If you are struggling to figure out what gifts would be right for the girl in your life, it can be quite stressful. Which gifts are good quality items that will make her smile? Do you stick to her beloved childhood favorites, or buy a teen-friendly and trendy gift?
Well, we’ve taken the guesswork out and put together a list of the best gifts for 12-year-old girls. There is something for every girl on this list and we’ve broken down the pros and cons for you.
| The Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Crayola Inspiration Pink Portable Art Studio | A huge case of markers, crayons, paper, and more! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Wamgra Bluetooth Speaker Night Light | Adjustable brightness and colorful lights that connects via bluetooth. | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera | Tangible photos that you can print anywhere. Includes a selfie mirror! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| LED Light Shop Photo Clip String Lights | These high-quality lights are the perfect addition to her room. | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Mad Libs Sleepover Party | 21 pages of good, clean fun that will induce lots of laughter! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab | 8 Varieties of Slime and Putty | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
The Best Toys and Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls
Crayola Inspiration Pink Portable Art Studio
![Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Pink (140ct), Art Set For Kids, Kids Drawing Kit, Art Supplies, Gift for Girls & Boys [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510u0cA6m-L._SL500_.jpg)
Bored? Not with this huge kit around. If your girl is an artist, she definitely needs an art set that she can count on when inspiration strikes. Whether she prefers crayons or colored pencils, this Crayola Inspiration Art Studio has her covered. Inside she will find markers, crayons, colored pencils, and paper, all contained within a colorful carrying case. If she can dream it, this kit can bring it to life.
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Art sets have been around for many decades and provide girls with all the tools they need to be creative and imaginative. The carrying case allows it to be taken anywhere without the need for batteries or power cords. It is ready to go when she is. If you have a budding artist, she is sure to love this large set of colors that she can use to create whatever she can imagine. It can also go wherever she goes, on long drives, waiting in a doctor’s office, or when dining out, she will stay occupied and busy.
Things You Will Love
- Lots of Choices
- Briefcase-Type Carrying Case
- Enables Girls to Be Creative
- Everything Has a Place
- No Power Cords or Batteries
Considerations
- Case is Not Very Durable
Overall
If the girl in your life can’t stop drawing or coloring everything in sight, this best gift for 12-year-old girls will give her all the tools she needs. For those boring times when there is nothing to do, this will keep her imagination flowing and her hands busy. By inspiring creativity, girls build confidence and believe in themselves more. So give her the gift of confidence with this art kit.
Wamgra Bluetooth Speaker Night Light
Waking up on time can be difficult, but not with the Wamgra Bluetooth Speaker Night Light. This little thing is packed with features and will combine a variety of useful options. It can be used as a soft night light, a brighter night light, a Bluetooth speaker, an alarm clock, and it also can play via USB. It also has a built-in mic so your girl can talk on the phone while relaxing or doing homework in her bedroom.
With 48 soothing LED lights, she can set it to any color she wants or allow it to cycle through changing colors. The top is touch controlled and brightness is adjustable to a comfortable level. It has a USB cord and also can be run on batteries. The alarm is very loud to wake even the soundest sleepers. It is great for sleepovers, camping trips, and any nighttime activity.
Things You Will Love
- Loud Alarm
- Adjustable Brightness
- Colored Lights
- Accepts USB Devices
- Bluetooth Capable
Considerations
- Can’t Charge a Phone
- No Volume Setting for Alarm
Overall
This is a great combination of an alarm clock, night light, and Bluetooth speaker. The lighting function has many options, but the alarm volume doesn’t. However, your girl can use it to talk on the phone hands-free and also can accept a USB to play her favorite music. She is sure to love the bright colors and touch-controlled adjusting. Also, this best gift is very helpful for deep sleepers who have a hard time waking up in the morning.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
With all the new technology, everyone takes a ton of pictures but rarely do the pictures ever make it to a printed photo. TheFujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera prints pictures as soon as they are taken. Girls can watch the picture develop right before their eyes in just minutes.
This is perfect for parties, camp, scrapbooking, or just to take fun selfies with friends that you can send them home with. There is no accidental deleting, erasing or losing memory cards, or losing pictures to cyberspace. The best gift for any occasion that will surely bring a smile to her face every time she uses it. It will also last for a long time. It comes in five vibrant colors, ice blue, flamingo pink, cobalt blue, lime green, and smoky white. It also contains a selfie mirror.
Though the film can get expensive, this fun camera gift can be a great catalyst for teaching girls awareness of what things cost and how to not be wasteful.
Things You Will Love
- Selfie Mirror
- Tangible Photos Print To Take Anywhere
- Five Vibrant Color Options
- Encourages Creativity
Considerations
- Needs 2 AA Batteries
- Film Is Expensive
- Film Packs Only Contain 10 Photos
Overall
Giving a girl control allows her imagination to take flight. With this camera, she can take photos of anything that catches her eye and have a physical photo to put up, give away, put in a memory book, or simply to collect and put upon her walls. While you will spend a lot buying film, this is a gift that will last for many years and is always in style.
LED Fairy String Lights with Photo Clips
She’s going to need somewhere to put all those printed pictures. Enter the LED Fairy String Lights with Photo Clips. It’s a functional and cute room decoration!
These LED string lights are 17 feet long so you can drape them across a wall or string them on a bulletin board or frame. They are made from a thicker copper wire than most other fairy lights, so they aren’t as finicky or tangly.
The lights come with 50 clear clothespin-style clips. This allows her to space and hang her photos however she wants!
