When it comes to brainstorming gifts for 12-year-old girls, the struggle is real.
Their tastes change like the weather. Sometimes, they’re not even sure what they want. Those Vans Old Skool sneakers you’re sure they liked last week, they hate them today. You’re not alone, it happens to the best of us.
While they are not quite ready for young adult gifts, tweens are also outgrowing the little girl stuff. One thing is for sure: they’re into what’s cool or trending. It’s all about fitting in with their friends.
Whether they’re into art, tech, sports, or fashion, this list will help you find the chicest, most magical (think: unicorns) and teen or tween-approved gift ideas for the hard-to-please girl in your life.
Even the pickiest daughter, niece, cousin, or goddaughter out there is bound to fall in love with these gift ideas for a 12-year-old girl. You may even want to keep them for yourself.
We have gifts in every price range, gifts from under $10 to extravagante gifts, so you’re sure to find a gift to fit your budget.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Portable Movie Theater
This projector is only 3″ in size, but it displays a 12-foot image on the wall. Enjoy movie night with friends at your house. This cool mini theater by CINEMOOD allows you to access YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.
2. Burrito Blanket
Do you know what’s better than a blanket? An incredibly soft and skin-friendly burrito blanket!
Your tween girl can snuggle into this throw blanket while Netflixing and chilling on the sofa, use it while traveling, for camping or sleepovers.
3. Echo Dot
This 3rd-Generation Echo Dot is a big upgrade in both audio and design. It will let her get answers to kid-friendly questions, listen to music and stories, set alarms, check the weather, and make calls to her friends hands-free.
4. Powerbank Phone Charger
Power two smart devices at one time with this powerful portable charger. This compact device has ports that allow you to charge your cell phone and iPad, as a bonus it comes with a built-in flashlight.
5. Metal Marquee Letter
This might be the coolest gift idea for a 12-year old I have ever seen! The cordless lighted marquee letter is a unique metal wall or tabletop décor. Use it to spell out a message or add initials to your tween’s room décor.
6. Leather Backpack
You’ll never go wrong with leather. Let your girl carry her tablet, school supplies, makeups, keys, wallets and more in this stylish and bold bowknot leather backpack.
To allow her to store her items separately, the backpack is spacious and well partitioned.
7. Diary
Diaries never get old. You may not know it, but your daughter has a journal tucked between her pillows. Let her write about her day, draw stuff, make lists, and express herself.
Feeling like getting something extra? Pair this mom-daughter journal with a cute fruity-scented pen set, too.
8. Hoodie
Basically, everyone can appreciate a new comfy hoodie, so why not get her this long sleeve one in a pretty shade of her choice?
It will keep her warm and cozy in a cold environment, and give her that Ariana Grande vibe. The prints don’t fade.
9. Unicorn Gifts
What’s more magical to kids than unicorns? Nothing! No matter how fictional and mythical they be, unicorns are huge favorites of so many young girls.
If she’s a unicorn collector, this package is a great addition to her collection.
10. Funny T-Shirt
Plain white tee? No thanks. I can bet you’ll not get you an eye roll or an “eww, mom/dad, gross” reaction with this funny t-shirt. To provide exceptional comfort and durability, it uses a soft, stretchy, and breathable fabric.
11. Card Game
Surprise your soon-to-be teenager with this card game. It’s a great way to encourage her focus and imagination. She will enjoy playing this fun card game with her friends or classmates.
12. Book
If the preteen on your hands is a big reader, inspire her with a good book. Tweens are filled with disappointments, confusion, transition, anticipation.
This Amazon bestselling guide will help get them from where they are now to where they want to be in the future.
13. Journaling Set
Girls just want to have fun. This DIY journaling set will encourage your tween daughter to step away from the TV and do something constructive.
The 70-sheet spiral journal will let her document all her thoughts, expressions, and memories. Considering how cute the set is, it’s actually pretty affordable!
14. Cookbook
Long gone are the days when young girls could only receive dolls as presents. Show your daughter you appreciate her by gifting her with this complete cookbook for young chefs.
