38 Extremely Cute But Practical Things For Adults
A polar bear hydrating eye stick, your overtired eyes are practically begging you to buy. If you find yourself waking up with puffy eyes and dark circles in the mornings, give your skin some sweet, icy relief with this little polar bear pal. The formula is blended with *actual* Iceland glacial water and claims to help tighten skin and tackle dark circles. Cool.
A pair of whale shark coin purses that'll look ~whaley~ cute when you've gotta search for some extra change.
A set of unreasonably realistic cookie-shaped barrettes for folks who know how to style a positively delicious updo on a moment's notice.
A Godzilla microwave cleaner — just fill this little monster with water and vinegar and then stick it in your grimy microwave. After five minutes, that caked-on spaghetti sauce and ~mystery~ goo will loosen up so you can wipe it away and pretend it never happened. Whew.
A CD mirror for nostalgic souls who are more than happy to watch themselves getting older (so long as it's through a mirror that reminds us of when we were young).
A set of 3D-printed Venus flytrap bag clips so you can keep your chips, granola, cereal, etc., fresh with the help of a friendly little snack-eating plant. This thing is just about the cutest kitchen counter decor I can imagine.
A doggone delightful elevated pet bed that'll serve bacon and eggs (your dog's dream breakfast) on the reg. Not only is the design adorable, but it's both indoor and outdoor friendly thanks to those wavy legs – which is great for arthritic pets and as a way to provide temperature control if used outside.
A pack of Lego highlighters sure to be a hit addition to your back-to-school supplies. Not only do these make note-taking feel a little more fun, they also make for a great fidget toy!
An unnervingly adorable cherry toilet brush that just might make scrubbing the toilet feel like the satisfying cherry on top of your bathroom to-do list. Imagine that!
A pair of cactus dryer balls that'll give you the greatest delight in your way-too-adult life, freshly laundered linens. These cute and useful pals prove that whimsy doesn't have to die when responsibility strikes.
Or a silly snail sanitizer — don't be sluggish about adding this ridiculous piece of home decor to your foyer because it'll convince your family (and their germ-covered buddies) to snag some hand sanitizer after being outside.
A ceramic pancake candle that'll double as a trinket dish after use. Light her up and enjoy the scent of salted caramel and whisky pancakes filling your room – no cooking skills necessary.
Vacation's Classic Whip SPF 30 — a water-resistant and sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen that feels like a luxe lightweight whip (because it IS). Just picture the looks of surprise, envy, and delight you're gonna get from fellow beach goers when you pull this ridiculously cute sunscreen out. It's gonna be delicious.
A takeout box lamp designed to help you power through late nights working from home while fueled by energy drinks and comforted by the warm glow of your ramen noodle night light.
A pair of deodorizing bunnies — each rabbit holds a bag of activated charcoal that'll soak up shoe smell for up to a whopping six months. Hop on this fresh-scent system, quick!
A gnome zester, because your collection of garden gnomes is starting to get lonely. This special little sous chef can shred cheese, grate ginger and garlic, zest peels, *and* entertain your dinner guests all at the same time.
A vampire umbrella sure to assist you even in the darkest of stormy nights, while looking positively, delightfully, terrifying ~hanging~ around your home when not in use.
A toilet paper holder that'll give you something to do in the baaahthroom when things are taking so long that you decide to start counting sheep.
A set of cowboy straw toppers, because there ain't no sharin' drinks around these parts. Prevent other cowpokes from sippin' your whisky (re: water bottle) and keep it fresh and germ free with one of these useful caps.
A cat hand towel that'll lend a helping hand (or, ahem, paw) when you're cooking and cleaning around the house. Cinderella has shown us that furry friends are the *best* at chores. Disney facts.
A pair of super cute sink extenders to help the shorties in your family wash their hands without *you* needing to lift them up. It was hard enough convincing your perpetually sticky toddler that hand washing is a life necessity. Let this little critter do the rest of the work!
