There’s R2-D2, Gonk Droid and Mouse Droid, and each has its own sensors, motor and Bluetooth Move Hub to be programmed to carry out all kinds of missions.
Gifts for Gamers
4. Nintendo Switch OLED + The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition
Phone games have come a long way since I played Snake on my Nokia in middle school. Their graphics and complexity now rival PC and video games and this Mobile Game Controller brings them even closer.
It can zoom over any terrain at 36 km/h speeds and survive both crashes and splashes. Kids can customize it as a hobby car if they like, but it also works as is.
| 💡 Tip: For more budget-friendly RC cars, check out this list of options that are all under $200. |
14. Remote Control Helicopter
What Marvel fan doesn’t love Groot, the endearing tree character from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies? This LEGO set depicts Groot in his most adorable form – as a baby dancing to the Awesome Mix cassette.
| Recommended age: 10 years and above |
Is your 11-year-old a mini rocker who’s been begging for a bass guitar? If so, we recommend checking out this option from Glarry. This guitar is perfect for beginners thanks to its easily adjustable strings and ergonomic design. But it doesn’t skimp on quality.
Some of the solar robot designs can walk, some can roll, some can move in water, and some have exciting characters like zombie or beetle. Best of all, they get power from the sun, so no batteries are necessary.
| 💡 Tip: STEM toys aren’t just for little kids – there are lots of great options for teens which you can peruse here. |
21. Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit
From weekend experiments to sharing with friends to school science projects, the Swift Compound Monocular Microscope SW200DL will provide endless hours of fun and learning.
| 💡 Tip: Still not sure if this is the right one to buy? You can read our full review of the Swift Compound Microscope here. |
20. Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot
These indoor planters are the perfect way to bring nature into your tween’s life in small but meaningful ways. They can try their green thumb by growing succulents, indoor plants or edibles like herbs and microgreens.
With its basswood construction, excellent tone display and 20W amp, this guitar delivers all the sounds from jazz to metal with clarity and body.
| 💡 Tip: Think they’ll prefer a classic black design? You can get the same guitar in sleek black here. |
8. MRCOOL I6 Water Dance Speaker
This two-person tent from Coleman is designed to withstand winds of over 35 mph and rain. It’s perfect for camping, backpacking, or simply setting up in the backyard for an outdoor sleepover.
Gifts for Wannabe YouTubers
37. Sensyne 10” Ring Light
Once those video clips are recorded, the next step is editing them into compelling and entertaining videos. With Pinnacle video editing software, kids will have all the tools they need to do just that.
Any kid who loves gaming wants to be able to do it on the go and that’s exactly what the Nintendo Switch offers – along with access to some of the industry’s best games.
Thanks to the compact foldable design and carry handle of this tabletop easel set, kids can bring their in-progress art with them wherever they go.
| 💡 Tip: Get kids started on their acrylic painting journey with this fun and instructive art book for ages 8-12. |
24. XPPen Artist13.3 Pro Drawing Tablet
At 11, pouring out your innermost thoughts into a diary is almost a rite of passage. But whether your tween wants to write a diary, poems or exciting ideas, this lined notebook fits the bill.
This option offers virtual surround sound, an excellent microphone and a comfortable design, so players feel like they’ve been transported right into the action.
6. Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller/Gamepad
All you have to do is add Japanese rice and any toppings you like, press down and voila, you’ll have one of the classic triangle-shaped onigiri or a rectangular musubi.
54. MARCATO 8356 Atlas Ampia Pasta Machine
The XPPen Artist13.3 Pro Drawing Tablet comes with some excellent features, including an anti-glare screen, a tilt function for easier shading and vivid colors.
Gifts for Book Lovers
25. Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows
If your kiddo loves anime and drawing, this book is a must-buy. The first in a best-selling series, this one is all about drawing original characters from simple templates.
| Recommended age: 14-17 years |
Most kids also begin to go through puberty in their tween years. As such, 11 is an age often characterized by changes of all kinds, including physical, emotional, mental and social changes.
🙋 What developmental stage is 11?
