Buying for someone in the tweenage years can be a balancing act: while some kids are still crafting, enjoying board games and deep into Lego, others have moved on to skincare and guitars.

So, in an effort to cover the whole range, I spoke to 20 tweens (from 10 to 12 years old) from across the country. But instead of asking what they want, I quizzed them on the things they already have, truly love and use regularly. Here are their tried and tested gift ideas for a range of prices.

The best Christmas gifts for tweens in 2026

Lottie Brooks six-book set

£24.99 at Scholastic

Dance mat

£24.99 at Robert Dyas

I’ve read all nine of the Lottie Brooks books, and I can’t wait to read number 10, Twelve Disasters of Christmas . I really like them because they are easy to read and teach you about life. They make me laugh out loud. I also think kids my age would love to get a dance mat, they’re loads of fun.…