A young girl aged 8 to 11 is in a muddy, transitional period. She is just beginning the transition into adulthood and has not yet left childhood behind. Some young girls make this transition faster than others, leaving their stuffed animals and Barbies behind, but many cling to those Barbies and favorite stuffed friends for several more years.
Deciding on a gift for a girl of this age can be difficult and requires an understanding of that girls place in the transition. If she believes she is older, more mature than her friends, even though she still secretly sleeps with her pink elephant, a more adult-like gift is necessary to not insult her sense of self. If she openly accepts and is proud of her continued youth, the range of gifts is more open and can include those popular toys of childhood. In addition to the age appropriateness of the gift, you must also consider the personality and interests of the child. If you are at a loss, follow these suggestions to get ideas of gifts that many young girls would enjoy.
Barbie Doll'd Up Nails
Available exclusively from Toys R Us, the Barbie Doll'd Up Nails is sure to be a hit with pre-teen girls. This digital printer prints designs and photos directly on fingernails. Simply take a picture of your fingernail with the camera attached to the printer, design the nail on the screen with the included software, and press print to transfer the image to your finger. Pre-teen girls will enjoy creating custom, salon quality designer nails.
Pink Laptop or Netbook
Mini laptops and netbooks can be purchased in a variety of colors to suit any young girl. Pink, purple, green and blue are popular colors that are the most widely available. Several discount stores and retail outlets have 10.1" netbooks and laptops available for under $350 with many of the features a pre-teen girl would need. Laptops that are not available in color choices can be placed in a laptop skin that will give it a designer, personal look.
A computer is a valuable tool, and exposure to computers at a young age is important. Ensure internet safety with parental blocking and tracking software, and closely monitor any online activity, in addition to discussing the importance and dangers of the internet. Exposing children to the positives of the internet, and allowing them to spend time online will help make them a more savvy web surfer into adulthood. Web access is not the only reason to purchase a computer as a gift for a pre-teen. A wealth of software is available including educational games that teach valuable skills such as typing tutors, music makers, and graphic design, as well as a plethora of character based games that improve hand eye coordination and dexterity.
Secret Password Journal
Pre-teens have innocent secrets. This age group is often discovering what it means to be an individual, separate and distinct from their other family members. She is just beginning to identify herself as a person and not as someone's daughter. A secret password journal is a fun place to store her private thoughts as she makes, the sometimes difficult, transition from childhood into adulthood.
Journals are available in a variety of styles and themes, and many password journals are voice activated. The girl chooses a secret password, and her voice unlocks the journal. Even if someone else knows the password, the lock uses voice recognition, so no one else can gain entry to the journal. Journals make excellent gifts for young girls and according to the article "7 Skills Your Child Really Needs for a Happy, Productive Life," by Nancy Shute in U.S. Health, encouraging the use of a journal teaches children critical communication skills.
Barbie Size Dollhouse
If you have a few building skills, consider a PlayScale Barbie dollhouse kit for a Barbie lover. Girls between the ages of 8 to 11 have sometimes outgrown Barbie, but many hold on to Barbie for a few more years. Barbie, and other fashion dolls are larger than the typical dollhouse doll, so homes large enough for these dolls are difficult to find. Start with raw materials armed with a Barbie doll as your size guide, or choose from the available kits for a head start. A wooden Barbie dollhouse is a special gift that she will be able to pass along to her own daughters and granddaughters.
Board Games
Electronic Monopoly, Scrabble Flash, Clue Jr. and The Game of Life are popular gifts for pre-teen and younger girls. Even adults enjoy a family game night where these games make an appearance in the rotation. Board games are a nice way to pass the time with family and friends, but these games also teach critical thinking, quick decision making, money handling and how to deal with the unexpected. The basics of winning and loosing are life lessons that are introduced much more easily with a board game than in a real life situation, and board games offen open up communication lines between family members. The best conversations are often begun over a marathon Monopoly game or a deck of cards.
MIni Bakeware Sets and Cookbook
Welcome young cooks and chefs into the kitchen with their own set of cookware and prep tools. Martha Stewart Collection Kids Prep Kit is available at Macy's and includes bowls, mixing spoons and measuring cups. Chicago Metallic makes a kid's bakeware set that includes cake pans, a cookie sheet and muffin pan in a smaller than standard size.
A pre-teen between the age of 8 to 11 is able to handle the smaller sized bakeware more easily, and the smaller size distinguishes her pots and pans from her mother's pans. If you are unable to locate a kid's bakeware or cookware set, many toaster oven bakeware sets work just as well. Kid's bakeware sets get the kids in the kitchen learning to prepare meals and the basics of food, which are important lessons for both young boys and girls to possess. Girls this age should be able to prepare many dishes in the kitchen, but will still need at least moderate supervision in the kitchen.
A nice compliment to a bakeware set is a cookbook designed specifically for children interested in cooking like The Kid's Cookbook: A great book for kids who love to cook from Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles. This cookbook has easy to read and follow recipes that the entire family can enjoy.
No matter what gift you choose for your young loved one, give the gift with love, and she will appreciate it. Wherever her interests lie, you will find a gift that she will love that will also nurture her passions and encourage her to further explore, expanding her dreams.
Chasity Goddard - Chasity Goddard holds a BA degree from the University of TN. Her wide-ranging interests and research skills pull her in various ...
Join the Conversation