The 37 best Christmas gifts in the UK for tweens – chosen by 10- to 12-year-olds

We asked 20 tweenagers what they already own, love and think would make great gifts. Turns out it’s Lego, dance mats and plenty of lotions and potions

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.

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. Millie, 10

My friend has a 3D printer, and I love it – I think kids my age would want one so we can make fidgets and other things. I’m definitely asking for one this Christmas. Sophia, 10

For my birthday this year, I got a size 3 football and Joga shin pads, which I think are good gifts for anyone who likes football. George, 10

Daise is my favourite brand. It does lip glosses, body mists and body creams. 10-year-old girls really love the lip glosses. My recommendations are Cake Pop, Cherry Bomb and Very Vanilla. The body mists I’d recommend are Sunny and Bloom. Emily, 10

The World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider by AF Steadman

I love The World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider, as well as the series before this prequel, too – which is about a boy called Skandar who’s a unicorn rider. The unicorns in these books aren’t what we’re used to: they’re ferocious and bloodthirsty, not cute and cuddly. This prequel is full of adventure, elemental magic, battles and secrets. It’s the most exciting book I’ve ever read! Alba, 10

My favourite thing is my Douglas cuddly toy. I have a border collie. They’re cute and perfect for hugging when you need to give something a squeeze. (Daphne’s mum, Sam, says you can get some good deals on Vinted, too).

Next is the Warriors wild cats graphic novels. Cool cats that fight to the death? What’s not to love? It’s a good story, and I love the artwork.

The WiZ Smart LED lights transformed my bedroom and can give it a different aesthetic depending on how I’m feeling. I like having them on a soft setting at night, so they keep the room a little bit light. Also, I love water bottles! Any type. I’m just obsessed with them. Daphne, 11

Wavelength is really fun, a great team game. I love playing it with my family and friends. It’s popular on YouTube, where there’s loads of videos of people playing it. Jack, 11

These Owala drink bottles are so good because they come in loads of different colours and designs. They’re steel and keep drinks hot or cold for hours. You can also drink from the straw or chug it. Arielle, 11

For more, read our guide to the best water bottles

Martin Smith 3/4 size acoustic guitar in natural wood

My guitar. I love music. I want to be the best guitarist in a famous rock band. I also love anything Fortnite, but especially a Peely toy. He’s my favourite, and one of the older skins [Fortnite character]. A good gift would be a V-Bucks gift card, so you can buy Fortnite skins. Edward, 11

I think other tweens would love a big fluffy dressing gown because it’s great for chill days when you don’t want to do anything, and it keeps you warm, cosy and comfortable. Just beware, your parents may love it even more and want constant cuddles!

I also love light boxes (mine is from Flying Tiger) because it’s a great decoration for all bedrooms, so customisable and aesthetic. On mine, I put positive affirmations to start my day off right. Olivia, 12

I love playing Cards Against Humanity Family Edition. The solutions are really funny (some are a bit rude!) and you can never get bored. We always take it away with us when we go camping or to visit friends. Raph, 11

Jellycat Amuseables pink and white marshmallows

I love my Jellycats because they are fun to cuddle and play with and are just so cute. They are amazing as a gift, easy to wrap in their bag, and there are many different types, like food, animals and objects. Phoebe, 11

I love the beauty brand Laneige and all the girls I know like it too. I got this great gift set with some of my favourites in it. I especially love the lip sleeping mask. I also think this makeup bag is mega-cute and would make a great present for a girl my age. Rosie, 11

Impossible Creature by Katherine Rundell

I love my golf putting mat – I play with it all the time. I also love reading the Impossible Creatures books by Katherine Rundell; they’re really exciting. Another toy that kids my age like is a Nerf gun. James, 11

I love all things Lego, especially the Marvel collections – my favourite at the moment is the Lego Avengers Tower. Odhran, 11

Pandora heart clasp snake chain bracelet

I love this bedazzling gem-crafting kit because it makes all my things look glamorous, unique and special. You can add patterns such as hearts, stars and even names to items such as hair clips, jewellery boxes, pens, water bottles and even my phone case!

The Monopoly Travel World Tour board game is amazing; I also love learning about all the different places in the world, such as Stonehenge, Niagara Falls and the Great Barrier Reef – which I’d love to visit one day. It’s also a fun way to spend time with family (away from my phone) – winning against my parents and asking them for rent is just so funny!

I also love my Pandora bracelet and charms. It’s fun to collect new charms, and it goes with all my outfits, from my casual wear to dresses. The charms hold sentimental value and remind me of the occasions when I was given them. Simran 12

Jellycats are cute and soft and make your bed extra cosy – I think anyone my age or older (mum loves them, too) would be happy to get one. Sol de Janeiro smells really nice and lasts all day. My mum got me the travel set to have in my school bag and take on trips.

I have been going to musicals since I was six – the best for my age would be Matilda or Wicked. Tickets to see a show have always been my favourite present as I love the theatre. This year I’d like to see Mean Girls, the musical version.

I also think a Selfridges gift card is a good gift so I can go on a shopping spree for beauty minis and not drain my mum’s bank account. Emily, 12 (in December)

If you like K-pop, then a light stick is a great choice. You can get one for the group you like – put key chains on them with members’ photo cards and customise them to your bias. If your parents let you go to a concert, the light stick connects and flashes to the beat of all the songs. Poppy, 12

Lego Ninjago Cole’s Mission Mech & Dragon Zane toy

I love my Lego Ninjago sets, particularly the mechs and dragons – they have infinite playtime because you don’t need batteries. I get to build them at Christmas and play with them for months after. Jake, 12

I absolutely love my bean bag. It’s fluffy and comfortable, and it’s relaxing when you just need to chill out. It’s a really nice place to read, and you can fit two people on it! Felix, 12

We’ve also rounded up the best Christmas gifts for teenagers, the best Christmas gifts for mums and the best Christmas gifts for dads

Christmas shopping can be tough, but the Filter is here to help. We’ve been testing Christmas presents all year to help you find thoughtful, creative and genuinely brilliant gifts for everyone on your list. Browse our other gift guides for hundreds more tried-and-tested ideas, from gifts you can make yourself to toys for every age group.

Rhiannon Evans is a journalist and editor who’s covered everything from news and entertainment to lifestyle and parenting for some of the UK’s best titles (and some others too). She’s rarely out of leopard print, and can usually be found attempting to wrangle her kids, garden or copy into some kind of order