Life is rough for tweens. They’re physically awkward, hormonally on edge, and socially tormented by crushes and cliques. The right gift can bestow members of this age bracket with a momentary reprieve from preadolescence (hello, retail therapy!)—and the wrong one can send the message that the world perceives them as insultingly babyish or unrealistically mature. But don’t freak out yet; instead, borrow our style sense this year. These oh-so-carefully-chosen items tread safe preteen ground (note the focus on accessories in lieu of oft-despised clothing), while giving kids the edge on coming trends. (Who knew that Uggs could be, well, less ugly?) And if you don’t see enough here for your young buck, that’s because all he wants is video games.
Start the tween gifts slide show.
More perfect holiday presents for: