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No longer kids and not yet teens, 12-year-old girls can be challenging to shop for. But fear not: We've compiled a long list of gifts that will have her glowing as she tears off the wrapping paper. From craft- and outdoors-related presents to creative and gaming-related products and beyond, here are the best gifts for 12-year-old girls in 2022.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Gifts for Teenage Girls (That They'll Actually Like)
$30 from Amazon
Encourage the next generation of strong female leaders by gifting her one of these inspiring kits. Each kit in the collection features educational and crafting material related to a powerful woman in history: Maya Angelou, Greta Thunberg, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. As she decoupages a wooden box, creates a colorful wall hanging, or embroiders a canvas, she'll also answer prompts about how to use her own voice to make an impact in the world.
$20/month from Annie's Creative Girls Club
If you've got a creative young lady on your hands, she'll love getting a monthly shipment with the supplies to construct a cool craft. Past projects have included a watermelon-dyed tote bag, knot bracelets, and macrame wall hanging.
$25 from Amazon
If the 12-year-old girl in your life loves a good movie night, she'll appreciate this gift set, which will make the evening even more fun and tasty with plenty of popcorn and a variety of candy.
Related: Best Gifts for Movie Buffs
$90 from Target
Whether your kiddo likes to cruise to the skate park or just around the neighborhood, this 44-inch bamboo and maple board will let her do so in style.
$18 and up from Amazon
Journaling can relieve a lot of angst, of which she'll likely have plenty over the next few years. Set her up for journaling success with this kit, which includes a 70-sheet journal that she can customize with stickers, gems, and more.
Related: The Best Gifts for Writers (and Not One Pen — We Promise)
$70 from Target
Get ready for summer fun with this outdoor game set, which comes with balls, the net, and a drawstring bag for neatly packing everything up. The rules combine foursquare with volleyball, and it's guaranteed to keep kids (and adults) away from their phones for at least a little while.
$22 from Amazon
This adorable faux-leather mini-backpack comes in seven colors and includes a main compartment plus smaller compartments for a phone, power bank, wallet, makeup, and more.
$130 from Amazon
If your girl is a gamer who also just happens to like girlie-girl colors, this pink and lavender faux leather gaming chair gets great reviews from buyers and features a reclining backrest, adjustable height, and extra cushion.
$9 from Amazon
For girls who love to read is this critically acclaimed book about four kids who form a troop of their own and find sisters from other misters in the process. The book has themes of justice and independence, and has been called "an inspiring story about the power of truth, and of true friends.”
Related: The Most Magical Harry Potter Gifts for True Potterheads
$20 from Amazon
Angie Thomas's books encourage young women to find their voice and "make some noise" — one of the reasons they're so beloved in this age group. This set includes "The Hate U Give" and "One the Come Up," both critically acclaimed and eye-opening titles.
$40 from Amazon
We love this essential oil diffuser for its hand-blown glass top and eye-catching firework pattern. It can run for seven hours and has four timing functions.
$28 from Etsy
Being 12 is all about finding yourself and showing your individualism, and this fun light can do just that. Tell the seller a name and suggest an image or two, and you'll receive a mock-up to approve before moving on to the finished item.
Related: Heartfelt and Hilarious Personalized Gifts for Everyone on Your List
$28 from Amazon
Maybe she's still a little afraid of the dark, and maybe not — either way, she'll adore the way this gadget lights up her room like a star-filled night sky. It comes in a few different colors and can be run on batteries or via a USB charger.
$12 from Amazon
She might not be ready for makeup yet, but you can encourage good skincare and promote self-care with this set, which includes 12 Korean face masks in varieties such as soothing aloe, brightening lemon, and moisturizing avocado.
$20 and up from Etsy
This set will remind her that you love her and she can carry that love with her always. You can customize the initial, the chain length and material, and the message card that comes with the gift.
$19 from Target
D&D has made a huge comeback during the past year as kids find themselves with ample time on their hands. If you want to get your kiddo on the bandwagon, get her started with this set, which includes everything she'll need to create characters and get started on his dungeon-mastering skills.
$80 from Target
Another gift designed to get kids outside (although it could also be used indoors), this giant Jenga-inspired set includes a carrying case so that it can be packed away when not in use.
$530 from Amazon
She can cruise the neighborhood in style on this foldable electric scooter, which has a travel range of up to 18.5 miles. It features an LED display that shows current speed, speed modes, and battery life, and includes a headlight.
$236 from Amazon
For creative kids with an interest in computers, design, or engineering, this well-rated 3D printer makes a fun and challenging gift.
$20 from Walmart
This challenging strategy game lets the whole family get involved, or it can be played with just two people. It's easy to learn but tougher to master, owners say, and it'll be a family favorite for some time to come.
$48 from Amazon
Upgrade her gamer cred with an accessory set that includes a keyboard, headphones, mouse, and mouse pad. The keyboard features seven different RGB light modes and effects and four brightness levels, and the headphones feature a microphone for gaming with friends.
$155 from Amazon
Whether you've got a future computer programmer on your hands or just want her time online to be a little more productive now and then, this award-winning STEM kit contains everything she'll need to challenge her technical skills. Its software is compatible with multiple operating systems.
$15 from Uncommon Goods
Building self esteem is crucial at this age. The I Am Everything Affirmation deck helps reinforce positive thoughts, with cards that sport mantras like "I am strong," "I am passionate," and "I am love," along with short paragraphs emphasizing these statements.
$16 from Amazon
Tie-dye never seems to go out of style, especially when you can create fashion statements of your own. She'll have a great time planning a tie-dye party with this kit featuring 18 pre-filled bottles and a guide to eight different patterns.
$100 from Amazon
If the 12-year-old in your life is a big reader, a Kindle might be a great way to encourage reading, whether she's at home or on the bus. The 2022 release is light, compact, and features a glare-free, paper-like display screen.
$34 from Amazon
Bring some tranquility into her life with this zen garden kit, a compact gift that can fit on her desk. Each kit includes a bamboo tray, white sand, lantern tower, bamboo feature wall, 15 to 20 small river pebbles, a sand smoother tool, and other items to help create her own little slice of paradise.
$74 from Amazon
Anyone can build their own backyard obstacle course with this Ninjaline kit that helps build strength, focus, and confidence. The portable course will allow her to balance on slackline, swing from different handles, and bring out their inner ninja.