These durable lights are indoor and outdoor rated (so they can go in a playhouse or treehouse!). They need 3 AA batteries, which aren’t included.
Things You Will Love
- Thick Copper Wire
- Long-Lasting LEDs
- Solid Light Chips
- 100% Lifetime Guarantee
Considerations
- Needs 3 AA Batteries
- Might Need 2 Packs to Decorate Whole Wall
- Clips Break Easily
Overall
Fairy lights are all the rage for girl’s rooms, and these lights, combined with some personal photos, make the perfect statement wall. We love the quality and safety of these string lights, and you will too!
Sleepover Party Mad Libs
If your girl loves making up silly stories, she will love filling in the blanks of this fun book to create zany, crazy stories. This is the perfect gift for sleepovers, giving girls an engaging, non-tech way to create. This Sleepover Mad Libs book will have everyone giggling from the very first story. This can be used alone or in a group. Fill in blanks for verb, adverbs, nouns, adjectives and more to make interesting stories. The more creative the words, the more fun the story.
Keep her engaged and interested with the 21 pages of Mad Libs in this book. Perhaps your girl will be inspired to make up some Mad Libs of her own. Without knowing it, she will be practicing reading skills and also using her own creativity. All you need for the fun is a pen or pencil and a bank of words in your head to start the fun.
Things You Will Love
- Good, Clean Fun
- Encourages Girls to Be Creative
- Helps Reinforce School Skills
- A Different Story Every Time
- Keeps Girls Thinking
Considerations
- Only 21 Pages
Overall
This book is great for sleepovers or group events but can also be used alone. Reading the story after filling in the blanks will cause explosive laughter and silliness. Girls will work hard to choose the funniest, most creative words to increase the fun and versatility of the story. With this book by their side, you will keep them busy for hours, although they’ll likely want to read every one of them to you as well. So get ready for some stories after giving this gift!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab
Slime is all the rage with kids and this NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab will provide girls with hours of slime making fun. She can make glow-in-the-dark slime, color-changing slime, magnetic putty, and so much more! Girls will love watching the chemical reactions as they create all the different slime types. Making slime is also calming and educational, as well.
The kit includes multiple tins of already made slime. Everything she needs to play without making a massive mess in your kitchen or at the dining room table. This is a great way for her to discover many different types of slime and determine which types she likes most.
Things You Will Love
- Makes Over Ten Types of Slime
- Quality Ingredients
- Everything You Need to Get Started
- Three Slime Making Cups
Considerations
- Only Makes Small Amounts of Slime
- No Refill Kits Available
Overall
While this slime kit has everything you need to make a bunch of different slime types, it will run out eventually. This is great for the slime-loving girl in your life and will keep her occupied for hours at a time, without having to purchase additional ingredients.
This best gift for 12-year-old girls is perfect for use alone, or for up to three children simultaneously. The best part is she can start mixing as soon as she gets it because the kit includes everything she needs. Perfect for sending her to grandma’s house to teach her how to make slime too. If you want your gift to be the talk of the occasion, this is the one!
National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything
If your girl loves learning the “Why” behind things in her life, this book will provide her with tons of random facts and useful information. National Geographic Kids Why? will entertain and engage her brain with hundreds of topics from silly to serious.
Has she ever wondered what the inside of a turtle’s shell looks like or why Earth doesn’t float off into space, this book will give her the answers. With additional top ten lists, weird-but-true facts, and awesome activities, she will love reading this book.
Things You Will Love
- Educational Facts
- Encourages Reading and Discovery
- Over 1,000 True Facts
- Full-Color Photos
Considerations
- Some Questions May Make People Uncomfortable
Overall
This book will fill a girl’s head with fun facts and great information. With 192 pages, it will occupy her for a long time and will spur additional questions and curiosity about a variety of topics. Kids are full of questions and this gift will answer many of them so you don’t have to.
Luwint LED Colorful Flashing Gloves
These Luwint LED Colorful Flashing Gloves are great for nighttime fun. Perfect for indoor or outdoor activities, your girl will have warm hands and glowing fingers for hours. These are great for playing tag in the dark, concerts, festivals, or vacations. With seven colors and six different light options, your little girl can choose the pattern she loves the best.
The batteries are replaceable so the gloves can last a long time, through one or more seasons of use. These gloves are made of a soft cotton material that keeps warmth inside the gloves. Give her the power to light up the night like she lights up your life with this fun 12-year-old girl toy.
Things You Will Love
- Replaceable Batteries
- Made of Cotton
- Variety of Color and Light Modes
- Control Located Inside Gloves
Considerations
- Can’t Be Washed
- Maybe Too Large
Overall
Having lights at the tips of her fingers, literally, will make any nighttime activity more fun. From vacations to festivals, she is sure to get compliments on her unique gloves that light up the night. This comes with extra batteries, which will likely be necessary fairly soon as she will probably use them quite often. Let her touch the night and light it up with these fun gloves.
Original Stationery Hair Chalks Set
Girls get bored easily and this will give her endless ways to change up her look. The Original Stationery Hair Chalks Set stays put until you wash it out. Whether she wants to be crazy, colorful, or just show off her unique style, this chalk will give her plenty of options. Whatever the occasion, there is a color to match. For a no-commitment option that won’t permanently damage hair, this is the gift for her. There is no limit to her imagination when she has this set. The set comes with 10 colors: 5 primary colors and 5 metallic colors.
Let her personality shine with this chalk that allows her to customize her look anytime. Whether for school or a special event she can stand out with any color she can imagine.
