30 Best Toys for 12-Year-Old-Girls
Updated 09 June 2021
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Author
Molly is a huge toy and games fan, and enjoys testing out and reviewing new toys. She is a big board game and Nintendo Switch fan.
When you were a 12-year-old girl, the chances are that you didn’t own a selfie stick or Carpool Karaoke, or even a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker. For the tweens of today, the toys out there are a fantastic mix of high-tech gadgets and old-time favorites.
The technology might have evolved, but 12-year-olds haven’t actually changed all that much, so we’ve come up with a list of the 30 best toys for this age group, embracing the latest tech toys but also classics like a record player, basketball hoops, LEGO, video games and even a Good Housekeeping cookbook!
We’ve filtered out all of the fake online reviews to make sure that our recommendations won’t disappoint because one thing we all know for sure about 12-year-old girls is that you don’t want to let them down.
1Just As Long As We're Together
Written by the famous Judy Blume, Just As Long As We're Together is a wonderful book that follows three pre-teen girls. Much of the story can be based around the question of, "Can you have more than one best friend?" These middle school students also face many trials like their first crushes, developing friendships, and even parental issues, so it is likely that any 12-year-old girl may find common ground with one or even multiple characters in the story, making it a good read as they come to terms with problems they are themselves facing.
What we love
- Although it's an older book, the themes stand the test of time
- It's easy and quick for the intended age group to read
What We Don't Like That Much
- Because there are sequels, the ending can seem a bit abrupt
2A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
In A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story, girls will get a glimpse into the struggles of the two different characters of Nya and Salva. Both are 11 years old, but the young girl Nya's story takes place in 2008, whereas the tale of Salva, the boy, is from 1985. The overarching theme relates to how these young Sudanese children face mortal danger in an effort to improve their own lives and the lives of the people around them. Such a story can be powerful for other children of that age to read, in particular those from areas that don't normally deal with such issues, such as in the United States.
What we love
- Easy distinction between the boy's and the girl's POV
- Tackles important issues in a manner that children will understand
What We Don't Like That Much
- Could have been longer to get into the details a bit more
3Good Housekeeping Kids Cook!: 100+ Super-Easy, Delicious Recipes (Volume 1) (Good Housekeeping Kids Cookbooks)
For the children that have a desire to cook, the Good Housekeeping Kids Cook is a perfect book for them. It can help 12-year-olds quickly develop the skills they need to survive in the kitchen. The book is available both in hardback or in the Kindle version. There are 160 pages in all, with more than 100 different recipes for kids to explore. It can introduce children to a variety of new flavors and ideas since many of the recipes can be adapted and experimented with.
What we love
- A good amount of healthy recipes
- Features clear, high quality images
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some recipes require parental guidance to assist in a few steps
4Water Sports 80003-9 Stream Machine (M) Tl-750 Hydrobolic Water Launcher, 24", Assorted
The Stream Machine Water Cannon Squirt Gun Soaker can help kids keep themselves and everyone around them nice and cool during the summer. This comes in various colors, and it is completely powered by the strength of the one wielding it. Made in a single-barrel or double-barrel design, the soaker can reach up to 70ft. depending on how hard it's pressed. This squirt gun gives kids the power to attack their enemies from variable ranges, so there's really no escape for their target. It's the perfect weapon when hanging out by the pool or running in the backyard.
What we love
- The high-gloss finish paint job isn't prone to peeling off like with some other squirt guns
- Fills up in seconds
What We Don't Like That Much
- Water might leak from either side if left standing
5Fat Brain Toys Crystal Growing Hedgehog - Blue Maker & DIY Kits for Ages 10 to 12
The Fat Brain Toys Crystal Growing Hedgehog is a unique way for kids to discover minerals. Rather than growing simple crystals in a container, this provides children with an adorable little hedgehog, and the crystals act as its spines. It is certainly a fun way to explore chemistry as well as teach kids about the value of patience since it takes about a full day for the crystals to grow to their maximum size. In this STEM activity, children can choose from several colors so they can pick their favorite one.
