Shopping for an almost-teenager can be super confusing. Do you go with a gift that lets her know you recognize she’s growing up? Or do you give her something that appeals to the side of her that’s still very much a child?

12-year-old girls still love to play, but they’re not into stuff that could be construed as too babyish. It might seem like a fine line, but don’t worry; it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. Selecting some amazing jewelry, exciting outdoor gear, or hands-on art and science kits are sure wins.

Books with more complicated topics and storylines are also real contenders for this age group. Just think about what she’s into, consider your budget, and scroll through our list of top gifts for 12-year-old girls. Before you know it, you’ll be wrapping up the ultimate present and putting a big smile on her face.

Related: Top 50 Best Toys & Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys


The Best Gifts This Year For 12 Year Old Girls

Mega Trampoline

Mega Trampoline

Mega Trampoline

Here’s a gift that will have her jumping for joy, literally. This trampoline features a durable surround that ensures she stays safe as she flips, bounces, and more on 8 feet of jump area. If she’s a gymnast or cheerleader, this gift can also be the perfect way for her to practice and improve on her skills. But no matter what, it’s a great way to get kids exercising and building their stamina. Check out more of our favorite trampolines here.

One-Step Tie-Dye Kit

One-Step Tie-Dye Kit

One-Step Tie-Dye Kit

Have her get some friends together for a fun, creative party session with this one-step tie-dye kit. It’s a great addition to a sleepover, afternoon get-together, or even hanging out at home. It has everything she needs to get started on 12 different projects, all she needs to add is water. The kit includes three pairs of plastic gloves, 30 rubber bands, and 8 bottles of colorful non-toxic dye. It’s best used with 100% cotton, rayon, or silk fabrics.

Faux Fur Blanket

Faux Fur Blanket

Faux Fur Blanket

She’s almost a teenager, and creating her own stylish space is super important. She needs a place that feels uniquely hers and can become her retreat. Giving her fun decor items to help make her room her own is a great gift idea. This cozy faux fur blanket is extra plush and posh, wrapping her in snuggly warmth. It’s 70 inches by 78 inches, but you can opt for a smaller or larger size, too. It’s also double-sided, so the comfort keeps on coming.

Shower Steamers

Shower Steamers

Shower Steamers

These steamers add a spa-like vibe to the shower, creating soothing scents that help her relax. They’re a fun gift that can seem a bit more grown-up to young girls. The set includes 6 shower bombs infused with essential oils for a pleasant and soothing experience. This variety pack includes watermelon, lavender, menthol and eucalyptus, peppermint, vanilla and sweet orange, and grapefruit. Just toss them into the corner of the shower and let the water do the rest. The set also includes a free e-book that discusses aromatherapy and its benefits.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

She can easily listen to her favorite tunes anywhere with this portable Bluetooth speaker. It connects to any of her Bluetooth devices, and the touch controls make it easy to use. Whether she wants to set up a dance party in the living room or take the tunes to a friend’s house, this small speaker does the job. It delivers high-quality sound at an impressive volume, and it’s available in an assortment of colors.

Calligraphy Pens Set

Calligraphy Pens Set

Calligraphy Pens Set

Writing turns into an absolute art form when using calligraphy. It gives such a sophisticated, beautiful look to messages, whether sending someone a card or creating an inspiring art piece. These pens are also great for creating drawings. This calligraphy set includes 8 pens with various sizes of tips. The sizes are 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and extra-fine, fine, medium, large and soft brush. They feature high-quality, non-toxic ink that’s water-based; perfect for practicing.

Kalimba Thumb Piano

Kalimba Thumb Piano

Kalimba Thumb Piano

What if you could give her a piano that she could simply carry around with her and play anywhere? Well, the Kalimba Thumb Piano comes close, allowing girls to develop their musical abilities anytime and any place. It’s handcrafted with high-quality materials and an ergonomic curved design. It’s easy to learn, and kids can start playing their first song in just five minutes. It includes a tuning hammer, instruction book, cleaning cloth, and storage bag.

