12 yr old Girl Gift

[Dianthus]

She is a young 12 year old, wouldn't consider her a trendy tween at all. She likes crafts, making jewelry, sewing, coloring, reading.

I have purchased 2 special lego kits and a case to hold lego figures she collects. Also have a nice book set plus a couple collectible hardcovers.

I plan to also get some art supplies, good markers and pencils. I may also get a set of nail polishes.

Looking for other ideas. I feel like I don't have the one big wow factor gift that I generally try for.

[Carol in Cal.]

What about some adultish things that suit her interests?

Super wow--a decent sewing machine.  Or a Cricut Maker.  Or a  table loom?  (I recommend Schacht, an 8 harness.)

Regular wow--one of those wooden sewing 'baskets' that opens into trays.

Maybe an Ott lamp?

Switching gears completely, what about one of those kickballs that you make ice cream in?

Or a dollhouse with miniature family?

Edited December 15, 2021 by Carol in Cal.

[Dianthus]

25 minutes ago, Carol in Cal. said:

What about some adultish things that suit her interests?

Super wow--a decent sewing machine.  

Regular wow--one of those wooden sewing 'baskets' that opens into trays.

Maybe an Ott lamp?

A table loom?  (I recommend Schacht, an 8 harness.)

Switching gears completely, what about one of those kickballs that you make ice cream in?

Or a dollhouse with miniature family?

We got her a nice sewing machine for Christmas 2019.

Not sure what the baskets are?

She does have a small loom that she can weave a placemat on. She hasn't done that lately. I think spinning is so cool so would love her to do more weaving and branch to spinning. 

Last year I made her a set with crochet hooks, books and yarns. I'm disappointed she hasn't really taught herself to crochet. She wants one of my friends to teach her but we have kept pretty isolated. Dd used to make hats on a circular loom so I though crocheting would be easier for her. All she can do is make a chain. I think she hasn't been motivated to teach herself more.

Kickball ice cream? I'll have to look that up!

She packed up all her dolls a couple months ago 😞 I guess she is outgrowing some things.

I'm considering letting her have her ears pierced if I can't think of anything else, but would prefer to save that for her 13th bday.

Edited December 15, 2021 by Spirea

[alysee]

I have an almost 12yo who is also not that trendy. Her interests are mostly creative: drawing, knitting, sewing, watching movies. 

Her Christmas gifts are:

1. Knitting bag & knitting book

2. Fuji Instax Polaroid Camera

3. Ella Enchanted book series

4. Lush bath products(bath bombs & bubble bars)

For her birthday we got her a sterling silver name necklace and she wears it daily. 

[rutheart]

We got a boombox for our 12yo girl, so she could listen to the radio or a cd while making art. This would also be great for audiobooks.

She also loves to spend time with her daddy (who loves to make models), so she's getting a joint gift with him: a miniature room made from a flatpack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099RVXWPH 

Otherwise, it was all art stuff, books, video games, etc.

[historically accurate]

Maybe a Book Nook kit? If you think she'd like her own theme, you could just get the box and let her loose or a kit like these: https://www.etsy.com/market/book_nook_kit

[happi duck]

1 hour ago, historically accurate said:

Maybe a Book Nook kit? If you think she'd like her own theme, you could just get the box and let her loose or a kit like these: https://www.etsy.com/market/book_nook_kit

Thank you!  I've been wanting to make one but starting felt overwhelming.  I never thought to check for kits. 

===

Back to the original question.  Some kids I know love making those "crystal" by number crafts. I've not tried this craft.  Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/NAIMOER-Christmas-Diamond-Painting-11-7x15-8/dp/B09CDBDSCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=crystal+diamond+rhinestone+painting&qid=1639580160&sr=8-6

[Catwoman]

@Spirea -- I noticed that @Carol in Cal. already suggested a Cricut Maker, and I wanted to mention that the original Maker is on special today on Amazon for $229.00, which is the cheapest I have ever seen it, by far. 

There is a newer model of the Maker available now, but the only differences between the old one and the new one is that the cutting speed is faster, you can use some materials without a cutting mat, and you can cut up to 12' long pieces of vinyl on the new one. But the actual cutting pressure is exactly the same, so for the average person, the original Maker would be absolutely fine. 