Things You Will Love
- Includes 10 Colors
- Allows Imaginations to Soar
- Stays on Until Washed Out
- Great for Group Activities like Parties, Sleepovers, Sporting Events
- Can Be Applied as Face Paint
- Washes out Easily
Considerations
- May Dry Hair Out
- Not Great on Dark Hair
Overall
This hair chalk is a perfect gift for those special occasions like school spirit days, sporting events, parties, or just for fun. Give her the tools to change her look anytime she wants. Girls will love being able to showcase their personalities without commitment. The chalk is applied like lipstick and sticks to the hair well. Colors will not show up as well on darker hair but will still bring a bit of color and fun to any occasion.
Nancy Drew Starter Set (Four Book Series)
This classic series has been a favorite of girls for decades. Along with the re-released originals, this Nancy Drew Starter Set includes a limited edition copy of The Secret of the Old Clock. he series Classics never really go out of style and now a whole new generation will be entertained with this fun mystery series.
If you read these books when you were young, introduce the girl in your life to the world of Nancy Drew. With an updated look, girls will discover a heroine who is not afraid to dig in her heels to uncover the truth in each story. Inspire and encourage girls with stories that feature a strong female character that has impacted girls for over seven generations.
Things You Will Love
- Hip, Redesigned Look
- Non-Tech
- Strong Female Role Model
- Popular for Decades
Considerations
- Not All Girls Enjoy Mystery Stories
Overall
More and more, girls need strong female characters to reveal what is possible. Nancy Drew has done this seamlessly for over 70 years and has inspired some of the great women of our time. Feed her curiosity and problem-solving skills by challenging her with this well-written series. This best gift is a timeless set of stories with plenty of material to keep her busy and engaged. These books will become a treasured set for all ages.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run
The ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run is a fun and colorful STEM toy that also incorporates logic and a marble fun that your 12-year-old girl will love.
Various challenges, from beginner to expert, allow your child to have fun trying to problem-solve with these colorful and pretty blocks. Also included are a game grid, 9 towers, 1 target piece, and 3 marbles.
Things You Will Love
- Great for concentration
- Can play with others
- Challenges from beginner to expert
- Pretty and colorful blocks
Considerations
- Small pieces if you have younger ones in the home
Overall
With a marble run, your child can spend lots of time setting up new challenges and creations. This will keep her busy for a long time while working on her STEM and logic skills.
This Is Me: A Girl’s Journal
Girls who are learning to be themselves will benefit from this sweet journal. This Is Me: A Girl’s Journal helps girls discover who they are and what they like by asking a variety of probing questions to aid in self-examination.
This best gift is geared specifically toward preteen girls and will help them gain self-confidence and understanding of themselves. The book uses questions, quotes, advice, and encouraging ideas to help girls express their creativity and unlock their feelings, hopes, and dreams.
Things You Will Love
- Increases Self-Confidence
- Positive Messages
- Inspiring Quotes
- Allows Girls to Examine Their Values
Considerations
- Has Topics Relating to Puberty Which May be Too Advanced for Some Girls
Overall
You’ll love to gift a book that’s filled with positive messages that helps a girl feel good about herself and understand herself, as well. Traveling through the teen years can be a challenge for even the most self-assured girls and this book will help her understand and be ready as the challenges of growing up come her way.
Five-Second Rule Card Game
For a family-friendly game that will have you rolling, this Five-Second Rule Card Game will have everyone yelling, “Just Spit it Out!” The game is played by trying to name three things in a category within five seconds. Sounds easy, right? Watch your girl laugh as family and friends become tongue-tied trying to beat the buzzer.
It comes with 576 questions and a “zooper” marble timer that counts down your time. Girls can play this with friends or as a family game night for a fast-paced, quick game. Perfect to get her brain turning and thinking and keep her on her toes. Let her see if she can out-think her family and friends to prove whose mind is the sharpest.
Things You Will Love
- Tons of Cards for Endless Play
- Fun Zooper Timer
- Increases Thinking Skills
- Will Cause Laughter
Considerations
- Some Questions are Not Suitable for Younger Kids
Overall
For a quick game that will get brains turning, this game fits the bill. With 576 cards, the game can go as long or as fast as you want. Great for an ice-breaker, a quick transition activity, group events, family game night, or sleepovers. Girls will love trying to show their massive thinking skills by staying in the game the longest. Trying to come up with answers quickly will definitely result in silly answers that will make the whole party laugh until their stomachs hurt.
Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones
Cat ears are all the rage and these Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones are the perfect addition to any phone or electronic device. Girls can dance to their favorite music without worrying about cords or getting tangled. She can just put them on and rock out while looking adorable at the same time. The headphones also change color using the red/green/blue LED to allow her to sport any color she chooses.
If you want to add a little style and charm to your girl, this is a great choice. So whether she wants to retreat into her music for a while or share it with friends, these versatile headphones will fit the bill.
Things You Will Love
- Bluetooth Option
- Decent Sound Quality
- Lights Change Color
- Adorable Look
- Great Customer Service
Considerations
- Short Battery Life
Overall
Whether listening to music, games, or videos, this best gift for 12-year-old girls is an amazing choice. Besides the fact that they look adorable and have flashing lights, they are totally functional and reliable. Just have her keep her device nearby to avoid disconnecting and she’ll be ready to rock!
Activ Life 2 Pack Tire Lights
Being outside keeps her active and these lights let her stay out even after dark. The waterproof and brightly colored Activ Life 2 Pack Tire Lights increase safety when she is out riding her bike. Visibility is important in low-light situations and with these tire lights, she can customize her bike and be seen better at the same time.
