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Shopping for children is fun, but shopping for 10-year-olds can be tricky. After all, 10 is a tough age — a complicated age. It’s also a transitional age.

Some kids play with dolls while others are obsessed with their tablets and “the screen.” But no matter what your child is into, there’s a gift for them.

From crafting and fashion items to purses, scrunchies, scooters, and STEM toys, there are many things you can buy a 10-year-old girl. Below are our favorite gadgets, games, books, and kits for tween girls.

What to look for in gifts for 10-year-olds

The best gifts for 10-year-olds are the ones that invite creativity and curiosity.

“Developmentally, 10-year-olds fall into Erikson’s fourth stage of psychosocial development,” explains Pavan Madan, MD, a psychiatrist at Community Psychiatry.

This means they’re focused on learning new tasks and “the mastery of a skill.” During this stage or age, their self-esteem is evolving, and 10-year-olds are starting to form strong friendships. 

Social development is key. As such, the best gifts are those that encourage:

  • confidence
  • cleverness
  • growth
  • social-emotional development

Active play is also important.

How we chose our favorite gifts

While awards are meaningful and reviews are great, nothing beats firsthand experience. Many of these picks were favorites of Healthline Parenthood’s writers and editors. Some were chosen by child development experts, and others were fan favorites in online reviews.

Price guide

  • $ = under $20
  • $$ = $20–$50
  • $$$ = $50–$100
  • $$$$ = $100+

Healthline Parenthood’s picks of the best gifts for 10-year-old girls

Best gifts under $20

Squishmallows

Price: $

Squishmallows are beloved by many — and for good reason. Not only are they cute and cuddly, as well as soft and snuggly, but they come in all sorts of shapes, colors and, of course, animal characters. From cats and unicorns to elves and elephants, there’s truly a Squishmallow for everyone — each with their own fun personality to boot.

Though large Squishmallows can cost upwards of $50 for larger sizes, you can score a small one for $10 to $20.

Monochef DIY Charm Bracelet Making Kit

Price: $

Many girls love gifts that foster creativity, inspire curiosity, and can be shared. After all, there’s a reason why the friendship bracelet has withstood the test of time.

This DIY kit takes bracelets and bonding to the next level. With beads, pearls, dangles, and more than a dozen designs, this set is great for the preteen in your life. It comes with 19 metal beads, 19 beads with a dangle, 10 rainbow beads, 4 glass beads, and 3 diamond beads — enough to make plenty of necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Lily Frilly Sequin Scrunchie Set

Price: $

Whether they’re in a stocking or a goody bag, scrunchies are the gift to give right now. After all, the ‘90s are back — and in a big way. Plus, they’re incredibly practical, so it’s a real win-win. This set of three sparkly scrunchies is super affordable and sure to make the 10-year-old in your life smile.

Best gifts from $20–$50

LCFUN Mini Leather Backpack

Price: $$

If the little one you’re shopping for is a budding fashionista, a faux leather backpack may be right for them.

These bags are purposeful, practical, and super stylish. This brand comes in 10 fun colors to choose from and features a trendy design with a bowknot on the front. It’s great for school, shopping, or traveling and is made from a durable material that lasts.

Tech Tools Punching Bag

Price: $$

While you might not expect to see a punching bag on a gift roundup for girls, remember: Not all girls are alike — nor do they have the same interests. Some like to climb trees and scuff their knees — and some simply like to get their frustration out on a punching bag.

A punching bag can help foster courage and confidence, and give kids a healthy way to process their newfound emotions.

Designed by You Fashion Studio

Price: $$

Does the kiddo you’re shopping for dream of becoming a fashion designer? If so, this kit is for them. With swatches, trims, embellishments, and bows, it’ll help them learn how to sketch out a creative design, test out their fashion ideas by draping, basting, and pinning fabric, ribbon, and other add-ons onto an actual mannequin, and see their colorful clothing creations actually come to life.

Best gifts from $50–$100

GoGlam Cool Maker Nail Stamper

With bold colors, patterns, and an innovative “stamp” design, the GoGlam Nail Stamper is a top choice for at-home manicures and pedicures. All that needs to be decided is which pattern feels right in the moment. Next, just pop it into the machine, paint your nails with the base coat, and watch the magic unfold. In total, this device lets you customize your nails in 125 different ways.