Related: The 8 Best Pianos & Keyboards For Kids

Sephora Gift Card

Sephora Gift Card

Sephora Gift Card

By 12, many girls are becoming more interested in wearing make-up when they go out. And parents might be a bit more willing to let girls this age wear some simple options like blush and lip gloss. A Sephora gift card lets her select her own colors, a cute make-up bag, or some fun make-up brushes. You can select from pre-set amounts or enter in any amount you wish. Get her a physical card at the store or simply send one via email with Amazon.

iBeautiful Birthday Box

iBeautiful Birthday Box

iBeautiful Birthday Box

Make her birthday extra-memorable with a surprise box full of all sorts of goodies. The iBeautiful Birthday Box features a varied assortment of beauty products geared toward pre-teen and teen girls. She’ll receive 7 unique products, like a scented face mask, pore strips, stylish jewelry, and more. The box features inspirational and empowering messages to help boost her confidence, and you can include a hand-written birthday wish. She’ll love discovering each and every item as she unboxes this beauty bonanza.

Galaxy Projector

Galaxy Projector

Galaxy Projector

Another great way to help her turn her room into one of the coolest on the block is this sweet LED galaxy projector. Not only does it add some extra light at night, but it turns her room into a stunning space display. The projector splashes colorful lights and images onto the walls and ceiling, sure to make her friends ooh and aah. It’s also a great way to add some mood lighting to a party. The button controls make it easy to use, enabling girls to adjust the brightness, effects, and motion.

LEGO Architecture San Francisco

LEGO Architecture San Francisco

LEGO Architecture San Francisco

If she’s into building, LEGO doesn’t disappoint, with tons of build options for growing kids. The easy build kits of her childhood make way for more intense structures. The Architecture Skyline Collection series features famous landmarks from around the globe. This 565-piece set showcases the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, an Alcatraz model, and other popular elements of the San Francisco skyline. Besides being fun and engaging, LEGOs also offer an incredible exercise in engineering, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Stress-Relieving Coloring Book

Stress-Relieving Coloring Book

Stress-Relieving Coloring Book

Kids always can’t wait to become adults, but 12-year-olds are learning that growing up doesn’t always come easy. Middle school, boys, friend drama, and more all lead to some stressed-out feelings. Giving young girls ways to relax and relieve stress can be a beneficial gift that keeps on giving. Using a coloring book with detailed drawings also can help girls channel their creative side as they unwind. This book is specifically geared toward young girls and teens, with creative pics that encourage mindfulness and relaxation.

Kindle

Kindle

Kindle

If she loves to read, books are always a great choice. But, if she can zoom through books before you can say “bookworm,” consider giving her an e-reader. The Amazon Kindle puts thousands of books at her fingertips, so she can go from one to the next without wasting a second. It has 8GB of storage, allows girls to highlight their favorite passages, bookmark their place, and more. Plus, the screen is made to mimic real paper, with a glare-free display that stays comfortable on the eyes.

Chromatography Kit

Chromatography Kit

Chromatography Kit

Science, chemistry, and similar areas don’t always appeal to kids, but they just need to see things differently. STEAM Kits that mix science and art create some fantastic experiments and displays that can’t help but capture kids’ attention. This chromatography kit teaches kids about the science of color using paper strips. It includes a 32-page lab book, real equipment like beakers, safety goggles, and pipettes, and more. It also has 10 sheets of chromatography paper, which can make 240 strips — more than enough for lots of experiments.

Mini Waffle Maker And Griddle

Mini Waffle Maker And Griddle

Mini Waffle Maker And Griddle

Budding chefs will love a chance to start whipping up some quick-and-easy breakfast in the morning. This mini waffle maker and griddle make things a breeze. But, this 2-pack does a lot more than breakfast foods. She can also serve up some paninis, biscuit pizzas, grilled cheese, and more. They’re great for fixing single-serve portions, and they come in different fun colors. Who knows? You might even end up with some breakfast in bed now and then.

Wet Hair Detangling Brush

Wet Hair Detangling Brush

Wet Hair Detangling Brush

Ask anyone with long hair and they’ll tell you that it can be a real pain trying to brush out wet hair. Spare her hair (and her) the discomfort with a wet brush, specifically made to detangle as it combs through wet hair. This brush from Crave Naturals works well on wet and dry hair, gliding through with ease. The cone-shaped bristles separate hair to the sides, unraveling as it works its way through. It’s also great on multiple hair types, whether curly, straight, frizzy, or even wigs and extensions.

