Toys for 10-12's (Girls)

Oh no! There’s a pre-teen’s birthday just around the corner, and you haven’t got a clue what to get her! You have every right to get excited – that double-digit figure makes 10 a very special age, especially for the birthday girl.

10 can be an iffy age, when it comes to gifts. Does she want clothes yet or does she still prefer toys? What games does she like to play? Or is she the bookish type? Agh!

But don’t sweat if you’re strapped for ideas. Remember – no matter what the birthday, there will always be something on her wish list.

The safest gifts are the stereotypical gifts designed for girls. This includes soft toys (particularly high-quality ones that will last for decades), chocolates and flowers. Even at age 10, if she is a girl who likes girl things, she will appreciate these gifts.

For something a little more personal, pick a gift that’s unique and relevant to her lifestyle. At age 10, she will be well into the early stages of ‘hanging out’ – this provides a good demand for gifts that support her social life.

A stylish address book will not steer you wrong, particularly if her careworn spiral notebook is starting to look a little shabby. The challenge here then becomes picking the right style to suit her taste; check out some of her current handpicked belongings – flowery or funky; retro or ultramod; Victorian overtones or Asian swank?

If she has a phone line in her bedroom and is still using the standard-issue equipment, a new phone will be well-received. Again, pick a stylish phone to match her bedroom decor. In terms of phone design, a cordless phone or one with an extra long cord will prove most useful and convenient for long conversations.

For the girl who goes out lots, a mobile phone is not only a super gift, but also one that can ensure her safety. Mobile phones can be obtained quite affordably and don’t cost a bomb if you find a carrier with a good plan. Pre-paid mobile plans cap her spending, meaning no parental complaints about the bills. However, the attitude towards mobile phones vary from family to family, so check with her folks first!

Swapping notes between classes is a favourite schooltime hobby. Gel pens and cute stationery can be highly prized commodities in the note-swapping trade. If putting stationery pack together, stay stylish by matching the pens with the paper.

Funky or cute stickers are also fantastic to include in a stationery pack, as they are ideal for scattering throughout the letters to the closer friends.