Latest news with #tweens
CBC
20-05-2025
- General
- CBC
At what age should kids get their first phone?
What's a good age for kids or tweens to get their first cell phone? CBC Kids News talked to people at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto, Ontario, to hear what they think and why.
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The 25 Best Gifts For 10-Year-Olds Celebrating Double Digits
Turning 10 is an exciting milestone for kids—and their parents. To celebrate their first double-digit birthday, it's OK if you want to go a little overboard—especially in recognition of how they've grown and are continuing to grow into big kids. The best gifts for 10-year-olds recognize their budding maturity, as well as new passions and skills. Celebrate your big kid's milestone birthday with one of these best gifts for 10-year-olds. After consulting child and teen play therapists, independent toy store retailers, and attending two toy industry trade shows this year, I also reviewed my own tweens' favorite items to compile this list of the best gifts for 10-year-olds in 2025. Just remember, these almost-teens still enjoy play—and the therapists I spoke with say games and toys are still good for their development—but they'll turn their noses up on anything deemed too young or uncool. 'Tweens are coming out of that baby stage, so toys for them might feel very babyish, [after] they've gone through that hormonal shift,' says Kerri Adams, a child and family therapist and cofounder of Love Play Grow in New Jersey. Because of this, parents may have to re-engage kids in play—opening up that card game or Lego set and diving in with them. Amazon Kick off their next decade with a delicious new book series that's all about fearlessly confronting American tween issues. Follow 10-year-old Mia as she navigates sticky social situations, as well as thorny societal challenges as the daughter of Chinese immigrants. My daughter flew through this series as this age. Author Kelly Yang has a great voice that delivers a compelling story that doesn't hit kids over the head with heavy messaging. Amazon Whether they're still into Legos, or just into speed and Formula 1, this sub-300 piece Ferrari is an ideal big-kid set. Casey Sartain, owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, says this recently launched Lego F1 Speed Champions series 'has already been selling great' with tween boys. 'Ferrari is the best selling of the bunch,' he says. 'Speed Champions has been one of the hottest parts of the Lego line for the last couple years…. and I imagine they'll just keep going since this year is F1 crazy.' They can display it out of reach of younger sibs once completed. Walmart If they're already staking out the makeup aisle, get them started with a foundational skincare routine. Bubble creates gentle, tween- and teen-appropriate skincare options in colorful packaging that appeals to younger beauty fans. Opt for one of Bubble's starter kits, so they can test out which products their skin responds best to. They're also perfectly giftable and a hot tween party set. Amazon I've seen this Gecko Run in action firsthand, and it's a clever spin on more old-fashioned marble runs. Its sticky adhesive pads allow kids to build vertically on smooth surfaces from glass to plastic to ceramic—and then reposition the whole thing and build again whenever they like. This deluxe set includes 90 pieces, so no need to purchase additional expansion packs. Amazon This game favors the players best able to crack up their teammates, making it ideal for the family clown. Each player gets 10 cards with pre-written answers that they'll submit anonymously in response to the prompt card. Pick the answer you think is most likely to elicit the most laughs. Just be warned that this kid version of the game includes plenty of fart and poop jokes—which always draw the biggest laughs among my kids. Adams points out that all that laughter is a good thing for the whole family: 'A lot of what brings families together is laughter. Laughter is a stress reliever and laughter is what creates bonds.' Amazon This best-selling Rick Riordan book series takes kids on an epic adventure through a fantasyland of Greek gods and their demigod offspring as good and evil forces battle monsters, magic and more with time hops from ancient times to modern day. My fourth grader flew through this series just after turning 10 and has gobbled up many more of Riordan's titles afterward. Amazon This adorable skincare duo from TonyMoly includes a strawberry-themed lip gloss and hand cream—and the winking Patty The Cow Squishmallow. It's the perfect pair for a tween starter set to keep in their backpack or belt bag. Amazon If you have the space to stow it and a safe place to drive it, I highly recommend Radio Flyer's Extreme Drift Go-Kart, the brand's new and award-winning electric go-kart for big kids. It offers three speeds (5, 8 and 11 mph), including one reserved for teens, so they'll get plenty of use out of it—and it absolutely blew my 10-year-old away as a splurge birthday gift. In fact, he was so happy with it, he didn't mind that I'd said no to a smartwatch. The seat is adjustable and the 36-volt battery recharges fairly quickly, so your thrill-seeker can get back to cranking out donuts. Amazon Press a button on this handheld device and watch the ZipString fly into loops and various shapes with a flick of their hand. Advanced flyers can create tricks and more elaborate displays with the string, and my 10-year-old has no problem swapping out the various strings for different effects. A tip from Sartain led me to this pick, which he says was 'a huge hit last year' and the new Luma glow-in-the-dark strings are now 'flying off the shelves.' Nike You can't go wrong with a fresh hoodie for this age group. Whether they've misplaced their current one or just want another colorway for their rotation, these