossible, though. There are loads of great games available; you need only look.

Following is a list of fun games that are perfect for your tween – that’s your 9 to 12-year-old age group. These games guarantee tons of fun for a low price, or even free!

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Before we dive into the detail, let’s look at how gaming apps for a mobile device such as smartphones or tablets actually work.

Paid and Free Games vs. In-App Purchases

In-app purchases have become a staple of the mobile industry. Rather than paying for a game upfront, companies will release games for free and offer exclusive in-game content for which players can pay real money. 

These purchases can range from a few dollars to major money, so if you are at all concerned about your tween spending money you can always turn off in-app purchases through your mobile device’s settings. (Apple | Android)

Unfortunately, in-app purchases cannot really be avoided. For this reason, we have compiled a list of games that do not require you to pay money to progress. However, most of the games will still have some content available for purchase if players so desire.

It’s essential that you chat with your tween before installing games how these “freemium” games work, as your app store or Apple account are no doubt attached to your credit card!

Online Interactions

Many mobile games feature some sort of multiplayer aspect. As such, many mobile games feature voice or text chat capabilities. These are often unmonitored and, minus a safety filter, let people say whatever they want.

These chat functions can typically be disabled, but as a parent, be warned that some games will allow your tween to interact with others using these platforms. If this is something you are concerned about, we recommend checking your mobile device settings or the game settings to see if they can be turned off.

Best App-Based 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.

So on to the good stuff, our “tween approved” app-based games selection for downloading right away:

Mario Kart Tour (iOS & Android)

Mario Kart Tour lets players race against friends, online or against bots, all from their smartphone. Gamers will love the fast-paced and competitive racing action that the series has to offer. 

Featuring beloved Super Mario characters, tweens are sure to have a blast playing this game. There are in-app purchases, but the game is free to download and play without them.

Apple rates this game age 4+, Google Play rates this game for everyone

Stardew Valley (iOS & Android)

This means making repairs, growing crops, raising livestock, and interacting with the other villagers in the valley. Since its original release, Stardew Valley has become a beloved franchise due to its charming visuals and repeatable gameplay.

Now, players can take the whole valley with them wherever they go with the mobile ports of Stardew Valley. The game is easy to pick up and play but complex enough to keep you coming back! A paid app well worth the investment for the hours of interactive gameplay (free with Google Play Pass).

Apple rates this game age 12+ , Google Play age 10+

Clash of Clans (iOS & Android)

Gameplay is online against a random opponent (with no chat function). The players’ objective is to collect gold and elixir without someone attacking their village. The more gold you get, the more defences you can put in place and use your elixir to build your army.

The more gameplay, the larger your village grows and the larger your army. There are in-app opportunities to purchase gems if you want to level up your village quicker. Tweens love it because it is action packed and they love unlocking new rewards and seeing their village grow.

Apple rates this game age 9+, Google Play rates it age 10+

Brawl Stars (iOS & Android)

You can join clubs with your friends or play against random opponents (the chat function is disabled for those registered as under 18’s or can be muted). Tweens love that there are plenty of things to unlock, including new skins, weapons and new brawlers. Tokens are accumulated by both time and winning trophies, along with completing daily and seasonal quests.

Action-packed fun with great graphics (no gory violence); a simple concept but lots of things to explore and achievements to reach. Supercell keeps it fun and engaging for the tween group, frequently releasing new characters and skins.

Apple rates this game age 9+, Google Play rates it age 10+

Clash Royale (iOS & Android)

You battle against an opponent (either friends or a random online player) to obtain more crowns than your enemy, and the first to three crowns wins the battle. There are player tutorials for those new to the game so you can understand arenas, playing cards and how to attack and destroy.

There’s no gory violence, but your tweens will need a little practice to win battles. It is quite a tactical game, so may take some time to master, and unlocking new characters and weapons seems fairly necessary – though this can be done without in-app purchases, just be aware the temptation is there!