This best-selling book provides that advice in a no-nonsense way. Although it’s not explicitly aimed at kids, it is very accessibly written.
| 💡 Tip: If you don’t want a bulky hardcopy, you can find the Kindle edition here. |
Gifts for Anime Lovers
46. The Master Guide to Drawing Anime
If Studio Ghibli movies are more their thing, this My Neighbor Totoro crystal puzzle will surely hit the spot. As charming and adorable as Totoro himself, this figure is an excellent addition to any Ghibli fan’s bedroom.
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
Catan is easy to learn but full of depth and endlessly replayable, so it’s the perfect introduction to strategy games.
Gifts for Movie Lovers
31. 8000L Portable Projector with Tripod
The UGG Tazz slippers boast a 100% suede construction with thick, durable soles and come in several different color options, from bright fuschia to classic black.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gifts for 11-Year-Olds
🙋 Is an 11-year-old a tween?
This magnificent buildable Hedwig will captivate any Potterhead. Majestically displayed on a pedestal; the snowy owl is shown mid-flight with a letter in her claws.
| Recommended age: 10 years and above |
It feels like we’ve traveled back in time, but it’s true, Uggs are back in style. However, these are slippers, not boots, so they’re a little different to the noughties trend. But with their plush wool interior, they’re just as warm and cozy.
However, the type of movies or games they like will vary from kid to kid. And other activities they enjoy doing will depend entirely on their interests – science enthusiasts may love building robots, and little artists may enjoy painting or making crafts. In contrast, other kids may just want to listen to music or read all day long.
So… What Gift Should You Get?
Tweens are generally considered to be between 9 and 12 years of age, so 11-year-olds are most certainly tweens. Kids of this age are also known as pre-teens and are in the stage of life when they leave childhood and enter adolescence. This sense of being “in-between” led to the term being coined in the late 1980s.
Let your tween join in the Fitbit fun with the Ace 3, designed specifically for kids. With animated clock faces that grow as kids move more throughout the day, this Fitbit provides the perfect encouragement to get active.
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
Its clickable thumbsticks and performance buttons provide precise input and tactile feedback. And as it’s compatible with all leading cloud services, it turns your phone into a gaming console.
Gifts for Music Lovers
7. GLARRY Bass Guitar with 20W AMP
Featuring movable joints even in his fingers, Groot can be positioned into any groovy dance pose you like. He’s also exquisitely detailed and comes with an information plaque for display.
3. LEGO Star Wars Boost Droid Commander 75253
This in-betweenness of age 11 (one foot in childhood, the other in adolescence) can make buying gifts for 11-year-olds challenging. Some 11-year-olds already buy makeup and handbags, while others still play with toys. That’s the reason for the length of this list of gift ideas — we know that 11-year-olds are a diverse bunch, so our options are varied enough to match.
Sure, your 11-year-old may be too young to have watched MTV, but they will likely still appreciate its iconic status.
62. Colorful Bucket Hat
This option is a little more advanced, perfect for highly precocious budding engineers or for a team project working with an adult. With this kit, kids can build a working robot arm that can move, rotate and grab and is controlled by levers and powered by hydraulics.
| Recommended age: 12 years and above |
The light of the EXF Pink Heart Neon Sign gives off is warm and soft and super easy to set up. Plus, as it’s made of soft plastic, there’s no risk of shattering.
| 💡 Tip: If you like the idea of a neon sign, but you’re not sure the heart is their style, check out this fun alternative. |
59. BedShelfie Wood Bedside Shelf for Bed & Bunk Bed
The Twistlock design means they’ll always stay in comfortably and the Ambient Aware system means kids will be aware of their surroundings even as they’re immersed in the music.
Gifts for Kids Who Love Tech & Gadgets
10. Meta Quest 2
The gorgeous ECOSUSI briefcase can be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack and is big enough to fit all their school books and even a laptop.
