best gifts for middle schoolers: creative, classic ideas

All year long we’re kind of preparing for this list, my friends–our holiday gift picks.

Except this year, with an 8, 10, and 11 year old under our roof and seven nieces and nephews ranging in age from toddler through second grade, I really feel like we have all bases covered.

Every, single item I’m asked to review over the year passes through the hands of some of these kids. Every, single item we come across through the year that we love, I share here.

It’s a long process–but it’s fun.

And so, here we have our gift guide for our biggest kids–our middle schoolers.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Best Gifts for Middle Schoolers: Creative, Classic Ideas:

If you need something slightly younger, check out our Preschool Gift Guide or even our Toddler Gift Guide, and if you need something a little older, check out our Middle School Gift Guide. Phew. We’ve been busy.

If you want Best Books as Gifts, then definitely visit our Books as Gifts Guide.

Click on the image or click on the link; they’ll both take you where you can quickly grab the product, and we even found a few great deals for you.

Many of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the item, teachmama.com gets a teeny, tiny percentage of the sale which helps us keep this website and all of its resources free for everyone. Yay!

Best Gifts for Middle Schoolers

The Game of Life: If your kids don’t have these classics, it’s time to get them! Risk, Monopoly, and Clue are all must-haves for every family.

4D National Geographic Ancient Greece Puzzle: With 600 pieces, this puzzle is no joke.

3D, 890-Piece Castle Puzzle by Neuschwanstein: Not even kidding with this. Talk about a super way to pass an unplugged snow day!

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Rush Hour Shift: The favorite game of ours for so long has finally a two-player version!

Window Art Craft Kit and Window Art Refills: Window Art is totally addicting. And though really elementary schoolers can do this, I think it’s even cooler for middle schoolers because they understand how to keep the paint levels similar and how to keep all edges touching. I’m suggesting to buy this with a refill because your kids will use them that much.

littleBits: I have sung the praises of littleBits for a while now, but I really cannot speak highly enough about how amazing this product is and how much your kids will love them. Check out our experience with littleBits or go straight for the Deluxe Kit. EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Free shipping on orders over $60!

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Hoverboard: This Hoverboard by GalaxyBoard may be a contender for us, but really we’ll have to do more research and review. I’ll keep you posted. Or, we may wait until next year–either way, the kids are asking for one . . .

iPhone: Every middle schooler I know wants a phone. And if you’re going to go for it, just make sure you’re making the right decision for your family and your child. If your kid’s into Instagram, then definitely check out our post about Instagram for tweens.

Personalized iPhone Case: Love these. Shutterfly is a trusted name, and they do super-cute personalized mobile device cases for any make or brand. Personalize with your child’s Instagram photos, his or her name, or another beloved design! EXCLUSIVE DEAL: New customers enjoy 40% off one qualifying regular priced merchandise order using the code 40OFF at checkout, through 11/23/15. Get me that deal!

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Beats by Dr. Dre On-Ear Headphones: These are the big guys. The big headphones with unparalleled quality. Or go with Beats by Dr. Dre In-Ear Phones.

Finger Knitting: Maddy, our 11–almost 12 year old–rocked the Finger Knitting this year. She made scarves, necklaces, fringes–you name it.

Craftsy Classes: This summer, we tried our hand at a class or two, and we loved it. I think these are really cool ways to help kids pick up new hobbies and learn new skills. EXCLUSIVE DEAL: 4 days of Black Friday sneak peeks – early access to online class deals! Click here!

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Mabel’s Labels: Kids love seeing their name on things, so why not get a few name labels for your little love? EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Get 25% Off the Stocking Stuffer Combo until 11/22/15.

Code Master Programming Logic Game: This game is tough, but kids will be intrigued. It’s a single-player game, which I think is a huge plus, though they can collaborate and play as a team. I love it.

Personalized Friendship Bracelets: We made these, and they turned out awesome. They just take a little practice, but once tweens ‘get it’, they will be friendship bracelet making machines. It’s friendship bracelets like we knew them–but taken to a whole new, totally exciting level.

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Gift Cards! Gift cards are a huge win for kids this age because then they can get what they want, when they want. Consider: iTunes gift cards, Amazon gift cards, or Starbucks gift cards. Go with Fandango Movie Cards for a real win!

Tinker Crate or Doodle Crate: We have loved having subscriptions to both Tinker Crate (Owen and Maddy) and Doodle Crate (Cora) this whole year. Monthly, the box would arrive at our door, and for a good few hours or more, kids are entranced with reading the little magazine, figuring out the contents, and creating! We love these. EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Get 60% off first month subscriptions with code SUB60! Get me that deal!

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I am so very, very, very excited about these items, and I think you will be, too.

Need a few more great ideas?

Here are our 2015 gift guides:

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Want a few more holiday-inspired gift ideas or activities?

Click on the images below:

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fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. This small percentage of money helps offset the costs of hosting this blog, which helps me keep this content free for you. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.