Screen Free Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens
I love a good screen-free gift, and there are SO many fun options for teens and tweens! Just because kids are getting older doesn’t mean they’ve outgrown games, hands-on activities, or trying something new. And I especially love gifts that give them something fun to do without turning to a screen!
I had the best time putting together this list of screen-free gifts for teens and tweens, with some of my personal favorites and SO many great suggestions from all of you! Whether they’re into art, games, sports, or trying something completely new, there are plenty of ideas here that they’ll actually be excited to get.
Some are small and inexpensive, perfect for stocking stuffers, others are great mid-sized gifts, and a few are bigger gifts that would make a fantastic Christmas morning surprise!
And if you’re shopping for younger kids, don’t miss my screen-free gift guide for kids with even more fun ideas.
I hope this list helps you find something just right for the teens and tweens in your life!
Dot Art Books
My kids spent the whole winter doing these and they’re perfect for a cold day at home or a summer road-trip! I love that the markers come with the books and attach to the back for easy storage and transportation.
Frisbee Golf Equipment
Anyone looking to pick up this hobby and wants others to play with them would be wise to get a whole pack of frisbees. This set has outstanding reviews!
Camp Snap Camera
My girls have these screen-free digital cameras. They are everything you would expect from a digital camera, but without the screen on the backside. Think of a smart disposable camera – just point and snap! They are so much fun and not distracting at all (they just came out with an old school video camera too!) Use JANSSEN5 for a discount.
3D Sticker Design Sets
I got these sets for my kids for Christmas and they LOVE them! So cute and delightful (and there are 6 sets for $6.99!)
Sculpd Air Dry Clay Kit
Bring the pottery shop to your home! This is a completely unique idea for anyone who loves to create!
Murdoku
My teenagers are obsessed with these puzzle books. Think Sudoku meets Clue. They’re clever and fun and perfect for teens or adults.
Large Pencil Case
We got these for our kids for Christmas and they have been the #1 most used gift! I love that they zip open flat and hold a ton! Perfect for keeping things contained at home or taking on the go. Some colors are under $8.
Carving Kit
A reader recommended this as something her tween son LOVED and I immediately knew it would be a hit. In addition to the carving kit, I would get an extra set of these wood blocks.
Tattoo Markers
Being a teen doesn’t mean you have to get all serious stuff. These are great to have around when friends come over or just hanging out with family. They easily come off with soap and water.
Book Nook Kit
This is the full package when it comes to a DIY craft kit! It is very similar to a 3D wooden puzzle, and once built adds a fun whimsical addition to any bookshelf, AND also acts as a little light!
Paper Airplane Kit
Paper airplanes never get old and they REALLY never get old with this fun kit that’s under $6. My sisters and I love making new kinds of paper airplanes and this is great for boys and girls alike.
Travel Watercolor Kit
We actually have two of these (different brands). They’re really just the best for someone who loves art, but doesn’t need a full-on watercolor kit for everyday use. The other nice thing about watercolors is you can mix basically any color you need, so having just 12 or so is plenty. These little travel watercolor kit is perfect because it’s so convenient and effective.
Fishing Gear
I love the old proverb about teaching a man to fish. Why not teach this concept to your teen, quite literally! If you live in a place close to water this works out really well, they’ll have fun doing it, and it will instill more patience in the process.
Skittle Skatter Yard Game
I have seen this game all over Instagram and it looks like a really great time! Put away those devices, grab a few people and the first to 50 points wins!
Rokr 3D Wooden Puzzles
These are like a puzzle and model combined into one! I love that they have function even after they are put together.
LEGO Sets
Some people like to build Legos to play with them after and some like to build and put them on display. These icon sets definitely fall into the later.
Board Game
I couldn’t do a gift post for teens without mentioning games! Our favorite family board games are here, but the specific one suggested was Rush Hour, which I’m now dying to try!
Sewing Machine
Let’s face it, sewing machines are expensive! So before I dive into such a hefty expense, I would want to try out the hobby with one of these cheaper options.
ChompSaw
Definitely one of the priciest things on this list and looks like it would be worth the splurge! A completely safe cardboard cutting mechanism for kids. My girls would use this like crazy!
Perplexes Maze Balls
Have you ever tried these? For a teen who loves puzzles (and a challenge), this is one that can keep him entertained for hours. It’s essentially a 360-degree maze inside a sphere, and the goal is to guide the tiny ball from start to finish. It’s way trickier than it looks!
Rock Tumbler
For the kid who always comes home with a pocket full of rocks, this is the best gift! And it’s surprisingly affordable.
Magnetic Mini Chess
Small in size (only 6 inches square) but big on fun, this mini magnetic chess set is the perfect pocket-sized brain challenge for travel or a quick match anywhere.
Wood Burning Kit
How cool is this idea?! Definitely something geared for the older crowd for safety reasons. I love the option of being able to configure your own design or use the templates provided.
Paint By Number
For someone who really enjoys painting, paint by numbers are a fun creative outlet. Turn on an audiobook or a mindless show and just start painting. Galison is one of my favorite puzzle brands – so I know these paint by numbers have to be GOOD!
Echo Dot
My girls each have one of these in their rooms, and it’s become an absolute essential for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks (no screen required!)
Crochet Kit
Aside from the hooks/needles and a skein or more of yarn, crocheting doesn’t really need a whole lot. Plus, when it’s all said and done you end up with something really fun. These Woobles ones are very popular right now, and the advent calendar version even made it on the Everyday Reading Teen and Tween Advent Calendar list.
Building Models
For those with an engineering mind, model building takes a lot of time, focus and patience. But the result is 100% worth it!
Balloon Animal Kit
This sounds like something that could easily turn into a paid job. Get them started with this fun kit!
