Electronics are frequently at the top of most tween wishlists, whether for birthdays or holidays. Decisions on electronic gifts for tweens depend on relationship, and budget. There are electronic gifts, and electronics related gifts, in many budget ranges. Some gifts are those that allow a tween to continue to enjoy the use of an electronic device, while others may be the first significant electronic gadget that your tween receives.
Electronics Related Gifts for Tweens: $0-$25
Earphones: Invest in a set of good earphones for your tween, or for a niece or nephew...JBuds are a great example, and have saved me endless headaches over the typical broken, cheap earphones that normally accompany electronic tween gadgets. Skip the low cost varieties, and you'll save in the long run. (Read more about good earbud choices for tweens and teens.)
iPod Speakers: MP3 speakers run the gamut, in terms of price and quality. If you need an inexpensive version, there are some under $25 versions, as with this iHome iPod speaker.
Clock Radio: Tweens are at a good stage for learning to get up on their own, and an electronic alarm clock, or clock radio, is perfect as an inexpensive gift from the electronics category.
iTunes Gift Card: iTunes Cards may not seem very thought intensive, but any tween who owns an iPod will be happy to receive this music gift!
Slap Watches: Wearable Gadgets are popular with tweens, and slap watches are fun choices, with many under $25 in cost.
Tween Electronic Gifts: $25 to $50
If you are interested in an electronic gift selection for a tween, and have budgeted between $25 and $50, there are particularly some good choices in music related gifts, as well as in video gaming.
Boomboxes: While CD's and Cassette tapes are becoming less used, there are still collections out there, and tweens may have use for Mom and Dad's old collection, or may find some great choices at yard sales, or even a great deal at the local department store. There are many small boombox selections in the 25-50 range, and many are colorful, and cool, perfect for the tween.
MP3/iPod Speaker Systems: Akin to the boombox, the speaker system for a tween MP3 player or iPod can be similar in portability, with the ability for the music device to connect with the system, so that the downloaded music can be played through the speakers. Perfect for tweens are the portable iPod speaker systems, and there are some cool looking colorful choices, as well as calmer colors, in the 25 to 50 dollar price range. Some of these serve as docking stations for tween music devices, with the ability to charge the batteries of the devices.
Dance Games for Wii, and other Activity Based Video Game Systems: Dance games are outstanding choices for tweens, and for teens, and just as the big bulky dance games at pizza parlors draw the tween's attention, so do the dance games that now coordinate with popular video game systems.
iPod Shuffle: The Shuffle is a good starter music listening device for the tween, priced at less than $50, and capable of holding a couple hundred songs.
Digital Cameras: Tween Digital Camera choices are becoming more affordable, and in the 2011 holiday season, you will see some nice choices in the $50 and under range.
Tween Electronic Gifts: $50 to $100
Portable DVD Players: Portable DVD players have been a hit with tweens for nearly a decade, with durability improving consistently. These are frequently big draws on Black Friday, but in recent years, it's fairly possible to find a decent device in the under $100 without it being a holiday sale.
Portable Television: There are many small, portable televisions in the 50-100 dollar price range.
Audio: Fancier headphones, iPod speakers, and game accessories fall into the $50-100 price range.
Photography: Digital Cameras are a popular Christmas gift for tweens, and there are many colorful choices, and with excellent quality.
Ereaders: Kindle ebook readers for tweens are great low-cost choices in high-quality tech gadgets. The basic Kindle is $69 with special offers. Read about the latest Kindle ereading devices for Tweens.
Tablet Computers under $100: While tablets costing less than $100 may not be the most sought after for quality and memory, they do fill a need for those wanting a nice gift but pressed by a tight budget. Check out these choices in cheap tablets.
Tween Electronic Gifts: $100 to $200
Many families contend with the wishes of tweens in the above $100 range, and based on your budget, and your relationship with the tween in question, there are some sensible choices and considerations.
Handheld Video Game Systems: Nintendo DSI is the popular choice for many tweens, though many tween boys will prefer other systems, such as the PSP and the PSP Go. Both have their good points, and my children enjoy both. As a parent, I'm pleased that they don't spend excessive amounts of time on either device. Look for the PSP Vita (with touchscreen interactivity and ATT 3G connectivity), and the Nintendo 3DS (3 dimensional video gaming in a handheld device) to be high on the wishlists in the coming year, though the costs of these devices will be in the $250 range.
MP3 Players/iPods for Tweens: iPod Nano falls into the below $200 range, and is one of Amazon's top sellers, with iPod Touch 8GB being the top selling MP3 player ($209).
Tween Ereaders: Amazon's number one selling item is the Kindle Fire, but the predecessor, the Kindle ebook reader, has gone through a lot of transition and upgrade. The newest version, the Kindle Paperwhite, is priced from $119 to $179, depending on Wi-Fi/wireless and other factors. The device includes parental controls and new lighting that enables your avid reader to use it anytime, anywhere
Activity Based Video Game System: The couch potato video gaming isn't a necessity, with physically challenging and fun games of Wii, Kinect, and XBox.
Wii Music Set: Wii Band Hero includes electronic instruments for interacting with the game. At $179.00, it's a little pricey, but hugely popular for promoting musical instrument interests of tweens.
Touchscreen Tablet PCs: Tablet PCs have surged in popularity, as well, and there are many versions of these Tablet Computers in the $100-$200 price range. Kindle Fire is a greattablet choice, at $159, with Kindle Fire HD priced at $199. The Meep Tablet is a tween-friendly option, an Android tablet priced at $149.
Digital Video Cameras: Videography gained popularity in the Tween age range with the Nick program, iCarly. You will find many quality camcorders and flip video devices in the $100-$200 range, with plenty at the lower end of that price range.
Tween Electronic Gifts: $200 to $300
Netbooks: While many parents yearn for that stellar $100 netbook deal, the specs of such offerings are usually poor. However, there are some decent netbook models for tweens and teens in the $250 to $300 range, perfect for simple computing, though not conducive to the heavy duty gamer. If you want to provide a great educational tool for your tween, in the form of a gift, this is an easy computer choice.
Handheld Video Game Systems: As mentioned above, Nintendo 3DS has provided 3 dimensional gaming in a small, portable system, and retails just under $200. PSP Vita, to be released in the near future, will also retail in this price range, with touchscreen action and ATT 3G connetivity.
***Nintendo 3DS has been made available at a lower price, $169.99, effective Aug. 12, 2011.
Tablet Computers: Tablets range greatly in price, and there are many selections in Tablet PCs from $200 to $300.
Television: I'm not a fan of personal televisions in a tween room, as there is a lot of room for distraction and isolation, which is also true with many electronic devices. However, it is nice to have a children's viewing area in the house, and so for tweens and other youngsters, a television can be a great choice in gifts to that end. Regardless of opinion, there are plenty of inexpensive television options in the under $300 price range.
Tween Electronic Gifts: $300 and up
Touchscreen Tablet Computers: Many of the most popular tablet computer choices, including the Apple iPad 2, are more than $300 in price, but well worth the investment if within your budget. (Read more about Tablet PCs and Tweens.) Advanced versions of the Kindle Fire HD also fall into the over $300 range.
Laptops and Netbooks: Most laptop choices fall into the $300 and up price range, as do many of the more powerful netbooks. Colorful netbooks, a popular item with tweens and teens, tend to be just over the $300 price mark, though seasonal sales may see some discounts. (Read more about Tween Computer Choices.)
