• You don't have to spend a lot to find a good gift.mode, teenager image by Alta.C from Fotolia.com
  
  Tweens or pre-teens are tough to shop for: They may not want the toys and games of childhood, but their tastes haven't matured either. When you can't afford to spend much, finding the right gift for this difficult age can seem impossible. Begin shopping early and consider gifts that begin at or under $15---and, if you can afford to spend more, make that decision.
  
  

Blank Journal

• Tweens of either gender begin to want private space, and the gift of a journal allows them to write down their private thoughts, questions, songs, poems and stories. You can find journals to fit any budget at bookstores and stationery stores. Prices for these items on Amazon.com average $7 to $15, so they won't break the bank.
  
  

Novelty Alarm Clock

• Both the Good Housekeeping website and Gifts.com recommend novelty alarm clocks for tweens. This allows kids to set their own alarm for early morning sports practices or to wake up for school and teaches them about responsibility. Gifts.com lists cute alarm clocks for $15, but you can certainly spend more.
  
  

Book

• Good Housekeeping recommends the "Daring Book for Girls" by Andrea J. Buchanan (or the "Dangerous Book for Boys" by Conn Iggulden) for adventurous tweens. In August 2010, these books ranged from $0.69 to $18 on Amazon.com, with plenty of new and used copies available. The "Daring Book for Girls" covers tricks like cartwheels and blowing bubbles, practical advice on boys, note-folding strategies for covert communication and other topics; the boys' guide offers lessons in knot-tying, invisible ink and talking to girls.
  
  

Sports Equipment

• Tweens of either gender who play sports have an appreciation for new gear. Whether it's new athletic shorts, tube socks or sports bras, or a light-up frisbee, inflatable football or a replica of a favorite pro team member's game T-shirt, this is a safe bet for athletic kids. Target.com lists several tween sports gifts for under $15, making something sports-related affordable for tight budgets.