If your dd is crafty, that would definitely be a WOW gift for her. And if she's into sewing, Amazon also has the EasyPress 2 on sale at the lowest prices I have seen, as well. (The EasyPress 2 is a BIG upgrade over the original one.)

Edited to add -- I'm not sure if the prices on the Cricut stuff are good all day, or if it's more limited than that, so if you're interested, you might want to check it out sooner than later. 🙂 

Edited December 15, 2021 by Catwoman

[Dianthus]

1 hour ago, historically accurate said:

Maybe a Book Nook kit? If you think she'd like her own theme, you could just get the box and let her loose or a kit like these: https://www.etsy.com/market/book_nook_kit

I don't understand what it is.  Is it just a model/display or is it an actual bookshelf that's decorated?

 

15 minutes ago, happi duck said:

Back to the original question.  Some kids I know love making those "crystal" by number crafts. I've not tried this craft.  Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/NAIMOER-Christmas-Diamond-Painting-11-7x15-8/dp/B09CDBDSCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=crystal+diamond+rhinestone+painting&qid=1639580160&sr=8-6

This is different. Hadn't seen before and she would probably like though looks torturous for me.

 

7 hours ago, alysee said:

For her birthday we got her a sterling silver name necklace and she wears it daily. 

My dd does like jewelry. 

[Dianthus]

@Catwoman and @Carol in Cal.

I completely missed the Cricut maker in Carol's post. As a non-crafter, I do not understand the Cricut maker.  What do you do with it? It's for making cutouts? I don't understand the value of it.

[vonfirmath]

9 hours ago, Spirea said:

She is a young 12 year old, wouldn't consider her a trendy tween at all. She likes crafts, making jewelry, sewing, coloring, reading.

I have purchased 2 special lego kits and a case to hold lego figures she collects. Also have a nice book set plus a couple collectible hardcovers.

I plan to also get some art supplies, good markers and pencils. I may also get a set of nail polishes.

Looking for other ideas. I feel like I don't have the one big wow factor gift that I generally try for.

Does she like Frozen? loom Knitting is a LOT of fun and there is a fantastic loom knit kit for the Frozen shawl.

https://smile.amazon.com/Make-Real-Knitted-Crochet-Embellishments/dp/B07WJY53RW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Frozen+shawl&qid=1639584770&sr=8-1

[happi duck]

Here's an article about book nooks.  They are miniature worlds that go on a bookcase between books.

https://mymodernmet.com/book-nook-ideas/

 

[LifeLovePassion]

FYI, I've been watching and the cricut maker has been $229  most of the holiday season so it might continue on that price until Christmas.

I found that my daughter a book of sewing patterns for American girl dolls and bought her a bunch of fat quarters to go with it.

[Dianthus]

1 minute ago, vonfirmath said:

Does she like Frozen? loom Knitting is a LOT of fun and there is a fantastic loom knit kit for the Frozen shawl.

https://smile.amazon.com/Make-Real-Knitted-Crochet-Embellishments/dp/B07WJY53RW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Frozen+shawl&qid=1639584770&sr=8-1

She did like frozen but I don't know that she would want to do something labeled for 8 yr olds.

Perhaps I shouldn't have labeled her as a young 12 yr old. She is just not a trend seeker, appearance driven type that I usually associate with tween age. She's pretty level and focused. She is not immature, just not the normal tween interests so in my mind I suppose that is innocence which I term as "young." 

[ScoutTN]

A subscription box? 
Let’s Make Art is very nice!

[vonfirmath]

19 minutes ago, Spirea said:

She did like frozen but I don't know that she would want to do something labeled for 8 yr olds.

Perhaps I shouldn't have labeled her as a young 12 yr old. She is just not a trend seeker, appearance driven type that I usually associate with tween age. She's pretty level and focused. She is not immature, just not the normal tween interests so in my mind I suppose that is innocence which I term as "young." 

Ah 8+ to me does not mean 8 year olds only. My daughter got a similar kit for her 10th birthday and has been loom knitting ever since. She uses videos online to help her figure things out. 

