Let us lighten the load this Christmas with our helpful gift guide for two distinctly different, yet equally trend-driven, age groups.

Below, you'll find a range of hand-picked presents suitable for your Tweens aged 8 - 12. Customisable and DIY toys are big for Tweens this year, as are collectibles and of course, the perenially-popular squishies.

Tech remains a big drawcard for Teens aged 13 - 19, with entertainment made more accessible, portable and fun. 

Many of the toys listed below are available at more than one retailer so make sure you shop around for the best deal in the run-up to Christmas! 

Best Christmas Gifts for Tweens and Teens 

Best Christmas Gifts for Tweens (8 - 12) 

LEGO Pokemon SMART Play™: Training House with Pikachu 

The long-awaited SMART Play™ range from LEGO is here! Announced at the beginning of this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting this exciting new innovation that brings LEGO builds to life in a way like never before. For the first time, LEGO creations will respond to how they are played with, due to the new LEGO SMART Brick.

LEGO has started rolling through this technology across some of its most popular licensed ranges including Pokemon and Star Wars - our pick is the LEGO Pokemon SMART Play: Training House with Pikachu. 

Available at: BIG W, Target, Amazon, LEGO 
Price:   From $99

Pokemon Trading Card Game Mini Portfolio

Keeping with the Pokemon theme, trading cards are still a firm favourite amongst Tweens. The Pokemon Trading Card Game Mini Portfolio helps you store up to 60 cards and comes with a free booster pack to kick-start your collection.

There is also a larger version holding up to 252 cards but we like the mini for its playground portability. 

Available at: Target, Kmart, JB Hi-Fi, EB Games
Price:   $11

UNO Show 'em No Mercy 

A tougher, more ruthless spin on the classic UNO game, this version has more cards, harsher penalties and more brutal actions. If you already have a competitive UNO master at home, they'll love taking things to the next level with UNO Show 'em No Mercy. 

Available at: BIG W, Kmart, Target 
Price:   $12

TABASQUISHY DIY Dumpling Squishy Kit 

We couldn't put together this list without a mention of squishies. Despite parent concerns over toxic materials, they remain incredibly popular. Experts recommend always buying from a reputable retailer and never mis-using the product in a dangerous way that would cause it to leak or split.

Our take this year is the TABASQUISHY DIY Dumpling Squishy Kit which blends two trends - DIY and squishies - allowing your kids to maker their own dumplings using 100% non-toxic, food-grade silicone. 

Available at: tabasquishy.com 
Price: $73

JBL Partybox-On-The-Go 2 Plus

For all budding songsters, the JBL Partybox-On-The-Go 2 Plus will keep them entertained on Christmas Day and beyond. It can remove the lead vocals from any song at the touch of a button, leaving behind the backing track, and contains fine-tuning technology to make karaoke enjoyable for all. This is at the pricier end of town so maybe best as a joint present amongst siblings. 

Available at: JBL.com.au 
Price: $599.95

Best Christmas Gifts for Teens (13 - 19) 

LASER Smart Gaming Projector 

The LASER Smart Gaming Projector comes with 80 built-in retro gaming titles, two wireless handheld controllers and emulator support allowing you to mimic play across a variety of other devices such as NES, Gameboy, MEGA Drive, Atari and more.

This nostalgic throwback is no different from having a full retro console lineup in one device and might just have parents and kids squabbling over who plays first.    

Available at: Amazon.com.au
Price: Currently 67% off at $99 

LASER Full HD Outdoor Cinema Bundle

Outdoor entertainment done easy, the LASER Full HD Outdoor Cinema Bundle is your one-stop shop to quality family time this Christmas. The package includes a 144-inch inflatable screen with built-in pump, a bluetooth speaker and a portable HD projector and stand. Not just for backyards, this is a great option for campers too. 

Available at: Harvey Norman 
Price: $395 

LASER Ice Bucket Speaker with LED Light Show

The LASER Ice Bucket Speaker with LED Light Show is great for party season, sleepovers and BBQ days. With Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming, the built-in LED synchronises with the audio enabling a mesemerising light display to enjoy whilst you sip your cool refreshments. Fun for kids and adults too. 

Available at: Harvey Norman 
Price: $39

NERF QuietCourt Silent Basketball 

We want to shake hands with the genius who thought of this. The NERF QuietCourt Silent Basketball puts an end to the constant thumping you may have gotten accustomed to if you have a sporty Teen or two in your house. This foam-based training basketball allows them to practice dribbling and scoring in silence and indoors. It comes in the standard 29.5-inch regulation size for basketballs.

Available at: Amazon.com.au, BIG W
Price: $59.95

Nintendo Switch Lite 

Nintendo has just released a new, lighter device designed specifically for a handheld experience. Featuring a smaller screen but with the same resolution, non-removable controllers and a battery life of up to 7 hours, Christmas road trips should hopefully be peaceful ones, for most of the way at least, with the Nintendo Switch Lite. 

Available at: JB Hi-Fi, BIG W, Kmart 
Price: $329

The Garmin Vivofit Junior 3 Watch

The Garmin Vivofit Junior 3 Watch helps kids track their daily activities and adventures, whilst an interactive element earns them gems as they learn exercises and unlock educational resources.

In addition, parents can schedule daily or weekly chores and reward the wearer when completed. With a customisable watch face and colour scheme, and available in Lilac, Orange and Black, Teens will discover self-expression and self-care can go hand-in-hand. 

Available at: Rebel Sports, Garmin, JB Hi-Fi, BIG W
Price: $149

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is written by Aussie parents, for Aussie parents. Our editors are the same people doing the school runs, planning the weekend activities, and trying to stretch the family budget without compromising on the good stuff. We cut through the noise to bring you the best deals, products, activities and finds for Sydney families — the stuff that makes everyday family life a little easier, a little more fun, and a lot less expensive.

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