Great Gifts for Girls

I have to laugh every time one of my children gets invited to a birthday party for a female classmate or my niece’s fall birthday rolls around.  As the mom of 3 boys, it is a rare treat when I get thrust into the world of pink and tulle that makes my heart skip just a little beat.

I’m as busy as most mom’s, so in a pinch, I’m certainly not above grabbing a play-dough set, throwing it in a gift bag with some tissue paper and calling it a day.  On the other hand, I live with all of the outcast toys we’ve received in our house, so I do TRY to find special gifts that are a little unique, useful, or creative and won’t end up in the regifting closet.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few treasures that will delight most birthday girls without breaking the budget.

Some of my favorite gifts for girls are for the wee 2-4 year olds.

Everything is exciting to them and it is thrilling to set their imaginations in motion and listen to them squeal with glee.

Fisher Price makes a precious Laugh & Learn Say Please Tea Set that is a sure hit.  Little girls love to play tea and this set sings songs and teaches manners while surprising with little noises when you open the lid and tip the pot.

Lego also makes fantastic gifts for children of all ages and their Duplo line with slightly bigger, more manageable bricks is specifically made for tiny fingers and hands.  I usually think of Star Wars and Ninjago when I think of Lego, but they also make the most adorable Disney Princess Cinderella Castle completely decked out in pink, of course! The castle set even includes Cinderella and her very own prince charming.  Once you’ve seen the castle, you’ll know you absolutely have to have the accompanying Disney Princess Cinderella’s Carriage so she can arrive home with her glass slipper before the included clock strikes midnight.

Once Children Reach 4-8 years, Creativity Soars.

Some really fun things are made to take advantage of the creativity and increasing skill of girls once they outgrow the toddler years.

I’m in love with a relatively newer company simply called B. They have some super cool gifts for kids with totally hip packaging designed to double as a sort of gift wrap for an environmentally friendly approach.  One of my favorite’s is their Pop-Arty Beads.  Containing over 500 snap together beads in clear, reusable storage, it has endless possibilities for a jewelry designer in the making and hours of fun! Can’t you just see 6 year old girls comparing bracelets and toe rings!

If a budding photographer might be in the future, Fisher Price makes a Kid Tough Digital Camera that operates like the real McCoy, but is much sturdier and more kid friendly than an adult camera.  It can withstand repeated drops, stores 1000+ digital prints and can make cool special effects.  My 5 year old has one of these, but for that special girl in your life it even comes in pink!

While we’re on the topic of pink electronics, if you’re shopping for the little lady who has everything, last year’s most highly sought after gift was LeapFrog’s LeapPad Explorer. I’m sure this year will be no different.  Just like mom’s iPad, this gadget seems to have everything including front AND back cameras, 4GB of memory, and five apps included. If this is on your list, I’d grab one soon (in pink, naturally) before they’re nowhere to be found!

I’ve Always Struggled a Bit with Gifts for the Tweens.

Not yet teenagers, but old enough to feel more grown up, the 8-13 year old girls can be a finicky group.  (This is the age that makes me grateful I have all boys.) However, I’ve found some fun options for tween girls that are sure to earn me the title of “The Cool Aunt”.

Friendship bracelets are a classic trend in this age range.  The Loopdedo Kit for Twisted Accessories allows you to make all of the bracelets that young imagination will dream up.  Different color combinations, thick, thin-you name it, it will do it. This one is sure to get used!

For the really crafty, American Girl puts out a fantastic series, including American Girl Crafts Owl Sew and Stuff Kit. So super cute, easy and fun to make, each kit includes materials to make one for you and one for your doll. The best part is that it’s challenging enough for girls to feel proud of what they made, but manageable enough for them to do without too much guidance (what a huge plus).  And for another option or additional projects, there’s a racoon kit and a kit with adorable bears. At about $10 each, you can snag all 3 kits for right around $30.

All of these great goodies make me want to take a trip back to childhood (or at least down memory lane).  Want to join me?

Oh….and one more thing…..don’t forget the pink polka dot balloons!

P.S.-If this is too much pink for you, I have an idea or two for the little men in your life.