This is a set of two sets of lights. With so many color options, you can purchase different colors to allow her to mix it up whenever the mood strikes. The durability of the product stands up to wind, rain, and dirt. This cool gift for 12-year-old girls comes with three AAA batteries, zip ties, and 22 bright LED lights. As she rides around the neighborhood, her bike will light up in her favorite colors, allowing her personality to shine through. There are seven color choices, so pick the one(s) you think best highlight her. The lights give 12 hours of continuous use and can stay solid or flash.
Things You Will Love
- Encourages Physical Activity
- Lights Withstand Wind, Dirt, and Rain
- Easy Installation-No Tools Needed
- Adds to Safety
- Lots of Color Choices
Considerations
- Takes AAA Batteries Which Need to be Replaced Often
Overall
Safety is a priority in kids, especially as they begin to venture out without as much adult supervision. These bike lights allow your girl to be seen from a distance, keeping cars aware of her location when she’s out riding her bike. With seven color options, you can buy the colors that she will love and install the lights in just a few minutes. She’ll be the coolest kid in the neighborhood with these bright LED lights to customize her ride.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
Women can do anything and this book highlights 50 of the most influential and inspiring women pioneers who impacted the world. With diverse careers, backgrounds, time periods, and cultures, Women in Science will introduce girls to influential women in scientific careers who impacted the world.
Girls will see themselves in these pioneering women and will be changed by their stories and accomplishments. Let your girl reach for the stars like these wonderful women. With colored pages and contemporary drawings, girls will be engrossed in every page as they read about each woman. In a world where the accomplishments of women are often underrated, this book shines a light for the world to see.
Things You Will Love
- Inspiring Stories of Women in Science
- Will Spark Girls’ Imaginations
- Empowering Stories
- Colorful Pictures
- Each Page is Dedicated to a Single Woman and Her Accomplishments
- Contemporary Drawings
Considerations
- Very Small Print
- Not Much Diversity
Overall
Let your girl be inspired by the stories of pioneering women who have paved the way for them. Though these are clips of the women’s lives, they will likely spark an interest in girls who may want to find out more. Knowing that women can be influential will remind them of their own power and self-worth. This is a great book for girls to read!
Galaxy Hoodie by Hanilav Kids
The HaniLav Pullover Hoodies Pink Galaxy hits on two trends in one go: the galaxy trend and the tie dye trend. Not to mention, it’s super comfy and a perfect layering piece.
This cute hoodie for preteen girls is made from a polyester/spandex blend for a light and stretchy hoodie that works for all seasons. It has the classic kangaroo pocket and strings for the hood. Do note that this hoodie is meant to fit normally, so if she likes the loose hoodie look, order a size up.
The printed pattern washes up well and doesn’t fade or peel. She’ll love the allover design and you’ll love the price!
Things You Will Love
- Several Galaxy and Other Patterns
- Vibrant Colors
- Thin and Stretchy Polyester/Spandex Blend
- Won’t Shrink In Wash
- Great Price
Considerations
- Too Thin for Winter Wear (unless layered over thick shirt)
- Runs Small – Order Up a Size for Looser Look
Overall
There’s not much to say about this cute galaxy hoodie! It fits right, looks right, and has the right price! You can’t go wrong!
Lenox Musical Ballerina Jewelry Box
Every girl needs a place to store her jewelry and special treasures. The Lenox Musical Ballerina Jewelry Box is a beautiful silver-plated box with little storage compartments. It also features a twirling ballerina that dances to the classic song, “Fur Elise”.
Tween girls are beginning to develop, or increase, their love of jewelry and will need a special place to keep it all tidy and organized. This vintage jewelry box has a soft pink velvet interior and a wind-up key in the back for the music. No batteries are required. Silver hearts and beaded trims adorn the outside of this feminine jewelry box.
Things You Will Love
- Fur Elise Plays
- No Batteries
- Silver-plated Details
- Ballerina Twirls
- Keeps Jewelry Organized
Considerations
- We Can’t Think of Anything!
Overall
This pretty box will keep her jewelry safe and organized so she is ready to dress up for any occasion. With the beautiful ballerina inside, lovely artwork on the outside, and classic Fur Elise song playing she will treasure this box for many years. The heavy construction will hold up as she uses it and it will make a great decoration on top of her desk or dresser.
Klutz Nail Art Craft Kit
Girls love painting their nails and the nails of everyone else. Trying to recreate the amazing nails in nail salons can be a difficult task. The Klutz Nail Art Craft Kit is the answer to her problem. This kit has everything she needs to start designing nails. With tons of classy and cute designs, broken down into simple steps, girls can create stunning nail designs the whole school will be envious of.
With six nail polish colors, 56 pages of instructions, over 35 designs, and a fine-tipped detail brush, she will feel like a pro from the very first day. The included polish is made for practice and she will soon need some more durable polish, but the starter stuff is great for peeling off if she makes a mistake or to change the design. The steps are featured in full-color pictures so girls can easily follow along.
Girls feel more confident and beautiful when their nails are done. If you have a girl who loves having her nails painted and enjoys being creative, she will love this gift that teaches her how to make the designs she loves.
Things You Will Love
- Full-Color Pictures With Instructions
- Kid-Friendly Nail Tools
- Six Fun Starter Colors
- 35+ Designs
Considerations
- Starter Polish Gets Clumpy in Bottle
- Starter Polish Dries in Bottle Quickly
Overall
Inspire your girl’s creativity with these step-by-step instructions on how to create gorgeous nail designs. This can be a huge money saver to keep girls out of an actual salon. Besides, she may get good enough to open her own in-house salon for her best family and friends, you included. If your girl likes dressing up and having painted nails, you can’t go wrong with this best gift for 12-year-old girls.