Archery Set

Archery Set

Archery Set

Whether she has a specific interest in archery or just wants to have some fun, an archery set has lots of benefits. It can help her develop accuracy skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus. But it’s also a great way to encourage movement, outdoor play, and staying active. The bow has flashing lights, so she can keep the game going after dark. And no matter what a 12-year-old might tell you, they’re still into pretending. So, she can dream up all sorts of imaginative scenarios as she picks up that bow and arrow.

Nail Design Studio

Nail Design Studio

Nail Design Studio

Glamour girls will love this nail design studio from Klutz that lets them add some extra bling and flair to their manicure. It has easy-to-follow instructions so girls can create 25 gorgeous nail designs. Choose from 6 colors of polish, a two-sided dot tool, and over 250 stick-on stencils. The polish is perfect for practicing, featuring an easy peel-off design, so she can perfect her look. The instruction book also features helpful tips for how to overcome common challenges and customize designs.

Flying Orb

Flying Orb

Flying Orb

Cool gadgets are pleasers for this age group, and this flying orb doesn’t disappoint. Girls can control this mini drone with their hand movements, watching it take off, spin, hover, and more. The lightweight design and heavy-duty ABS plastic construction helps it withstand multiple crashes, so no worries if she doesn’t have her pilot’s license. Plus, since they can control the orb’s movement with gestures, it’s also a great way for kids to improve hand-eye coordination.

The Giver Quarter Boxed Series

The Giver Quarter Boxed Series

The Giver Quarter Boxed Series

Now that she’s older, she can handle some more intense plots in her books. If she’s a big reader, then it’s especially important to let her read a wide variety of books. Doing so ensures she maintains her love for reading, setting her up for a lifetime love of learning too. The Giver Quartet series by Lois Lowry includes “The Giver,” “Gathering Blue,” “Messenger,” and “Son.” It takes girls into a futuristic world that makes them think and imagine.

Sports Water Bottle

Sports Water Bottle

Sports Water Bottle

Every active girl on the go needs to stay hydrated, but sometimes they can be so busy they lose track. A stylish water bottle means she can take her H2O on the go with her, snagging a snip anytime she needs it. This bottle is 32 ounces and made of vacuum insulated stainless steel. Its leak proof design means she won’t have to work about making a mess. Plus, three different lids give her options, including a straw, flip lid, and stainless steel lid.

Crochet Crafts

Crochet Crafts

Crochet Crafts

Arts and crafts kits help girls flex their creative muscles and tap into their imaginations. They also are great for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and reasoning. Girls can work out different patterns and colors as they make a variety of crochet creations with this kit. It contains two crochet hooks, seven colors of yarn, and a plastic needle. There’s also an easy-to-follow 14-page instruction guide to help her get started.

Digital Action Camera

Digital Action Camera

Digital Action Camera

She can snag the perfect shots without slowing down when she uses this waterproof digital action camera. It easily fits onto bikes, helmets, and more, allowing her to snap photos as she bike, runs, skateboards, or anything else she’s into. She can even use it underwater. It comes with a neck strap and a carrying case, features a 2-inch color screen, and also has fun games and filter effects. There’s also a built-in rechargeable battery that is long lasting.

Stylish Skateboard

Stylish Skateboard

Stylish Skateboard

A funky skateboard can be the perfect way for her to express herself. She can show off her style as she glides through the neighborhood or tests out her skills at the skatepark. This board is 27.7 inches by 7.75 inches, making it the perfect size for kids, and showcases a fun ice cream design. It’s a great board for start-out skaters to learn, featuring a durable hard maple deck with grip tape for extra traction. High-quality polyurethane wheels make the ride super smooth and help keep her balanced.

Scientific Microscope

Scientific Microscope

Scientific Microscope

Every aspiring scientist needs a good microscope to help with their experiments. This genuine microscope showcases powerful magnification and a monocular viewing head with LED illumination. There’s also a built-in color filter wheel and a forward-facing turret that delivers magnifications from 120x to 1200x. The scope comes with an impressive 52-piece accessory kit in a convenient carrying case. Girls will get things like blank glass slides, prepared slides with various specimens, tweezers, a scalpel, petri dish, and more.

