Valentine’s Day is not just about cupids and couples — it can also be an opportunity for parents to let their kids know they’re loved. Receiving an unexpected basket or special treat is a sweet way for parents, caregivers and relatives to connect with kids.And when it comes to gift buying, I know from personal experience, the tween age is a tricky one. Between the ages of 9 and 12, they’re well out of the Daniel Tiger age but not quite teens yet, either. It’s a unique time for growth and development, and one where they are trying new things, testing their boundaries and becoming increasingly aware of their own identities. Buying gifts for tweens usually stumps most parents, but don’t worry, we’re not going to break hearts with this list — we’re here to help you mend them. Below are 13 unique gift ideas for the tween or tweens in your life. AmazonAn analog STEM gift for less than $10One thing we learned from reporting our tween gift guide over the holidays is that Gen Alpha is into vintage right now. And this Amazon find merges analog tech with STEM learning, guiding your tween in building their very own functional radio. And it's only $8. This DIY wooden radio kit teaches your kid how a radio actually works. Once constructed, your tween will learn about the circuits and electronics that go into a simple radio technology. And yes, it will really play FM stations – but you'll need to add in two AA batteries, which aren't included. Promising review: "Wonderful radio to build! These products always are complete and very interesting and fun. I bought it for my 11 year old grandson who loves putting things together. I am keeping at our house for when he comes in the summer. A great project for Grandfather and grandson! Very durable, wood, great price, small enough to take in one’s suitcase home & directions very complete." — Sue S.Uplifting prints from an Etsy artistsoulhugclub, soulhugclubArt prints from The Soulhug Club brighten up rooms with feel-good statements designed into high art. The prints are infused with positivity, pops of neon, adorable animals, or simple uplifting words in large fonts in eye-catching and vivid colors. Each one is designed and illustrated by the shop’s owner. The prices on the prints vary depending on size, but if you're purchasing a downloadable print, then the cost ranges between $3 to $9. Physical prints sold and shipped start at $23. It's a great way to help your tween freshen up their walls with an affirming message. Whole FoodsA mini-bouquet for only $10 because even tweens like flowersEvery year since I can remember my dad has sent me flowers on Valentine's Day. The flowers would show up on my desk at elementary school, at the college dorm I barely stayed in, and to the home I now have with my own family. To this day it’s one of the reasons why the holiday matters so much to me. I actually think, aside from Halloween, Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday because of the kind gesture from my dad. And flowers are such a simple, but beautiful gift, something that I want to make sure my two boys — one 9-year-old tween and one 6-year-old — also experience. Because everyone likes and deserves to have flowers. You can search for a local florist that delivers, but Whole Foods also has moderately priced mini bouquets that are beautiful and only $10 right now. AmazonEncourage their developing style without sacrificing your own hair productsIt's official: If your tween doesn't have their own products, they will be stealing yours. So, best to get them their own stuff so they can fluff and tease their hair into the style they want. And it's important for parents to remember the style your tween is trying out has everything to do with their growing sense of independence and that's tied to their confidence. So let them express themselves — no matter how many A Flock of Seagulls memes their hair might conjure up — with these two gels that are non-toxic and safe for them. For tweens that want a bit of hold for shorter cuts, the Rocky Mountain hair paste with medium hold is a top rated Amazon pick. It's made with kids in mind, and specially formulated with nourishing ingredients that wash out easily. It's only $17 and four ounces, so hopefully it'll last the month of February. For the tween with more curl, try this Shea Moisture styling gel that's just for kids. It's infused with coconut and hibiscus scents and also specifically designed for kids. It's meant to control and nourish curl, add shine, shape styles and ban frizz. TargetThe throwback cards that tweens actually want for Valentine's DayPokémon cards have become such a hot commodity that prices for these late 90s collectibles have seen a huge spike — they've even become a target of theft across the globe. If you make the mistake of asking any neighbor kid about these cards, fully expect to be held captive while they list off rare and hard to find Pokémon cards, how to spot fakes, something about a polarizing WWE fighter and his attachment to a holy-grail Pikachu Illustrator card. In short, if you throw in a pack or two into a Valentine's gift basket, your tween will not only be delighted, they'll talk to you for hours. Target has an assortment to choose from online, and the TeraStar cards are particularly hot right now.AmazonA vast bracelet-making kit for kidsThis bracelet making kit is a bestseller on Amazon and has over 17,000 reviews. The arts and crafts jewelry making kit comes with 198 pieces that can make up to 50 bracelets. The beads in the kit come in a variety of designs, from flowers, rainbows, letters, cute little animal beads and charms. It all comes in a portable case for bracelet-making parties or crafting on the go. Promising review: "Perfect gift for a 10-year-old. the spectrum of colors, easy to use . Already a dozen bracelets are ready to be handed out to friends and family. keeping