What we love
- Comes with a nice, sturdy display container
- Children can follow along all by themselves with simple instructions provided
What We Don't Like That Much
- Would be nice if crystals grew a bit larger
6NERF Rebelle Rapid Red Blaster
The NERF Rebelle Rapid Red Blaster allows girls to take down their enemies in style, with long-range darts that can be shot up to 75ft. through the air and vibrant colors that make it stand out among other NERF weapons. Children can practice their accuracy and use this blaster for secret spy missions. The 12-dart clip also features a hidden message. With the decoder, kids can quickly decode the messages so they can progress into their mission. Included in this set are six collectible darts and six message darts, allowing for more play opportunities.
What we love
- Battery operation makes it easier to use
- Launches darts in rapid succession
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could be a little more comfortable with a larger grip
7Ravensburger Disney Castle 216 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids and Adults - Easy Click Technology Means Pieces Fit Together Perfectly
The Disney Castle 3D Jigsaw Puzzle puts a spin on the idea of children settling down to complete a puzzle. Instead of assembling a flat object, they will have something they can play with when they are done building the castle. It features incredible design and details, and fans of Disney will rejoice at discovering the various characters featured throughout, such as Rapunzel in her tower and Cinderella with her carriage. There are 216 pieces in total, with a mixture of puzzle pieces and construction pieces. They are designed with a precision fit, so everything sits in together perfectly, and also feature a click mechanism, so children will know when they have got it right because there will be an audible 'click'.
What we love
- Well organized as castle sections are separated into their own bags
- Smaller pieces are numbered so they're easier to put together
What We Don't Like That Much
- It might require some wrestling to assemble some of the larger pieces together
8Dude Perfect Signature Bow Nerf Sports Biggest Nerf Bow with 2 Nerf Whistling Arrows For Kids, Teens, and Adults
NERF offers the awesome Dude Perfect Signature Bow for archery enthusiasts. There is no better way to teach children about archery safety while they relax and have fun. This is also one of the largest NERF toy bows available, measuring out at 42in., and therefore ideal for pre-teens. Both of the arrows it comes with make a cool whistling sound as they soar through the air, firing up to 105ft. Kids will be able to instantly practice their aim and even develop some trick shots by making good use of the included target.
What we love
- Lightweight, making it easy to handle
- Arrows have good speed and power
What We Don't Like That Much
- The included target could be more stable for use in the grass
9Vinyl Stereo Blue Record Player 3 Speed Portable Turntable Suitcase Built in 2 Speakers RCA Line Out AUX Headphone Jack PC Recorder
The Vinyl Stereo Record Player is a cute way for kids to experience the joys of vinyl without messing with their parents’ more expensive players. It comes in three different colors, and it's designed as a 3-speed record player. It comes in a cool briefcase-style too, so children will get something that looks a bit more unique for them when displaying it in their own room. It includes a USB cable and a power cord so it can be set up and used right away as long as they have a record on hand.
What we love
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Cool USB port to input vinyl into the computer
What We Don't Like That Much
- Tonearm could be heavier and more sturdy to reduce the wobbling
10LED Photo Clip String Lights Home Decor Indoor/Outdoor, Battery Powered String Lights Lamp for Home/Party/Christmas Decoration Christmas Birthday Wedding Party Festival Decor
The LED Photo Clip String Lights set presents a unique way to decorate a pre-teen's room. The LED lights are available in sets of 20, 30, 40, or 50, offering girls the chance to display numerous pictures they treasure, which will be wonderfully illuminated, adding a touch of warmth to the room. These string photo lights work well hanging near a wall or over a child's bed. They are battery-operated and can be adjusted to three settings: on, off, or flashing.
What we love
- Lights don't seem to overheat
- It makes for a great decoration even with the lights turned off
What We Don't Like That Much
- Clips should be handled with care as they're a bit fragile
11Pokemon Plush, Large 12" Inch Plush Pikachu
The Pokémon Plush Pikachu is a cute toy for anyone who loves the famous, adorable companion. This cuddly stuffed animal is 12in. in height, and thus of adequate dimensions for a child to carry it around comfortably or sleep with at night. It features all the familiar Pikachu characteristics, from his red cheeks to his lightning bolt tail and even his signature happy smile. Pikachu is also made from wonderfully soft plush and polyester material that may be gentle enough for kids who present sensitivities to commonly used materials.
