This $25 Collage Kit Turns Their Walls (or Lockers) Into Works of Art

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With 12-year-old girls on the cusp of their teenage years, it can be hard to figure out what they like. By now, they have their own tastes, their own styles and they know what interests them. But that's also what's great about buying gifts for kids this age — they like to tailor everything to their own vibes, so getting them gifts they can personalize with their own creative twists will always win the day.

That still leaves a lot of options. The Good Housekeeping Institute helps narrow down the search by soliciting feedback from actual tweens on different toys and gifts throughout the year. (The ones with the best feedback go on to win Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards.) From those picks, we add some trendy items-of-the-moment to come up with this list of the best toys and gifts for 12-year-old girls.

Our top picks for the best gifts for 12-year-old girls in 2023:

• Cardly Stick-On Wallet, $9 on amazon.com

• WATINC DIY Squishies, $12 on amazon.com

• C.C. BeanieTail Ponytail Beanie, $15 on amazon.com

• Educational Insights Kanoodle Pyramid, $19 on amazon.com

• Hapinest DIY Wall Collage Kit, $25 on amazon.com

• Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder, $27 on amazon.com

This year, 12-year-olds love fidget toys, cute items for their rooms and anything and everything DIY!

Looking for more great gifts? Shop these other Good Housekeeping guides:

Gifts for 12-Year-Olds | Gifts for Tween Girls | Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

Kanoodle Pyramid

In this brain-boosting game, cards offer the start of a shape, and players have to use the remaining pieces to turn it into a perfect pyramid. It's so taken off that now people film themselves solving the puzzles in record time and post the videos to TikTok. Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved it: “My daughter liked the trial-and-error process, manipulating the pieces to see how they fit together and then developing a knack for the logic,” a parent said. Ages 7+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

This is the kind of card game you can keep in a drawer or a backpack and break out whenever there's a lull in the action. It's very easy to learn, simpler to play and the art on the cards is so cute, she'll find the game irresistible. And all for less than $10! Ages 8+

The Secret of Lillian Velvet

A lonely 10-year-old girl comes into possession of a jar of coins that allows her to travel to different times and places, and the mystery is why and how they're all connected. Good Housekeeping Institute kid testers were really drawn in by the twisty plot, which they said they couldn't predict. Ages 8 – 12

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Award

DIY Wall Collage Kit

This kit comes with more than 1,100 pieces that'll let them personalize their walls, lockers and other personal spaces. It comes with pictures, cutouts, letters, stickers, quotes and foam squares, along with other items that'll let them make it just the way they want to look. Ages 10+

BeanieTail Ponytail Beanie

This beanie lets her rock the ponytail she spent all that time perfecting. This way, she can keep her hairstyle in place while staying warm, all while looking great!

Gooseneck Tablet Holder

If she loves watching videos in bed, video-chatting with friends or using a front-facing camera to check out her look in the morning, she's going to need one of these. It clamps to a shelf or a desk, and then holds onto her tablet so she can go hands-free (and without getting the dreaded "text neck").

Butter Slime Kits

Yes slime is still a thing, and this kit will have her stretching and twirling jars of fluffy slime before dressing them up with included add-ins. It comes with seven different colors of slime, plus things like charms, confetti and dots to mix into them. Users were surprised at how not-sticky the slime is. Ages 10+

Good Housekeeping The Ultimate Kids Christmas Book

If the holidays have her full of energy and she loves to make things, you can set her loose with all the crafts and activities in this book, courtesy of the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute. It has everything from holiday cookie recipes to DIY projects — make your own advent calendar, anyone? — to fun facts about the history of Christmas, like why we decorate trees. Ages 8 – 12

DoodleJamz JellyPics

When they need something to do with their hands, this is sure to do the trick (and get a smile while they're at it). Beads are suspended in a gel, and kids have the soothing sensation of pushing them around to augment the background picture. They can even print their own backgrounds. Ages 5+

Fashion Punch Style & Stitch Loom

Friendship bracelets are fun and all, but this kit lets them really get intricate with their designs. Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved planning out their bracelets before they made them, and parent testers remarked that it was easy to use, too. Ages 6+

Layered Name and Birthstone Necklace

Two-layer necklaces are in, and in this case that means double the opportunities for personalization, with a name on one strand and a birthstone on the other. You can also get this in different metals, with two names or with a name and a heart charm instead of a birthstone.