Apple rates this game age 9+, Google Play rates it age 10+

Fortnite (Android)

As such, it is no surprise that the game quickly got a mobile release. Now, players can buddy up or duke it out on their own wherever they go. Fortnite mobile allows players to take all of the action of Fortnite with them in their pocket.

With so many modes, challenges, and items to acquire, this game is sure to have you coming back! Plus, there are tons of seasonal events so there is almost always something new for you to do. 

Fortnite has all of the competitive multiplayer action you could want on your mobile device.  As a bonus, players using the mobile app can also play with other players using a video game system, so tweens can play with their friends no matter their platform.

Recommended for older tweens approaching teens due to mild violence.

NB – There’s a bit of a dispute between the creators Epic Games and Apple/Google Play so currently, you cannot get it on iOS, and if you want it on Android, there are a few work arounds discussed in detail here.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (iOS & Android)

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp gives players more Animal Crossing content as they create and explore their campsite. Gamers can complete tasks, interact with other animals, and even play with other gamers.

Many classic characters are back and ready to help players as they upgrade their camp and interact with friends and other gamers around the world. 

Plus, this game is a great alternative to those who don’t have access to the Nintendo Switch version of Animal Crossing or who want a different take on the classic franchise.

Apple & Google Play both rate this game for everyone

Raid: Shadow Legends (iOS & Android)

Raid: Shadow Legends features awesome PVE (person versus environment) and PVP (person versus person) action accompanied by great graphics, especially for a game of this scale on mobile devices. Players will embark on an epic adventure as they defeat enemies and upgrade their loot and characters.

The game is free to play and easy to pick up and run with. Plus, tons of creators offer special sign-up bonuses to get free loot and in-game currency, so be sure to check those out.

Recommended for your older tweens due to mild violence.

Monument Valley (iOS & Android)

This game has become increasingly popular and even crossed over into more mainstream content, referenced in several television shows. This is often cited as a game for non-gamers, making it perfect for gamers of all skill levels.

Jigsaw Puzzle – Daily Puzzles (iOS & Android)

Featuring all-time favorite Disney characters, this game offers hours of easy-going fun. With varying levels of difficulty, gamers of all ages can stay engaged with these fun puzzles.

If your tween loves doing puzzles, then this is absolutely the game for them, as it guarantees hours of puzzle fun featuring all of their favorite characters.

The Sims: Mobile (iOS & Android)

The Sims sees players making their own virtual characters or families and having them live in a virtual world surrounded by other Sims. Players will make decisions and help their Sim to take care of themselves. 

With this mobile entry into the franchise, players can tackle certain objectives as they strive to provide their Sim with a good life. Plus there are loads of daily challenges and seasonal events that will keep your tween entertained and coming back.

Mobile devices are everywhere, and there is a good chance that your tween uses their mobile device as their main source of entertainment. As a result, tweens everywhere are looking for the right games to keep them engaged during their off-time. 

Finding the right mobile game can be hard, especially when it comes to finding a good game for your tween. There are loads of apps geared towards kids, and apps geared towards teens and adults.

However, the tween market is not as big. Finding a good game that is complex enough to keep your child engaged and having fun while still being appropriate can be tough. However, that does not mean that it is an impossible task.

There are plenty of games that are appropriate for tweens that are also loads of fun! With this list you can find the right fit for your tween and get them some fantastic games for their mobile device.

Found this Tween Game Guide helpful?

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

• Best gifts for a girl gamer
• Terrific gift ideas for a 12-year-old boy gamer
• What to buy for the Minecraft fan
• Best Video Console Games for Tweens

You may also be interested in our full collection of tween gift guides, including:

The post 11 Best App-Based Games For Tweens (9, 10, 11, 12 Year Olds) appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

For many parents, it can be hard to set solid ground rules for your tweens’ use of technology. Technology such as video games, tablets, and cell phones have quickly become the go-to source of entertainment for tweens everywhere.

However, tech is also one of the main avenues tweens use for education and communication with friends and peers. As such, balancing how much time they spend on technology can be a challenge.