Singing Machine’s Bluetooth Karaoke System 

Price: $$$

This device is like an ode to your own childhood. It’s a karaoke machine that plays actual CDs and of course also connects to Bluetooth. With bright lights and a (seemingly) unlimited library accessed via a mobile app, this colorful — and powerful — karaoke machine will let your little girl be the life of the party. It’s fun for the whole family! Simply connect the RCA cables to your TV set and read the scrolling lyrics.

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit

Price: $$$

If your little one loves technology and the wizarding world, you may want to consider purchasing this kit. It lets them create creatures, sweets, and spells with the wave of a wand, the touch of their hand, and the push of a few simple buttons. 

This set comes with all of the necessary wand parts, as well as PCB with Codeable LED, button, batteries, step-by-step book, stickers, poster, and the free Kano app. It’s worth noting, however, that the tablet is not included.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera

Price: $$$

Kids love taking photos — of their family, friends, and surroundings — and this instant camera by Fujifilm can take their love of photography to the next level. Encourage them to put down the cell phone for simple kid-friendly fun, old-school style. It comes in a handful of colors and includes one Mini Film Twin Pack with 20 sheets of film.

Best gifts over $100

Lego Friends Heartlake City Resort

Price: $$$$

Looking for an age-appropriate Lego set? With 5 mini-figures, more than 1,000 pieces, and a fun interactive design, the Heartlake City Resort set is great for budding builders because of the variety of creative components included — 1,017 pieces and four LEGO Friends mini-dolls: Stephanie, Andrea, Olivia, and Mason, plus a dolphin figure. This set is sure to provide endless entertainment 10-year-olds.

American Girl Doll Courtney

Price: $$$$

Chances are, you might have owned an American Girl doll yourself as a child, so it’s clear that these have withstood the test of time — and for good reason. Their accessories are enticing. Their costumes are elaborate. And they’re good quality.

Many parents buy them as milestone presents for big holidays, birthdays, or celebrations. If the 10-year-old you’re shopping for is into dolls, you may want to consider Courtney, who’s changing the game with her headphones, cassette player, and a high-waisted denim skirt.

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar 

Price: $$$$

This guitar is great for girls who are musically inclined. It’s great for anyone interested in music — regardless of whether they want to sing, try composition, or pick up classical music.

This includes one full-size, steel-string acoustic guitar, a gig bag, strap, picks, and online lessons. The scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany neck, and durable dark-stained maple fingerboard are indicators that it’s built to last, so expect this to be loved for years to come.

Best educational gifts for 10-year-old girls

Snap Circuits Arcade

Price: $$

If you have a budding engineer, check out Snap Circuits. With slides, wires, switches, and circuits, this kit gives your kiddo the chance to play with and create real, working electronic devices for easy, fun.

The arcade supports both STEM and steam curriculum and comes with easy-to-follow instructions to encourage your child to use it to its full capacity.

4M STEAM Crystal Science

Price: $$

This kit provides another way for kids to explore STEM and STEAM concepts — in a particularly bold and beautiful manner.

The collection kit includes 10 grow-yourself crystals, two geode pairs, and a glow-in-the-dark stunner — foot pedals and axels included. It helps foster your child’s development and understanding of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Even if they’re not that into science at school, it may help pique their interest at home.

Thames & Cosmos Happy Atoms Complete Set

Price: $$$$

You can teach 10-year-olds the basics of chemistry with this interactive modeling set, which received the Parents’ Choice silver award and the KAPi (Kids at Play Interactive) award winner for innovation.

With physical play and a free app that is available for Android, Kindle, and iOS, your little one can build molecules and learn all about them. Solid and smart.

Best outdoor gifts for 10-year-old girls

Sowume Otw-Cool Adjustable Roller Skates

Price: $$

Roller skates are back and they are, once again, all the rage. These beauties aren’t just colorful (they come in four different shades) and adjustable, but they’re also stable and modern-looking.

They come in three sizes — small (10c-13c), medium (13c-3y), and large (3y-6y) — and feature impact-resistant polymer plastic for ultimate stability and long-term durability.

Think Gizmos Pogo Stick

Price: $$

You probably tried a pogo stick at least once during your childhood, so you might appreciate the fact that they’re still being sold. These contraptions make for such simple entertainment while also helping exercise your child’s core and leg muscles and aiding with balance. Besides, who doesn’t want to jump around?! This version is perfect for girls (and boys) ages 9 and up and comes in four fun designs.