Inspirational Necklace

Inspirational Necklace

Inspirational Necklace

Remind her how special and important she is with this inspiring necklace. When she wears it, she’ll always have the words close to her heart, so she never forgets what she means to you. It’s inscribed with the encouraging message, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” It offers an encouraging message that many pre-teens can certainly use in a time when they’re going through so many changes and uncertainties.

Anne of Green Gables Complete Boxed Set

Anne of Green Gables Complete Boxed Set

Anne of Green Gables Complete Boxed Set

This is the cherished story of a young girl with quite the imagination who starts a new life with her foster parents. It is an enduring classic that remains a favorite of middle-school girls. Giving a 12-year-old books is a great way to promote a lifelong love for reading. Plus, reading is an excellent way to work out feelings as they relate to different characters. This complete boxed set features 8 paperbacks by L.M. Montgomery, including “Anne of the Island,” and “Anne of Avonlea.”

Sleep Mask Set

Sleep Mask Set

Sleep Mask Set

This sleep mask set makes a fun and functional gift for 12-year-old girls. They can keep them all for themselves, or share with friends at a sleepover. If she has trouble staying asleep when the sun starts to come up, these masks are also useful. It includes colorful creatures like a unicorn, bunny, and kitty cat. The elastic rope is adjustable so they can find the perfect fit, and the soft material keeps things super comfy.

Trendy Leggings

Trendy Leggings

Trendy Leggings

Fashion starts taking a higher priority as girls get older, especially when they’re heading into their teen years. This three-pack of patterned leggings are a comfy poly and spandex blend that gives her multiple options to show off her unique style. They have hearts, numbers, or funky math equations. But, if she’s not into math, check out the other patterns. You can choose from things like candy, cats and dogs, flowers, polka dots, dinosaurs, outer space, and many more.

Brain Teaser Game

Brain Teaser Game

Brain Teaser Game

She can test her wits and challenge herself as she plays this interactive game that makes her focus and think. The BrainBolt game tests her memory, challenging her to remember the light sequence, ala the classic game of Simon. As she improves her skills, she can switch to two-player mode to see how she does against her bestie. It works on 3 AAA batteries, and is easy to take on the go.

Ninja Slackline Kit

Ninja Slackline Kit

Ninja Slackline Kit

Girls are warriors, and they need opportunities to show just how strong and confident they are. The Ninja Slackline kit lets her create the ultimate obstacle course and skill test. She can swing, climb, and show off her physical abilities while building endurance and strength. The 36-foot intro kit comes with 7 obstacles, including nylon ropes, monkey bar holds, gymnastic rings, and more. All she needs are a couple of healthy trees or two strong posts to hang the slackline, and she can start channeling her inner warrior.

LEGO Make A Movie Kit

LEGO Make A Movie Kit

LEGO Make A Movie Kit

Whether she just enjoys watching movies, or she wants to make them, this LEGO kit is lots of fun. She can use the collaborative kit to create an assortment of stop-motion animation films with her own LEGO creations. The 80-page book helps get things started, and she can create more advanced movies as she improves her skills. It’s great for beginners or kids that have been exploring the world of stop-animation for a while.

Soap Bath Bombs Kit

Soap Bath Bombs Kit

Soap Bath Bombs Kit

Spa gifts are a plus for this age group, always sure to bring some smiles. But, why not toss some education into the mix before she tosses those bath bombs into the tub. This science and beauty kit enables her to make her own spa supplies, teaching her valuable chemistry lessons in the process. It includes a 3-in-1 experience, enabling girls to create 10 soaps, 10 bath bombs, and even fizzy bath salts and salt scrubs.

Fitness Tracker

Fitness Tracker

Fitness Tracker

Having her own fitness tracker can help her set and pursue health goals and motivate her to be active. She can set goals for herself or try to challenge her friends. The Garmin tracker can keep tabs on her steps, distance, help her set timers and alarms, and even assign tasks. Parents can even link the watch to their phone to see how things are going. It works on a battery, which lasts for one-year, so there’s no need to recharge.

Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel

Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel

Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel

The name might not sound too pleasant, but to 12-year-old girls, they’ll think it’s the best. This face and body glitter adds some extra sparkle to her look. It’s a great addition to costumes, fun party looks, or as a finishing touch to some fun face painting. The set includes three pots of colorful glitter gel, made with no harmful chemicals. It’s also easy to remove when the glitter fun is done.

String Art Kit

String Art Kit

String Art Kit

Who wouldn’t like to create this cute owl sculpture? String art is a unique way to make crafty creations that can become the perfect addition to her bedroom decor. Or she can give it as a gift, making her present personal and thoughtful. This colorful creature comes to life with the included foam base, 170 pins, and 60 yards of string. Plus, there are two extra designs, including a starburst and the word “Yay.”

Challenging Jigsaw Puzzle

Challenging Jigsaw Puzzle

Challenging Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle lovers will always accept a challenge. And a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle is certainly one that will keep her working hard. Puzzles are a great way to work on problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking skills. If she’s a Harry Potter fan, then she’ll be even more enamored with this puzzle. It features tons of the characters from the classic series, coming together in what’s sure to be the ultimate challenge.

Cozy Hoodie

Cozy Hoodie

Cozy Hoodie

She’ll love to snuggle up in this comfy and colorful hoodie. It’s made with polyester and spandex, giving it a soft and stretchy feel. The front kangaroo pockets keep her hands warm, and the loose-fitting, lightweight design keeps things casual. It’s perfect for throwing on quickly when she needs to step outside or just if she gets chilly indoors. You can choose from several colors and patterns, making it easy to find the one that suits her style the best.

Haunted House Escape Game

Haunted House Escape Game

Haunted House Escape Game

Does she like to be scared? Maybe she enjoys mystery novels or scary stories? If so, then this board game is a must. Betrayal at House on the Hill features an assortment of spooky storylines and an eerie look that will have her zoned in and focused. It requires girls to build their own haunted mansion, then attempt to escape before it’s too late. It’s designed for 3 to 6 players and encourages kids to work together to figure out solutions.

Artist Sketch Set

Artist Sketch Set

Artist Sketch Set

Young artists need a proper set of supplies so they can pursue their artistic endeavors and improve their talents. This sketch set is a great way for her to refine her drawing abilities and practice as much as possible. It has 12 graphite pencils, a sketching pencil, 3 charcoal sticks, and other various tools to help her practice her techniques. Everything comes in a light, see-through case so she can easily take her supplies on the go and draw whenever inspiration strikes.

Self Balancing Electric Hoverboard

Self Balancing Electric Hoverboard

Self Balancing Electric Hoverboard

Hoverboards deliver an incredible test of core strength, balance, and concentration. The amazing thing is how many 12-year-olds can make using one look so effortless. This self-balancing hoverboard features a smooth ride and can incline up to 15 degrees. It goes up to 7 mph and can last for over 12 miles. LED lights keep things safe and visible, and the controls are easy to learn, so even beginners can feel like pros in no time.

Candy Theme Socks

Candy Theme Socks

Candy Theme Socks

These cute socks look good enough to eat, or at the very least make you want some tasty treats. The 6-pack features classic candy favorites like Tootsie Rolls, Blow Pops, Charms, Dots, Sugar Daddies, and Tootsie Pops. You can machine wash them in cold water, and they’re sock size 9-11, fitting shoe size big kid 4M to women’s 10M. Wrap them up with some of the real deal so kids can satisfy their sweet tooth (in moderation, of course).

Personal Journal

Personal Journal

Personal Journal

Expressing emotions and feelings is essential to an overall well-adjusted and healthy young lady. If she’s apprehensive about talking about her feelings, a journal can help her open up and let things out on paper. It might be just what she needs to help express her thoughts. It can also be a good bridge to talking to someone about any issues she’s having. This journal has a pretty starry night design and she can lock it with her own combination code.

Mountain Bike

Mountain Bike

Mountain Bike

She can enjoy quite the bike adventure with her friends when she’s riding on this Mongoose Maxim Mountain Bike. It has a 24-inch aluminum frame, 21-speed drivetrain, and sweet lavender look. The gears shift easily, and dual suspension and knobby wheels make it easy for her to take it on any terrain. It can even climb hills easily, as she pedals and builds up endurance and leg strength. Plus, it features exceptional braking power and a lightweight design. It’s a great size for kids 4’8 to 5’6.