Nike Big Kid Pullover Hoodies come in more than a dozen colors with a roomy front pouch to stash small things in. They're comfortable and long-lasting, but pay attention to the sizing: Nike can run smaller, and my 10-year-old is already wearing the XL kids size of this hoodie. Walmart The brand-new Gui Gui slime from Moose Toys is easily one of the hottest new toys for kids this season. It just became available at Walmart and is rolling out to additional retailers in August. It's also one of my 12-year-old daughter's favorite slimes she's ever sunk her hands into. She called it 'high-quality' and loved the scent and mix-ins. Gui Gui is available in four styles of slime: clear, butter, gloss and cloud and each one comes with various mix-ins including charms, so kids can 'style' their slime. They can store it in the included container when not in use. Flip 7 This fast-paced card game combines a bit of strategy—and a bunch of luck. Be the first to reach 200 points as cards are dealt around, but be wary of receiving doubles—otherwise, your turn is over and you lose all your points that round. It's been a family game night hit with my tweens and grown-ups alike. It's easy to grasp (even our 6-year-old has joined in) and moves quickly, so it's perfect for when you're short on time. Just be aware that this game keeps selling out at mass retailers and indie shops alike. Sartain says it's especially popular in the 9- to 12-year-old age range. 'We've been selling a lot more games to tweens and teens than ever before: Uno No Mercy, Catan, Flip 7 and Sushi Go,' he says. Target The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 makes snapping quick pics of family, friends and all their adventures a cinch for budding photographers and creative kids. It's a great first camera for tweens who don't have a smartphone yet. Pair it with a scrapbook so they have a place to stow all these fourth- and fifth-grade memories, or purchase it as part of a Fujifilm Instax bundle to get them started with everything they'll need including extra film and a carrying case. Fat Brain Toys This newcomer from Fat Brain Toys brings a popular adult game to kids in a more competitive tabletop form. Hook Rally requires two competitors to play at once, each vying to cast their ring onto the same hooks. The first player to capture three hooks wins. It's a simple game they can start playing straight out of the box. I love that it's a bit of a quieter game—at least compared to others my kids screech through—and requires pretty intense focus and hand-eye coordination. Amazon This is the perfect gift for the crafter—or the socializer—who loves to share their creations with friends. The portable STMT D.I.Y. Glitz Bead Case includes more than 600 pieces for them to assemble multiple friendship bracelets, including assorted alphabet beads, pearl beads, various charms, more than 500 round beads and five bundles of elastic cord and 10 bracelet threads. Amazon The magnetic Shashibo Shape Shifting Box from Fun In Motion opens up to reveal different patterns and colors as kids (and adults) manipulate the toy into different shapes. There isn't a puzzle to solve necessarily, the way there is with a Rubik's Cube—instead, it's more of a sophisticated fidget toy that reveals different designs and shapes as kids open up its sides and move it around in their hands. They can connect one Shape Shifting Box to another, too. It comes in kid-friendly designs like this silly Spongebob SquarePants theme and the new Hello Kitty box. Amazon A built-in timer ups the challenge on this viral solo puzzle game. Kids fight against the clock to position the Kanoodle pieces into the game board to solve up to 500 puzzles, including many new ones. Kanoodle games have an age rating starting at 7, and my 10-year-old easily bested the basic starter set, solving each puzzle one by one, so I know he'd appreciate this timed challenge. Amazon Cloud slides appeal to many ages for that pillow-like feel beneath your feet as you traipse around the house. But shark slides are having a bit of a moment with the tween and early teens. They're silly, comfy and fun—and my 10-year-old and his friends in the New York City suburbs can't seem to get enough of them. They come in a different colors and brands, so they can select the set that most appeals to them. Fresh off the new Minecraft movie, which has my whole family singing Jack Black's Steve's Lava Chicken, this 500-piece Lego set brings that cinema experience home. Rated for ages 10 and up, it's a petite set but comes with plenty of fun accessories and nods to both the movie and the game, including a fighting ring, a baby zombie and a chicken jockey. Amazon While the Nintendo Switch has long been popular with families of young children, the PlayStation 5 is the coveted console of big kids. And with the new Nintendo Switch 2 not yet available (release date is June 2025) and selling for nearly the same price ($450) as the PlayStation, I'd highly recommend the PS5 for these tween gamers who have likely moved well beyond Mario Kart and the petite controllers included with the Switch. Amazon If they've outgrown Play-Doh, but are still drawn to more artistic pursuits, this Pott'd pottery kit may be just right. My oldest daughter received this set last Christmas and has made several pretty pinch pots and small designs with it. It comes with a generous supply of air-dry clay, so there's no kiln or wheel needed. They'll sculpt their designs by hand, let them dry and then use the included paints to add any finishing touches. Amazon If you're in a pinch and the birthday party is happening tomorrow, gaming digital gift cards for in-game purchases have become the party gift du jour in my area. Find out their game or console of choice before selecting Roblox, V-Bucks (for Fortnite fans) or a generic Xbox or PlayStation gift card. Amazon The exceedingly soft and huggable