A taiyaki pan for folks who would travel the globe just to eat this treat. Thanks to this pan, you can have taiyaki for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Deal!
A can opener you better start gifting to friends and family alike. Otherwise you're gonna ~drive~ them wild with envy!
A foldable mushroom funnel for home chefs who love hidden products. Keep this as decor on your counter and flip it inside out when in use. This thing puts the *ahem* "fun" in "funnel."
A soothing behavioral aid toy with a faux heartbeat — this is sure to be your puppy's ~dream~ toy and help *you* finally get to sleep while crate training.
A sleep-training alarm clock that'll make rule-following seem positively perky! This'll display darling tiny robot facial expressions and glowing colors to let your kids know when it's time to sleep and when it's okay to get up and...wake the parents.
A pair of toast tongs to make sure you don't burn even a little rabbit of your fingies when your toast pops up from the toaster — no matter how impatient you are when it's breakfast time.
A Pop-Tart–inspired light switch cover that'll add a *pop* of personality to your place. If you want to make a room stand out, never skip the simple things! Light switch covers (THIS cute) make a massive difference.
A set of french fry clips to keep opened snacks fresh. This includes a magnetic holder to avoid stashing chip clips in a cluttered junk drawer. Funny, functional, AND organized?! These things are delicious.
A strawberry tea kettle that'll look ~berry~ cute on the stove top of the tea-lover in your life.
A set of Goldfish fridge magnets for cool folks who love covering their refrigerator with pictures and drawings (and crackers) and LIFE! The fridge is *primo* real estate for that stuff.
A tomato table lamp that's less than half the cost of the Urban Outfitters' version (which is always sold out), and reviewers think it's even better! This is sure to ~produce~ some smiles from everyone who sits in your living room!
A butter-storing mushroom for adding a cute and useful tool to your countertop. Even if you don't have ~mushroom~ in your tiny kitchen, this little piece is designed to make the room feel darling and decorated without wasting space.
A minion Wi-Fi router – now that you know these helpful buds exist, it'd be positively *despicable* to not gift Bob or Kevin to the minion lover in your life.
A set of magnetic pigeon bag clips that are as strong and sturdy as the mighty pigeon herself. Pigeons rule the city outside — might as well embrace them indoors, too.
A microwavable manatee plush — you're sure to warm up to this little pal in an instant. Whether you're feeling freezy or aching from period pains, this *lavender-scented* critter is gonna be the solution. Just toss it into the microwave and then snuggle up! Aches, chills, and lack-of-a-manatee-friend loneliness are gonna be gone in an instant!
A set of troll doll lighter cases just might be the chaotic *treasure* you need on hand 24/7. Forget worry stones, if you dig in your purse and pull out a flaming troll head ALL your worries will be gone in an instant. That's simply science.
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5 hours ago
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August Brings Romantic and Emotional Twists and Turns—These Signs Will Feel the Shifts Most
The Gist On August 6, Mars moves into Libra, amplifying the desire to strive toward your goals. Mercury's retrograde in Leo ends on August 11, paving the way for smoother communication. Fixed and cardinal signs should be prepared for an extra eventful astrology of August 2025 is setting the stage for a surge of romantic magic, transformation, and brilliant, wild shifts that will benefit anyone who dares to dream big. Major changes kick off on August 6 when Mars, the planet of action and energy, moves into cardinal air sign Libra, amplifying the desire to tap into diplomacy to move the ball forward on your goals and fuel work within one-on-one partnerships. August's full moon falls on August 9 in quirky fixed air sign Aquarius, highlighting the push-pull between being part of a team versus celebrating what makes you shine on your own. And a couple days later, on August 11, you can breathe a sigh of relief that Mercury's retrograde in Leo will end, paving the way for less frustrating interactions, smoother communication, and less frustration when you're trying to check to-dos off your list. Then, one of the luckiest days for romance and creativity happens on August 12 when Venus, the planet of relationships and pleasure, pairs up with fortunate Jupiter in sentimental, sweet cardinal water sign Cancer. On August 22, Virgo season kicks off when the sun moves into the service-oriented earth sign, ushering in a month wired for finding beauty in the everyday details of life. And a new moon in the sign of Maiden on August 23 is the perfect time to set a thoughtful, pragmatic intention that's tied to feeling more grounded. A couple days