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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. There is a gift for your child no matter what they are into.

There are many things you can buy a 10-year-old girl. We like gadgets, games, books, and kits for 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.

It is important that active play is happening.

How we chose our favorite gifts

“Awards and reviews are great, but nothing compares to firsthand experience. Healthline Parenthood’s writers and editors were fond of many of these picks. Some were chosen by child development experts, and others were fan favorites.”

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. They are cute and soft, but they come in a lot of shapes and colors, and they are also animal-themed. There are cats, elves, elephants, and even a cat with a fun personality.

Small Squishmallows can be scored for $10 to $20, though large ones can cost upwards of $50.

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.

The kit takes bracelets and bonding to a new level. This set is great for the preteen in your life, with beads, pearls, dangles, and more than a dozen designs. 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: $

Scrunchies are the perfect gift to give right now, whether they are in a stocking or a goody bag. The ‘90s are back in a big way. It is a real win-win because they are incredibly practical. The set of three sequined snoozies is a great way to make a young child smile.

Best gifts from $20–$50

LCFUN Mini Leather Backpack

Price: $$

If the little one you are shopping for is a budding fashion forward, a faux leather backpack may be the right choice.

The bags are stylish and come in 10 fun colors. It is great for school, shopping, or traveling and is made from a durable material.

Tech Tools Punching Bag

Price: $$

You might not expect a punching bag on a gift for girls, but remember: Not all girls are alike and they have the same interests. Some people like to climb trees and others like to get their frustration out on a punching bag.

A punching bag can help kids process their emotions and foster confidence.

Designed by You Fashion Studio

Price: $$

Do you want to become a fashion designer? This kit is for them if that is the case. It will help them learn how to sketch out a creative design, test out their fashion ideas by pinning fabric, ribbon, and other add-ons onto an actual mannequin, and see their colorful clothing creations actually come to fruition.

Best gifts from $50–$100

GoGlam Cool Maker Nail Stamper

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. Next, just use the machine to pop it into, then paint your nails with the base coat and watch the magic happen. This device allows you to change your nails in 125 different ways.

Singing Machine’s Bluetooth Karaoke System 

Price: $$$

This device is a representation of your childhood. It is a karaoke machine that plays actual CDs and also connects to the internet. This machine has bright lights and a karaoke library that can be accessed via a mobile app. It is fun for the whole family. Simply connect the cables to the TV set and read the lyrics.

Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit

Price: $$$

If your child loves technology and wizards, you may want to consider purchasing this kit. It allows them to create things with a wave of a wand, touch of their hand, and push of a few buttons.

The set comes with everything you need to make a wand, including PCB with Codeable LEDs, buttons, batteries, step-by-step book, stickers, poster, and the free Kano app. 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 help them take their love of photography to the next level. Encourage them to put down their cell phones for a simpler, old-school style of fun. It comes in a few colors and has a Mini Film Twin Pack with 20 sheets of film.

Best gifts over $100

Lego Friends Heartlake City Resort

Price: $$$$

Are you looking for a Lego set that is appropriate for your age? The Heartlake City Resort set has more than 1,000 pieces and four LEGO Friends mini-dolls, which is great for budding builders. This set is sure to entertain 10-year-olds.

American Girl Doll Courtney

Price: $$$$

Chances are, you own an American Girl doll yourself, so it is clear that these have withstood the test of time. Their accessories are very attractive. Their costumes are elaborate. They are good quality.

Many parents buy them for their children as milestone gifts. If the 10-year-old you are shopping for is into dolls, you may want to consider the accessories of the girl, like her headphones, cassette player, and high-waisted denim skirt.

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar 

Price: $$$$

The guitar is great for girls who like to play music. It is great for anyone who is interested in music, regardless of their musical preferences.

The acoustic guitar is built to last, and it includes a gig bag, strap, picks, and online lessons.

The best educational gifts for girls are 10 years old.

Snap Circuits Arcade

Price: $$

If you want to learn how to engineer, check out snap circuits. This kit gives your child the chance to play with and create real, working electronic devices for easy, fun.

The arcade supports both steam and the science, technology, engineering and math curriculum and comes with easy-to- follow instructions to encourage your child to use it to its full potential.