Squishmallows remain the go-to plush friend for kids, tweens and teens. They come in a multitude of friendly characters and sizes and are beloved by all age groups. Younger kids may use them in their imaginary games while your 10-year-old might prefer this cheery Olma Strawberry Cat as a reading pillow or simply as chic room décor. Walmart At age 10, they might already be begging for an iPhone. Stave off that conversation with the big kid gift of an Apple Watch SE (the brand's most affordable model), so they can flex a bit of independence—and you can still track their whereabouts. It's my top pick for the best smartwatch for mature tweens and teens. You can lock it down to whatever your comfort level is, restricting sites, apps, contacts and usage hours. Get the cellular version for kids without a phone and use your iPhone to set up their new watch and manage it via your Apple family settings. Amazon If your 10-year-old is always dragging out the mixing bowl, you might treat them to a cooking or baking kit. This Baketivity cake pop set provides the instructions and a full suite of pre-measured dry ingredients and decorative toppings to make their own delicious treats—no cake pop pan necessary. They'll just need to scoop up a few fresh items and follow the recipe to create this sweet treat the whole family can enjoy. The kids and baby team at Forbes Vetted spends extensive time testing, researching, and yes, playing with toys and the best gifts for kids, tweens and teens. We care deeply about safety and pay close attention to recall notices.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Girls as young as nine left with 'severe eczema and acne' after using skincare products containing 'harsh chemicals' only suitable for adults
Girls as young as nine have been left with 'severe eczema and acne' after using skincare products marketed at their age group that contain 'harsh chemicals' only suitable for adults. Dermatologists say they are increasingly concerned by the rise in so-called 'tweens' – those in between childhood and teenage years - being gifted expensive creams and serums by their parents who have no knowledge of the dangerous ingredients involved. And education experts and heads have warned against the trend for every younger girls to crave the high-end creams, with one dubbing it the 'most worrying story' since the issues thrown up by 'Adolescence' with its themes of toxic masculinity. They say school-aged girls have begun to demand their own skincare regime of up to 12 products in a bid to achieve the unattainable standards they have seen on social media and to avoid social exclusion from bullies. Experts have described treating a rising number of children for contact sensitisation, redness and skin conditions after the pre-pubescent group opted for anti-ageing products that come in bright packaging seemingly targeted at their demographic. Consultant dermatologist Dr Timothy Howel Clayton fears that girls could be left suffering from mental health issues, including anxiety and body dysmorphia, as they 'aim for a perfection that we know does not exist'. He added: 'I see some children with severe eczema and acne and advised that they need to stop some of the creams that they have purchased, particularly the ones targeted at their age group. 'The branding of these products is specifically marketed towards children: often using brightly coloured containers with some even having devices that enable the cream to come out in the shape of a flower to particularly appeal to children. 'A number of the ingredients are often used in anti-aging with harsh chemicals that should be avoided in young children, they do not require acids and retinol. 'There are an increasing number of products and this seems to be an evolving market for manufacturers.' Education expert Chloe Combi, who has worked with leading private schools including Radley and Prince William and Prince Harry's old school, Ludgrove, said: 'Essentially, after the Adolescence story, the absolute bombardment of girls via social media by brands that are convincing them that they need 'skin regimes' that are complex and full of ingredients that should be nowhere near young skin is by far the most worrying story I've discovered in my work.' She dubbed the 'toxic positivity' used to target the tween market as 'cultish' and similar to the 'aesthetics' deployed by vape companies to create an 'addictive teen brand'. The rise of skinfluencers has also concerned leading heads including Fionnuala Kennedy. 'Girls as young as 11 are now craving the types of high-end, expensive creams and cleansers my generation would only ever have associated with their mothers, and even then probably only as a Christmas gift,' the Head of Wimbledon High School said. Earlier this year a study suggested that children could even face an increased risk of cancer, hormonal imbalances and long-term skin damage with heightened sensitivity due to their skin not being developed enough for adult brands. In recent weeks a study by Pai Skincare of 1,500 girls aged between nine and 12 revealed that one in four already use Retinol and AHAs, a type of chemical exfoliant. Sarah Brown, the founder of the cosmetic company, blames parents who are 'clueless' when it comes to what products contain and their side effects. Describing the young demographic as 'skincare obsessed', she predicts that tweens will end up in GP clinics in as little as five years for 'psychological and physical' reasons if the usage continues in this way. Dr Wisam Alwan, an NHS consultant dermatologist, warned of the 'severe' reactions from allergens found in some of the products commonly used by tweens, including redness, flaking, irritation and swelling. Whilst irritants can increase the risk of infection, retinoids offer a potential for burning, peeling, itching, skin discoloration and in some cases, conditions including perioral dermatitis.
