By the time a young lady reaches the age of 12 she has developed a number of interests and hobbies and normally is eager to explore more. She also enjoys becoming more independent and spending time with her friends. Because girls this age are no longer a young child, but not yet a teen you may be a little uncertain about what type of toys and gifts a 12 year old would want or be interested in.
In order to make your shopping a little bit easier, we are offering this list of premium highly rated gifts that are popular with middle school girls.
In a Rush? See Our Top 3 Picks Just Below
Top Pick: Solar Wind Chime Building Kit
Runner Up: Nice Bicycle
2nd Runner Up: Cute Handbag
Our Criteria Used in Evaluation Good Toys & Gifts for 12 Year Old Girls
When choosing gifts for preteen girls we look at two very important criteria:
Educational Value
We look at the educational value of toys and gifts including the toys ability to aid in the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the child and how the gift can help them prepare for the future.
Entertainment Value
As well as the educational value we also consider the gift’s entertainment value. We look at how durable the item is, its ability to hold the child’s attention, and its usefulness.
The Best Gift Ideas & Toys for 12 Year Old Girls List
1. Flying Ant HoverBoard
With LED accent lighting on the wheels of this Hoverboard with bluetooth and a built in wireless speaker so you can listen to music as you speed along this is a great mode of transportation for preteens. We recommend that you provide the correct safety equipment when you give this Hover board as a Christmas or birthday gift.
Positives
Self balancing
Durable
Negatives
Some units have difficulty charging
2. HyperStrike Bow
For some reason many preteen girls enjoy backyard battle games playing with and against family and friends. This HyperStrike bow with foam arrows makes the perfect weapon for both backyard battles and target practice. Bungee cord strings help these arrows shoot further than most bows for kids and making using the bow much more fun.
Positives
Whistling arrows are fun
Easy to use
Negatives
One user did not get the arrows
3. Lego Flintstones Building Kit
If the preteen girl in your life likes building models she’ll love getting this Lego Flintstones building kit as a gift. With 748 pieces this kit will be fun to build and fun to display.
Positives
Fun to build
Really resembles the Flintstones home
Negatives
No Dino, Bam Bam or Pebbles
4. Cross Body Handbag
By the time most girls reach middle school they are showing signs of the woman they will become and need a purse to carry items such as their cell phone, hair brush and other items. This cute little purse is sure to be a big hit when received by a 12 year old as a birthday or Christmas gift.
Positives
Great feel and texture
Super cute
Negatives
Zipper sometimes stick
5. Sunflower Necklace
This adorable sunflower necklace makes a great gift for a young lady. Hypoallergenic this necklace can be worn with both casual clothing and more dressy outfits.
Positives
Nice quality
Great colors in the necklace
Negatives
Chain is not the greatest
6. Kent La Jolla Girls Cruiser
This simple La Jolla Cruiser bike is perfect for a growing young lady to cruise around town or ride to school or the park to spend time with friends. Nice looking and easy to get on/off with a basket to hold small items this bike makes for a great present and perfect mode of transportation for any preteen.
Positives
Smooth ride
Easy to control one speed
Negatives
Consumers have experienced various problems
7. Solar Powered Wind Chime Kit
Wind chimes make wonderful gifts and this Solar Powered wind chime kit that allows the preteen to make their own light up wind chime. The kit comes with everything the child will need to make their Solar lighted wind chime and then they can display it right outside their window.
Positives
Comes with booklet explaining solar power
Easy to put together
Negatives
Some units had missing pieces
8. Bounce Cornhole
A fun gift that will get that young lady outdoors and away from that computer screen this fun Cornhole game will provide entertainment for the entire family or your child and her friends.
Positives
Great for practicing math skills
Quite durable
Negatives
Parts can be hard to fit together
9. Ravine Card Game
If you are looking for a gift that will encourage a preteen to learn about teamwork and cooperation then presenting them with the game Ravine for their Birthday or Christmas present is an excellent choice. This board game starts out with the players surviving a plane crash and then trying to survive the night without losing their minds.
Positives
A game the whole family can enjoy
Teaches good life skills
Negatives
None that we could find
10. Pumpkin Carriage Music Box Puzzle
A puzzle, a craft kit, and decoration for a young ladies room this Puzzle music box kit makes a lovely gift for most young girls who enjoy crafting and working puzzles.
Positives
Includes everything you need
Good directions
Negatives
This model takes A lot of gluing
What Are Good Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Girl Who Has Everything?
There are times when young girls can simply have all of the toys and craft projects that they can handle which can make finding a great gift for these lucky individuals a little more difficult. If you find yourself in this situation here are some suggestions for other gifts that may help.
1. Room Decor Items
Most preteen girls want their bedroom to reflect their personality so choosing items of room décor, such as bedding, lamps or even posters could make a nice gift for girls of this age.
2. Gift certificates
When all else fails giving a nice gift certificate to a preteens favorite clothing, book, or craft store makes for a nice gift as it allows the young lady to pick out something she really wants or needs.
Tips for Choosing The Best Birthday & Christmas Gifts for 11 Year Old Girls
- Don’t underestimate the child’s interests or abilities. Often times kids can operate toys and devices that are rated above their age level. Consider those things that the child is enjoying now to determine her current abilities.
- Take into consideration the interests of other young ladies her age. Girls this age are always looking for new activities and activities other kids her age is enjoying may well interest her as well.
- Even if you are purchasing the gift online try to view it in a brick and mortar store first so you can be sure of what you are getting.
- Read the reviews. Take note of what others like and don’t like regarding the item.
Wrapping up the Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 12 Year Olds Girls
We know how important it is for you to find the right gift for that 12 year old in your life and we hope we have just made that task a little easier.