56. ANGOOBABY Standing Pencil Case
Charlie Hernandez & the League of Shadows draws on Latin American folklore to tell a gripping tale of monsters, mythical beings and family ties.
| 💡 Tip: Prefer reading on a Kindle? You can get the Kindle edition of the same book here. |
26. Nowhere Boy
Pasta is another great starting point for experimenting with flavors and let’s face it – who doesn’t love a good bowl of spaghetti? Now, kids can up their pasta game by making their own noodles from scratch.
The perfect gift for kids interested in both the techy and arty sides of life, the 3Doodler allows you to doodle in 3D. This 3D printing pen is child safe and will enable kids to make everything from jewelry to toys simply by creating plastic layers.
| Recommended age: 6 years and above |
The BedShelfie can hold up to 35 lbs and clips onto any type of bed, including a top bunk.
60. Fairy Copper String Lights
The Divoom Ditoo makes for a fun, creative activity and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker functional alarm clock too.
| 💡 Tip: Pink’s not for everyone, so if you’re not sure your 11-year-old would like the color scheme, this black version is a more neutral option. |
Gifts for RC Drivers
13. HAIBOXING 1:18 Scale All Terrain RC Car
This RC helicopter is beginner-friendly thanks to its one critical takeoff and landing and the ability to be locked at a certain height, while its speed and stability make it a blast to fly.
| 💡 Tip: Think they’ll love an RC helicopter but not sure if this is the one? This list has 10 great alternatives to choose from. |
15. POWERUP 4.0 – Modern Paper Airplane Kit
As long as you know something about the tween you’re buying for, you should be able to find them the perfect gift here.
For a kid fascinated by biology, there’s nothing more exciting than delving below the level of the naked eye and seeing all the invisible components of the world around us. With magnification settings of 40X up to 1000X, kids will be amazed by what they discover.
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
Whether your tween is a scout or not, if they’re always thinking about how to survive in the wild, they’ll love this orienteering compass that does much more than just point north.
Family camping trips are the ultimate bonding activity and the highlight of every outdoorsy kid’s year. And by age 11, it’s high time they had their own tent.
Kids who are really passionate about photography are probably already starting to experiment with photo editing, possibly in Lightroom. Lightroom is the number one photographer’s tool after the photo is taken, but it can be tricky to use without guidance.
This one’s for all those eco-conscious music lovers. The Positive Vibration, two headphones from House of Marley, are expertly crafted from FSC-certified wood and recyclable aluminum and delivered in 100% recyclable packaging.
Is it really movie night without popcorn? Well, with this patented Micro-Pop popcorn popper, you never have to miss out again. The genius of this popper is that it works perfectly without oil or butter – but if you want to add some, that’s also easy via the dual-function lid.
This Jekeno blanket is exactly what it sounds like – a cozy blanket that looks just like a movie clapboard. This quirky design is sure to appeal to movie-loving tweens.
11 is a transitional age, so much so that developmental psychologists can’t decide whether it fits into middle childhood or early adolescence. My memory of being 11 is of many firsts: my first sleepover, my first crush, my first pimple and my first trip to the movies with friends and no adults present.
For anime fans, a quality figurine of one of their favorite characters is always a winning gift. This humorous Son Goku figure is perfect for Dragon Ball Z fans.
The House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 are also excellent headphones, featuring crisp yet rich audio, a powerful battery, ultra-comfy ear cushions and a wireless design.
Gifts for Young Chefs
52. MasterChef Junior Cookbook
Learning to navigate is a valuable skill, making long hikes and sailing or fishing trips much more fun. This compact compass is lightweight, durable and easy to use, regardless of weather.
| 💡 Tip: Help them learn to use that compass like a pro with this fun and useful guide to becoming an expert navigator. |
35. Milliard DIY Rock Climbing Holds Set
The ANGOOBABY Standing Pencil Case is also super practical thanks to its telescoping design that enables it to stand on your desk like a pencil holder.
| 💡 Tip: Is your kid more into Marvel than cutesy stuff? Then this Avengers pencil box should be right up their alley. |
57. EYQ 32 oz Water Bottle
It seems like boba is everywhere these days and this standing pencil case is an adorable reflection of that. This is the sweetest pencil case you’ll ever see, made to look just like a cup of boba with an unbelievably kawaii face.