National Post
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
New Offering From YPulse Decodes and Measures Tweens Thoughts, Actions and Purchases
Article content NEW YORK — YPulse, the leading authority in youth culture, has launched its Tweens insights subscription to give North American-based brands a comprehensive understanding of the trends and behaviors that are shaping – and are shaped by – tweens. Article content YPulse's new Tweens insights subscription decodes tween behavior, delivering valuable insights to help brands connect with and engage young digital natives. Article content For nearly two decades, YPulse's youth intelligence platform – powered by statistically-sound reports, AI-driven insights, proprietary data and expert articles – has empowered brands to make more informed, strategic decisions about how to authentically engage with young people. Article content The first YPulse Tweens Study in the new Tweens insight subscription offers a broad overview of what tweens are thinking, doing and buying in 2025, with quarterly reports that will follow to dive deeper into Hobbies, Toys, Play & Sports (Q2), Shopping Retail & Fashion (Q3) and Media and Entertainment (Q4). Article content Led by MaryLeigh Bliss, YPulse's Chief Content Officer, YPulse will host a Tweens 101 webinar on Wednesday May 14 from 11am-11:45am EST, to reveal key insights from the first report and explain how tweens are influencing household decisions and reshaping consumer landscapes. Register here. Article content Bliss serves as the lead culture and youth insights expert at YPulse, consulting with brands to help identify actionable insights that align with consumer strategies and has been in the research industry for 17 years. Article content 'Brands are paying close attention to tweens as they can feel and see the shift driven by this influential age group. YPulse's new Tweens insights subscription decodes tween behavior, delivering valuable insights to help brands connect with and engage young digital natives. We understand every generation is different and we are showing how the next generation is being formed, so brands can be best prepared for the future,' said Bliss. Article content 'The first report dives into tweens' media consumption, gaming habits, play and hobbies, shopping behavior, tech usage, and brand preferences, while also exploring the dynamic between tween desires and parental realities—and how that relationship shapes household decisions.' Article content Key findings from YPulse's inaugural tweens report include: Article content Tweens have an average of five tech devices they're using. Though it's the norm, parents are still concerned about screentime Despite being iPad kids, tweens aren't spending all of their time on screens. The majority play sports, with basketball and soccer being the most popular among both tween girls and boys While tweens seem mature beyond their years, 96% still play with toys, and board games are the most popular overall 84% of 8-12-year-olds have wanted to buy something an online celebrity has spoken about or recommended 82% of 8-12-year-olds say they influence what their parents buy, and 68% of parents say their children influence their regular purchases Article content The importance of this work is to help brand marketers make better decisions about young people as YPulse offers insights backed by annual youth interviews to help streamline research processes, uncover trends, and transform complex data into actionable strategies. Article content About YPulse Founded in 2004, YPulse is the leading authority on Gen Z and Millennials: today's tweens, teens, college students, young adults, and young parents. The subscription-based research platform provides companies and organizations strategic insight on how to reach the next generation. Staffed with a cross-functional team of researchers, marketers, writers, and technologists, YPulse offers clients a 360-degree view of what it's like to be a young consumer in today's age. Article content YPulse's daily articles, behavioral reports, trend reports and data have helped thousands of marketers from the world's leading brands decode the trends that matter and measure what moves young consumers. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