Karaoke Machine

Karaoke Machine

Karaoke Machine

She’ll love this gift, whether she’s a dedicated shower singer or she loves to belt out her best for family and friends. This karaoke machine will have her singing her favorite tunes in style. It’s got Bluetooth connectivity, 57 LED disco lights for added fun and pizazz, and can play CD+Gs and CDs. It comes with a USB cable for easy hook-ups to record and play her favorite performances, and a microphone.

Japanese Candy Box Subscription

Japanese Candy Box Subscription

Japanese Candy Box Subscription

Does she have a die-hard sweet tooth or get the munchies? Give her a different way to satisfy it with this unique subscription box from Bokksu. It features a collection of Japanese candy and snacks, like mochi, cakes, chips, and more. Each snack is made in Japan and presents unique themes of Japanese culture, teaching her as she explores with her taste buds. Each month she’ll get a new box with an all-new assortment of treats to try, along with a guide that discusses the origin of each item.

Squishmallow Burrito

Squishmallow Burrito

Squishmallow Burrito

The Squishmallow craze is a favorite of kids of all ages, and 12-year-old girls are no exception. Edita the Burrito loves to travel, and she can’t wait to see where she’ll go next. Girls will love this quirky and fun 12-inch squishy burrito, which is super soft and plush. It’s a fun addition to their room, and also the perfect thing to squeeze when they need a little stress relief.

Women In NASA LEGOs

Women In NASA LEGOs

Women In NASA LEGOs

There’s nothing like successful, confident women to help inspire her to be her very best. This LEGO collection highlights female pioneers and powerhouses in NASA. Girls can learn about Nancy Grace Roman, Sally Ride, Margaret Hamilton, and Mae Jemison through 3 unique builds. The included instruction book also features information about the four figures so girls can learn more about who they are and their accomplishments.

Disney Villainous Strategy Game

Disney Villainous Strategy Game

Disney Villainous Strategy Game

The Disney Villainous series of games features everyone’s favorite baddies, like Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar, Ursula, and more. It’s a compelling game of strategy, requiring kids to think logically, creatively, and quickly. Girls can play the game as-is, or they can combine it with other games from the Villainous line. It’s a great addition to game night or a sleepover, and it’s also an especially great choice for Disney fans. Practice your best villain laugh and let the game begin.

Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch makes a great gift itself, and a fun game to go with it is a must. Animal Crossing is one of the most popular games for the Switch. It features a strategy-style game that allows kids to build their own community on a deserted island. Girls can play with up to four people on one system, or 8 people online or via local wireless. It’s a great way to build cooperation and communication skills when playing in a multiplayer format.

Toy & Gift Ideas For 12 Year Old Girls [Buyer’s Guide]

By 12, most girls would probably tell you they’re practically adults. But what they really are, are just shy of becoming teenagers. To kids, it might seem like the same thing, but you know better.

 

While 12-year-old girls might try adamantly to assert their growing independence, they still hold onto a child inside. Gifts that satisfy their need to be recognized as more mature beings are vital. But equally important are presents that let them play, create, and have fun.

 

Items that help girls develop physical and cognitive abilities are excellent for this age. Plus, gifts that help girls express themselves and become more emotionally and socially aware are also critical.

 

Our top 50 list includes an assortment of gifts that appeal to her inner child and budding young woman. On the fence about what direction to take your gift idea? Check out these categories to get some ideas for the best types of presents and toys for 12-year-old girls.

Gifts That Encourage Self-Expression

12-year-old girls have to deal with a lot, from physical changes to friendship battles and lots of other drama. Encouraging her to express herself and understand her feelings and emotions is vital for this age. It can make all the difference in how she handles challenges that come her way.

 

Whether it’s an art kit that allows her to express herself creatively, something musical, or a diary. Any of these gifts provide an outlet for self-expression. Also, unique fashion items, accessories, and room decor are ways for her to show off her individuality.

 

If she’s into make-up, a gift card to a store like Sephora is a fun choice. She’ll love getting to shop for herself, and it ensures she gets exactly what she wants.