Monopoly is an iconic game, but we all know it so well that it could do something to spice it up. Of course, themed versions of Monopoly are not new, but this Stranger Things edition adds excitement to the gameplay like few others do.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
Rock climbing is the ultimate activity for adrenaline junkies, but it’s hard to perfect your skills if you don’t live close to a rock climbing gym. Enter this DIY rock climbing holds set, which you can use to make your own climbing wall home.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
With this camera backpack, your 11-year-old can head off to find the best shots and know their equipment is protected.
45. How Do I Do That In Lightroom?
11-year-old bookworms can go through an astonishing number of books, so keeping them supplied is sometimes a strain on your time and wallet. The Kindle Kids stores hundreds of books in one compact device and comes with a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing unlimited access to thousands of books.
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
To make professional videos, a good microphone is also essential. This one is a fantastic option as despite being super affordable, it provides an unmistakable, interference-free sound.
This Son Goku figure is made from durable PVC and features perfect detailing, including real fabric clothes. And with Goku’s hilarious sleeping pose, it will look fantastic adorning any DBZ fan’s bedroom.
48. 42 Piece My Neighbour Totoro Crystal Puzzle
When you’re 11, your life is often so packed with activity that it’s hard to remember to stay hydrated. Luckily, this water bottle is marked with the times of the day so kids always know how much they should drink.
Environmentally conscious 11-year-olds will love their eco-friendly lunch bag and it’s made from real paper and looks like a fun twist.
51. House of Marley Positive Vibration 2
Whether kids like to draw realistic portraits, their favorite cartoon characters or their own imaginative designs, this drawing tablet is a surefire win. While it’s not a substitute for analog drawing, tablets allow a different kind of creative freedom as kids can incorporate any colors and line types they like.
What do you do if your aspiring photographer already has their camera of choice? You get them this waterproof camera bag. This stylish and comfy bag will keep their precious camera safe from rain, splashes, dust and falls, and it will also hold a tripod and all the other necessary accessories.
11-year-old kids like to do all kinds of things. By age 11, kids need to differentiate themselves from their families, so spending time with friends is all-important. But 11-year-olds are still kids who like to have fun, so chances are they still enjoy playing games, watching movies and getting active outdoors.
Worried about bad weather? No need as the onboard computer is constantly calibrating and stabilizing the plane. And if anything happens to it, you can always fold another.
16. ChromeWheels Skateboard
The Fitbit Ace 3 also delivers activity tracking, sleep tracking, bedtime reminders and fun animations when kids reach their goals. It’s water resistant, so there’s no need to worry about unforeseen dips and spills.
| 💡 Tip: Jazz up your Fitbit with these vibrant bands that easily attach to the smartwatch. |
18. Tour Edge HL-J Junior Complete Golf Set
Golf may seem like a grown-up sport, but it’s great for kids as it is pretty safe and excellent for improving coordination and mental focus. This junior golf set includes everything kids need to get started on the green, including the essential golf clubs and a high-quality bag.
| Recommended age: 11-14 years |
This paper airplane kit is a quirkier option that will appeal to origami enthusiasts. The kit includes paper airplane templates, a motor and propeller set and everything else you need to get your smartphone-controlled plane into the sky.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
Is your mini master chef inspired by everything Japanese? If so, this musubi maker kit is a great way to bring Japanese food into their everyday lives and give them a base for experimenting with flavors.
For kids who have mastered remote-controlled cars, taking to the skies with an RC helicopter is the perfect next step. With its sleek design and dual rotors, this little copter looks stunningly authentic.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
The perfect gift for aspiring authors, Write Your Own Book is a kid-friendly guide packed with creative writing prompts and activities. Armed with this book, kids will hone their writing skills, develop their creative confidence and even learn how to write an entire book.
| Recommended age: 8-11 years |
However, these memories are interspersed with more familiar ones of playing games, romping outdoors on camping trips and generally goofing around.
This fairy lights are also dimmable, suitable for outdoor use and 66 feet long, so kids can get creative and use them versatilely.
