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Being a 12-year-old girl is so much fun. And by “fun,” we mean confusing, dramatic ... but also, yes, sometimes pretty fun! It’s complicated, and so is trying to buy gifts for 12-year-old girls. They’re far too mature for toys, but a lot of the things they do want are too mature for them. Is there a balance to be had? And if so, where? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Our advice is to think of something you’d want for yourself and then scale it down just a little bit to be kid-appropriate (because, despite what they believe, they’re not actually adults yet). Pampering items, accessories, clothes, crafts, books, and electronics? All 12-year-old-approved — hey, this might just be easier than you thought! We’ve rounded up 50 of our favorite ideas to get you started. (And if you wind up buying a couple of these items for yourself, well, we didn’t see you do that and can’t prove anything.) Happy shopping!
From font to name (or whatever word you wish) to color, these signs are ultra-customizable and add just the right touch of glam to a 12-year-old girls' bedroom. They come with everything you need to get set up: installation accessories, power accessories, and instructions.
No longer relegated to mammaws playing BINGO at the VFW or moms at amusem*nt parks, fanny packs (aka bum bags, aka belt bags) are back in style. Honestly, we don't know why they left: they're so convenient, and your 12-year-old girl will love this mini version from Lululemon.
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For the Future Photographer
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera + MiniMate Accessory Bundle
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For the Future Photographer
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera + MiniMate Accessory Bundle
Everything old is new again, and your 12-year-old girl, accustomed to a digital world, will love this throwback favorite. This petite camera instantly develops tiny pics (perfect for lockers and bulletin boards) and comes with five rolls of film, a carry case, a photo album, and more.
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For the Girl Who Loves Pampering
freeman Love To Mask Facial Masking Kit
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For the Girl Who Loves Pampering
freeman Love To Mask Facial Masking Kit
Now 13% Off
This set includes 14 of Freeman’s soothing, clearing, brightening, hydrating, polishing, and detoxifying masks – plus a bonus buffer and headband – that will help her feel pampered and confident. All products are vegan and cruelty-free.
A matching lounge set is perfect for a school day when your tween is running late or for just chilling at the house on a Friday night. This set comes with a hoodie and joggers, and both are made with soft, moisture-wicking fabric.
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For the Girl Who Likes Flair
TinyName Custom Name Necklace
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For the Girl Who Likes Flair
TinyName Custom Name Necklace
We’re pretty sure you’re not allowed to graduate middle school without one of these classic name necklaces. Available in a variety of metals, styles, and fonts, there’s something for every taste.
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For the Thoughtful Girl
Dawn Earles 'This Is Me: One Year Journal For Girls and Teens' by Dawn Earles
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For the Thoughtful Girl
Dawn Earles 'This Is Me: One Year Journal For Girls and Teens' by Dawn Earles
Being a 12-year-old girl isn’t always easy, but journaling through it can help. This prompt journal will give her space to be alone with her thoughts, work through her problems, and reflect.
Whatever she wants to decorate (water bottle, journal, locker, instrument case), these stickers will add a cute, trendy little touch. With a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs, from fruit to word art to nature, there's something for every taste.
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For At-Home Relaxation
CLEVERFY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
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For At-Home Relaxation
CLEVERFY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
All the aroma and calm of a bath bomb in the convenience of a shower! Just place the steamer in the corner of your shower and let the soothing fragrance whisk them to a place where middle-school stress doesn’t exist. Scents include lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit, and peppermint.
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For Getting Through Your Teen Years
Hey Doll! Teen/Tween Subscription Box
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For Getting Through Your Teen Years
Hey Doll! Teen/Tween Subscription Box
They’ve probably outgrown dolls, but they’ll love the bimonthly Hey Doll! Box, uniquely curated with four to six themed items that provide motivation, direction, and support for girls in this formative (and often confusing) stage of life. They’ll receive things like books, jewelry, shirts, and body products and have access to the Hey Doll! interactive website.
A kalimba, also known as a “thumb piano,” is a simple instrument that makes a sound when the player slides their thumbs along several metal tabs. Its simplicity means your girl can get the hang of making it “sing” relatively quickly — but there’s an instruction book and labeled keys, just in case.
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For Staying Warm
Caramella Bubble Bunny House Slippers
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For Staying Warm
Caramella Bubble Bunny House Slippers
There’s nothing quite like coming home from a day of middle school, kicking off your shoes (anywhere — don’t worry, mom will clean them up), and pulling on a fluffy, cozy pair of slippers.
This adorable bunny pair has anti-slip soles, which means the only thing slipping will be her foot into these comfy critters! Comes in four chic neutrals: pink, light gray, white, and khaki.
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For Cold Weather
Savannah Bee Company Lip Balm Gift Set
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For Cold Weather
Savannah Bee Company Lip Balm Gift Set
Your tween will love this set of seven scented beeswax lip balms in a cute reusable storage pouch. Best of all, it’s lip balm with a mission: With every purchase, the Savannah Bee Company is able to help support the Bee Cause Project, which builds educational hives across the country to help save the bees.
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For The Crafty Girl
Caydo Screen Printing Starter Kit
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For The Crafty Girl
Caydo Screen Printing Starter Kit
Your 12-year-old girl will love expressing themselves on (just about) any fabric with this screen-printing set to make unique T-shirts, tote bags, and much more! The simple manual process is safe and mess-free, with a step-by-step guide and all the supplies they’ll need, including glitter to add to their own designs.
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For An Interactive Reading Experience
Cratejoy Once Upon a Book Club Subscription Box
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For An Interactive Reading Experience
Cratejoy Once Upon a Book Club Subscription Box
Now 26% Off
This truly unique box comes with a twist: The various book-themed gifts that arrive with your new book are meant to be opened at certain moments in the story for an immersive, interactive reading experience. You never know when you’ll turn the page and find it’s time to open a gift!
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It’s a truth universally acknowledged that no one between the ages of 10 and 21 can have enough hoodies. Ever. We like this one, with cool checkered sleeves and with tweens fawning over “vintage” ’90s looks (dies in Millennial) — we bet they will, too. Just remember to buy it oversized–kids today love a big ol’ hoodie.
If she hasn’t upgraded her bike since third grade or so, it might just be time to find the ride that can take her into adulthood. We love a cruiser bike for the casual rider – it’s super comfortable and perfect for local commuting or a pleasant tour.
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For Tunes On-the-Go
DOSS Soundbox Bluetooth Portable Speaker
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For Tunes On-the-Go
DOSS Soundbox Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Perfect for hanging out in the park, backyard, or parties on the go! The super cute, sleek design of this Bluetooth speaker is matched by excellent sound quality, and the simple touch system at the top allows you to Play, Pause, or Skip your music as well as answer phone calls.
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Tie-dyeing is super fun and it’s never been simpler with this set of supplies from Tulip. A step-by-step guide shows over eight different looks and includes everything they’ll need for up to 36 projects, except the garments. There is enough dye for parties of up to 6 people, which makes this a perfect sleepover activity.
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For the Girly Girl
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse Gloss Bomb Trio
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For the Girly Girl
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse Gloss Bomb Trio
Now 24% Off
We absolutely love Rihanna’s beauty brand and we know your 12-year-old girl will too. The lip gloss is particularly excellent, and subtle enough for daily tween use. Set includes three full-sized shades – fan favorites Fenty Glow and Glass Slipper Heat and one set exclusive shade, Pink Dragonfly.