Entering middle school can be a challenging experience. You can help make the transition easier by giving kids great gifts that let them know you love them and support their educational journey. Consider the vast variety of gift choices that are ideal for a middle schooler, including kids’ sneakers, instruments and personal care kits. Here are five gift options to consider for a new middle schooler.

1. Tech Gadgets and Accessories

Having the right tech gadgets and accessories will help a middle schooler perform better in the classroom and find acceptance outside it.

Tablets and Laptops

Since tablets are highly portable, they make the perfect option for doing homework between other activities. They are also incredibly easy to use. Some of the best-paying jobs are in technology, and tablets are a great way to introduce middle schoolers to this field.

Headphones and Earbuds

You may not enjoy the same music your middle schoolers listen to, so encourage them to use headphones or earbuds when relaxing. These tools are also ideal for listening to videos and podcasts on topics they want to learn more about.

Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

Middle schoolers are always on the go, and getting them a smartwatch or fitness tracker can be a super way to encourage physical activity. When shopping for a smartwatch, choose a durable one. GPS tracking is a great feature because parents can connect it to their devices to keep tabs on their child’s location. You may want to select one with straightforward parental controls.

2. Educational Tools

You want to encourage middle schoolers to develop a lifelong love of learning, and getting them educational tools is a great way to do that.

E-Readers and Books

One gift worth considering is an e-reader preloaded with fantastic middle school books, as it will promote a love of reading. Authors like Gary Paulsen, Katherine Patterson and Madeleine L’Engle can be great for starters. Or take the child to your local library to see what they gravitate toward.

STEM Kits and Educational Games

STEM kits can be a great way to keep the middle schooler learning about science and math. This is the perfect age to introduce kids to building a robot or rocket. It can also be a great time to help them learn basic computer coding and prototyping.

3. Fashion and Apparel

Fitting in with their peers is ultra important for the middle schooler. Getting them the right clothes, footwear and accessories can help them gain acceptance quickly.

Trendy Backpacks

Students may be expected to carry everything they bring to school from one class to the next. Therefore, a great backpack is essential. Check the school’s codes to see if transparent backpacks are required. The option you choose should have wide, padded straps to help distribute the weight evenly. Consider options with reinforced stitching, sturdy zippers and plenty of pockets to help the middle schooler stay organized.

Clothing and Accessories

Sustainable fashion is big with tweens right now. Some want to use it to recreate popular Y2K styles, while others love animal prints. Tube dresses are a huge trend for middle school girls. Some kids are looking to upgrade their athleisure wardrobe, which can be a great way to encourage a child to keep moving.

Tweens will add statement accessories to every outfit in their wardrobe, including when wearing kids’ graphic tees, so consider gifting a great pair of stylish sunglasses or a statement necklace.

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Footwear

Classic sneakers like the Jordan 4 are hot right now, and they make a perfect gift for a middle schooler. Another popular trend is wearing sneakers with a little bit of silver on them. The demand for Nike Dunks still far outweighs the available number, so your tween will feel awesome showing off their pair.

4. Health and Wellness

You don’t want your middle schooler missing school because they are sick, and there are some awesome health and wellness gifts that tweens will love.

Reusable Water Bottles

Helping middle school students stay hydrated throughout their busy day is essential, so consider gifting them a reusable water bottle. Look for options that are easy to grab and BPA-free. One with double-wall insulation will help water stay cool throughout the day. At this age, individuals start to truly care deeply about the world around them, so choose an eco-friendly option.

Lunchboxes and Snack Containers

Encourage healthy eating by choosing fun and functional lunch gear. Start by looking for selections that are easy to carry by their handle or shoulder strap. Leak-proof containers in bright colors that open easily are a must. Options that are insulated help prevent food safety concerns. At this stage, tweens are done with choices that have cute graphics on them, so consider ones in more grown-up colors.

Personal Care Kits

The start of middle school is when many students start caring more about how they look. Therefore, a personal care kit can be a very thoughtful gift. Consider incorporating personal hygiene products, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and hand sanitizer. Think about putting the items in a bucket because this is also an age when many kids start going to summer camps. Having the items in a bucket or shower caddy makes them easy to carry when away from home.

5. Extracurricular and Hobby Supplies

Middle schoolers often start exploring all types of interests. By giving them extracurricular and hobby supplies, you can encourage them to try something new or get better at what they love.

Sports Equipment

Playing on school teams often starts in middle school. Therefore, encourage a child to try out for these teams by giving them great sports equipment. A pair of basketball shoes, look for high-quality baseball bags with wheels, a catching net, whatever your child is into.    

Basketball, softball, baseball, soccer and football are often favorite sports with middle schoolers. Being on a team helps middle schoolers build strong relationships, according to the National Federation of High School Sports. They also point out that sports strengthen mental acuity and help children learn to push past limits.

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Arts and Crafts Supplies

Middle schoolers often love to explore their creative side. Arts and crafts can also be a tremendous emotional release. A good drawing kit can be a great place to begin. Middle schoolers often love scrapbooking and making things with fancy paper. They may also enjoy your favorite craft, so consider spending a day together to share the experience.

Musical Instruments and Accessories

There are many benefits to learning to play a musical instrument. According to the National Library of Medicine, it can even can help stop depression. Music can stimulate the mind, making it easier for middle schoolers to think clearly. Strumming or blowing out a favorite tune can also help with stress reduction.

Help Make the Transition to Middle School Easier

While many people find buying gifts for middle schoolers problematic, you will not be one of them when you use the information in this article. The new middle schooler will be thankful that you thought of them.