later, on August 25, relationships, sense of style, and approach to earning could begin to feel more theatrical, thanks to Venus moving into Leo. This steamy late summer month wraps up on August 28 with a rare planetary sync-up that'll drive spiritual-minded, intuitive epiphanies and innovation: game-changer Uranus in Gemini forms a harmonizing angle to dreamy Neptune in Aries. As for the zodiac signs who'll feel August's celestial shifts the most? The fixed signs—that's Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius—and the cardinal crew—Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—should be prepared for an especially eventful month. Meanwhile, the mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces—should also buckle up ahead of September, which will be full of twists and turns. Read on for your key challenge in August according to your zodiac sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign, which you can pinpoint in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.) Aries August presents you with the task of prioritizing your one-on-one relationships and handling conflict within those bonds in a way that's very different from what you're accustomed to. This vibe kicks off on August 6 when Mars, your ruling planet, moves into your seventh house of partnership, requiring a more go-getter, active approach to working through ongoing conflicts with a significant other, loved one, or close friend. You'll get a boost from Mercury's retrograde ending in your fifth house of romance and self-expression on August 11, making it far less likely that sharing what's in your heart will lead to crossed wires and confusion. And when sweet Venus, the planet of relationships, enters this same sector on August 25, pleasure, joyfulness, playfulness, and flirtation will be off-the-charts, so you have every excuse to hit pause on putting your nose to the grindstone in order to revel in spontaneous, fun-loving moments with the people you adore the most. Taurus August turns your focus to your family life and creative self-expression. With so much action in your fourth house of home life until the sun moves on August 22, you'll be feeling more confident about any major moves tied to your physical home and nurturing your inner emotional world. This feeling will only get stronger once Mercury ends its retrograde there on August 11, making for smoother communication with your nearest and dearest. And if you've been wanting to tap into your artistic impulses to jumpstart a fulfilling imaginative project, get clear on your vision and make a bold move in whatever direction feels best around August 23's new moon in your fifth house of self-expression. Your biggest obstacle will be forgoing tried-and-true approaches to working through your emotions. A more flexible strategy and willingness to experiment can have you feeling even more centered now. Gemini You could experience some whiplash when a super-social vibe morphs into a far more low-key, emotional tone. You've likely been reconnecting with friends from the past while similarly encountering a variety of roadblocks and delays affecting game plans with your circle during your ruler Mercury's retrograde third house of communication, but you can look forward to less chaos there after August 11. Then, don't hesitate to give into any impulse or urge to be a bit more withdrawn once the sun is in your fourth house of home life from August 22 to September 22. This season was made for going inward, prioritizing self-reflection, and tending to your bonds with loved ones. If you've been wanting to heal a particular relationship or dive into meaningful self-work, you can set a clear, ambitious goal around the August 23 new moon in this zone. Tapping into the power of your intuition—your heart and your spirit—and trusting that over your head is your challenge this month, which could prove more grounding than you initially realize. Cancer August nudges you to step up your moneymaking game while learning alongside others and celebrating your friendships. But first, when go-getter Mars moves into your fourth house of home life on August 6, you could be butting heads more with loved ones, but it's for the greater purpose of working through any ongoing conflicts. Facing uncomfortable, challenging emotions will also be unavoidable when your ruler, the intuitive moon, is full in your eighth house of intimacy on August 9, requiring you to take a cold, hard look at problematic dynamics or anything else that's making you feel uncomfortable or insecure within a close relationship. You can look forward to recent introspection bolstering your self-worth and, in turn, potentially your bottom line once Mercury ends its retrograde and moves forward in your second house of income from August 11 to September 2. Then, hit the road, sign up for a class, or carve out more time to nurture platonic bonds during the sun's time in your third house of communication from August 22 to September 22. Your greatest challenge