Further, as a parent, your rules must be simple and easy to follow, but most importantly, you must be consistent in enforcement. Some parents like to explicitly write out or state rules, while others just encourage kids to spend time off the screens.

There are many ways to prevent your tween from being glued to their tech and the negative effects it can have. However, it is also important to recognize the positive effects it has as well.

To help you through this challenging stage of tween parenting, we’ve got a simple but comprehensive guide to setting ground rules for your tween’s use of technology.

Talk It Out

If you are reading this because your tween already uses tech too much, try talking to them first. Bring up that you feel they are too distracted or involved in online entertainment and that you would prefer they balance their use of tech with the rest of their lives.

Sometimes an issue only needs to be brought to your tween’s attention for it to be fixed, so try to have a conversation and allow them to fix their habits. Of course, the rest of this guide can also be used as suggestions to give your tween.

However, if your tween is not willing to limit the use of technology by themselves, then now would be a good time to move on to the rest of this guide.

Technology As A Privilege Versus Technology As A Right

One concept that is important to establish early on is the idea that technology is a privilege, not a right. This is especially so if you are the one who paid or is paying for your tween’s tech, which most parents typically do.

Technology is not something tweens have an inherent right to, and conveying that to your child is important. Many tweens will have friends or know kids that have near unlimited access to their technology, which is up to their parents.

However, that does not mean that your child abides by other families’ rules. Teach your child early on that they get to use technology, not that they have to.

Negative Aspects Of Tech

Despite all it does for us, it would be foolish to argue that there are not any negative aspects of technology use. Typically, using technology in and of itself isn’t really associated with any major negative repercussions.

Rather, it is what your tweens are doing on their tech that could present an issue. Social media, which is incredibly popular and one of the main reasons tweens want cell phones and tablets, can be a great way to connect with friends.

On the other hand, many social media sites do not restrict what people are allowed to post, while others still allow for some potentially harmful imagery.

Social media can be harmful for developing tweens as it can present them with different ideals of what they should look and act like. This of course can lead to lower self-esteem, which is something you and your tween can and should avoid.

Social media presents a gallery of competing voices and opinions that can be a lot for a developing tween. Of course, this does not mean that all aspects of social media are inherently negative, only that it presents a risk at times.

Further, access to the internet means access to harmful or sensitive content, such as depictions of violence, which can include filmed real-world violence, adult entertainment, malware, and scammers.

Thankfully, a lot of this can be avoided even if your tween uses the internet a lot. There are a plethora of parental blockers that you can install to manage what content your tween has access to.

Standing Up To Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a major topic of contention among parents, schools, and youth organizations. Now more than ever, youth of all ages are exposed to all types of online slander, bullying, and harassment.

Of course, the smaller your online footprint is, the less likely you are to deal with cyberbullying. The key is helping your tween manage their online footprint.

• We recommend keeping as many of their accounts anonymous as possible
• Try not to use full names where possible
• Teach your tween to limit pictures of themselves
• Teach your tween to never divulge personal information to people they do not know

There is a difference between being an active participant and simply spectating when it comes to social media.

If your tween is only on social media to keep up with other people, and does not post themselves, the chances of anyone trying to cyberbully them is minimal. This is because often the targets of online harassment present themselves as targets by putting themselves in the spotlight or publicly reacting to harassment, which fuels more cyberbullying.

There is also a problem with cyberbullying in the world of online gaming. Many online games give players access to an open microphone to talk to their teammates or competition. Of course, this can lead to some nasty language and, if the situation is bad enough, targeted harassment.

Teach your tween to use microphone settings to mute people or have players muted by default. There is also the saving grace of the block button, as most of the time blocking an abusive account will be enough to stop the harassment.

Your Tweens Online Behavior

A large part of setting ground rules for your tween’s use of technology is ensuring proper conduct online. Of course, you should consistently educate and reinforce online safety.

