Holiday Gift Ideas for Tweens

Buying gifts for kids should be relatively easy, right? Not when you've got a tween on your holiday shopping list! It's an awkward time of life. They're not quite little girls and boys nor are they freedom-craving, rebellious teenagers. To avoid rolling eyes and taunts of: "So not cool, Mom!" Show them you know what's hot with these gift ideas the hit the tween sweet spot:

SLIDESHOW: GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR TWEENS

1. Carbots
Toy cars and robots never seem to go out of style. That's why Desk Pet's Carbot, the iOS and Android controlled Micro-Robotic Toy Car is sure to be a perfect holiday gift. The world's first micro-robotic toy car has got plenty of personality. While in maze mode players can set up mazes for the CarBot to navigate with military precision, or switch to Battle mode which allows multiple players to battle via infrared sensors. And if kicking it freestyle is more of your child's thing, try the Drift 'n' Race mode and the CarBot will go crazy racing at full speed.

($29.99, Toys R Us, Best Buy and Brookstone)

2. Fuji Instax Mini 7S
Want to unwrap holiday fun instantly? Take your tween back to the future with a Fuji Instax Mini 7S. The photos are slightly smaller than a traditional Polaroid camera but it still satisfies the need for instant gratification. The easy to load camera comes with 20 exposures of Instax mini film and it has four camera settings for a budding photography enthusiast to play with. It's perfect for parties, road trips and chillaxing with the gang.

($99.99, Indigo and Shopper's Drugmart)

3. Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started
If your daughter is a fan of the Biebs, give her a copy of Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started (100% official). It's like a backstage pass to the life and times of the world's hottest pop star.

($23.99, Indigo)

4. One Direction Girl Talk Game
Who is One Direction's biggest fan? Play the One Direction Girl Talk Game and find out who will wear the crown (or win the faux backstage pass). The fun game consists of four player cards, 25 trivia cards, 25 dare cards, 10 action cards, 56 souvenir cards, and instructions. Fans say it's the best present so up your cool mom or dad status with this gift.

($21.95, Indigo)

5. Wicked Audio 3D Headphones Hero
This season a stylin' pair of headphones ranks high on the tween holiday wishlist. Wicked HERO's bold design, comfortable and adjustable headband evokes coolness. Plus its ability to battle annoying outside sound and enhanced bass are indicators of superior sound quality -- just make sure your kids don't use it as an excuse not to do their chores.

($24.99, Canadian Tire and Amazon.com)

6. MATRIX Biolage ExquisiteOilCollection
Is your daughter a budding beauty junkie? Then she'll want to have the MATRIX Biolage ExquisiteOilCollection. The Moringa Oil Blend replenishes and leaves a long-lasting natural radiance for all hair types. The collection includes a micro-oil shampoo, and oil crème conditioner and a replenishing treatment.

(Available at salons across Canada)

7. The Body Shop Holiday Special Editions
Let her indulge in sparkles, luxurious creams and fabulous scents this festive season with a custom package from the Body Shop. Mix and match from an assortment of holiday Lip Domes, Shimmer Lotions, and fragrances to create a beauty care kit (the folks at the Body Shop will gift wrap it up for you for free) that she'll cherish for a longtime.

(Starting at $6, at The Body Shop)

8. Sensationail
Gel nails are very popular among many busy women. Chances are your little woman-to-be likes this trend, too. If so, offer her a Sensationail at-home gel polish system (no UV exposure). Working with the kit is fast and easy and just like an in salon treatment nails will be shiny and chip-proof for up to two weeks.

($39.99, Shopper's Drugmart)

9. Layers by Scentsy
Girls just love sweet scents. That's why the Sugar Cookie line of body butter, body spray, shower gel and hand soap are a hit. Help her build her scent wardrobe with a warm, sweet blend of butter, sugar, and creamy vanilla. Mmm ... delish. Get a bundle pack and save between $1 to $21. Mmm ... savings!

10. Lazer Tag Single Blaster Pack
What ranks high on the tween must-have toy list? A Lazer Tag Single Blaster, of course. Weapons? Shields? Infrared beams? You bet. It's an augmented reality game with multiple weapons, modes and upgrades. In short, it's loads of fun. And at under $40, Lazer Tag is an affordable iOS-compatible toy for the holidays. However, it's shooter-heavy and not ideal for the aggression-adverse kid. Download the app for free on the iPhone 4, 4S or the latest version of the iPod Touch.

($32.86 at Walmart stores or walmart.ca)