is to embrace a more lighthearted point of view and see where the moment leads you versus gripping the steering wheel so tightly—or, really, at all. Leo This month, encompassing half of your season, turns your attention to your sense of self, identity, self-worth and your bottom line, all of which could be even more apparently linked now. For starters, messenger Mercury ends its retrograde in your sign on August 11, moving ahead there until September 2, and paving the way for you to be more assertive and go to bat for your fieriest ambitions. Whether you've been wanting to throw your hat in the ring for a promotion, kick off a thrilling side hustle, or pitch a big picture proposal to higher-ups, you can more readily step into the spotlight and act on your vision. It'll help that your ruler, the confident sun, will be in your second house of income from August 22 to September 22, and a new moon there on August 23 is a chance to come up with an action plan for moving the ball forward on an income-boosting strategy. Trusting that you have everything you need to get it done and enjoy applause-worthy results is your key obstacle this month. Genuinely believing in yourself is the first step to manifesting a new reality. Virgo Chances are you're already feeling like life-altering changes are on the horizon, and that instinct could be heightened by the fact that, as August begins, your ruling planet, messenger Mercury, will be retrograde in your twelfth house of spirituality. Going inward, slowing down, and reassessing how to best care for your psychological well-being has been your focus, and once Mercury moves forward from August 11 to September 2, you can begin to act on whatever you've learned over the course of the retrograde, which began on July 18. Then, the sun's trip through your sign and first house of self from August 22 to September 22 motivates you to step out on stage and make your loftiest goals known. Set a powerful intention close to your heart around August 23 during the new moon in your sign (which happens to be the first of two this year). Your key challenge now is to listen to your inner voice and not let others deter you from making moves rooted in what you know to be true. Libra This month fires you up to fight for your heart's most burning desires while encouraging you to create space in your busy schedule for rest and rejuvenation. It's a delicate balancing act, but if there's any sign who can perfect that, it's you. You'll be more assertive, have more energy to funnel into activities that light you up, and be more hell-bent on building momentum on your wildest dreams from August 6 to September 22 while action-oriented Mars is in your sign. That transit alone sets a tone for pursuing your passions, and then, around August 9, when the full moon activates your fifth house of romance, you'll be empowered to express your emotions more openly. You could be ready to tell a new partner how you feel or to heal an ongoing issue with your long-time love. Then, while the confident sun is in your twelfth house of spirituality from August 22 to September 22, getting into a regular groove with that go-to restorative yoga class or deep breathing practice can lead to being more self-assured and grounded, especially if you make a move around the August 23 new moon there. You're challenged to recognize your mental, physical, and emotional needs—and be relentless to ensure they're fulfilled. Scorpio August is all about making your mark in the public eye and alongside a group of likeminded friends or coworkers. But don't be surprised if you find yourself running a little bit lower on energy than usual while your co-ruler, go-getter Mars, is in your twelfth house of spirituality from August 6 to September 22. The good news: This period is a fantastic one for stepping up your mind-body practices and self-care game plan. And when Mercury ends its retrograde in your tenth house of career on August 11, moving forward there until September 2, you can make a play for more recognition on the job. If you feel like your skills and contributions have been taken for granted, you can make a bold, impressive case for taking on more authority going forward. Then, you'll want to feel more connected and to work with friends or colleagues to make progress on a shared aspiration from August 22 to September 22, thanks to the sun's time in your eleventh house of networking. Striking a balance between your own ambitions and being a team player is your key challenge—and the key to success. Sagittarius August amplifies your restlessness and desire to step into a leadership position or to take on more responsibility on the job. To start, go-getter Mars will move through your eleventh house of networking from August 6 to September 22, so you'll have more energy to pour into team efforts and to devote to your friendships, and by working with others, you're bound to achieve more than you would if you were flying solo. You can also finally gain some steam when it