So maybe just knitting looms and yarn and the recommendation for some videos.  (knitting looms are MUCH easier than weaving looms)

[Catwoman]

31 minutes ago, LifeLovePassion said:

FYI, I've been watching and the cricut maker has been $229  most of the holiday season so it might continue on that price until Christmas.

I found that my daughter a book of sewing patterns for American girl dolls and bought her a bunch of fat quarters to go with it.

Thanks— the cheapest price I had seen was $249.

[Catwoman]

1 hour ago, Spirea said:

@Catwoman and @Carol in Cal.

I completely missed the Cricut maker in Carol's post. As a non-crafter, I do not understand the Cricut maker.  What do you do with it? It's for making cutouts? I don't understand the value of it.

People use it for all kinds of crafty stuff — my best advice is to watch some YouTube videos about it. I think Jennifer Maker is the name of one YouTuber who posts a lot of Cricut videos. (Someone please correct me if I have her name wrong or if you know of better channels!) 

[Dmmetler]

I have a silhouette, and I use it for decorating and making tons of stuff. Basically it can precision cut anything relatively thin, so papercrafting, vinyl work, t-shirts, decorating any hard surface. I have used it to cut shrink plastic and then make custom pins and badges, fabric...you name it. 

 

I am seriously hinting on the easy press-that's a great price. 

[BusyMom5]

A Cricut would be an awesome gift!  Other ideas:

Ohuhu markers, iridescent water colors from Hobby Lobby, epoxy project- lots to consider,  quilt making kit, needle felting kit, 

Other ideas- bird feeder that suctions to the window,  name jewelry from Etsy, plants with cute pots.. 

[Carol in Cal.]

Ice cream ball:  https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=Ice+Cream+Ball&init=1&sort_field=Relevance&thumbType=0&gnattr=-1&bc=&qs=3091717_GOOGLE&Matchtype=e&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=Cj0KCQiAweaNBhDEARIsAJ5hwbcnGHHMjjpbO6ibc-GUeGn09Yc12Q1vMRISmI6CHR7CGiPRm_p6mDkaAlSMEALw_wcB

 

Schacht table loom:  https://www.schachtspindle.com/product/table-loom/

[Dianthus]

When she got her sewing machine, she had taken a sewing class so knew machine basics and then she watched a DVD. I have no idea how to use it.

The thought of helping her learn to use a cricut doesn't excite me. I really dislike crafting except I do pretty elaborate food crafts.

The weaving table is cool. I think she'd love it, but it's too big. About to move her little sister into her room.

[Catwoman]

12 minutes ago, Spirea said:

When she got her sewing machine, she had taken a sewing class so knew machine basics and then she watched a DVD. I have no idea how to use it.

The thought of helping her learn to use a cricut doesn't excite me. I really dislike crafting except I do pretty elaborate food crafts.

The weaving table is cool. I think she'd love it, but it's too big. About to move her little sister into her room.

Just so you know -- you probably wouldn't have to do very much to help her learn how to use a Cricut. There are so many YouTube videos that will walk her through different projects, that there is far less trial-and-error than you'd think.

Silhouette and Brother Scan-n-Cut machines are excellent, too, and again, there are tons of instructional videos online for those machines, as well. I only mentioned the Cricut Maker because of the current low price.

[MorningGlory]

I have a 12 year old non-trendy daughter, too. Thank goodness she is a soccer fanatic. Her "wow" gift this year is a Barcelona replica jersey. 

She does like jewelry and has begun to build a collection of necklaces and bracelets. For her birthday last summer, her brother gave her a sea turtle tracking bracelet that she absolutely LOVES. If you look into something like this, make sure you are purchasing from a real source that supports a real conservancy. 

https://myfahlo.com/

https://conserveturtles.org/sea-turtle-tracking-active-sea-turtles/

Anyway, I saw this gorgeous jewelry organizer on Pottery Barn Teen that would help her keep her jewelry in one place: https://www.pbteen.com/products/script-monogram-wall-storage/?pkey=s~jewelry organizer~45

I thought it was too expensive (and now it won't come until after Christmas), but it did give me the idea of looking for something like that locally (without monogram, but still attractive). 

