Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls
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At 12, gifts land best when they match who she is right now—creative, social, and starting to curate her own style (room, hobbies, and everything in her bag). I picked categories that balance “instant fun” (no complicated setup) with replay value she’ll keep coming back to.
Instant Photos + Memory Makers (For the “capture everything” era)
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
A super-fun “moments machine” for birthdays, sleepovers, and best-friend pics—prints right away, so she can decorate a wall or journal the same day.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera - Pastel Blue- Compact and cute design. Easily twist the lens to turn on and off
- Built-in selfie mirror for easy selfies Close-up mode with parallax correction
- Features automatic exposure and flash control for bright photos that are not “washed-out”
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Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film (Twin Pack, 20 Photos)
Perfect add-on if she’s getting an instant camera—more film = more reasons to actually use it.No products found.
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Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer (for smartphones)
Turns phone photos into peel-and-stick prints for lockers, notebooks, and collages—great for a kid who loves “aesthetic” projects. (Works with iOS/Android via app.)
Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer for Smartphones (Slate Gray) - Sticky-back prints, Pocket-size- Print from Bluetooth and social media
- Print 2"x3" Photos with peel and stick backing
- Super portable
Cool Room Vibes (The “my space” upgrade)
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Photo Clip String Lights (with remote)
Instantly upgrades her wall with photos, art, and postcards—cute for a bedroom refresh or new-year “vision board” vibes.
Photo Clip String Lights with Remote, 33FT 100 LED Battery Operated String Lights, Waterproof Copper Wire Starry Lights with 50 Clear Clips, Powered Fairy Lights for Teen Girl Gifts Bedroom 8 Modes- 8 Lighting Modes and Timer/Dimmer - The string lights has 8 lighting modes, easy switching with fingertip clicks, and the light string adds automatic timing function (6 hours on, 18 hours off), built-in memory chip, easy to use. The dimmer can be set to different modes and brightness for special occasions.
- WHAT OTHERS CAN'T - 100 LED String Lights total length 33Ft, 10cm between 2 blubs. (Package includes 50 clear clips and 1x 33ft led string lights) It allows you to free adjustment any sizes on the led string lights for picture, any anyway you want!
- Room Decor for Teen Girls: Ideal gift! help to recall your wonderful memorry together. They are ideal for hanging photos, holiday cards, children's artwork, masterpieces or whatever lightweight crafty or decorative items you desire
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Govee RGB LED Strip Lights (16.4 ft)
An easy room glow-up: behind a bedframe, desk, or shelves for cozy lighting and fun colors.
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Govee Smart RGB LED Strip Lights, 16.4ft WiFi LED Strip Lighting Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 16 Million Colors with App Control and Music Sync LED Lights for Bedroom, Home Decor- Hands-Free Voice Control: The Smart RGB LED Light Strip work with both Alexa & Google Assistant. Free up your hands and power your lights on and off, change colors, or adjust brightness with simple voice commands.
- Wireless Smart App: The Govee Home app offers you advanced control over your led strip lights and access to incredible features like the customizable DIY mode and a convenient Timer function. Nice led lights for Home Decor.
- Music Sync: As halloween decorations, a built-in mic allows the smart LED strip lights to sync to any music type. Use our Govee Home app and watch in glee as your led strip lighting dance to your favorite songs.
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BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 Star Projector
A dreamy “galaxy ceiling” effect that makes movie nights and sleepovers feel special without redecorating the whole room.
BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 - RGB LED Laser Star Projector, Galaxy Lighting, Nebula Lamp (Green Stars, Smart App)- Sky Lite 2.0 instantly projects a field of drifting GREEN stars against a transforming RGB nebula cloud (Patent Protected).
- Out of this world and into your own. There's mood lighting, and then there's lighting that's a whole mood. Let Sky Lite take your senses on a journey, in any room of the home.
- Enjoy dining under the stars, create a relaxing spa environment, or accent your home theater and gaming setup in seconds.
Everyday Carry + Tech (Stuff she’ll actually use)
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JLab GO Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds
Great for music, podcasts, and school-bus playlists—small and easy to toss in a backpack.
JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds + Charging Case, Black, Dual Connect, IPX4 Sweat Resistance, Bluetooth 5.1 Connection, 3 EQ Sound Settings Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost- 🔋 LONG BATTERY LIFE: GO Air POP features 8+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 24+ extra hours from the charging case (32+ hours total). Return to the case to recharge the buds, and use the integrated USB cable to charge the case.
- ▶️ DUAL CONNECT: Use either earbud independently or use both together. A built-in MEMS microphone in each bud ensures clear calls.