Stick-On Phone Pocket

These printed cardholders, which come in a variety of patterns, stick onto the back of her phone or tablet, so your tweens can keep everything they need tucked away in one place. The case features an anti-fingerprint coating and can stretch out to fit up to four cards plus cash. It's a gift for them, because it looks cool, and a gift for you, because they'll spend less time asking you to help her find her belongings.

Cosmic Kick the Can

It's the classic outdoor game given a glow-in-the-dark twist. In this case, playing with a light-up orb means the fun can continue even when the sun goes down. And, when the orb is kicked, it changes colors — players can earn points if they match the color it lands on. Ages 5+

Just Between Us: Grandmother & Granddaughter

It can be hard for grandparents and tweens to find areas of common interest, but this gets them on the same page, literally. Writing prompts and conversation-starters makes it easy for them to figure out what they should write to each other, and when they fill it up they'll have a treasured keepsake. Ages 8+

Teenie Nee Doh Cool Cats

Nee Doh is a social-media sensation, and, after giving one a squeeze, it can be easy to see why: These kitties are fun to squish and stretch in your hand, like a stress ball. This set comes with three mini cats in random colors, and they also look good sitting on a desk when they're not in use. Ages 3+

Latchkits Yarnimals

Hook-and-loop crafts head into the third dimension with this kit, which lets them create a fuzzy friend that can sit on a shelf or a dresser. It comes with everything they need including a mesh form, eyes, a heart charm, yarn and a loop, and you can also get a koala or a panda in addition to the penguin. Ages 8+

Initial Jewelry Case

Give them a jewelry box that helps them show how their accessories as uniquely theirs. This case comes with their initial on the front, and then opens to reveal seven ring slots, four adjustable compartments, places for stud earrings compartments and three necklace hooks, plus a small mirror. And yet it zips up so small, it can be used for travel.

Neon Effect Frame

Signs, reminders and motivational notes get even brighter with this sign. It comes with three neon pens that really glow when the frame is illuminated. The whole thing is powered by batteries, so you don't have to worry about hanging it near a plug.

Nail Polish Trio

Let them brighten up their look with this "Beach House" trio of nail polishes, which all come in bright, happy hues. Habit Cosmetics also prides itself on its vegan formulas and sustainable packaging.

Throw Avocado

This card game raises the stakes by having a dodgeball component — excuse us, a dodge avocado component. Things get extra silly when it comes time to whip the (adorable) foam avocados around the room. If the tweens love it, there's also Throw Throw Burrito. Ages 7+

Double-Tipped Art Marker Set

You get two markers in one with this set: One end has a fine tip for details, while the other has a larger tip for coloring in bigger areas. It comes with 40 colors plus a colorless blender, so their creativity will know no bounds. This set has developed such a following online, it's earned more than 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Sew Mini Treats

Cookies and Pop Tarts and cupcakes — oh my! This kit comes stuffed with ideas and supplies to make 18 adorable, food-themed plushies. And the step-by-steps are so easy to follow, no prior sewing experience is necessary.

Bubble Slippers

Yes, these look a little...blobby, but man are they comfortable! The bubble shape actually gives users a foot massage as they walk. Users report using them in the shower, and say that they love how they don't make feet sweaty. They also come in eight different colors.

Mushroom Lamp

Mushrooms are the fun-guys of the moment (get it?), and none are cuter than this light-up toadstool. It lights up in seven different colors, and also comes in different patterns or facial expressions. After 60 minutes, it'll shut itself off to preserve power, but you can just tap it to turn it back on again.