What we love
- He is very soft to cuddle with
- This is an officially licensed toy
What We Don't Like That Much
- Can't play with the tail as it's attached to the head
12KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera - Full Color Prints On ZINK 2x3" Sticky-Backed Photo Paper (Pink) Print Memories Instantly
A simple way for kids to capture their favorite moments in life, the Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera is definitely a wonderful gift. Available in six colors, this camera offers a quick means to snap a photo of any memorable moment and then print it out as a keepsake. While one image is printing, the child can immediately snap another picture. There's a nice light sensor that adapts the flash to low-light settings. The pictures will also last for a long time, thanks to the tear-resistant and water-resistant design. They are also smudge-free so that kids can grab them right away without worry.
What we love
- Capable of black and white or color photos
- Constructed with simplicity in mind
What We Don't Like That Much
- Replacement paper can be expensive
13Dunlop Sports Nitro Junior Tennis Racket, 25", White/Red/Black
The Dunplo Nitro Junior Tennis Racquets offer a sturdy build using aluminum material so that children can use it in hobby and professional settings. It is more head-heavy, but it's balanced well for good swinging. They are designed for use by children aged nine to twelve. However, depending on the size of the racquet and their own stature, they might be able to play with it for longer. The racquets do come strung, but unstrung they should weigh 8.5oz.
What we love
- Available in four different lengths
- Straightforward design that makes it good for beginners and intermediate users
What We Don't Like That Much
- A bag or cover must be bought separately
14Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party remains a classic to this day, and this version still holds all the original excitement so that children and parents alike can have fun playing it. Up to four players can be involved simultaneously, and it works both offline and online so kids can play with whoever is at home or with their friends. There are different online modes, and in addition, two Switch systems can be set up flat in a way that creatively combines the screens for a more board game feel.
What we love
- Each character has their own independent movement
- Several new and challenging mini-games
What We Don't Like That Much
- Would be nice to have more boards to play on
15JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Red
Let girls blast their favorite tunes with the JBL Charge 4. It's a compact device that can accompany them anywhere on their adventures, given the 20 hours of playtime on a full charge and its rugged construction intended to protect it against any unfortunate accidents. Moreover, up to two smartphones or tablets can be connected to it at the same time, so their friends can also use it with them. Another cool aspect about this speaker is that it's available in a dozen colors, so girls can listen to their favorite music in style.
What we love
- Splash-proof protection for safe use around water
- Has a good Bluetooth range
What We Don't Like That Much
- Bluetooth doesn't automatically reconnect when moving in and out of range
16liberry Kids Exercise Hoop, Detachable & Size Adjustable Toy Hoop, Professional Hoola Rings for Kids
The Liberry Kids Exercise Hoop takes hula hooping to a new level. This is an adjustable hoop rather than a static one, allowing kids of different ages and stature to readily partake in the fun. The sections are also easy to pull apart and snap together. The hoop features very bright colors to further appeal to young children. It is also good for playing both indoors and outdoors, and they can play with it by themselves or turn it into a group event with friends and family.
What we love
- Made from durable plastic
- Fun for kids to perform various exercises with
What We Don't Like That Much
- Must add a lot of weight as it's too lightweight in the beginning
17Mosaiz Halloween Face Makeup, Halloween Makeup Palette, Facepaint and Body Paint Set, Makeup Kit for Kids Party, Make up for Kids and Adults Professional, 18 Colors, 4 Metallic, 3 Brushes 30 Stencils
This Face Paint Kit features 18 colors, and it is a cute gift for the creative child or to use at a 12-year-old girl’s birthday celebration. The color selection offers 14 standard, bright colors along with four alternative metallic ones. They are all skin-friendly, so they work well even for those children with sensitive skin. They can apply the fast-drying paint using their own imagination or the included 30 stencils. There are also three different brush types to choose from: fan, flat, and angle. This will encourage the children to experiment with paint and create different designs.