- 🤏 15% SMALLER FIT: Smaller than a credit card, the case fits in your pocket and the earbuds are our smallest yet – 15% smaller earbuds and 40% lighter with the compact case. Try the three tip sizes to get a snug in-ear fit, creating a perfect seal for crystal clear sound.
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Kikkerland Portable Travel Jewelry Storage Case
A “grown-up” little organizer for earrings, rings, and tiny treasures—perfect for trips and sleepovers.
Kikkerland Portable Striped Travel Jewelry Storage Case with Mirror - OR108-A Random Style- Small and lightweight, making them easy to fit into your luggage or carry-on bag.
- 4 compartments & built-in mirror can be a convenient addition for trying on jewelry while on the go.
- Offers proper padding and protection for your valuable jewelry items.
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Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook (Ruled)
A low-pressure place for lists, doodles, lyrics, or mini journaling—small enough to live in her bag.
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Pocket, Ruled, Lemon Green, Hard Cover (3.5 X 5.5)- CLASSIC MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK: Moleskine classic notebooks are perfect notebooks for writing journals, a daily diary, or note taking in college classes or meetings. Moleskine notebooks are beloved by travelers & bullet journalists for their slim design.
- DURABLE COVER & ELASTIC CLOSURE: Hold writing projects & notes in your Moleskine notebook with an elastic closure band & inner storage folders. Leather-like classic Moleskine cover & thick, ivory paper pages are perfect for writing with fountain pens.
- GIFT QUALITY NOTEBOOKS: Moleskine planners, journals and notebooks come in hardcover or softcover and colors like black, red, blue, green and brown. The binding and cover have a durable finish, designed for daily journaling, writing and sketching.
Creative + Crafty Gifts (Always a win)
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Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad
A confidence booster for drawing—she can trace, then freestyle and color. (Requires 3 AA batteries.)
Sale![Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad Pink, Best Birthday, Holiday & Christmas Gifts for Girls & Boys, 6, 7, 8 Year Olds, Kids Toys, Light Box Art Kit for Kids [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n6kaGkRTL.jpg)
Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad Pink, Best Birthday, Holiday & Christmas Gifts for Girls & Boys, 6, 7, 8 Year Olds, Kids Toys, Light Box Art Kit for Kids [Amazon Exclusive]- CRAYOLA LIGHT-UP TRACING PAD: Includes 1 Tracing Pad, 12 Short Colored Pencils, 10 Tracing Sheets (with multiple mix-and-match designs), 10 Blank Sheets, and 1 Graphite Pencil. (Requires 3 AA batteries, sold separately.)
- TRACEABLE DESIGNS INCLUDED: Start tracing right away with the sheets inside, then download even more designs online!
- HOLIDAY & CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR KIDS: This set makes a great birthday, holiday, or Christmas gift for girls and boys ages 6-8+.
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Klutz Make Clay Charms Craft Kit
A super satisfying craft: tiny charms she can bake, gloss, and turn into bracelets or keychain-style accessories.
Make Clay Charms (Klutz Craft Kit) 8" Length x 1.19" Width x 9" Height- Includes a 60 page instructional book with Klutz certified crystal-clear instructions; Recommended for children ages 8+
- Parents' Choice Award Winner
- FamilyFunToy of the Year Award
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Klutz Friendship Bracelets Craft Kit (book + supplies)
Ideal for besties and sleepovers—she can learn patterns, trade colors, and make “inside joke” bracelets.
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Friendship Bracelets- Instruction book and supplies for making 10 unique friendship bracelets
- Encourages fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, creativity, friendship, gift-giving
- 10 unique designs to give to 10 unique friends
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Make It Real Mega Jewelry Studio
A bigger “I can make real accessories” kit—awesome for a kid who loves customizing and gifting creations to friends.
Make It Real - Mega Jewelry Studio - DIY Bead Necklace and Bracelet Making Kit for Tween Girls - Arts and Crafts Kit with Beads and Charms for Unique Jewelry Making - Includes Case- MEGA JEWELLERY STUDIO. This necklace and bracelet making kit guides children to be creative through making their own jewelry using beads, charms and cord!
- EVERYTHING INCLUDED. This animal charm set has everything your child needs to create colorful necklaces, bracelets, rings and hair accessories. The set includes everything needed to create up to 50 pieces! includes waxed and elastic cords, over 1000 beads, 25+ yards of cord, and much more!
- ENCOURAGES KIDS TO INTERACT THROUGH REAL-WORLD ACTIVITIES. In a fun manner, this set teaches children to improve their imagination, communication, concentration, hand-eye coordination and logical thinking. Importantly, this encourages kids to interact through real-world activities rather than playing video games.
Builders + STEM Picks (Smart + fun)
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LEGO Friends Heartlake City School Building Kit (41682)
A big build with lots of little details—great for kids who love storytelling and arranging mini scenes.
