Spatially selective surface crosslinking of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles can be realized by virtue of CuAAC click chemistry. SAP particles first undergo surface alkynylation under heating. A tailored DMSO/water medium limits reagent diffusion, allowing room-temperature CuAAC ligation between particle-tethered alkynes and diazido DAPO. Stable 1,2,3-triazole linkages form a densely crosslinked outer shell, while the particle interior maintains lightly crosslinked networks to balance SAP swelling capacity and hydrogel mechanical strength.