Outdoor Gear, Sports Equipment, And Active Gifts

12-year-old girls are becoming more and more body-conscious, thanks to social media and their peers. But, it’s important to stress that staying active and fit should be about being healthy, not skinny.

 

Help her find joy in staying active and healthy with engaging outdoor equipment like an archery set or the Ninja Slackline. These items not only test her endurance, focus, and skills but also can open up the door for some still-important imaginative play.

 

A mountain bike is a great way for her to go on some more intense adventures with her friends. Or, if it’s more her speed, a trendy skateboard can be just the ticket. To help her stay focused, a fitness tracker is a great way for her to challenge herself.

STEM-Based Gifts And Kits

When girls have opportunities to challenge themselves in different ways, this leads to overall healthy development. It’s important that she can develop cognitive skills along with her physical and emotional traits.

 

A working microscope with all the bells and whistles is just right for an aspiring scientist. If she’s into movies, the LEGO Movie-Maker Kit is a great way to explore art, engineering, and more. Or, a LEGO kit that helps inspire, like the Women in NASA series, can encourage her to pursue her interests.

 

If she doesn’t really get into the whole science and math scene, help make it more fun. Spa kits that allow her to make her own bath bombs are excellent chemistry lessons. Even cooking and baking activities lead to fantastic experiments in math and science.

Inspiring, Confidence-Building Gifts

Give her an added boost of confidence with an inspiring necklace or something that helps her improve her abilities. If she’s into cooking, why not get her a mini griddle to test out her skills?

 

Completing a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle can definitely deliver a feeling of accomplishment. And, a karaoke machine can help her let loose and show off her singing style.

Books and Games

Board games that encourage interacting with friends and family are lots of fun at this age. By 12, kids can play many games that adults can play, making it a whole lot cooler. Games also typically require things like problem-solving, strategic thinking, and logical reasoning.

 

She can also start to get more into books with more serious plot lines. Books can be a way of helping her figure out things in her own life. They can also provide a much-needed escape from the stress of middle-school drama.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

How much should I spend on a gift for a 12-year-old?

There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to price because there are lots of variables. For example, certain occasions might warrant a larger gift than others. Also, you might get something a bit more expensive for your daughter than you would for one of her friends.

Of course, your budget is a big determining factor. Although you might want to impress with an expensive gift, it’s not worth going into debt over. You can find great gifts for 12-year-old girls for between $25 and $30.

Is my 12-year-old ready for a phone?

12 seems to be a popular age for kids to receive their first phone, but is your daughter ready? It really all depends on your situation and your daughter’s maturity level. Many 12-year-olds can handle the responsibilities that come along with owning a phone.

However, it’s imperative that you have a discussion with her about it and set down clear rules and expectations. Also, make sure parental controls are in place. On the flip side, is your daughter not the responsible type or still immature for her age? If so, a phone might be a no-go right now.

If you’re on the fence, consider an in-between option. A phone like the WeGo from Sprint is specifically designed for kids, featuring GPS tracking and parental controls. It also has limited capabilities for texting, etc.

It’s a good compromise if you want her to have a phone because she’s spending more time out with friends. Plus, you can see how she handles the responsibility. She might prove herself, and within a year, you can go ahead and get her the real deal.

Conclusion: The Best Toys And Gifts For A 12 Year Old Girl

Stick with a gift from our list, matched up with her interests, and you can’t go wrong. If she’s into art, she’ll love any one of our hands-on craft kits. Or, if she’s an avid bookworm, she’ll get giddy over a boxed book set of her favorite series.

 

If you’re looking for something on a bigger budget, the Mongoose mountain bike is sure to please. And aspiring gymnasts, athletes, and acrobats will literally flip over an ultimate trampoline.

 

No matter what, consider her individual likes, hobbies, and personality. She’ll also likely tell you what she wants and doesn’t want. When you put all of this together, along with our list, you’re sure to find the best gift.

Dan Wiener
Hey there! I'm Dan, the founder behind Kids Love WHAT. I started this blog as a way to document all of the things that my 4 kids love: crafting, science experiments, good food, fun games and of course lots of toys! When I'm not busy chasing them all around, you can find me scouring the web to find the next best thing to keep them busy and out of my hair!