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Quick answer: for girls aged 8 to 12, creative gifts are a huge hit: friendship bracelet and jewellery kits, sketchbooks with good pens, and slime kits. An instant camera, roller skates or a karaoke microphone make great main presents. Squishmallows and the new DJ Furby are popular this year, and a book series they can binge always goes down well.
Eight to twelve is the “tween” stretch: too old for “little kid” toys, not quite a teenager. The best gifts let them be creative, independent and a bit grown-up. Every idea here works for any child who’d enjoy it.
How I chose these gifts
I looked for presents that let tweens be creative and independent: kits that make something real, gifts that help them make their bedroom their own, and a few fun splurges for the main present. I’ve kept a mix of budget picks for stockings and relatives, plus mid-range and bigger ideas. None of these are “just for girls”. It’s simply how people search.
Budget picks
Great for stockings, relatives and Secret Santa at school. Small spends that still feel like a proper present.
1. Friendship bracelet kit
Hours of making and swapping with friends. A big hit in the playground. See on Amazon (ad)
2. Gel pens and a sketchbook
A good set of pens and a proper sketchbook make them feel like a real artist. See on Amazon (ad)
3. Slime kit
Messy, yes, but hugely popular, and it doubles as a science lesson. See on Amazon (ad)
4. Squishmallow
Soft, squishy and very collectable. Many kids this age have a whole shelf of them. See on Amazon (ad)
5. Card and party games
Dobble, Guess Who and Twister are great for sleepovers. See on Amazon (ad)
6. A book series box set
Wings of Fire, Harry Potter or Jacqueline Wilson. A set to binge over the holidays. See on Amazon (ad)
Mid-range picks
The “main present” range for most families. These are the gifts that get played with well into the new year.
7. Jewellery-making kit
Beads, charms and clasps to make real jewellery to wear and give. See on Amazon (ad)
8. Lego Friends set
Detailed builds and characters, great for creative play. See on Amazon (ad)
9. Karaoke microphone
Bluetooth karaoke mics connect to a phone or tablet. Expect lots of concerts! See on Amazon (ad)
10. Washable water-based markers and art set
For keen artists, good markers make a big difference. See on Amazon (ad)
11. LED strip lights
A simple way to make their bedroom feel grown-up. Check the plug and safety marks. See on Amazon (ad)
12. Crystal-growing science kit
Beautiful and educational. They grow their own crystals over a few days. See on Amazon (ad)
Splurge picks
For a bigger budget, a joint present from family, or something to look out for in the toy sales and on Black Friday.
13. Instant camera
Instant cameras print photos on the spot. Remember to add extra film, which is the ongoing cost. See on Amazon (ad)
14. Roller skates
Back in fashion, and great exercise. Add knee pads, wrist guards and a helmet. See on Amazon (ad)
15. Interactive Furby
The new DJ Furby is in this year’s Smyths sale and is a big wish-list item. See on Amazon (ad)
16. Portable photo printer
Prints photos from a phone for scrapbooks and bedroom walls. See on Amazon (ad)
17. Sylvanian Families house
For younger tweens who still love small-world play. See on Amazon (ad)
18. Bedroom makeover bundle
Fairy lights, a new duvet set and a cosy throw. A “grown-up room” present. See on Amazon (ad)
Quick finder: if they love…
- Crafts: friendship bracelet or jewellery kits, or slime kits.
- Art: washable water-based markers, gel pens and a proper sketchbook.
- Photos: an instant camera or a portable photo printer.
- Music and performing: a karaoke microphone.
- Being active: roller skates with pads and a helmet.
- Their bedroom: LED strip lights, fairy lights and a new duvet set.
- Reading: Wings of Fire, Harry Potter or Jacqueline Wilson box sets.
Creative gifts work best at this age
Kits that let them make something they can wear, give away or show off do really well with tweens, because they get the fun of making plus something to keep. Pair a kit with a storage box and they’ll keep using it into the new year.
Gifts that aren’t things
Experiences tweens love include a theatre or pantomime trip, an ice-skating session, a pottery-painting voucher, or a “day out with a friend” voucher. A craft or dance class block is a lovely present that keeps going into the new year.
Last-minute ideas
Short on time? Gel pens, a sketchbook, a Squishmallow or a book box set are easy to find in December, and a pottery-painting or cinema voucher can be bought online in minutes. Wrap it with a small treat so there’s something to open.
What I’d avoid
I’d avoid adult make-up and strong skincare products (young skin doesn’t need them), very cheap electrical items without safety marks, and anything that’s mostly packaging. Ask parents before buying a phone accessory too, as not every tween has a phone.
How I save money on Christmas presents
- Set a budget per child first, then pick from the list. Don’t browse first and budget later.
- Use the toy sales. I keep a live list of every UK toy sale in my Christmas toy sale dates guide.
- Compare before you buy. The same toy is often cheaper at Smyths, Argos, a supermarket or Amazon. Check at least two.
- Go through a cashback site for online orders. See my best cashback sites guide.
- Spend loyalty points (Clubcard, Nectar) on presents. It’s the best time of year to use them.
- Keep receipts and check Christmas returns windows, in case prices drop or the gift isn’t right.
FAQs
What do 12 year old girls want for Christmas?
Usually something that feels a bit grown-up: an instant camera, roller skates, room decor, creative kits or the latest book series.
What’s a good budget gift for a 10 year old girl?
A friendship bracelet kit, gel pens and a sketchbook, a Squishmallow or a book box set.
Are instant cameras worth it?
They’re great fun, but film is an ongoing cost. Buy a multipack of film with the camera, and agree how many photos are “for special”.
What do 9 year old girls like?
Creative kits, collectable soft toys like Squishmallows, books, games for sleepovers and anything they can make and show off.
What is a good main present for an 11 year old girl?
An instant camera, roller skates, a bedroom makeover bundle or a karaoke microphone are popular “big” presents at this age.
What are good Secret Santa gifts for this age?
Gel pens, a small craft kit, a Squishmallow, a friendship bracelet kit or a card game. These are easy to buy in bulk and loved by most tweens.
More gift ideas
Looking for another age? See my Christmas gift ideas by age hub, and check the toy sale dates before you buy.
Last updated: 21 October 2026.
These are gift ideas, not claims that I have personally tested the products. Amazon links open search results, so check the exact item, seller, age suitability and current price. Interests matter more than whether a guide says “boys” or “girls”; browse any age-appropriate list.
For toys, follow the Office for Product Safety and Standards buying guidance: choose a trustworthy seller, read warnings and check for damaged or loose parts. Safety markings alone do not guarantee a marketplace listing is safe.
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About the author: Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan is the PhD scientist, former secondary science teacher and mum behind MoneySavvyUK, turning complex household money topics into practical steps.