Diamond Painting
My girls love diamond painting and I love that they are mess free. You can get a a diamond painting kit for under $10 and they last for hours.
The Art of Hair Book
My girls love playing with my hair while I read to them and with some practice, they’ve become excellent braiders. They would LOVE to get this book that provides instruction on how to get more than just a basic french braid.
Laser Tag
My sister got her boys a laser tag set last year for Christmas and she says they use it all of the time together and when friends come over!
Phantom Rubik’s Cube
Fun fact: I’ve never been able to solve a Rubik’s Cube! But for those who can – or love the challenge – this new Phantom version takes it to the next level. The twist? The colors fade in and out with the heat of your touch, making it even trickier to solve!
Lazy Floor Bed
The hilarious thing about these is the title on Amazon – “upholstered human dog bed for adults and kids”! It can lay all of the way down or stay at a comfortable sitting position and they are easy to drag around the house or use when they have friends over! Also, a perfect little lounger for reading a book on.
Cross Stitch / Needle Felting Kit / Punch Needle Kits
This is such a great year-round hobby. It’s the perfect way to keep yourself entertained during the the long cold days or this summer when you’re home more with more free time to fill!
Pickleball
Pickleball is SO popular right now and I 100% understand why. All you need are paddles and balls, there are free courts popping up everywhere, and it’s a really easy game to learn.
Synthesizers
These synthesizers have a very electronic sound to them and would make great space, video game and techno music. Plus they are small enough to fit in your pocket!
Gibbon GiBoard (Balance Board)
Slack lining for inside! Have your child work on their balance and coordination all year long.
Gel Blaster Guns
With Nerf guns all the rage, I wouldn’t be surprised if these take off! I have never seen these before, but I am so happy to see that they have a mess-free alternative to a paintball gun.
Silent Basketball
Perfect for kids who want to practice dribbling indoors without the nonstop noise. This quiet ball lets them work on their skills anytime—no complaints from siblings or neighbors!
Wonder Sphere
This little ball is about the size of a baseball, but super light, and it can actually hover! Toss it for a game of pass-the-ball and watch it glide through the air, or try your luck having it boomerang back to you. It’s such a fun, fascinating little gadget!
Yodeling Pickle
I was asking for gift suggestions for tween boys and this one was recommended multiple times. Definitely something I didn’t even know existed!
Henna Tattoo Kit
Teens absolutely love doing henna. It’s a fun creative outlet that isn’t permanent, but adds a little personality for a few days. I could see my girls spending hours doing this.
Rhinestones
We have been bedazzling our books for over a year now and have no intention of stopping! My girls are obsessed! These make for such a fun girls night or book club activity and for under $10, it feels like a no-brainer. These are the wax pencils we used with them!
Gel Nail Kit/Press Ons
I’ve always loved painting my nails with my favorite polish, but haven’t really ever done gel nails. I think this would be something all of my girls would love!
Keychain Making Kit
I have been seeing these paracord keychains all over the place and they make such a cute addition to a backpack, water bottle or purse. You can buy the kit to get started or purchase the paracord and beads individually if you want to be able to personalize them a little more.
Small Printer for Photos
Teens take a lot of photos and being able to print them off to put in their room, locker or for junk journaling is such a fun idea!
Juggling
A fun skill to learn that’s totally hands-on and a little addictive. They can practice at their own pace and show off to friends and family once they’ve mastered it.
Tek Deck Mini Skateboard
This tiny fingerboard is a fun challenge for teens who love skate culture. They can practice tricks, build their own mini skate park, and compete with friends, all without looking at a screen.
Rose Art Mini Puzzles
The reader that suggested these mini puzzles said her kids love to pull them out and race to see who can finish first! Of course I LOVE this idea!
Jewelry Making Kit
Perfect for the creative teen who loves a good DIY project! They can design their own bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, then wear them or gift them to friends.
Over the Door Basketball Hoop
Great for the teen who can’t stop shooting hoops, even when it’s too cold to go outside. It hangs right over a door, so it’s an easy way to burn off energy indoors (and way better than scrolling!)
Vortex Football
This is a great pick for the teen or tween who loves to be outside. It’s easy to throw, spirals through the air, and is perfect for backyard games with friends or family.
Tool Kit Starter Set
Whether you plan to be a DIYer or not, this basic tool set would come in handy for just about anyone at some point in their life.
Coloring Book
My teen and tween girls would LOVE this gift! Give them some colored pencils or markers and their favorite coloring books and they will be occupied for hours! You could also look into a coloring subscription from Rad & Happy.
Table Topic Cards
Socializing doesn’t come easy to all tweens and teens, especially in our age of technology. These stacks of cards give topics to talk about with friends or families to help encourage talking with the people you are with, instead of just staring at a phone.
Acoustic Guitar
If your teen or tween has any interest in music or guitar, this gift has so many positives! It builds perseverance, music, and math skills, and then by the end, they will be ready to start their own band.
Bow and Arrow
How cool would it be to be able to hit a bullseye in archery!? I can imagine this would be fun activity to practice and get really good at.
Waterproof Playing Cards
Have you ever tried taking a card game to the beach, pool or camping and it just gets destroyed by all of the wet hands and s’more hands? These ones solve that problem and make those fun adventures even more enjoyable.
Kendama toy
To be completely honest, I had to look this one up, because I had no idea what it was! But I could see how this classic Japanese toy would be a total hit in stockings! Small enough to tuck inside, it would provide endless fun and the thrill of mastering tricky tricks.
Magazine Subscription
My teens, like many teens, LOVE getting mail, and a magazine subscription is a nice (and inexpensive) way to get something fun in the mail every month or every quarter.
PS – I put together a screen free gift guide for kids and adults you might want to check out!