[Hilltopmom]

That sea turtle tracking bracelet is so cool- I want one, lol.

[Dianthus]

56 minutes ago, MorningGlory said:

 

Anyway, I saw this gorgeous jewelry organizer on Pottery Barn Teen that would help her keep her jewelry in one place: https://www.pbteen.com/products/script-monogram-wall-storage/?pkey=s~jewelry organizer~45

I thought it was too expensive (and now it won't come until after Christmas), but it did give me the idea of looking for something like that locally (without monogram, but still attractive). 

This is a good idea. I'll look for something similar

[Dianthus]

Thought I'd share. Found this bead weaver. She'll love it. She's been on a jewelry kick for awhile.

Eta: Also got this Soap making kit. She likes making soap and this is pretty easy for her to do herself. Someday, we'll make real lye soap together. I've always wanted to do that.

 

 

Edited December 16, 2021 by Spirea

[Catwoman]

Those look like great choices! I hope she loves them!

[amiesmom]

My crafty 12 year old DD is getting lots of precut fabric and this book (she got a sewing  machine last Christmas) 

Sew It!: Make 17 Projects with Yummy Precut Fabric―Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs & Fat Quarters https://smile.amazon.com/dp/160705874X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_HTP7E5CB6WB6M0VEK05H

 

as well as lots of yarn, safety eyes and this book

Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1944515631/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_AKCMY3PTKH3Z2PG9RQQ7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

She's also getting a few Lego sets.

Edited December 16, 2021 by amiesmom

[Dianthus]

31 minutes ago, amiesmom said:

My crafty 12 year old DD is getting lots of precut fabric and this book (she got a sewing  machine last Christmas) 

Sew It!: Make 17 Projects with Yummy Precut Fabric―Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs & Fat Quarters https://smile.amazon.com/dp/160705874X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_HTP7E5CB6WB6M0VEK05H

 

as well as lots of yarn, safety eyes and this book

Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1944515631/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_AKCMY3PTKH3Z2PG9RQQ7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

She's also getting a few Lego sets.

I know she would like to crochet animals but she doesn't have crocheting down yet. She wants some help with it and I don't do it.

[Janeway]

I bought my daughter a pink, velvetty chair for her desk. I got it from Wayfair.

[amiesmom]

2 hours ago, Spirea said:

I know she would like to crochet animals but she doesn't have crocheting down yet. She wants some help with it and I don't do it.

I understand, I don't crochet either. Luckily I have a friend who does and taught DD the basics of reading patterns. She learned the stitches from watching YouTube videos. It seemed like once she figured out the basics, the rest came fairly easily. 

She also enjoys making these little felt stuffies: Klutz Sew Mini Treats Craft Kit, 8" Length x 1.5" Width x 9" Height https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0545906520/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_3R7ZPSMQQGXBNCZ9G671

 

DD is way craftier and more talented than I am at these things, but she also has the patience to figure them out.

[Catwoman]

1 hour ago, Janeway said:

I bought my daughter a pink, velvetty chair for her desk. I got it from Wayfair.

Ooh! I'll bet she will love it, Janeway!

[Dianthus]

2 hours ago, amiesmom said:

I understand, I don't crochet either. Luckily I have a friend who does and taught DD the basics of reading patterns. She learned the stitches from watching YouTube videos. It seemed like once she figured out the basics, the rest came fairly easily. 

She also enjoys making these little felt stuffies: Klutz Sew Mini Treats Craft Kit, 8" Length x 1.5" Width x 9" Height https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0545906520/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_3R7ZPSMQQGXBNCZ9G671

 

DD is way craftier and more talented than I am at these things, but she also has the patience to figure them out.

My daughter has done similar felt star wars and other animals. Sounds like our girls are similar and maybe we are. I say I don't have patience for crafts. I have extreme patience for other projects or even DIY home crafts, but I don't want to devote my patience to crafting. I'm rather a perfectionist and I would have to work and rework a sewing project until perfect. I know I would get irritated. I'd like to have the skill but not willing to devote my time to it. I do encourage dd because I wish I had learned when young and want to encourage her interest. I'm very impressed with what she can do.