If you have a little girl to shop for who is between the ages of 8 and 12, here are some fab ideas for Christmas gifts they’ll love!
Justin Bieber paraphernalia – He is the hottest thing going in the tween world right now. Girls are crazy about his oh-so-stylish-hair and little boyish good looks. There is no shortage of JB items; from his CDs to a T-shirt, to concert tickets, to school supplies. How cool would she think a life-sized cardboard cut-out of him would be?
Clothes – Tween girls are beginning to care about their appearance and some are already full-force into fashion. Justice is a popular store to purchase clothing from, as are Abercrombie and Fitch, Aeropostale, and Hollister. Tween girls like over-sized hoodies (especially with the brand name on it), short skirts over leggings, and big boots like Uggs. Also in fashion are jeggings, patterned tights, large belts, bold colors, and plaids.
Music – The music a tween listens to is an important part of her identity. Popular artists today among the tween crowd are Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Hilary Duff, Carrie Underwood (and other American Idols, including compilations) and even some throwback bands like The Beetles and The Rolling Stones. Other great band choices are Switchfoot, Above the Golden State, Barlow Girl, and The Rubyz. You can purchase gift cards to online music stores so she can download her favorite songs onto her iPod as well.
Jewelry – What girl doesn’t like to accessorize? Tweens love colorful bracelets that they can wear a bunch at a time, necklaces or earrings with peace symbols, as well as fun headbands with large flower appliqués.
Personalized Gifts – Girls like items that have their name on them. There are limitless possibilities for personalized gifts, but some good choices would be bulletin boards, purses, blankets, throw pillows, backpacks, sleeping bags, necklaces, tote bags, and wall art.
Cool Stuff for Her Room – A tween’s room is becoming more important as it defines her own sense of style. Cool gifts for her room would be a lava lamp, a fiber optic nightlight, a canopy for her bed, large wall stickers (dots are very popular), a beanbag chair, or even a chandelier.
Gadgets – Talking photo frames are a fun gift for tween girls, as are walkie-talkies, digital diaries, handheld games like the Nintendo DSi, digital cameras, and first cell phones such as the Firefly. She’ll also get a kick out of a karaoke machine or, an old favorite, the Easy Bake Oven.
Make-Up – Tween girls love to play spa or salon and give each other make-overs. A basket of inexpensive cosmetics like lip gloss, eye shadow, and nail polishes can be a great gift. For make-up geared for this age group, try E.L.F. or Bonne Belle.
Books – The gift of reading is always a great idea. Tween girls love books that have questions for them and their friends to answer, such as Coke or Pepsi. Other popular titles right now are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, books about their favorite celebrities, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Fancy Nancy, The Babysitters Club series, and the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series. Check Common Sense Media for information about the appropriateness of books for your tween.
Arts and Crafts – Creativity equals fun and there is no shortage of great crafts for girls. Consider a sketch book and some good colored pencils or oil crayons, a weaving loom kit, paintable banks, jewelry-making kits, quilt kit, spin art, or friendship bracelets, candy-making, or a pottery wheel and clay.
Toys – Tween girls aren’t too big for toys yet! Popular choices include Littlest Pet Shop, UglyDolls, scooters, video games, jigsaw puzzles, a snowball maker, and pretend play items such as teacher supplies (whiteboard, educational books/posters, grading book) or restaurant necessities (play food, apron, tray, menus). Also tons of fun: any of the Cranium games.
Random Goodies – Just for good measure, here are some other random ideas to get your gift-giving wheels turning: sporting goods (new softball glove?), a magazine subscription (Ranger Rick, Discovery Girls, and American Girl are great choices), a jewelry box, a musical instrument (guitar, keyboard?), a vanity table and chair set, a Chia Pet, or a magic kit.
Best Idea of All? How about a promise of a day spent together, just the two of you (ice skating? the theater?), making memories and enjoying each other's company. Don't forget to take pictures! Tweens love photos of their favorite moments.
Sources:
TorontoSun.com, "Fashion Trends for Tweens", Nov. 3, 2010
