Gifts for Girls Ages 7 and Up ~ Mariel’s Picks 2012

Good morning!  Today is all about gifts for girls, ages 7 and up.  Let’s get started!

Lots of girls love crafting and having little projects to work on.  I love this My First Sewing Kit from Alex Toys.  It’s won several awards and gets great reviews.  It comes with several pre-cut patterns, all ready to pin, stuff, and stitch!

If your young lady is old enough for some NICE perfume, I’m thinking she’ll be all over Taylor Swift’s scent, Wonderstruck.  Reviewers say it’s the ‘best thing they’ve ever smelled,’ ‘amazing,’ and ‘not just for tweens.’  So, I’m thinking you could sneak it now and then.  The scent is also available in a roll-on, body lotion, and gel.

It’s always fun to support small shops filled with handmade items.  Check out these adorable finds, that would be perfect for girls!

I love these animal clutches by Misala Handmade…perfect for storing lunch money and chapstick.

I love these handmade retro dresses by Faith Works 4 U.

I learned something new today.  This ‘lap harp’ that I remember wishing I had when I was a kid, is also called a zither.  Did you know that??   But, you can call it a lap harp.  So, I think this Music Maker Lap Harp would make a really fun gift for kids…it’s music, it’s hand-eye coordination, it’s not a video game, you can buy additional music for it, a carrying case…so much greatness.  Just don’t lose the tuner tool,  you’ll need it!

Many girls in this age group still love their American Girl Dolls!  So, of course that’s a good idea.  Did you see my post, The Ultimate Shopping Guide for American Girl Dolls??  It will give you some good suggestions on ways to save money on clothing and furniture.  But, beyond the dolls, American Girl makes some fun books that your little ladies will love (and they’re way cheaper than a doll :)….

…I picked out some of the best reviewed American Girl books/crafts to share with you:

The Creative Card Making Pad with 1200 pieces (stickers, cards, envelope template, punch outs, etc.)

Doll School: For Girls Who Love to Teach is a fun kit that includes lesson plans, report cards, hall passes, rewards, attendance sheets, and so much more!  This would be fun to pair with a doll school desk.

How could I not love a book that encourages mother-daughter interactions??  Yes, please.  I’ve heard great things about this book! Just Mom and Me

Lastly, this is usually a great age to upgrade and upsize bicycles.  I love beach cruisers!  They’re so easy and smooth to ride, cushy for the tush, great for casual neighborhood and beach riding (pedal brakes only)…plus, they’re stinkin cute.  The Urban Girl or Urban Lady brand has lots of fun ones.

Hope that helps you with some gift ideas for girls, ages 7 and up!

* For more gift ideas for little girls and everyone else on your list, check out the Gift Ideas tab and be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, to keep the whole collection in one place.

See you tomorrow for more of ‘Mariel’s Picks!’