comes to any horizon-broadening experiences that have either been delayed, slowed down, or put entirely on the backburner once Mercury ends its retrograde and moves forward in your ninth house of adventure from August 11 to September 2. You'll feel like when it comes to soaking up knowledge, working with a mentor, or traveling, the sky's the limit. That can't help but boost your mood and confidence, which comes in handy once the sun is in your tenth house of career from August 22 to September 22, motivating you to pitch an ambitious vision to higher-ups or vie for more recognition for your hard work. Getting clear on your ultimate professional goal is your key challenge this month. The more specific you can be, the more gratifying the result. Capricorn This month requires you to wear your heart on your sleeve and to get comfortable with being more restless than you tend to be—both of which could prove daunting but rewarding. Around August 9, when the full moon activates your second house of income, you'll be reflecting on what you need to let go of in order to make strides on financial goals. You could be telling yourself an outdated narrative about what you bring to the table and what you're capable of achieving. Looking ahead will become even more important once Mercury ends its retrograde in your eighth house of intimacy on August 11, moving forward there until September 2. This window is ideal for kicking off new ventures alongside a significant other or loved one and being more explicit about your emotional and physical needs. And once the sun is in your ninth house of adventure from August 22 to September 22, you can more readily tap into your gut instincts and let them lead the way to taking a leap of faith. Your main challenge this month? Get comfortable with navigating uncharted emotional terrain to set the stage for personal growth. Aquarius August illuminates your closest partnerships, making it blatantly clear which bonds are adding to your life and which could be draining you. You'll be feeling more sensitive than usual around August 9, because the full moon falls in your sign and first house of self, requiring that you reflect on your emotional needs. It's possible you've been putting them on the backburner, and that's just not sustainable anymore. Talking about this with a significant other, loved one, or dear friend will be easier once Mercury ends its retrograde and moves forward in your seventh house of partnership from August 11 to September 2. If you need someone to support you in a new or different way, you can articulate that while also holding space for whatever is in their heart. Then, you'll have more confidence to channel into shared financial goals and feeling more fulfilled in your sex life, as the sun moves through your eighth house of intimacy from August 22 to September 22. Take a step back from your usual grind to check in with your heart when the new moon falls there on August 23, and you'll pinpoint the best way forward. Your key challenge this month will be swimming in the deep end of emotions, which may not feel innate or comfortable but can positively transform your relationships. Pisces This month ushers in a close focus on your wellness routine and one-on-one bonds. For starters, dynamic Mars will be in your eighth house of intimacy from August 6 to September 22, so you'll be fired up to not just share but act on fantasies with someone special. This transit can also support your ability to launch ambitious financial plans with a loved one. Just expect delays until Mercury goes direct in your sixth house of daily routine on August 11. Until September 2, you'll find you can more readily get ahead on everyday to-dos and even research or begin a new health or fitness regimen that elevates your vitality. You'll find you're even more apt to commit and stick to it if you pair up with a friend, loved one, or even colleague from August 22 to September 22 while the sun is in your seventh house of partnership. And around August 23, when the new moon falls there, set an intention tied to taking one of these one-on-one connections to the next level. Your key challenge will be to trust that you can manifest even your most out-there dreams—particularly the ones you share with someone else within a romantic, platonic, or professional relationship. Read the original article on InStyle Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
'I've always played for me.' Venus Williams returns to Cincinnati Open on her own terms
