19 Best Gifts for 12 Year Old Girls | Fun & Unique Ideas
The best gifts for 12 year old girls are the ones that meet them right in the middle of everything, growing up, pulling away a little, but still wanting to feel seen.
I’ve shopped for this age enough to know it’s not about big-ticket items or trends, it’s about finding something that clicks with who they are right now.
These ideas come from real wins with my nieces and the girls in my son’s circle, things they didn’t just open, but actually used, loved, and talked about weeks later.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Top Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Girl
At 12, she’s figuring out what feels like her, sometimes that means art supplies or books, other times it’s LED lights and skincare.
I’ve seen how quickly their interests shift at this age, so this list focuses on gifts that are flexible, fun, and genuinely get used.
Whether she’s into quiet creativity or non-stop group chats, these ideas cover it.
The Best Friend Game – Think You Know Your Friends?
This was an instant hit with my nieces! If your 12 year old loves laughing with her friends, this game is a must-have. It’s full of fun and sometimes surprising questions that test how well they really know each other. Perfect for sleepovers, birthday parties, or just hanging out, it’s one of those games that gets everyone talking.
Read More
The Girl from the Sea: A Graphic Novel
If she loves books but isn’t into long novels, graphic novels are a great way to keep her reading. This book has a heartfelt story, beautiful illustrations, and a bit of mystery that keeps readers hooked. My niece devoured this in one sitting and immediately asked for more!
Read More
Pop Fidget Water Bottles
Twelve year olds have a million things on their minds—drinking water usually isn’t one of them. That’s why this bottle is genius. My niece takes hers everywhere because it doubles as a fidget toy—perfect for keeping hands busy in the car, at school, or during homework. Plus, it actually reminds her to drink more water. Win-win!
Read More
Pink Cinema Light Box
At 12, your bedroom is your kingdom—and decorating it is serious business. This customizable lightbox lets her change up her space whenever she wants, spelling out funny quotes, song lyrics, or even inside jokes with friends. My son’s friend started using hers to leave messages for her family—like "Do not disturb. Important TikTok filming in progress!
Read More
Desktop Ring Light
Whether she’s FaceTiming friends, making fun videos, or just wants better lighting for school projects, this ring light is a game-changer. My niece loves how it makes everything look brighter and more polished—plus, it’s easy to use and doesn’t take up much space.
Read More
Photo Hanging Clips String
At this age, girls love capturing memories with their friends. This photo clip string is a cute way to display polaroids, ticket stubs, or artwork. My niece rearranges hers all the time, and it makes her room feel more her.
Read More
Lip Smackers
These were the thing when I was younger, and they’re still just as fun today. A mix of sweet flavors, a little shine, and just enough nostalgia to make them a fun gift. My niece carries these in every bag!
Read More
Initial Charm Bracelet
Jewelry is a great way for tweens to express themselves, and this simple charm bracelet is a subtle yet stylish pick. My niece wears hers every day, and she loves that it has her initial on it—it feels special without being over-the-top.
Read More
Portable Charger with Built-in Lightning Cable
If she’s getting more independent and using her phone more, a portable charger is a lifesaver. My niece takes this to school, on trips, and anywhere she might not have an outlet. The built-in cord is a huge plus—no more digging around for cables.
Read More
10 Bath Bombs for Kids
A relaxing bath is a luxury at any age, and these colorful bath bombs make it extra fun. My niece loves how they fizz and smell amazing, and I love that they’re made with skin-friendly ingredients. A perfect self-care treat.
Read More
Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch
If she’s into gaming, Pokémon Violet is a no-brainer. My son and his friends have spent hours exploring the new world, catching Pokémon, and battling in this adventure-filled game. It’s easy to pick up but still challenging enough to stay interesting.
Read More
Mini Drone
Remote-controlled anything is fun, but a drone takes it up a notch. My son and his friends love testing out tricks and seeing how far they can fly it before someone crash-lands it into a tree (which, luckily, this one can handle!).
Read More
Animal Spa Mask
There’s just something hilarious about a face mask that turns you into a panda or a koala. My niece and her friends made an entire spa night out of these—complete with nail painting, music, and way too many selfies. Plus, they actually make your skin feel amazing.
Read More
Beyond the Bright Sea
This book is beautifully written with an emotional, thought-provoking story. It’s perfect for girls who love adventure, mystery, and strong female characters. My niece called me after finishing it just to talk about how much she loved it.
Read More
Hair Chalk
She wants blue streaks in her hair? Cool. But not forever, right? That’s where hair chalk saves the day. It’s bright, easy to apply, and washes out before school on Monday. My niece and her friends love using it for fun makeovers, and let’s be honest—it’s way less commitment than actual dye.
Read More
KiwiCo Labs
Subscription boxes are like birthdays that happen every month. KiwiCo’s STEM kits are seriously cool—one month, my son’s friend built a mini catapult, and the next, she designed a hydraulic claw. If she loves experimenting, inventing, or just building something with her hands, this is a winner.
DIY Journal Kit
Journaling is such a great way for kids to express themselves. This kit comes with stickers, stencils, and fun decorations, so she can make it totally her own. My niece uses hers for doodles, daily thoughts, and even goal-setting.
Read More
Playful Patterns Coloring Book
Coloring isn’t just for little kids—it’s actually a great way to relax. This book has intricate designs that are fun and satisfying to complete. My niece loves using gel pens and markers to make each page pop.
Read More
Super Skills
Some games are fun, but this one brings out your competitive side. My son’s friends never get tired of trying to beat each other at it.
Read More
More Gift Ideas for 12 Year Old Girls
If nothing quite clicked yet, these other guides might help you find just the right thing, whether you’re shopping by occasion or interest:
- Valentine’s Day gifts for girls – Sweet and thoughtful ideas for February 14th.
- Best gifts for 12 year old boys – Need ideas for a boy the same age? Check out this list!
- Board games for 12-year-olds – Fun and engaging games that are perfect for tweens.
- Best books for 12 year olds – Great reads that will keep them hooked.
- Best toys for 12 year olds – Fun and creative toys that are perfect for this age.
- Best gifts for 9 year old girls – Shopping for a younger sibling or friend? Here are age-appropriate picks.
Still stuck? I’d love to hear your go-to gift ideas, drop them in the comments!
Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown