Greetings from your resident gift guru! If there’s one thing I’ve learned about 12-year-old girls, it’s that they have varied interests ranging from artsy crafts to techie gadgets, and everything in between. They’re neither too young nor too grown-up, inhabiting that delightful in-between stage that blends creativity with emerging sophistication. Selecting the perfect present for them can seem daunting, but don’t worry! I’ve been in the same pickle more times than I can count.
Coming up with unique gift ideas is my specialty, and I’ve put together a list of 35 items that I guarantee will turn you into a gift-giving hero for that special 12-year-old girl. Whether she’s a science lover, an artist, or a fan of pop culture, I’ve got you covered! Remember, though, nobody’s perfect and not every gift will sit well with every kid.
However, I am confident you can use this list to strike a fine balance between what’s cool, what’s trending (in atypical tween fashion), and what prompts her to say, “Wow, this is so me!” Disclaimer: Though some gifts may seem ‘too mature,’ we’re targeting rising teens after all, and there will be fails alongside wins. But isn’t that the fun of gifting anyway? So without any further suspense, let’s dive right in!
1. **Snap Circuits Jr.**
As an introduction to the world of circuitry and electronics, this kit makes learning fun. If she’s into STEM subjects, she might end up playing with it all day, ignoring her social media feed. The downside? The rest of her toys might gather dust.
2. **Klutz Nail Style Studio Book Kit**
An amazing present for the fashionista or the amateur manicurist, this kit will teach her to create unique nail designs. Just prepare for your own nails to be her new canvas.
3. **Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle Cooperative Game**
For the Potterhead, this strategy game brings the magic straight to her living room. Be warned, though, you’ll need to know your Alohomora from Avada Kedavra to keep up.
4. **Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet**
The world’s at her fingertips with this tablet that features educational apps and games. Downside: Don’t be surprised if she develops an addiction to tech-reviews on YouTube.
5. **Spirograph Deluxe Design Set**
A classic creative toy that never gets old. Just be ready for her to transform your walls into a mini art exhibit.
6. **Alex Toys Super Cooking Set**
Great for the budding Julia Child, this realistic cooking set encourages creativity in the kitchen, but heaven help you if she sets her heart on a 5-course dinner every night!
7. **Ravensburger GraviTrax – Interactive Track System**
For the physics-inclined, this marble run teaches velocity and gravity. Hopefully, she doesn’t start testing gravity by dropping your dishes from the second floor.
8. **Karaoke Bluetooth Microphone**
A fantastic tool for the pop diva, she’ll love belting her favourite tunes. Simply invest in some earplugs if she’s still honing her voice!
9. **Emoji Gumball Machine**
A fun, quirky gift that serves rainbow-colored gumballs at a twist. But brace yourself for the sugar highs that are to follow.
10. **Osmo Genius Starter Kit**
This interactive tool brings her iPad to life with educational games and activities. The downside? It might be tricky getting her to disconnect from screen time.
11. **Lego Dots Bracelet Mega Pack**
Let her creativity flow with this DIY jewelry kit. The downfall? Tiny Lego pieces covering every inch of your living room.
12. **Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad**
Ideal for the young artist, this tracing pad illuminates drawings. Just remember to restock on sketch pads frequently.
13. **Echo Dot Kids – with Parental Controls**
Meet her new best friend. Features kid-friendly content and strong parental controls. The only con is you might end up talking to Alexa more than your kid.
14. **Singing Machine Karaoke System**
For the American Idol hopeful, this karaoke machine could be her first step to stardom. Cons? You may have to bear with some screechy note practices.
15. **BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone**
Conveniently small, portable, and rainbow-colored. It’s cool for the aspiring singer, but be ready to endure countless bathroom concerts.
16. **Pop Beads Jewelry Making Kit**
A fun craft gift to make her own bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Expect your doorknobs to turn into jewelry displays.
17. **Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk**
Perfect for the girl who loves roleplaying. Just make sure your camera’s always ready to capture her flower or feather coronation.
18. **3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen**
Creating 3D designs with this pen could be really awesome for her. However, finding weird geometric shapes all over your house? Not so much.
19. **LEGO Minecraft The Panda Nursery**
It’s Lego + Minecraft. What could go wrong? Just watch your step. Lego pieces hurt!
20. **Just Dance 2021 for Nintendo Switch**
This fun dance game will have her moving and grooving. Yes, she will guarantee you can dance too. Don’t hurt yourself trying.
21. **Fashion Angels Sketch Portfolio**
For the budding fashion designer, it includes sketch sheets and sticker accessories. Just don’t let her turn your closet into her runway show.
22. **Sphero BOLT: App-Enabled Robotic Ball**
Tech meets play in this coding toy, perfect for the future app developer. Prepare for her trying to code your toaster to make coffee, though.
23. **RAVPower Portable Charger**
Her very first power bank. An absolute essential for a young woman on the go, but her selfies might quadruple.
24. **OLEBR Charging Stand**
A multi-device charging station for all her gadgets. Foreseeably, she might call dibs on every outlet in the house.
25. **Acer Chromebook Spin 11 Convertible Laptop**
First laptop? Check. Can convert into a tablet? Double-check. Beware though, she might start talking in code.
26. **FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 Camera**
A fun, compact instant camera. Just make space on your fridge for her artistic shots of your dog, cat, or that random tree in your backyard.
27. **Exploding Kittens Card Game**
A family-friendly, fun-filled strategic card game. You may start receiving kitten gifts at every occasion.
28. **My Cinema Lightbox**
A retro-inspired mini marquee to light up her space. Don’t fret if she starts communicating solely through notes on it.
29. **Spontuneous – The Song Game**
A board game for those with a song for every word. Prepare for the constant humming of tunes around the house.
30. **Nintendo Switch Lite**
Takes her gaming on the go! Just ensure that her gaming time doesn’t replace homework time.
31. **GoPro HERO7 White**
Her first action camera! Just don’t get dizzy with her documentation of every skateboarding trick or rollerblading adventure.
32. **Roller Derby Girl’s FireStar Roller Skates**
These flashy skates scream style and speed. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow protectors sold separately, though.
33. **Beats Solo3 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones**
Great for listening to her favorite music… and ignoring your requests to clean her room.
34. **Shashibo Shape Shifting Box**
Part puzzle, part work of art, 100% cool. Just try not to get addicted yourself.
35. **Ourlife Kids Waterproof Camera**
For the aspiring vlogger, this waterproof camera will jumpstart her career. Cue the endless hours of editing videos, starring you!
Whatever her interests may be, this list will help you navigate towards the perfect gift. Bottom line? Know your kiddo, take a wild guess, add some love, and that’s your ticket to gifting success! Happy shopping!