Ahsoka Tano Mini Backpack

With the Ahsoka show debuting on Disney+, Star Wars fans are going to have a new favorite Jedi to route for. If your tween is taken by her, you can get this backpack, inspired by Tano's signature stripes. It's small enough to work as a purse, but big enough to carry the essentials.

RELATED: The Best 'Star Wars' Gifts for Fans of All Ages

Life Log: Track Your Life with Infographic Activities

This book is dedicated to the most important person in a tween's life: themselves. It'll have them making charts, graphs and other infographics inspired by their lives by challenging them to chart their dreams, count the smiles they see on the street, make lists of their favorite meals. Along the way, they'll learn about how to visually represent data along the way. Ages 8 – 12

Water Bottle Charm

Tweens love to personalize everything, from their walls to their clothes to, yes, even their favorite method of hydration. This set gives them a hook to stick onto their favorite water vessel, be it Stanley or Hydro Flask, which they can then use to attach charms and other trinkets. The set even comes with a lip-balm holder, so they'll never be without.

DIY Planner Set

They'll remember birthdays, assignments and appointments when they get to turn their planners into works of art. It comes with a tabbed spread for every month (undated, so they can start whenever), plus stickers, arrows, stamps and other stationery supplies so they can trick it out however they want. Ages 8+

Heishi Bracelets Set

When it comes to bracelets, more is more! This set comes with 16 bracelets that they can combine, stack and recombine to make a different look every day.

Friends Downtown Flower and Design Stores

For the serious LEGO Friends fan, this set will have them building their own streetscape. They'll also get lots of characters to populate their city, including nine minifigures and two pets. It's the best possible combination of construction — it clocks in at more than 2,000 pieces! — and imaginative play. Ages 12+

Knot Pillow

Alone or in a group, these knot pillows add a touch of sophistication to a tween bedroom — and also work as a good back pillow. The velvety fabric is fun to touch, too. You might even wind up getting a few for yourself?

Meteorite Pendant Necklace

For a STEM fan, there's nothing better than this necklace, with contains a real piece of raw Campo del Cielo meteorite — a true chuck of outer space they can wear around their necks. It comes set in a silver bezel on am 18" chain.

Sticker Sheet for Self Care

Whether they put these on their water bottles, stick them in planners or put them in their lockers, they're cute reminders for tweens to take care of themselves. They can use them when they need a minute for mindfulness.

DIY Squishies Set

Yes, tweens are still into squishies — especially the ones they get to make themselves. This set comes with a random selection of 10 cream-colored squishies that kids can color in and decorate however they please. (Paint and paintbrushes not included.)

Blending Egg Beauty Sponges

If they're getting into new makeup or skincare routines, they'll love these colorful blending sponges, which come in a cute egg -carton container. Beauty Bakerie also prides itself on being vegan and cruelty-free, which tweens will appreciate, too.

Milano Bean Bag Chair

This chair impressed the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute because its fabric was so low-maintenance and easy to clean — a boon for those living with messy tweens. And testers found them comfy and not too squishy, so they'll love sitting in it to read or do homework.

RELATED: The Best Bean Bag Chairs, According to Expert Testing

Lorimer Kids Fanny Pack

A bag with colorful, sequined rhinestone confetti? Yes, please! This can be worn around the waist or across the body, but either way it'll have her looking like a party.

How we choose the best toys and gifts

For toys, the Good Housekeeping Institute does year-long toy testing to evaluate for safety, durability, and ease of use, then hands the toys over to real kids to make sure they have the all-important fun factor. While non-toy gifts are not evaluated in the Lab, editors still look for gifts put out by trusted brands, gifts with great reviews from purchasers, best-sellers and editors' favorites. The list is then vetted by Good Housekeeping editors, who, after years of curating gift guides and keeping track of trends, tries to match the items with what is popular now and what Good Housekeeping readers and families have loved in the past.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided expert reviews and advice on everything parents and children love, including STEM toys, educational toys, sensory toys and more.