What we love
- Washes off the skin easily
- Application is smooth and even
What We Don't Like That Much
- Stencils are thin and may only last through a couple of uses
18Selfie Stick, Professional 45-Inch Selfie Stick Tripod, Extendable Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote and Tripod Stand for iPhone 6 7 8 X Plus/Samsung Galaxy Note 9/S9 Plus and More
The Selfie Stick is a must-have for any 12-year-old girl who is as obsessed with taking pictures as many pre-teens are these days. Not only is this perfect for solo pictures, but with its 3-in-1 design, it's great for group photos as well. It has 360-degree rotation and seven telescoping sections so girls can adjust it as required. It is remarkably easy to use and is accompanied by a wireless remote that features a comfortable 33ft. maximum range which offers splendid possibilities for various setups and the freedom to experiment with selfies so that the girls can capture their best possible shots.
What we love
- Compact, pocket-size design for easy carrying
- Solid and stable for use in various outdoor conditions
What We Don't Like That Much
- Could open a little wider to handle larger phones/phone cases
19Carpool Karaoke The Mic 1.0, Wireless Karaoke Microphone System, White CPK545 by Singing Machine,Gold & White
The Official Carpool Karaoke can help kids live out their singing dreams either in the car or in the comfort of their home. They can use Bluetooth to link up with music apps or simply use the aux cord to connect to the radio in the car. Either way can get the music and excitement going. It features volume control, but alongside that, the mic has a cool echo design too. You can lower or raise the echo effects in addition to watching the awesome light effects that synchronize to the music you're singing along with.
What we love
- Simple to setup wireless Bluetooth
- Great battery life for extended use
What We Don't Like That Much
- Music tends to be louder than the microphone
20CONSOLE NINTENDO CONSOLE SWITCH MINI TURQUOISE
The Nintendo Switch Lite is the perfect handheld device for children to keep them entertained and busy, especially if they need a distraction on road trips. This model features a beautiful turquoise color and a sleek design. It's lightweight too, so it's simple enough to take along anywhere. Since it's the UK version, it does work with U.S. games but will require a power adapter. This is also compatible with various digital and physical Nintendo games, so children will have a host of games at their disposal.
What we love
- Joysticks and buttons are easy for children to handle
- Features an adequate battery life for long-lasting playtime
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some games may require the switch to dock in order to work
21Make It Real - Juicy Couture Pink and Precious Bracelets - DIY Charm Bracelet Kit with Beads for Tween Jewelry Making - Jewelry Making Kit for Girls
The Juicy Couture Pink and Precious Bracelets is an appealing DIY bracelet-making kit for all young, creative jewelry lovers. It includes 10 Juicy Couture charms, three chains, three satin cord colors, 50 jump rings, an elastic cord, and 390 colorful beads. The kit provides more than enough for girls to create their own unique and stylish bracelets. It's not only a fun toy kit for pre-teens, but it can help in their cognitive development, improving fine motor skills as well as their dexterity. Apart from that, it is a wonderful tool for keeping children of this age calm and entertained, helping them slow down and focus.
What we love
- Several illustrated instructions accompany the set
- Charms are high-quality and seem like they'll last a good deal of time
What We Don't Like That Much
- Children might need help fitting some of the smaller beads on the bracelets
22TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones Touch Control with Wireless Charging Case IPX8 Waterproof Stereo Earphones in-Ear Built-in Mic Headset Premium Deep Bass for Sport White
The TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds are an affordable option for kids to listen to their music without wires getting in the way. They come in several stylish colors, and they feature convenient touch controls for playing and pausing music, adjusting volume, skipping songs, or answering calls. These Bluetooth earbuds and the charging case are washable thanks to their IPX8 waterproof protection, making them ideal for use on those warmer days where kids may be a bit sweaty while using their earbuds. They also have a good battery life, lasting six hours on a single charge.
What we love
- Touch controls have good sensitivity
- Good at isolating sound at various volume levels
What We Don't Like That Much
- May disconnect and reconnect at times when moving around
23Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard, 37-41 inch Body Board with EPS Core, XPE Deck, HDPE Slick Bottom and Premium Wrist Leash, for Sea, Beach, Surfing for Kids Teens and Adults (Rose, 37)
Children who adore the water will get a thrill out of using the Goplus Super Lightweight Bodyboard. With its 60/40 rails and crescent tail, the board is suitable for waves of various sizes and shapes, meaning children can use it just as well on a lake as they would in the ocean. It's simple to control, especially for beginners. In addition, it is ultra-lightweight, making it easier for a child to carry around, yet at the same time, it has a strong load-bearing capacity. The board is available in two different sizes and four bright color options to choose from.