The cookbook features step-by-step photos of tips and techniques. Family cookouts will never be the same.
15. Athletic Pants
Who said athletic wear has to be boring? If you have a little Simone Biles in your household, these athletic pants are a must-have. (No shame if you want to snag a pair for yourself, too.)
16. Heart Necklace
She will be thrilled to receive one of these. This tiny gold initial heart necklace could serve as a gentle reminder of her connection to you.
When she’s feeling down, the necklace could remind her of how awesome she is and that she’s loved.
17. Pajamas
Bedtime is more fun when pajamas are this cute. Sleepovers are a rite of passage that every girl should experience during their preteen years.
This cartoon print tee and shorts pajama set are available in various colors.
18. How To Draw Cool Stuff
Do you want to be the favorite parent to your middle school girl? Surprise your princess with this cute drawing guide. Designed for simplicity, the step-by-step illustrations will make anything easy to draw.
19. Temporary Hair Chalk Color
You won’t have to worry about anything being permanent, as the hues come out with a simple wash of the hair. The hair chalk pens make great face paints too.
She will love this set of 10 temporary hair chalks. Each pen lasts for 80 applications!
20. STEM Game
Not all teenage girls love frilly things. Give your little scientist a good reason to stay indoors.
Playing her way through the challenges will develop her spatial reasoning and planning skills.
21. Rose Gold Earrings
Earrings complete any outfit, and your teenage girl needs a pair. These cute and dainty rose gold plated earrings will look great on your mini fashionista.
They’re not just adorable, they can be gifted on any occasion.
22. Jewelry Box
Does she own so many pieces of jewelry and accessories? This faux leather jewelry box organizer is a timeless and ever-popular choice for tween girls.
She can store all the shiny possessions she’s got in her bedroom in one place and lock up the box.
23. Bracelet
If you are looking for a Christmas treat, a holiday gift or a birthday surprise, you’ll score bonus points with this leather wrap bracelet. It’s a priceless gift idea that your little angel can add to her accessories collections. She can wear it as a standalone piece or layer on the bracelet for a contemporary look.
24. T-Shirt
Teems love T-shirts, especially if such t-shirts have a graphic representation of their emotions. This short sleeve crop top T-shirt is available in multiple color combinations and is perfect for summer.
25. Socks
Working on a low budget? Don’t worry. A pair of socks is an all-time gift favorite. They’re practical and useful to the receiver.
She’ll need ankle socks to complement casual and workout shoes alike.
26. Yoga Pants
We’re almost through with gifts for 12-year-old girls. They’re never too young to enjoy self-care. Make exercising something she can look forward to in these yoga pants.
27. Inspirational Bracelet
This personalized, high polished bracelet will remind your teen of the inspiration she needs. Since it’s made of stainless steel, it will never rust, fade or tarnish. The rounded edges avoid wrist scratches.
28. Art Set
Let your girl express her creativity with this 142-piece art set. It’s the perfect gift for the crafty preteen girl who loves to draw, doodle or paint.
To help her easily organize her supplies, the set comes in a deluxe wooden carrying case with a drawer.
29. Charm Necklace
To boost her spirit, why not gift her this custom-made sterling silver charm necklace? It will totally elevate any of her outfit choices.
30. Rocketbook Reusable Notebook
Don’t waste paper with this reusable notebook that allows you to erase each page with a damp cloth. Everything that you write is saved to the cloud.
31. Scrunchies
At their age, they like being fancy and these premium velvet hair Scrunchies will undeniably become an immediate fashion statement.
They are the perfect way to spice up a boring ponytail. The different colors can go with any kind of clothing and occasion.
32. Hoverboard With Bluetooth Speakers
This hoverboard comes with ultra-bright LED headlights for safety and Bluetooth speakers for fun. Kids will enjoy listening to their favorite toons as they glide along on this cool board.
Need more gift ideas? Check out this gift guide for teen boys.
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