Carpool Karaoke – The Official Mic
We’re all obsessed with James Corden’s insanely fun (and funny) Carpool Karaoke. Let your 12-year-old be the star of her own segment with the Official Carpool Karaoke The Mic.
We are all for generic toys here at EM (same features and lower price? yes, please), but you can’t beat this original. It’s made by Singing Machine, a reliable karaoke company. That’s why this mic has things like high-fidelity dynamics, independent mic controls, and even echo control.
Charge up the battery for about 6 hours of singing. With Bluetooth, you can link up and listen to her favorite songs from any music app on her phone or yours.
But the best part is that it can work over the car stereo. Just match the FM channels on the stereo and the mic and bam! She’s singing through the speakers.
Things You Will Love
- 6-hour Battery Life
- Works Over Car Stereo
- Works With Major Music and Karaoke Apps
- Official Carpool Karaoke gear
- Included Aux Cord
- It’s the Social Media Phenomenon!
Considerations
- Requires Batteries
- Only One Singer at a Time
Overall
This will change car rides forever. No more skulking in the back seat for her! Just buy this – it’s a silly, fun gift that everyone in the car will love.
Disney Villainous Board Game
Every preteen has a moment where they realize that the Disney villains are all kind of cool in their own way. With the Disney Villainous Board Game, you can put a new, more mature spin on much-loved Disney classics.
The game is asymmetric, meaning it’s not played a certain way every time. You choose from 6 classic villains, including Maleficent, Jafar, Ursula, Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, and Prince John. Each villain has its own guide and you have to use strategies and skills to help the villain achieve their goal. Once you’ve hacked one villain, try playing as a different one.
This exciting and unique game was the TOTY 2019 Game of the Year award winner. It’s a lot of fun and is great for playing with teens, preteens, and adults.
If you aren’t a fan of these villains or simply want to add on to the original, you have to check out the Disney Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared Stand-Alone & Expansion Pack and Disney Villainous: Wicked to The Core Stand-Alone or Expansion Pack and Disney Villainous: Perfectly Wretched Stand-Alone or Expansion Pack. These incorporate more modern characters like Mother Gothel, Dr.Facilier, and Yzma.
Things You Will Love
- TOTY 2019 Game of the Year
- Teaches Strategy
- Great for Disney Lovers
- Expansion Packs Keep it Exciting
Considerations
- Focuses on Sinister Characters
Overall
Do any of us ever outgrow Disney? No, we don’t. It just gets more complex and cooler as we get older. Embrace the older side of Disney and have a blast with this award-winning board game. It’s a fun way to learn strategy and goal-setting and achieving.
Soothing Waters Bath Bomb Gift Set
Nothing feels as good as getting into a hot tub of water and releasing the aroma of a fizzy bath bomb. The Soothing Waters Bath Bomb Gift Set is great for an evening of relaxation after a long day of school, sports, or drama. Worries just seem to float away as a girl soaks in the bath. An elegant gift box houses six moisturizing, organic, vegan bath bombs. The Soothing Waters company uses no chemicals will irritate sensitive skin.
With these bath fizzies by her side, she can relax and moisturize her skin at the same time. Troubles just melt away as she soaks in the sweet smelling bath tub. For dry skin, these will gently moisturize, giving her silky smooth skin. Tweens want to feel grown up and these will definitely make her feel like she is getting the royal treatment. Add a few floating candles and a book and she has the perfect recipe for relaxation.
Things You Will Love
- Chemical Free
- Six Delightful Scents
- Moisturizes Skin
- Elegant Gift Box
Considerations
- Bombs May Crumble
Overall
Girls love being pampered and this set will make her feel like she is in the lap of luxury. Let her soak away her worries and concerns while moisturizing dry skin without chemicals. This luxury gift set looks and feels high quality and will tell her how grown up you think she is getting. With six bombs in the box, she can spend lots of time soaking and relaxing, like the princess she is.
American Girl Ultimate Crafting Set
If your girl is crafty, she is going to love this set! The American Girl Ultimate Crafting Set comes with enough supplies to make 1,000 pieces of jewelry. She can easily make bracelets and necklaces for her, her American Girl doll, and even for friends.
There is no shortage of supplies in this kit, with a variety of bead sizes and types, floss, twine, buttons, earring hooks, jump rings, and everything else to start creating right out of the box. It also has a design guide, plus supplies for greeting cards and stationery. Keeping kids creative, even as they get older, fuels the ability to solve problems, be innovative, and to explore new ideas and experiences.
Things You Will Love
- Beads Come in Jars to Keep Them Organized
- Fun Lasts for Hours
- Variety of Ways to Create
- Inspires Creativity
- Great Value
Considerations
- Lots of Pieces
- Not For Younger Siblings
Overall
This kit is great for crafty girls and will keep her occupied for hours at a time. Everything she needs is included in the kit, so she can create anywhere the inspiration strikes. The American Girl brand seeks to empower tween girls to become confident and stylish young women who can express themselves and be proud of who they are. This best gift certainly allows for plenty of opportunities for girls to be creative alone or with friends.
BESPIN Binoculars
If your girl loves looking at nature, she will love these binoculars. Whether she is bird-watching, hunting, or wants to see things farther away, the Bespin Binoculars will open up the world outside her fingertips.