What we love
- Thick construction so it'll hold up through frequent use
- The slick bottom helps the board gain more speed against waves
What We Don't Like That Much
- Wrist leash could secure better to the board
24LEGO DOTS Desk Organizer 41907 DIY Craft Decorations Kit for Kids who Like Designing and Redesigning Their Own Room Decor Items to Use, Makes a Fun and Inspirational Gift (405 Pieces)
The LEGO DOTS Desk Organizer is a perfect crafting project for kids. With 405 pieces, children will have the freedom to express themselves freely because once the organizer is assembled, they can use the leftover tiles to create any design they wish on the outside of the organizer. It's functional as well, as it features two compartments, a drawer that opens and closes, and a photo holder. To keep all the pieces in order while they're constructing the organizer, there is an accompanying reusable tray which is very suitable for this purpose. They can even use the tray for transportation if they want to take it all apart to assemble it somewhere else.
What we love
- Components are easy for kids to put together without help
- Good mixture of vibrant colors
What We Don't Like That Much
- The drawer could be wider to fit more items
25Drone Home -- First Ever Game With a Real, Flying Drone -- Great, Family Fun! -- For 2-4 Players -- Ages 8+
Bring the home family together with the PlayMonster Drone Home game. It is suitable for between two to four players and requires them to race each other in order to reach the drone before their opponents and launch their alien into space. Each player has four aliens, and whoever sends all of their creatures home first will win. All players must be on the lookout though since with the delay their opponents can knock their alien out of the drone before they are able to launch. It's a silly and exciting game that keeps kids entertained time and time again.
What we love
- Drone launches a good distance high up in the air
- Soft blades on the drone for safety
What We Don't Like That Much
- Must be gentle when playing as the pieces are a bit sensitive
26Ravensburger Marvel Villainous: Infinite Power Strategy Board Game for Ages 12 & Up - The Next Chapter of Villainous
Marvel Villainous is an exciting game for any young Marvel fan. This asymmetric card game places players in control of the villains rather than the famous heroes. There are five to choose from: Killmonger, Ultron, Taskmaster, Hela, and Thanos. All five unique sculpted figures of the Marvel villains can be used, and each of them has domains, guides, and fate decks. They also have a shared fate deck as well as power tokens, a power vault, and a soul mark. Through the shared deck, players face off against the heroes.
What we love
- Fun to play 1v1 or in a group setting
- A good amount of interactions to keep the game entertaining throughout
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the game mechanics could use more explanations
27PC Podcast Microphone for Gaming Streaming Recording - Condenser Microphone with Mic Stand & Sound Card (Purple)
For young girls that want to record their own podcast or simply have some fun, the USB Podcast Microphone with Sound Mixer offers the right tools for the job. Available in black or purple, it comprises professional-level equipment such as the Live Sound card. It is compatible with different live streaming channels such as a cell phone or a computer. The sound card also features nine scene modes and nine sound effects. Children can manipulate their voice to sound more female, male, or even use the cool monster mode to scare their friends and family.
What we love
- Simple setup process perfect for their first podcast
- Clear sound so you don't have to be too close to the mic
What We Don't Like That Much
- A heavier stand might better support the microphone
In Conclusion
When I was 12 I may not have been able to fly a drone or make my own podcast, but I definitely would have wanted to if they’d been invented yet. This list is packed full of toys that are just as cool and awesome for 12-year-old girls who are looking to be creative, stay fit and active, and learn about the world around them. If reading this list has brought on some nostalgia from when you were 12, why not treat yourself to the Goosebumps Movie Game? An awesome board game based on R.L. Stine’s classic spooky books that are a rite of passage for anyone entering their teen years. If you’re buying for a 12-year-old girl who loves playing games like that, have a look at our 10 Best Escape Games for Kids list for some more thrills and spills with escape room themes.