Much of the toy testing for this article was overseen by Rachel Rothman, the Good Housekeeping Institute's chief technologist and director of engineering, with the help of Marisa LaScala, Good Housekeeping's senior parenting and relationships editor. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. Plus, as a mom to three kids under 5, she has plenty of first-hand experience.

Marisa has covered all aspects of the world of parenting, from the postpartum years through the empty nests, since 2015, and she's pitched in with Good Housekeeping's toy coverage since 2018. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, who are both avid toy collectors. Marisa will never master the "Narwhal" motion in Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.

Shop more toys and gifts for kids

Looking for more great gifts for kids? Let the experts do all the hard work for you!

• Top-tested items: See what toys, gifts and books ranked the very highest in our Lab tests with our Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards, our Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Book Awards and our Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards.

• Tech for kids: Our lab experts are often asked for recommendations for digital devices for kids, and we've tested kids' phones, kids' smartwatches, kids' tablets and game consoles and to see which ones held up the best for families.

• Great learning toys: While all toys can be helpful vehicles for supporting developmental growth, we love to spotlight notably exceptional educational Toys and STEM toys as well as ones that can support social-emotional growth, like those included in our lists of the best sensory toys, pop fidget toys, Montessori toys and autism toys.

• Gifts for babies: Please the newest members on your gift list (and their parents) with these useful baby registry items, as well as gifts for babies, gifts for baby girls and gifts for baby boys. Of course, you might want to get something for new parents to help them through the hectic newborn stage.

• Gifts for toddlers: The coolest new toys in this space pull double-duty, whether it's social-emotional learning combined with motor skills, or creative play combined with language, as you can see in our gift guides for gifts for 1-year-olds, gifts for 18-month-olds, gifts for 2-year-olds and gifts for all toddlers, as well as our stocking stuffers for toddlers.

• Gifts for preschoolers: As they begin to explore the world around them on a deeper level, help them explore with STEM sets, art kits, creative toys and toys that inspire their imaginations. Find our favorites in our gifts for 3-year-olds (including gifts for 3-year-old boys and gifts for 3-year-old girls), gifts for 4-year-olds (including gifts for 4-year-old boys and gifts for 4-year-old girls) and gifts for 5-year-olds (including gifts for 5-year-old boys and gifts for 5-year-old girls).

• Gifts for big kids: By these ages, they've developed their own interests. Help them dive deeper into the subjects that most interest them, from coding to art to cartooning to history and geography, with these gifts for 6-year-olds (including gifts for 6-year-old boys and gifts for 6-year-old girls), gifts for 7-year-olds (including gifts for 7-year-old boys and gifts for 7-year-old girls), gifts for 8-year-olds (including gifts for 8-year-old boys and gifts for 8-year-old girls), and gifts for 9-year-olds (including gifts for 9-year-old boys and gifts for 9-year-old girls). It's also fun to shop for some of our best-reviewed and top-selling stocking stuffers for kids.

• Gifts for tweens: Sure, once they get old enough for an iPad or gaming console you might be at a loss of what to get them. We have you covered with engaging picks for gifts for 10-year-olds (including gifts for 10-year-old boys and gifts for 10-year-old girls), gifts for 11-year-olds (including gifts for 11-year-old boys and gifts for 11-year-old girls), and gifts for 12-year-olds (including gifts for 12-year-old boys and gifts for 12-year-old girls), or see what's trending with boys or tween girls as a whole.

• Gifts for teens: We decode what's on the lists for this picky age group, from the hottest accessories to the most-wanted tech gifts, with gifts for 13-year-old boys, gifts for 13-year-old girls, gifts for 14-year-olds, gifts for 15-year-old boys, gifts for 15-year-old girls, gifts for 16-year-olds, gifts for teen girls, gifts for teen boys and even fun stocking stuffers for teens.

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