Gifts for Girls
No matter the occasion–birthday, holiday or just for fun–little girls love receiving gifts. However, part of the trouble with girls is finding something that fits their interests, especially since they usually like a lot of different things. Plus, little girls are still experimenting with their personalities, so one year she may be a tomboy and the next she’ll be a fashionista. Who knows? Maybe this year she’ll have an affection for saving the planet. Either way, with a little bit of time and thought you should be able to find the perfect gift. Here are some ideas to get you started on the right path to buying a gift that will make her smile.
Preschoolers
The first thing to think about when buying a gift for a preschool-aged girl is what things she likes to play with on a daily basis. If you aren’t a close family member, ask the parents for some clues and advice; they will certainly be willing to give suggestions. Otherwise, there are a few basics that this age group tends to like. When in doubt, simply remember that girls this age are all about fun and smiles.
Types of Gifts
Favorite Characters
Items including clothes, jewelry, accessories and even party supplies are best when they sport popular television or story characters on them. Think pajamas, jewelry boxes, purses, backpacks and even pillows or room decor.
You can choose a classic character from Sesame Street, Care Bears, Barbie, Disney Princesses or My Little Pony. Or you might try a very trendy new character that kids can’t get enough of, such as Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob, Hello Kitty, or Trisket and Bisket.
Toys and Games
Certain types of games and toys are good for this age group, such as dolls and dollhouses, dress up costumes, rocking horses, plush toys, play kitchens and play sets.
Be careful when buying large items. Not all kids have room for a big dollhouse or play kitchen. When in doubt, ask the parents.
Outdoor Fun
Children love being outside, and what better a way to motivate them to spend some time in the fresh air than with a fun toy for outside?
Balls, tricycles, pogo sticks, wagons and motorized ride-on toy cars are all fun options.
Learning and Creativity
Anything that stresses education, learning or creativity are good bets. You can try rub a dub tub paints, crayons and coloring books. any Leap Frog products, or educational CDs, DVDs, or CD-ROMs.
Gift Ideas
For the little girl who can’t stop dancing around the house, give her these beautiful rhythmic gymnastics-inspired ribbons to swirl and toss.
With a pair of walkie talkies, she and her playmates can spend hours making up imaginative scenarios.
These award-winning products help teach kids to read, write and do basic math. Through add-on books purchased separately, they can grow with children.
We all know how much fun karaoke is. Girls will love singing along and dancing to their favorite tunes.
For girls being raised bilingual these dual-language dolls are a great alternative to Barbie, and are soft and cuddly enough for youngsters.
Ages 6-9
Since girls at this age are starting to develop their own self-identity, it can be difficult to buy gifts for them. School makes them more socially-conscious, more curious, and more interested in particular areas–such as different school subjects and sports ; this is also a time when girls might start to become more involved in extra-curricular activities. All of these factors make a big difference when buying gifts. Below you will see some general gift suggestions based on favorite interests.
Favorite Characters from Pop Culture
For kids who are into movies and books, there are a few faces that have a fond place in a girl’s heart. There is the infamous Harry Potter and pals who seem to be on everything from backpacks to bed sheets. The books themselves or one of the movies are good gifts for the Potter fan. Toys and games from epic fantasy sagas such as those from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are numerous, including board games, action figures, and accessories. For girls who have an interest in Disney, there are several characters that are popular, including Nemo, and Cinderella (and the other princesses). Don’t forget about dolls (Barbie, Flavas, Hello Kitty, Bratz, iCarly, and American Girl Dolls ) or gender-neutral cartoon characters like Shrek, The Incredibles, Mario and Scooby Doo.
Shrek
DVDs are a great choice when you are stuck for what to get a girl this age. Just make sure to choose “age appropriately”.
Books are always a good gift for a young girl looking to learn and read about fantastical worlds.
Popular dolls and stuffed animals are good for girls this age as long as they like playing with dolls–not all do.
Magazine subscriptions for kids are good because they are a fun and easy way to get them into reading.
Fun characters can always be found on sleeping bags, jewelry boxes, bedroom decor and clothing articles.