Often animals run when they hear humans approach and binoculars help kids spot them before it’s too late. They also work well to peer down the street and see if her friends are outside playing so she can join them. They are durable and clear for girls that like going hunting for finding the hidden animals around.
Things You Will Love
- Encourages Girls to Explore Nature
- Durable
- Can Be Used With Glasses
- Clear View up to 100 feet away
- Includes a North American Bird Map
Considerations
- May Be too Small for Some Children
- Problems With Lenses Falling Off
Overall
Whether the young lady in your life loves bird-watching, hunting, looking at nature, or wants binoculars for a trip, these binoculars will do the trick and will hold up to many drops and bumps. They come with a North American Bird map for bird watching expeditions. This best toy for 12-year-old girls will get her outside and off electronics, at least for a while. The strap holds securely around her neck to avoid loss or damage.
Check out our reviews of the best binoculars for kids here.
C.C. BeanieTail Hat
Want a functional gift that’s not socks? Grab the C.C. BeanieTail Hat.
C.C. BeanieTail is the original, cool ponytail beanie. And since we know that this age can start to become about what’s cool and what’s not, buying the right brand is important. This patent-pending design is perfect for keeping her warm and keeping her messy bun or ponytail intact.
The 100% acrylic material is soft and cozy and washes up well. You can pick from a bunch of colors, but we love the bright mix or the metallic black (pictured).
Things You Will Love
- Soft Acrylic Fiber
- Many Colors to Choose From
- Super Trendy
- Stretches to Fit Most Head Sizes
Considerations
- Inconsistent Sizing Between Colors
- Sits Weird on Some Heads (hole for ponytail/bun is too low or too high)
Overall
Whether she’s skiing, getting on the bus to school, or just having a bad hair day, the C.C. BeanieTail is perfect. There’s a color to fit any style or mood, and you can get gloves or a scarf to match. Get the original ponytail beanie.
Klutz Sew Mini Treats
Looking for a gift that teaches creative skills in a fun way? This Klutz Sew Mini Treats is a fun gift for practicing sewing skills and making more than 18 mini food treats from bacon to a toaster pastry.
In this set, you will get 9 colors of felt, 2 embroidery needles, 32 yards of floss, 1 oz. of Polyester fill, 60 pre-cut felt eyes, and cheeks, plus 19 paper patterns. A 48-page instructional booklet walks your child through all the steps. These mini treats are so cute, your girl will love making her own little collection!
Things You Will Love
- Helps Build Sewing Skills
- More Than 18 Cute Mini Food Treats
- 48-Page Instructional Booklet
Considerations
- Sewing Needle is a Real Needle
Overall
If your girl loves crafting and making cute mini things, she will absolutely love this Klutz set! The kit does include two real embroidery needles, so keep that in mind!
LOVEHANDLE Phone Grip
By now, your daughter probably has a cell phone that they’re carrying around everywhere. With a LOVEHANDLE Phone Grip, your 12-year-old can hold their phone even easier (and hopefully prevent dropping. With over 20 designs to choose, you can pick a design that matches your child’s personality perfectly. Ultra-Strong 3M adhesive secures this phone grip to any phone well.
Things You Will Love
- 20+ Designs
- Ultra-Strong 3M Adhesive
- May Help Prevent Dropping
- Great Price
Considerations
- Fur is Not as Smooth as Photos
- Floppy Bodies
- Not Long-Lasting
Overall
These furballs transform into adorable, fluffy creatures when girls bathe them. Girls will adore these animals and their scruffy fur. Even if she isn’t into stuffed animals, these best toys for 12-year-old girls will surely entertain her for a while and let her stay a little girl for one more day. The fun is uncovering which pet she got and brushing its fur until it’s just as cute as can be. Then the pet is ready for display or free play. Any girl will love this sweet toy.
Feisty Pets Black Belt Bobby Plush Stuffed Panda
A sweet panda bear is perfect for your sweet girl. But just like her mood can change in a moment, this Feisty Pets Black Belt Bobby Plush Stuffed Panda can turn vicious with just a little squeeze of its head. The soft black and white fur will beg to be petted as often as she is able and the ferocious teddy face will startle unsuspecting family members.
If your girl has a strong sense of humor and likes to trick others, this little friend will be her steadfast companion. There will be lots of giggles and face squeezing going on for a long time to come. The plush body of this best toy for 12-year-old girls is perfect for cuddling.
Things You Will Love
- Great Gag Gift
- Sweet and Vicious Faces
- Soft multi-color fur
- No Batteries Required
Considerations
- May Scare Some Children
Overall
For any little prankster, she will love showing her new teddy bear off to anyone who wants to see. Then, BAM! suddenly the sweet panda is all anger and teeth. It is sure to bring joy into her life as she plays with this fun toy. It is a good reminder that we all have two different sides and give her permission to sometimes show her own true emotions. If it’s good for the bear, it’s good for her.
Tulip One-Step Two-Minute Tie-Dye Kit
Tie-dye is fun to wear, but it’s even more fun to make. The Tulip One-Step Two-Minute Tie-Dye Kit takes a long and arduous process, throws it in the microwave, and makes it fun.
Normal tie-dyeing will take several hours and needs soaking in soda ash, setting time, drying time, and it’s very messy. This is a simplified process that’s perfect for letting your 12-year-old do on her own.
Things You Will Love
- Easy to Use
- Includes Everything But the Shirt and Microwave!
- No Pre-Soaking Required
- 14 Colors
- Colors Wash Up Well (No Fade or Bleed)
Considerations
- Slight Fire Hazard
- Have to Follow Instructions Exactly to Get Good Results
Overall
This tie-dye kit works well for individual projects, but it also makes a fun and easy addition to a birthday party – everyone can make their own shirt to take home!
Tie-dye is a great way to make something she will actually want to keep.
Homerove 40 Piece Scrunchie Gift Set
If 40 scrunchies seem like a lot, it’s really not. 12-year-olds (and me, apparently) are always setting scrunchies down and forgetting about them. And you can’t forget about the scrunchies that get eaten by purses and backpacks every day. The Homerove 40 Piece Scrunchie Set will make sure that she’s good to go until her next birthday or Christmas.
The selection in this scrunchie set is perfect. There are 10 velvet scrunchies, 10 chiffon scrunchies, 10 satin scrunchies, and 10 floral chiffon scrunchies. That covers everything from volleyball practice to church to hanging out at home, as there is a scrunchie for every occasion. From brights to neutrals to pastels, it’s all here.
Things You Will Love
- Insanely Cheap
- 3 Different Textures: Chiffon, Velvet, and Satin
- Various Solid and Floral Colors
- Perfect Size for Ponytails or Wearing as Bracelets
Considerations
- Quality is… Meh
- Not Great for Thick Hair
Overall
These aren’t the nicest or thickest scrunchies on the planet, but the price absolutely can’t be beaten. This makes a perfect small or add-on gift for any occasion.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flasks are everywhere you look. From kids on the playground to your millennial co-worker, everyone is using them to stay hydrated. There’s a good reason these are so popular: they are durable and keep water cold while looking super cool.
This Hydro Flask is 18/8 stainless steel for a pure taste. There’s no BPA or other junk added in, so there’s no worry of plastic chemicals seeping into your little girl’s (ahem, I mean big girl’s) water. The TempShield technology keeps water nice and cold, protecting from the elements for nearly 24 hours. It can also be used to keep coffee or tea nice and hot for up to 6 hours.
Best of all, she can throw it in the dishwasher and clean it herself! Oh, and while there are many sizes available, we like the 24 oz size best for 12-year-old girls, as it fits easily into the side of a backpack or a drinkholder.
Things You Will Love
- Keeps Drinks Cold or Hot All Day Long
- Powder Coating Doesn’t Sweat or Peel
- Various Colors and Sizes Available
- Can Get Different Lids, like a Straw Lid or Sport Lid
Considerations
- Expensive for a Water Bottle
- Dings Up Pretty Easily
Overall
This can be so much more than a water bottle. Grab this Hydro Flask and some water bottle stickers and she can creatively express herself. Trust us, it’s a solid gift that she will be so happy to have! And really, don’t forget the stickers, they make the gift!
LEDAOU Mini Backpack Purse
Ah, the moment when every girl discovers that she needs a purse full of stuff everywhere she goes. Maybe it won’t happen until she’s a little older than 12, but she can still get the LEDAOU Mini Backpack Purse and be prepared.
At just 10.8 in by 10.6 in by 5.5 in, it’s just the right size to hold everything she needs, including a cell phone, tablet, chapstick, water bottle, and scrunchies. If she has a locker at school, she can throw in a few pens and pencils so that she doesn’t have to haul her big backpack around from class to class.
There are a grand total of 10 designs to choose from, including mermaid scales and a cool black and gold marble. The material is waterproof nylon with a polyester lining. It has a zippered front pocket, a side pocket, and a zippered main compartment with interior organization pockets. The straps are adjustable to fit all shapes and sizes.
Things You Will Love
- Adjustable and Durable
- Waterproof Nylon
- Promotes Organization and Responsibility
- Cute, Age-Appropriate Patterns
Considerations
- Too Small to Use for Normal School Stuff
Overall
This backpack will be your daughter’s go-to for going out. It’s a perfect place for all the things she deems important. This makes a great gift, and if you are feeling generous, you could use this as the gift bag and stuff it with some other smaller gifts for a great Christmas or birthday present.
Gifts for Similar Ages
- Best Toys and Gifts for 9-Year-Old Girls
- Best Toys and Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls
- Best Toys and Gifts for 11-Year-Old Girls
- Best Toys and Gifts for 13-Year-Old Girls
How the Best Gifts for 12-Year-Olds Were Chosen
Quality. We uncovered the hottest gifts out there and read numerous reviews to ensure only quality products made the list. These were chosen for durability and functionality.
Safety. Safety is our top priority and we took into account all safety considerations to bring you the best gifts for your girl’s special occasion. We also considered what the preteens in our own lives would like.
Once we boiled it down to the best and worst qualities, we created this list to make your shopping easier. Each of these toys or gifts is a popular choice among twelve-year-old girls and are the ones their friends and classmates already love. Choosing a gift from our list makes it easy to pick the perfect present so you bring a smile to her face.
12-Year-Old Girl Milestones
Children reach a great number of milestones each year and 12-year-old girls aren’t exempt from this. Twelve-year-olds are walking a fine line between being a kid and being a teenager. As they approach puberty, they gain a whole host of new skills.
These are milestones you can expect at the age of twelve.
Physical Milestones
Girls at this age start to experience signs of puberty that may make her self-conscious. Also, as she matures, she will become more coordinated and be more skilled at sports, may suddenly have a growth spurt, and may feel awkward in her own lanky body.
It’s possible she may also develop more of an interest in clothes, makeup, and “popular” things.
Emotional Milestones
This is the start of kids not wanting to be around their parents as much. Friendships are more vital, and parents are just too uncool.
Their emotions may be all over the place, as they grow more frustrated with trying to be a teenager, while still longing to get by with being young. It is a tightrope at this age.
