Gift Ideas: Hard To Shop For Tween Girls

Ah, the tween years - that delicate time where interests evolve faster than TikTok trends. If you're on the hunt for gifts that'll make your tween girls' eyes light up (and won't end up as forgotten relics in the trash), look no further. This handpicked gift guide, courtesy of a mom who's been there, done that, and still doesn't understand how we’re back to all things 90s, is your secret weapon.

WANT: Snap, Talk, Jam, Repeat

1. Instant Camera: Because who needs a phone when you can capture memories the old-school way? A picture is worth a thousand words, even without filters.

2. Amazon Echo Dot with Clock: A clock, an alarm setter, a question-answerer, and even an intercom. My girls don’t have phones but they can call us from these when we’re not home. Who knew a tiny device could do so much?

3. Cool Bluetooth Over-the-Ear Headphones: A stylish solution to prevent me from perpetually shouting "TURN YOUR MUSIC DOWN!" up the stairs at them.

NEED: Functional and Fashionable

1. Lulu-lookalike Belt Bag: A trendy yet affordable alternative for field trips and hikes. Comes in 44 different colors which may seem like overkill, but I promise you can find her favorite color.

2. Jewelry Box: Because tween girls seem to collect accessories like treasures, and this is a chic way to keep them organized and off the floor and out from under my feet.

3. Status Water Bottle: They all want a 40 oz. Stanley with a handle because if we’re being honest every Tween girls has the aspirational aesthetic of a Utah mommy blogger.

WEAR: Cozy Girl Vibes

1. Blanket Fleece: Because comfort is queen, and a blanket fleece is the royal attire of cozy girl vibes.

2. Ugg-Like Mules: Slide into style with these comfy and trendy Ugg-alternatives.

3. Flare Pants: Skinny leggings are out, dontchuknow? They want comfy pants, so we’re back to flare legs with a vengeance. Should have kept my jazz pants for them. These come in lots of options including size XS with a 30’’ inseam which works for most preteen girls.

READ: Unleash the Imagination

1. TikTok Cookbook:: Dive into the cultural zeitgeist without social media. Cooking like a TikTok star is the new trend.

2. Anne of Green Gables Box Set: A timeless classic that sparks imagination and introduces them to Anne's world of dreams and adventures. All my favorite grown up women loved these books as kids and since I believe children are our future, I’m going to lead them well here.

3. Locking Diary: Because every tween needs a secret space to pen down their thoughts, dreams, and mysterious doodles.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Cash. They will nickel and dime it away on coffee drinks.

AVOID: Gifts that directly have to do with school- like fun math books or calculators. C’mon. Be cooler than that.

GOOD GIFT CARDS:

• Urban Outfitters

• Ban.do (it’s like a really hip Claires)

• Target or ULTA

Still stumped? Read How To Be The Best Gift Giver Ever to make sure you’ve not overlooking a simple solution. Happy gifting!