Teach your kids not to give out personal information and be wary of what they download and who they communicate with. As a parent, there are many ways to restrict others’ access to your child’s account, depending on the application.

You should also teach your child to behave properly online, as it can be easy for kids to want to mimic what they say. Bullying, harassment, and any other harmful online behavior should be grounds for immediate restriction of your tween’s access to their gadgets.

Creating An Appropriate And Healthy Use Of Tech

As we have established, much of a tween’s interests will naturally fall into some kind of tech category. As such, it is important not totally to restrict tweens from technology but rather foster a healthy relationship with technology.

This means encouraging your kids to develop skills or participate in activities outside of technology. It should be noted that at times, use of technology is not particularly extensive, such as answering a quick message online.

In fact, while tweens may look like they are always on their phones or games, they often like to use their devices in short bursts. This is not so bad as it allows them to use technology as a break from other activities or work.

As a parent, you need to determine what constitutes extensive or full use of tech. Are your kids allowed to have their gadgets on their person to answer messages? How many hours of gaming or streaming is too much in a day or week?

Some parents let their children play games at any time of the day with a time limit.  Other parents only allow screen time after school work and chores are done.  Be clear with your child about your expectations and when they can use their screen time each day.

These are questions that only you can decide the answer to, and you should convey what you feel is too much to your child.

Think your tween is using their smartphone excessively? We cover tips for tackling tween phone addiction over here.

Creating A Tech Contract

An effective way to manage your tween’s use of technology is to create a tech contract. Essentially, you will want to set some ground rules and written exceptions. Your tweens will have to abide by those rules or face some kind of penalty.

However, there has to be an upside to the contract, so try to offer benefits, such as increased time on weekends or the ability to earn extra time.

We mentioned that you should include any exceptions to rules; that way, you are transparent early on and don’t have to worry about maintaining the rules. Basically, you don’t want to accidentally set a precedence that you will later want to revoke.

This can be a good way to enforce tech rules in your household, as a tech contract should be complete and easy to understand. This makes following the rules easier and alleviates the anxiety of “What am I allowed to do and when?”.

Monitoring Your Tweens Tech Use

There are several ways to monitor your tweens’ use of technology. First and foremost, you should always have access to their social media accounts. This way, if anything happens, you can step in and address or fix the issue.

Further, most devices have parent features that allow you to restrict access to certain content. There are also ways for you to get alerted as to what your tween is doing. For instance, app stores make it possible for your child to need your permission before downloading apps.

There are also devices that parents can use to set filters and encourage safe internet use for children.  Some routers have parental controls that allow you to restrict devices by the time of day so you can turn off internet access at bedtime.

Of course, children will quickly learn to switch to cellular data on their phones to avoid this.  Some devices, like Circle Home Plus, allow you to restrict websites and apps no matter which networks your children are on. 

The Safe Internet Filter allows you to see a full history of every website that your child visits, including if they try to visit a blocked site.  This works on your home computers, and you can also pay extra to monitor their phones.

Each family will have its own expectations and rules for screen time and acceptable use. This is a great opportunity to have an open conversation with your tween and let them know your rules and expectations, so everyone is on the same page. 

More Tech Gear Reviews For Your Tweens

• Is your tween ready for the responsibility and functionality of their own smartwatch? What to look for when picking out a smartwatch for tweens and the best recommended brands for the pre-teen age group.

• Your sporty tweens may also be interested in our range of tween fitness trackers. These are specialized watches that not just tell the time but can help them with tracking steps, heart rate and more.

• Looking for something a little more low-tech that doesn’t need charging and will simply help your tween keep track of time? Try this range of trendy and functional watches for tweens.

• Is your pre-teen showing an interest in photography? Check out this great range of digital cameras for tweens, from simple point and shoots to beginner mirrorless and DLSR cameras.

• Every tween needs a reliable set of headphones. Whether it’s for doing their homework or home learning or for chilling out to their favorite tunes, here are the best headphones and wireless earbuds for tweens.

The post Setting The Ground Rules For Tween Tech appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.