Gifts They Can Wear
61. MTV Retro Logo Graphic T-Shirt
All the clubs feature advanced hybrid technology providing a low center of gravity and easy-to-hit shots.
| 💡 Tip: These emoji golf balls will spice up your little golfer’s swings and make sure they never lose a ball again. |
Gifts for STEM Students
19. Swift Compound Monocular Microscope SW200DL
Plus, though it’s simple to do, putting together the 3D puzzle is a fun. Once he’s complete, try positioning him next to a light to make him glow.
Gifts for the Environmentally Conscious
49. Pico Planter Indoor Garden
Attach the climbing holds to a tree, jungle gym or even an indoor wall and let the whole family enjoy these super durable holds.
| 💡 Tip: Keep your intrepid climber safe from falls with this adjustable bike helmet for kids. |
36. Coleman Sundome Camping Tent
Every music lover knows that a good speaker takes the enjoyment to the next level – but what if it could give you a show too?
While the colloquial term for kids aged 11 is tween or pre-teen, in developmental psychology, this is broken into two stages: ages 9-11 is known as middle childhood, while 11-14 is early adolescence. As such, 11-year-olds are right on the cusp of early adolescence and are leaving childhood.
The Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera is available in various colors with a stylish vintage design. It’s the perfect gift as it provides both fun in the moment and future nostalgia.
| 💡 Tip: Still not convinced? Check out our complete review of the Polaroid Now i-Type Camera here. |
44. CADeN Camera Bag Sling Backpack
If you know their tastes, wearable gifts are a great choice for 11-year-olds as they’re constantly outgrowing their clothes. This MTV logo T-shirt is perfect for cool kids who enjoy retro ‘80s and ‘90s styles. It also offers a wide range of sizes in a comfy cotton blend.
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like fairy lights and that’s even more true if they’re an 11-year-old girl. This copper string option is gorgeously atmospheric, with lights that emit a soft golden glow and turn your bedroom into a fairy bower.
The OLED Switch is the latest model, offering crisp 4K graphics and vibrant colors. This option pays homage to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, one of the most beloved Nintendo games.
| 💡 Tip: Make your gift more exciting at no extra cost by loading up the Switch with these free games. |
5. ZIUMIER Z20 White Gaming Headset
The ultimate gift for a techy kid is a virtual reality headset, as there’s nothing more awesome than stepping inside your favorite games, movies and events.
One last pro: the glass construction in the Ecolution Patented Micro-Pop is durable, non-toxic and easy to clean, so it’s convenient and safe.
| 💡 Tip: Make sure they can test out their new popcorn maker immediately by including a generous pack of popcorn kernels. |
33. Jekeno Movie Clapboard Blanket
That completely depends on the 11-year-old in question and your budget. If you’re looking to splurge on a gift for a tween gamer, consider a Nintendo Switch. If they’re more outdoorsy, these rock climbing holds are a great choice. LEGO sets also make great gifts for 11-year-olds – just make sure you get one that aligns with their interests.
Make movie night a thousand times better with this nifty little portable projector. Compatible with every major smartphone and computer operating system, this projector is the size of a smartphone, meaning kids can bring it along to every sleepover.
With Pinnacle Studio 25 Ultimate, your 11-year-old will be able to cut and sort clips and add creative titles, transitions, filters, effects and more to create pro-level videos. And despite the software offering advanced tools, learning how to use it is easy.
Gifts for Kids Who Like to Write
40. Eccolo Large Lined Journal
Whether they write to a pen pal, a family member overseas or simply their friends at school, this set will make letter writing fun. The quality paper and vintage design also adds a special touch.
| 💡 Tip: Such beautiful paper demands the touch of a quality pen, so this Dryden Designs fountain pen is the perfect addition. |
42. Write Your Own Book
This adorable little gadget is the perfect addition to any 11-year-old’s bedroom, especially if they are creative and love everything digital. Designed to look like a tiny retro computer, the Divoom Ditoo features a pixelated display where kids can create pixel art designs or play pixel-based games.
Did you end up choosing a gift that wasn’t on our list? Let us know why you love it, and we might include it when we update the article.