MASON, OH − Venus Williams has always lived an unapologetic life, controlling what she can control while passionately committing herself to the sport she loves. That's why it's odd that her illustrious career began with something she had no control of whatsoever. On Halloween Night in 1994, Williams made her professional debut at just 14 years at the Bank of the West Classic in Oakland, California. The toughest part might have been keeping her composure while the Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge World Tour roared next door at the Oakland Coliseum. More: Here are the best first-round ATP matches to watch in the Cincinnati Open Right around "Beast of Burden," or maybe, "Sympathy for the Devil," Williams finished a straight-set victory over Shaun Stafford. "Mick Jagger, this is my message to you: I was playing my first professional match next to you," Williams laughed. "It was a beautiful thing and a great start." Now, the end is near, but Williams won't put a timetable on when she'll hang it up for good. The 45-year-old, who was awarded a wild card to the Cincinnati Open, made another comeback in July following a 16-month absence. Last summer, she underwent surgery for uterine fibroids, which affects up to 80% of women by age 50, according to NYU Langone Health. "This is a super important issue because so many people go through this," Williams said. More: 5 food dishes to try at the Cincinnati Open, from a lobster roll to a wagyu burger Williams never stopped hitting the ball, even when she could hardly walk. Even if it was for a few minutes, at whatever intensity she could manage. "Now, a year later, I'm in a completely different space and I have a clean bill of health, thank God. I'm ready to play and compete.' Despite a three-decade career, Williams still felt time was on her side. Time to recover from surgery, time to ramp up her serve, time to hit the ball with a ferocity worthy enough for the WTA tour. In July, Williams became the oldest player to win a WTA tour event in 21 years when she knocked out Cincinnati native Peyton Stearns in the first round of the DC Open. "Love is the key, right? If you don't love it, then get out of it if you have that luxury," Williams said. "I think a lot of motivation for me is to try to come back and play in the best health that I can. You have to live your life on your own terms. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks, if you get to live life on your own terms, it's a life well-lived." Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion who made a run to the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals in 2019 and semifinals in 2012, knows the questions about her age are coming every time she steps on the court. But her message remains to control what she can control. She can't control her age, or that she needed surgery, but her preparation and mindset take top priority when it involves returning to tennis. "You're never too young or too old to lose. Losing knows no age," Williams said. "All that matters for me is that I'm prepared and ready. I really have to stay focused on me, play it one point at a time and try to win for myself. I've always played for me." Will this be Williams' final Cincinnati appearance? She might live on her own terms, but Williams doesn't ruminate too far down the road. Right now, she's thankful for a clean bill of health and a first-round matchup against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro Aug. 7 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. "I'm very much in the moment," she said. "I don't think you should ever rule me out. That's all I will say." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Venus Williams returns to Cincinnati Open
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Cool, Quirky and Unusual Gifts for a Preteen Boy
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Your preteen boy — a young guy anywhere from about fourth to seventh grade — is ready for bigger LEGO sets and a faster scooter. There are plenty of toys, books and games with age-gradings of 8+, 10+ or 12+ that have been waiting for him to be old enough to appreciate them, so shopping for tweens can be easier than you might fear. He might even be psyched for clothes, but no promises there! At the Good Housekeeping Institute we test toys and gifts for kids all year. We also have plenty of staff parents who weigh in on gift guides (including myself). We've got our pulse on what presents are currently popular for kids of all Off-Road Race Buggy The LEGO Technic line features more intricate builds for bigger kids. This 6.5-inch buggy has big wheels and can roll fast and far. Elements like steering and suspension add an intro to engineering. Ages 8+ $15.99 at Disturb I'm Gaming Socks These funny socks are a nod to a kid with a gaming habit. They fit sizes 6 to 12 and come in different iterations of sayings that include "Best Brother Ever" or "Best Son Ever." RELATED: Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys $5.99 at Ultimate Champion This variation of the popular puzzle game includes a timer. "I liked that you could time yourself,' a 10-year-old tester told us. So your kid can try and get faster, or they can concentrate on moving up to increasingly tougher puzzles. Ages 7+ RELATED: Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards $19.97 at Scooter Razor makes this lightweight, aluminum two-wheeled scooter to let a big kid move along quickly with just a kick of their back foot. Weight