Girls begin to question their values and morals and she may become more independent.
Social Milestones
Now is the time that girls start noticing boys and vice versa. They are very concerned with what their friends think and fitting in. They can truly empathize with other points of view and will still crave parental support in their ventures.
She will be more concerned about what others think and will try to stay as inconspicuous as possible. Parents will become more embarrassing and less cool.
Cognitive Milestones
Twelve-year-olds have started thinking more abstractly and are able to apply logic to many situations. However, they still lack sufficient impulse control and may often not know why they said or did something.
Girls will be interested in doing the things her friends do and are increasingly interested in organized sports and social activities.
FAQs For Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls
How do I choose a gift for a 12-year-old girl?
Like everyone, twelve-year-old girls are all different. No two girls like the exact same things. So, think about the girl you are buying for and her personality. What does she like? Search our list for a gift that you think fits her and her interests.
All the best gifts for 12-year-old girls on this list have been verified for safety and age-appropriateness, but be sure to check for recent recalls or issues with any product.
Be certain to choose something that is within her ability level. Not all kids are developmentally similar. Some girls still enjoy playing with dolls at 12, and others prefer to be creative and inventive. Consider her abilities and find something that will grab her attention and delight her.
Although age recommendations are there to help, not every child will enjoy every toy meant for their age. Many tweens are already into typical teenage items and others still gravitate toward toys and objects of their younger years. Girls will appreciate the fact that you took the time to choose something that you truly believed she would love and treasure.
Will the gifts last?
Depending on the product you purchase, they may last for a long time. Sports equipment, books, art kits, and such will last much longer than other items. Technology goes out of date quickly and many items soon become obsolete. Other products can be passed along even when your tween outgrows or tires of it. Look at reviews to check out the product’s longevity.
Many things run out or wear out with use or growth. Clothes may not last if the child has a sudden growth spurt. Craft kits have a limited amount of supplies and will need to be replenished or discarded.
Also, make sure you choose the right version of the product. Some have multiple versions with a variety of dependability. Be sure you get the version you want and not an older or newer version that has lower customer satisfaction. One way to check this is to filter by recent reviews
What do you buy for a 12-year-old?
Trendy, popular, and viral are words many kids use to describe the things they want most.
At this age, they look at what other kids their age have and love. How many times have parents heard, “Everyone else has one”? Fitting in is one of the most important things for this age group and they are likely to want things that people they look up to have.
That said, girls like different types of things from birth forward. Not every child loves playing with slime, some kids would rather be grounded than read a book, and still, others can’t abide being indoors for more than mealtimes and bedtimes. Therefore, consider the particulars of the girl you are buying for and go from there.
Girls are rarely shy about sharing what they want. Often they have a list at the ready, just waiting to be asked. She’ll be happy to share it with you if you’ll just ask.
- If your girl is into science then she may love Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World.
- Your bookworm will likely enjoy the Nancy Drew Starter Set or the National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything book.
- Techy girls will flip over the Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones and the Luwint LED Colorful Flashing Finger Lighting Gloves.
No matter what she’s into, there’s something on this list for her.
Do I have to buy name brands, or are knock-offs just as good?
Sometimes mass-produced toys have issues in spite of their efforts to assure safety and quality. Recently there have been several unknown brands creating substandard products and selling them online.
Smaller company brands can certainly live up to and even surpass the quality of big-name brands, but it is not a guaranteed outcome. So do your research before purchasing a product from a small company. Many of these come from Mom and Pop companies here in the United States. Just be sure the product lives up to your expectations in the reviews so that you don’t end up with an unhappy tween.
Besides, sometimes brand names matter more to teens and tweens than the product themselves. If the brand is a vital reason your child wants it, then be sure to stick to the actual brand.
Smaller brands often develop a loyal following. When someone finds a great, quality product, we all want to share it with others. A reputable small-business will likely have better customer service and follow-up than the larger companies. It also gives you that individualized touch.
All kids these days want is tech, right?
Technology is everywhere and in everything, however, sometimes it is good to practice unplugging.
A girl who is constantly moving will appreciate gifts that combine both tech and movement like the Activ Life Bike Wheel Lights or Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones.
How can I help her “unplug”?
Technology shouldn’t be the only way for kids to function. Providing a variety of objects to keep girls busy is a great way to encourage diverse interests.
Games never go out of style and there are constantly new board and card games popping up to interest a new generation. This is a way to interact in groups with friends or family members. Kids of all ages should also have at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, both indoors and outdoors. Getting girls outside helps develop healthy bodies and minds. Products like the Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights are great ways to get her outside without a bunch of bulky equipment.
Find ways to engage her in writing, drawing, or creating. Many artistic options exist like the Crayola Inspiration Kit and craft sets like the American Girl 24109 Ultimate Crafting Kit will keep her busy without the use of technology.
Technology is not all bad but should be balanced with other activities as well.
Wrap Up
If you are buying the best gift for a 12-year-old, it can seem overwhelming. Between the number of choices out there and trying to figure out what type of gift preteen girls even like these days, it may become confusing. So we’ve done the hard work and have given you a shortlist of items that fit the bill.
Choose your favorite gift or toy from the list and give it to her, knowing that it is a high-quality gift that will last for a long time. Remember to consider family rules and be careful not to buy items forbidden by parents. Some families do not allow guns, even if they are part of a laser tag set. Others don’t welcome technology, so be aware of the family norms.
Just the fact that you thought of her and put in some effort will surely make her appreciate whatever gift you decide on.