them occupied during the holidays” – AbeUncommon GoodsA global chocolate assortmentGo a little further than the average box of chocolates and get your tween an assortment of treats from around the globe. Uncommon Goods sources products from all over the world, and this assortment of chocolatey goodies from is a truly adventurous chocolately experience for your tween. No passport or bags required, they can nosh on "Choco-Coconut Corn Puffs" from South Korea, hazelnut milk chocolate from Italy, milk chocolate eclair from United Kingdom and more candies from around the world. It's a great way to not only get them to try new things (delicious things), but also to whip out a globe and daydream with your kid about a new possible trip. The gift comes with eight kinds of chocolate.Uncommon GoodsA light-sensitive interactive T-shirtThis adorable light-up tee from Uncommon Goods comes in sizes 3-14. The lumen-sensitive ink panel responds to any targeted light source, so you can use the included rechargeable light wand to create temporary and wearable art. The designs fade after a few minutes, making a blank canvas to draw anew. It's made with 100% cotton and is machine washable, but best to air dry to keep the heart panel lasting as long as possible. Promising review: "Fun, Cute. This product was as advertised! Fit well, arrived on time, and the tshirt was a hit with my stepdaughter! She loved wearing it to school and having her friends 'sign' her shirt." — Katie O. TargetA fresh new water bottle that's unlikely to end up in the lost and foundIt's not just the clothes, the hair, the nails that start to matter more and more to tweens — even the water bottles they take to school have meaning. For a tween, having a water bottle that is functional can sometimes be just as important as how it looks. And Owala makes a fantastic stainless steel water bottle that's a favorite among tweens and parents because of its easy-clean components and durable carrying loop. And if you go for this one in pretty pastel colors it might be less likely to end up in lost and found. At $30, the bottles are slightly pricier than more basic options, but still eons cheaper than splurging on a Yeti or Stanley. Promising review: "Owala is my daughter’s go-to water bottle for school. It’s incredibly easy and comfortable for kids to drink from, which keeps her actually hydrated throughout the day. The bottle is durable enough to handle everyday school use and backpacks, and it keeps her water cold until the end of the day. Practical, well-designed, and kid-friendly — we wouldn’t choose anything else." — Target reviewerUncommon GoodsA DIY lip balm kitTweens today are savvy when it comes to makeup and beauty products. They've got points at Sephora or Ulta, have multi-step cleansing routines, and know the importance of storing products in temperature controlled spaces. So you might as well embrace their love of beauty products – and maybe a burgeoning interest in STEM? – with this DIY lip balm kit full of all-natural, organic ingredients. The set was actually created by dad and former soapmaker Michael Wiesel, who was concerned that the DIY projects his daughters were experimenting with were mostly chemical-based and contained ingredients he didn't necessarily want on their skin. Wiesel prioritized ingredients like seaweed powder, shea butter, essential oils and other safe products. The box set makes eight tubes of lip balm. Promising review: "The lip balm itself is a really nice texture and very moisturizing. I really liked that the ingredients are all high quality and all natural, I always pay attention to the chemicals in my products so I'm happy to have a greener lip balm option now. 5 stars!" — PatriciaWalmartA popular digital camera that can also print photosThis instant print camera for kids comes with a 32-gig storage card and photo paper for instant printing. Kids will find different zoom adjustments and easy point-to-shoot features. It also comes with stickers and colorful pens to that allow your tween to make doodles on printed photos. The camera is available in several colors, in case pink isn't what your tween wants, you can also snag it in purple, blue, green, or black. Promising review: "Perfect gift for 9year old girl!!!!! She loved it! Didn’t put it down for days. The color was really cute also. The pics of course were just paper but she was very creative and also made some videos! It was so easy to use ! A great first camera !!" — Amazon CustomerLEGOA customizable Lego buildLego continues to be popular not just among kids, tweens and teens, but adults too. The Danish company has been helping young builders with creativity, focus, and imagination since 1932. And other than the obvious developmental advantages of building Legos, it also keeps them focused on something that isn't YouTube right now. This set contains 363 pieces that make up a 3-in-1 design. You can build the set with them while they ask you what the 1900s were like, and other fun things tweens like to say to their parents right now. TargetSome affordable wireless headphones so that they can listen to what they wantOne of the best gifts I've given my tween this year (and maybe myself) is a pair of wireless headphones so they can listen to all of their favorite songs without being told to "change it" or "turn it down." These Bluetooth headphones from JLab are equipped with cushioned ear cups and are water-resistant. The headphones are available in teal and pink, offer up to 50 hours of wireless play, and have a cool feature that can connect to two devices via wireless share, so your tween can share favorite songs with nearby friends. Promising review: "It's wonderful! It fits and feels great, and it's very convenient. It charges quickly. Bluetooth is easy enough for the kids (ages 4-9) to control themselves, and they like using the cord as well." — Nat