capacity: up to 143 lbs $39.99 at Encyclopedia New Edition Marvel fans can geek out learning the lore and stories of more than 1,200 iconic Super Heroes and villains. Unsurprisingly, the illustrations are also amazing! $17.56 at Electronics Exploration Kit My son learned so much from Snap Circuits, a safe way to explore electrical engineering. This set is part science kit, part building set and lots of fun. Kids learn to launch a helicopter, build a doorbell and light up a lightbulb — there are 100 projects in all. Ages 8+ RELATED: Best STEM Toys $29.98 at Beanbag Chair This highly rated and fairly affordable beanbag chair gives him his own hangout spot to move around the house. It's made of durable polyester, isn't overstuffed (so it's a little mushy) and is a comfy 30.5-inch width. $64.99 at Box Set The New Kid is the only graphic novel ever to win the Newbery Medal for children's literature. It explores what it's like to be a Black 12-year-old at a mostly white school. This boxed set includes two companion books, Class Act and School Trip, following the main characters from seventh to eighth grade. Ages 8–12 RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards $22.83 at Mario The Bowser Express Train I'll admit that I don't know from Mario, but we've got fans on staff who love this 26-inch long train with six Super Mario figures. Tweens are ready to tackle the build, which requires more than 1,000 pieces, and can alternate between playing with it and displaying it. Ages 9+ $114.99 at in The Dark Basketball Good Housekeeping readers are loving this ball that lights up during play, making it possible for a preteen to have active outdoor time even during dusk. $27.99 at World Records 2026 Do you remember pouring through the crazy world records when you were a kid? Today's kids can pour through modern records organized by subject, with sections like sports, Pokemon, animals, science and more. $20.96 at Headset for Nintendo Switch A tween who loves their Nintendo Switch would appreciate this tech gift, a wired headset made especially for the gaming platform. Per the brand, the set is lightweight, noise-cancelling and has a mic for playing with friends — and it's super affordable. $17.99 at The Past as You've Never Seen it Before The preteen years are the best for pouring through and absorbing facts, and this encyclopedia has plenty. Kids can learn history through illustrations, timelines, statistics and of course "wow" facts, staring with early human history. Ages 9 to 12 $11.63 at Stuffed Toy From little kids to college grads, everyone is loving Jellycat plush, especially the unusual, smiling plush food like this taco. Let the 6.5-inch buddy cheer him up from his desk or nightstand. $39.00 at Strike Elite My preteen son loved using blasters with friends. They had some of their biggest laughs trying to outdo each other with surprise strikes and bullseye aim. This Amazon-exclusive Nerf model can rapidly fire six bullets at a time, and the under-$10 price is hard to beat. $7.49 at & Shade Colored Pencils Set Is he into art? These 24 colored pencils can be blended and shaded for more sophisticated drawings. Ages 9+ $14.99 at Long Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt Boys heading into middle school just want to blend in — maybe that's why hoodies are the uniform of choice for seemingly all of them. Your preteen might also be newly brand-aware, and right now the heritage brand Carhartt is hot with preteens and teens. $32.00 at Digital Camera We've tested this beginner digital camera with tweens, who enjoyed having a real camera. A 9-year-old tester said, "It's easy to see your photos after you take them. I can get a clear shot even when I'm walking. Some cameras you have to push a lot of buttons to get to something on the screen but with this one I just have to push one button.' RELATED: Best Cameras for Kids $99.99 at Gravity Drop Activity Kit Tweens get instructions and pieces to rearrange into any of 20 different gravity-powered LEGO games and contraptions, like a labyrinth and a marble maze. "The visuals in the book were accurate, and it was easy to determine where each piece went,' one parent tester told us. Ages 8–12 $28.95 at Printing Pen I tested 3D pens with young adults and we agreed that this is the best value model. "The kit came with stencil paper and a QR code to figure out how to use it, which was nice," one tester said. The speed-control button slides to give you a range from slow to fast, which allowed more control when making plastic creations. RELATED: Best 3D Pens $34.99 at Panic He's ready for a cooperative game like this where players work as team to win or lose together, fighting monsters attacking a castle. Ages 8+ RELATED: Best Board Games for Kids $26.49 at in 10 States of America Both educational and fun, this card game will help teach them about the different states in the USA. There's one about different countries, too. Ages 8+ $14.22 at You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