Flybold Obstacle Slackline Kit

Price: $$$

Turn a simple slackline into a 40-feet Ninja Warrior course with this kit from Flybold. It comes with two fist holds, two monkey bars, four gymnastics rings, ratchet straps for easy assembly, and 13 safety strap buckles. Reviewers attest to the fact that it’s easy to set up and a great way to keep kids entertained in the safety of their backyard.

Best games for 10-year-old girls

Ravensburger Disney Villainous

Price: $$

Voted the 2019 TOTY Game of the Year, Disney’s Villainous brings characters you love (and love to hate!) to life in a fun-filled strategy board game. It’s great for Disney fans and their families! The set comes with Captain Hook, Maleficent, Jafar, Ursula, Queen of Hearts, and Prince John and also includes Fate Decks that feature beloved protagonists like Ariel, Aladdin, Peter Pan, and more.

Mattel Apples to Apples Junior

Price: $

Hilarious and award-winning, Apples to Apples Junior is based off the original, adult-oriented, party game but with age-appropriate cards. This game is sure to entertain groups of children with its crazy comparisons while expanding their vocabulary and thinking skills — perfect party fun for kids ages 9 and up.

Best arts-and-crafts kits for 10-year-old girls

Klutz Make-Your-Own Bath Bombs Kit

Price: $

There’s no age limit to start indulging in a little TLC in the form of a relaxing bath bomb. These single-use blends of scented and soothing ingredients release into the bath and provide a stress-free experience.

This DIY bath bomb kit comes with everything your child needs to make 12 fizzy, fragrance-filled bombs, so all that’s left to do is sit back, craft, and then settle in for a good soak.

Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit

Price: $

Tie-dye regained popularity during the midst of the pandemic and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. This kit includes enough supplies for your child to host their own T-shirt coloring extravaganza. Your little one will pop with over-the-top color and creativity.

Nintendo Labo Variety Kit

Price: $$$

While Nintendo products may not usually be considered “creative” or “educational,” this kit will keep your little one stimulated and entertained. It requires kids to build the game themselves, with heavy-duty, precut cardboard. Make, play, and discover.

Best tech gifts for 10-year-old girls

Nintendo Switch 

Price: $$$$

Video games are beloved by all genders, so it’s no surprise if your 10-year-old girl has been asking you for a console for months now. While you might be initially hesitant about purchasing yet another “screen time” device, know that plenty of the games your child can play on the Nintendo Switch can be quite educational and help foster skills. This bundle contains a pastel-colored Switch, a copy of “Animal Crossing,” and hours of fun.

CHANGED LINK

Acer Chromebook Spin 11 Convertible Laptop

Price: $$$$

Laptops are quickly becoming essential items for 10-year-olds — and for good reason. From remote learning to general fun, these devices are both coveted and necessary.

But if you’re looking for a good starter laptop, look no farther than the Chromebook Spin. With a full keyboard, an 11-inch touch screen, and a durable design, the Chromebook Spin is a solid choice.

How to choose a gift for a 10-year-old girl 

Frequently asked questions

What do you get a child that has everything?

After years of buying your children toys to keep them stimulated and entertained, it might feel like there isn’t a single toy out there that your child for doesn’t already own. But don’t sweat it, there are always more — whether they’re new to the market or time-honored classics that you didn’t know a kiddo would show interest in.

You can always find new toys that can help foster creativity and inspire curiosity. If you’re at a loss for what to get, consider the 10-year-old’s most recent interests, as well as the toys they are playing with at their friends’ houses.

Is a tablet an okay gift for a 10-year-old?

While every child is different, most parents agree that, by 10 years of age, a tablet is a very appropriate gift. At this age, kids have amassed a wide range of interests that may change with the flip of a switch. Having an electronic device upon which they can download different games and applications can allow them to expand their knowledge and explore their creativity.

What is considered too much to spend on a gift?

There is really no right or wrong amount to spend on a gift; it really has to do with your individual relationship to the child and your budget. What you might feel comfortable spending on a child may be very different than what someone else feels comfortable spending — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Try to keep in mind what makes sense for you and remember that price is not the ultimate determination of how special a gift is.

Takeaway

There is no shortage of gift options for 10-year-old girls, many of which are sure to last them well through the tween and teen years. Choosing the one that is best for the 10-year-old you are shopping for might be a challenge at first, but with options from grow-your-own crystal sets to tablets and crafting kits, you’re bound to find something on our list that they’ll love.