If She Is High Tech
It’s not just boys who like “techie” toys. The revolution has taken a commonplace role for kids these days and it goes without saying that there are hundreds of great gifts that are electronic.
From the audio department, there are karaoke machines, CD players, MP3 players and fun portable speakers.
As far as computers go, one of the coolest things for kids these days are the mini laptops for learning. There are also LeapFrog Learning Pads for 2nd and 3rd graders, which are very educational.
If you’re considering giving a video game, check with mom or dad–not all families like their children playing video games at such an early age, but if it’s ok, you want to make sure she doesn’t already own the game!
Firefly Phone
Cool to keep track of kids, but beware of the potential health risks related to this product.
Nintendo DS Lite
Video gamesare a must have for girls and boys. Buying bundles is a great way to keep costs down.
Fly Pentop Computer
The toy of the year has truly earned its title. This is a must-see product!
Luscious Lil’ Laptop
Learn school skills with the Bratz on a colorful, easy to use kid’s laptop.
Girly Girls
These gifts can work for the very girly girl, but remember, a big factor in whether or not a girl will like the gift or not is the color. Pinks are great for some, but others–well, you can imagine.
Inline Skates
Girl’s Jewelry Box
Name Jewelry
Cute Clothes and Accessories
Pixel Chix
Creative Kid
Art and music are universal. All kids should have a good creative influence in their life, especially if they show any interest in it. They might be into dance, music, theater arts, or visual arts. Here are some toys, games, kits, and art supplies that can help engage a girl’s creative side.
Tricky Pix
Iron-on Transfers
Beading Kit
Sticker Book
Pictionary Junior
Tween Girl
Ahh… being a tween. It’s never easy. You are too “grown-up” for the girls’ section, but not quite ready for juniors’. It is that lovely period for girls aged 10 to 12 where a personal identity really starts to take form. It’s so complicated one wonders how it is humanly possible to choose a gift for a girl this age. Of course, if you know that a girl is a budding artist, a glam girl, a movie buff, a bookworm, a sports fan, an animal lover or any other type, honing in on those interests makes gift-giving a breeze; otherwise, it’s best to steer clear of such things, lest you get the wrong gift that will be forever banished to the closet. Here are some very basic, very trendy, and utterly no-fail gifts to pick for a discriminating tween.
Slumber Party Movie Basket
Purse
Cranium Cadoo
Digital Camera
MP3 Players
The Diva
Think pink, pretty, glamorous, and glitzy. You know this girl will enjoy shopping and fashion as she grows up, so foster her fashionista attitude. If she likes wearing makeup and the parents do not object, there are plenty of makeup kits available for little girls. Clothes, accessories and jewelry are all good gifts, but check with the parents for sizes.
Fancy Barbie
Body Spray
Funky Shades
Pretty Jean Jacket
Electronic Diary
The Nerd
There’s nothing wrong with being good at academics and being interested in school. In fact, it’s great, especially when it comes to gift giving. Girls who like learning and going to school will enjoy a variety of intellectually-stimulating gifts.
Language Laptop
Interactive Talking Globe
Harry Potter Boxed Set
20 Questions Game
Microscope
The Rocker Grrl
Whether she’s into goth, punk, emo, or rockabilly, there are certain staples that always help complete the look. If you know her favorite band, don’t forget about the all-important merchandising (however, always be sure to check and make sure the band is parentally-approved)!
Manic Panic Temporary Hair Dye
Doc Martens
Diary
Black Nail Polish
Hoodies
The Triple Threat
If she’s a born entertainer, nurture her love of music, dance, or acting. Even shyer girls will get a kick out of singing and dancing around the house, especially if she’s imagining herself on tour with Hannah Montana!
Monologues for Teens
Karaoke Machine
Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus
Ballet Slippers
High School Musical
The Artiste
You can never have too many art projects, musical instruments, or balls of yarn lying around the house. Gifts like these will let her creative nature shine.
Knitting Kit
Pottery Wheel
Lomography Cameras
Guitar
Paint Set