LEGO Friends Heartlake City School 41682 Building Kit; Pretend School Toy Fires Kids’ Imaginations and Creative Play; New 2021 (605 Pieces)- Attractive 2-story Heartlake City School (41682) is brimming with creative details so kids can enjoy hours of fun recreating their perfect school day with LEGO Friends Olivia
- It comes 3 mini-doll figures to play with, including new boy Julian and a teacher figure. The model also has 3 classrooms to build and explore, as well as a canteen, lockers, restroom and school yard
- This extensive LEGO Friends playset offers hours of make-believe school fun. Packed with play starters, it’s great for solo building or for enjoying with family and friends
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Elenco Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit
Hands-on circuits without soldering—feels like “real” engineering but stays beginner-friendly.
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit, Over 100 Projects, Full Color Project Manual, 28 Parts, STEM Educational Toy for Kids 8 +- SO MANY TOYS IN A SNAP: Make dozens of cool electronic gadgets - all from one box! A safe and fun way to introduce children ages 8+ to the basics of electrical engineering! Build exciting projects and toys using the included colorful instruction book!.Ideal for ages:8 years and up
- PROJECTS THEY'LL LOVE: So many fun electric-powered projects you can make and play! Ages 8 to 108 will love building 100+ projects! Have fun while building practical skills and learning the basics of circuitry. Build a flying saucer in a snap and watch it take off and sound the alarm! Kit includes 29 Snap Circuits parts.
- GREAT GIFT Give the gift of learning and fun this holiday season! Snap Circuits kits will keep kids busy and having fun all year round. Combine with other Snap Circuits kits for even more projects!
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ThinkFun Gravity Maze Logic Game
Part puzzle, part marble run—perfect for the kid who likes challenges and figuring things out.
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ThinkFun Gravity Maze - Falling Marble Logic Game - Challenging STEM Toy for Kids 8-12 - Gravity Marble Maze - Brain-Building Fun - Educational Gift - Boosts Critical Thinking & Problem Solving- Ignite Creativity & Problem-Solving: ThinkFun's Gravity Maze sparks the imagination while honing critical thinking skills. Kids tackle engineering challenges through play, fostering intellectual development in an immersive STEM experience.
- A Hybrid of Fun & Learning for Boys and Girls Ages 8-12: The innovative Gravity Maze merges fun and education, making it ideal for fostering classroom skills. Watch as your child becomes engrossed in strategic planning in school and at home.
- Endless Adventure in Every Build: Open a world of construction possibilities as kids solve marble puzzles that challenge their imagination. Gravity Maze includes 9 towers, 3 marbles, a game grid, and a target piece for endless design possibilities.
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National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit (Hobby Edition)
A long-lasting project that turns rough rocks into shiny “treasure”—great for patient kids and science-minded collectors.
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit – Hobby Edition Includes Rough Gemstones, and 4 Polishing Grits, Great STEM Science Kit for Geology Enthusiasts, Rock Polisher for Kids and Adults- CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Make any stone sparkle and polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones! This rock tumbler kit makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
- A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST – Our high-quality tumblers are made with a durable motor that’s designed to last for years. The leakproof rubber barrel reduces sound, making it 75% quieter than other plastic models. An excellent STEM activity for kids.
- A COMPLETE HOBBY TUMBLING KIT - Everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide. Makes a great gift for girls and boys!
Game Night Winners (Laugh-out-loud picks)
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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game
Fast, silly, and perfect for groups—ideal for parties, family nights, and “one more round” kids.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Wildly Entertaining Card Game for Family and Group Game Night | Easy to Learn and Play with 10-15 Minute Rounds | Fun for Kids, Teens, Adults, and Families | 2-8 Players- Fast-Paced Fun for All Ages: Engage in a lively game where players race to match cards with spoken words like "Taco," "Cat," "Goat," "Cheese," and "Pizza." Designed for 2–8 players aged 7 and up, each round lasts just 10–15 minutes, making it perfect for quick family card games or travel entertainment. Its simplicity and speed ensure everyone stays engaged and laughing.
- Simple Rules, Wild Gameplay: Players take turns playing cards while chanting the game's title in order. When a spoken word matches the card played, everyone races to slap the pile and the last one to do so takes the cards! Add in surprise action cards and it becomes a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud competition that's easy to learn but hard to stop playing.
- Card Games for Families and Social Events: Whether it's a holiday gathering, birthday party, or casual get-together, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a go-to choice. Its easy-to-learn rules and engaging gameplay make it a hit among both kids and adults. It's also a top pick for stocking stuffers and Easter baskets, offering fun without the need for screens.
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Exploding Kittens (Original Edition)
A chaotic, funny card game that older kids love—great for siblings and friend groups.
Exploding Kittens Original Edition - 2-5 Players - Ages 7+ - 15 Minutes to Play - High Stakes Card Game - Party Game, Family Game Night, Kid and Adult Card Game- In this family card game, draw cards and try to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten! Use strategic action cards to skip your turn, shuffle the deck, or defuse the Kitten with laser pointers or catnip sandwiches. The last player standing wins!
- Designed for 2-5 players, ages 7 and up, Exploding Kittens is great for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or want a casual game to break the ice, this easy-to-learn game is perfect for bringing everyone together.
- Compact for travel, portable for on-the-go, camping, game nights, road trips or a family home evening.
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UNO FLIP! Card Game (Tin)
A classic with a twist—easy to learn, easy to pack, and surprisingly competitive.
Mattel Games UNO FLIP! Card Game in Storage & Travel Tin, Color Blind Accessible Deck for Kids, Adults & Family Nights & Parties (Amazon Exclusive)- UNO FLIP! is the iconic card game with a twist -- flip the deck and change the game!
- A convenient storage tin makes it easy to grab this version and take on the go for travel and vacation portability!
- The double-sided deck features classic gameplay on the 'Mild' side and tougher gameplay on its 'Wild' side.
Books She’ll Actually Finish (Page-turners)
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Wonder (Paperback)
A heart-warming story that’s easy to get into—great for a 12-year-old who likes emotional, thoughtful reads.
Wonder- We search for any book you like In Chinese, Russian and Spanish Service for Businesses, Individuals, Governments, Universities Any medium you choose, that is available Read, Learn, Research and Enjoy
- Hardcover Book
- Palacio, R. J. (Author)
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Smile (Graphic Novel)
Funny, relatable, and super readable—perfect for kids who prefer graphics or want a “just one more chapter” book.
Smile- Raina Telgemeier (Author) (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 02/04/2026 (Publication Date) - Graphix Publishing (Publisher)
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The Hunger Games (Paperback)
A binge-worthy adventure for strong readers who love big stakes and brave main characters.
The Hunger Games (Book 1)- The Hunger Games book
- Collins, Suzanne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Self-Care + Style (Tween-appropriate treats)
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STMT D.I.Y. Bath Bomb Kit
A fun “spa day” activity she can do solo or with friends—mixing, molding, and then using them feels extra giftable.
STMT D.I.Y. Bath Bomb Kit, STMT Kits for Girls, Bath Bomb Mold, Spa Kit for Kids, Bath Crumbles, Ages - 6+, 1 Count (Pack of 1), Green- CREATE 5 BATH BOMBS: Mix, mold, drop & fizz — mix & match 6 vibrant mica powder colors with body glitter and gold shimmer to make your own custom bath bombs to help you relax and unwind!
- SOOTHING ESSENTIAL OILS & FLOWER BUDS: Stress-relieving lavender, soul-warming vanilla, dried rosebuds — this set includes all the essentials to create bath bombs that melt away the stress of the day as soon as they hit the tub.
- MOISTURIZING COCONUT OIL: The provided coconut oil will do wonders for your skin! Feel moisturized and nourished after your bath to take on the world!
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ALEX Spa Hair Chalk Salon
Color streaks without the commitment—great for dress-up days, spirit week, and sleepover creativity.
ALEX Toys Hair Chalk Salon Girls Hair Activity- Make your hair as vibrant as you are
- Hair chalk can be applied to dry hair of any color
- Washes out easily with shampoo
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eos Best of eos Lip Balm (9 sticks)
A practical-but-cute gift that actually gets used—perfect for backpacks, nightstands, and sports bags.
FAQs
What gifts feel “too young” for a 12-year-old?
Anything that looks babyish or overly kiddie tends to flop; I stick to “tween-coded” versions (sleeker, more customizable).
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Choose items with personalization (craft kits, room lights)
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Favor “my space” upgrades and social gifts (games, photo stuff)
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When unsure: pick items 4–6, 18–20, 21–23
What’s a safe “I don’t know her that well” gift?
A universally useful gift that still feels fun usually wins.
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Room vibes: 4–6
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Game-night friendly: 18–20
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Small everyday items: 8–9, 26
How do I make the gift feel more special without spending more?
Pair one “main” gift with a small add-on that matches it.
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Instant camera + film: 1 + 2
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Room lights + photo clips: 5 + 4
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Craft kit + notebook for sketches/ideas: 10 or 11 + 9
Are these okay for birthdays, holidays, and sleepovers?
Yes—most of these are “instant fun” gifts that work year-round.
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For birthdays: go bigger (photo, room, STEM): 1–6, 14–17
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For holidays: mix practical + fun: 7–9, 18–20, 26
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For sleepovers: choose shareable activities: 10–13, 18–20, 24–25
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