I asked my almost ten-year old daughter the other day what she wanted for Christmas. She gave me a short list of about three things and said “I really don’t know Mom.”
My seven-year old, on the other hand, made a detailed list of 52 items all categorized and sorted for easy shopping. She even grouped them by family member.
I realized then that the days of Toys R Us were ending for my oldest. Sure, she still occasionally plays with her Barbies but not long enough to buy new ones. So we brainstormed a list of gifts for the not quite pre-teen girl.
Here are our top 10 gifts for a 10 year old girl this Christmas :: 
Journals, gel pens and duct tape
Last year, Costco had a set of 100 gel pens and my girls flipped out over them. Girls at this age love to doodle and write in journals. They will also duct tape anything including notebooks, water bottles, pencil pouches. All of the major craft stores carry every color or designed duct tape you could want.
Bath bombs and nail polish
Perfect stocking stuffers. Our favorites are bath bombs from Lush on Magazine St. Our favorite nail polish is Native Nail Polish, which is locally owned, vegan, cruelty free and 7-free.
Instax Camera
This camera is so fun! It is the modern Polaroid but cooler. The accessory packs have stickers, frames, photo albums and even a case. My 9-year-old loves hers. Tip: in Disney World, she took a picture with each character and had them sign it right there. It is one of her favorite keepsakes.
Kendra Scott necklace
The Elisa necklace is simple enough to dress up or to wear every day. This age is great time to start giving her some responsibility with her own jewelry like mom.
FitBit
Both of my girls came home from school the first week stating that they were the only kids without fitbits. Ok, I’m sure that was an exaggeration. We recently went on a family vacation with lots of walking. My oldest loved tracking how many steps she had every day and made it a competition with me. This is definitely a great tool to encourage being active.
Gift cards
Gift cards for stocking stuffers. Justice, Claire’s, Charming Charlie’s, Barnes & Nobles are favorites. Also how about a few local shops like Phina, Little Miss Muffin, or Fleurty Girl.
A Monogrammed Cup
Etsy has many options. I just ordered three cups from Andrea’s Vinyl Shoppe. Perfect to throw in their stockings.
Wireless Headphones
I snagged these today on Amazon.
Any Project MC2 Experiment Kit
These are all STEM based and combine imaginary play with learning.
An Alarm Clock
This idea didn’t go over as well with my girls when I asked there opinion, but it’s time to teach more responsibility especially in my home of grumpy morning people. Amazon and Bed, Bath & Beyond had some cool options with lights and sounds.
Great ideas! I can’t wait to see what your other readers suggest. From a grandmother that needs ideas!
Lol, thanks Mom ? is that a hint?
Right there with a 12 year old. This year gifts are clothes, magnetic closures for necklaces, a water pick, and cake decorating supplies. Tinker Crates and Mel Chemistry sets are also great (and fun) gifts for this age. We already have those subscriptions, as we homeschool. Love your ideas!