Being 12 can be confusing and dramatic… but mostly, it’s pretty fun. These girls may get a bad rap sometimes for being sassy, but at the end of the day, they’re inquisitive, adventurous, and eager to express themselves. So how do you go about buying gifts for 12-year-old girls? It’s tricky. They’re too mature for toys (or so they claim), and many times they want to seem a bit too “grown-up.” Is there a balance? Absolutely. And we’re here to help.
Our advice? Think of something you’d want for yourself, then scale it down just a little to be kid-appropriate (because, despite their beliefs, they’re not adults just yet). Think: pampering items, accessories, clothes, crafts, books, and electronics. Said items are 12-year-old-approved—and hey, this might be easier than you thought! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas to get you started. (And if you end up buying a couple of these for yourself, well, we didn’t see 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 girl’s bedroom. They come with everything you need to get set up: installation accessories, power accessories, and instructions.
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, and a photo album.
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Credit: Trevor Raab
Gone are the days of fanny packs being uncool. But don’t call them “fanny packs” anymore. They’ve rebranded themselves as “belt bags,” okay? This one is available in a wide variety of colors and wears comfortably around the hips or as a crossbody bag.
She’s a little too young to permanently color her hair, and you don’t want to imagine the dye-spattered nightmare that would ensue if she tried to color it herself in your bathroom even with a temporary dye. Fear nothing with this hair chalk, which is washable, safe, and temporary. It’s the perfect compromise for her to scratch that pink (or blue, or green, or purple…) hair itch.
Whether she wants to create art out in a field, in a studio, or inside her room, this must-have for any artist can be used on a desk or as a tripod easel. And the best part is, it has plenty of room and various compartments to store and organize supplies.
Walter Foster Calligraphy Kit for Beginners
Who among us hasn’t looked at a historic document and wondered, “How do they write like that?” Well, with this calligraphy kit specially made for beginners, your child will be able to try their hand at this endlessly entertaining (and surprisingly useful) art form. It includes pen tips, ink, a book of projects, and more.
It seems like every year or so, there’s a new “it” water bottle. Camelback, Yeti, Stanley, and, now, Owala. These sturdy, at times candy-colored, hydrators come in a variety of hues and are perfect for school, home, and sports.
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 four people, which makes this a perfect sleepover activity.
“This Is Me: One Year Journal For Girls and Teens” by Dawn Earles and Eve Earles
Being a 12-year-old girl isn’t always easy, as we mentioned, but keeping a diary through it can help with the melancholy days. This prompt journal will give her space to be alone with her thoughts, work through her emotions, and reflect. Give it to the introspective tween.
More: The Best Gratitude Journals
We’re pretty sure you’re not allowed to graduate middle school without one of these classic name necklaces. Having one is a rite of passage. Available in a variety of metals, styles, and fonts, it’s adaptable to every taste.
A little while back, some genius discovered that coloring, once considered an activity just for little kids, is super soothing and fun (no wonder little kids always seem so happy). Of course, your 12-year-old kid is up for busier designs and more complicated patterns, so they’ll love this set of three books of 72 designs.
As the name indicates, this is clutch for any kid who’s always forgetting to charge their phone. Compatible with smartphones (like the iPhone 14 and older) but also headphones and tablets, it has a built-in cable for easy charging while the magnet keeps it latched directly onto her phone or MagSafe case.
Freeman Love To Mask Facial Masking Kit
This set includes 14 of Freeman’s soothing, clearing, brightening, hydrating, polishing, and detoxifying masks. Girls will also get a bonus buffer and headband. Its contents, which are all vegan and cruelty-free, will help her feel pampered and confident.
More: Best Self-Care Gifts to Recreate a Spa at Home
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.
Pterosauria Aesthetic Stickers (200 Count)
Whatever she wants to decorate (a water bottle, journal, locker, or instrument case), these stickers will add a cute, trendy touch. With a wide variety of pleasing designs, from fruit to word art to nature, there’s something for every taste.
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.
Another trend big with tweens and teens? Lip oil! This one from NYX comes in 14 rich shades and provides up to 12 hours of moisture (a particularly good thing for when the weather turns colder and lips get chapped!).
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.
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.