4M STEAM Crystal Science

Price: $$

This kit is a great way for kids to explore the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math.

The collection kit includes grow-yourself crystals, two geode pairs, and a glow-in-the-dark stunner. It helps your child understand and develop science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It may help them get interested in science at home.

Thames & Cosmos Happy Atoms Complete Set

Price: $$$$

“The Parents’ Choice silver award and the KAPi award winner for innovation are what this interactive modeling set is.”

A free app and physical play can help your child learn about the world around them. Solid and smart.

The best gifts for girls are outside.

Sowume Otw-Cool Adjustable Roller Skates

Price: $$

Roller skates are back and they are a rage. These are not just colorful, they are also stable and modern-looking.

They come in three sizes, and all feature impact-resistant plastic for long-term stability.

Think Gizmos Pogo Stick

Price: $$

“You probably tried a pogo stick at some point in your life, so you might be happy to know that they are still being sold. These contraptions make for a simple and enjoyable entertainment while also helping your child exercise their core and leg muscles. Who doesn’t want to jump around? The version is perfect for girls and boys of all ages.”

Flybold Obstacle Slackline Kit

Price: $$$

This kit from Flybold will turn a simple slackline into a 40-foot Ninja Warrior course. It has two fist holds, two monkey bars, four gymnastics rings, and 13 safety strap buckles. Reviewers agree that it is easy to set up and a great way to keep kids entertained in the backyard.

There are games for girls of 10 years old.

Ravensburger Disney Villainous

Price: $$

“Disney’s Villainous is a strategy board game that brings characters you love and hate to life. It is great for Disney fans. The set includes beloved characters like Captain Hook, Maleficent, Ursula, Queen of Hearts, and Prince John, as well as Fate Decks that feature other characters.”

Mattel Apples to Apples Junior

Price: $

The award-winning, Apples to Apples Junior is a variation of the original, adult-oriented, party game. This game is perfect for a party for kids of all ages, and it will entertain groups of children with its crazy comparisons.

The best arts-and-crafts kits for girls are available.

Klutz Make-Your-Own Bath Bombs Kit

Price: $

There is no age limit to start using a relaxing bath bomb. The blends of scented and soothing ingredients give the bath a stress-free experience.

The kit comes with everything your child needs to make 12 bath bombs, so you can just sit back, craft, and enjoy the soak.

Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit

Price: $

“Tie-dye is still popular and it doesn’t look like it will go away soon. The kit has enough supplies for your child to host their own coloring event. Your little one will be a big hit.”

Nintendo Labo Variety Kit

Price: $$$

Nintendo products are not usually considered educational or creative, but this kit will keep your child entertained. The game requires kids to build it themselves. Make, play, and discover.

Best tech gifts for girls.

Nintendo Switch 

Price: $$$$

Video games are popular with all genders, so if your 10-year-old girl has been asking for a console for months, it is no surprise. While you might be hesitant about buying another device, know that the games your child can play on the Nintendo Switch can be quite educational and help foster skills. The bundle contains a copy of the game, a pastel colored switch, and hours of fun.

The link has been changed.

Acer Chromebook Spin 11 Convertible Laptop

Price: $$$$

Laptops are becoming essential items for young children. These devices are both needed and coveted.

The Chromebook Spin is a good starter laptop. The Chromebook Spin has a full keyboard, an 11-inch screen, and is durable.

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

Frequently asked questions

What do you get a child that has everything?

“It might feel like there isn’t a single toy out there that your child doesn’t already own after years of buying toys to keep them stimulated and entertained. There are always more, whether they are new to the market or time-honored classics that you didn’t know a kid would like.”

“New toys can help foster creativity and inspire curiosity. If you are at a loss for what to get the 10-year-old, consider their interests and the toys they are playing with at their friends’ houses.”

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

Most parents agree that a tablet is a good gift for a child by the age of 10. Kids at this age have a wide range of interests that may change with the flip of a switch. They can explore their creativity and expand their knowledge with an electronic device that allows them to download games and applications.

What is considered too much to spend on a gift?

“It’s not a bad idea to spend a little more on a gift for your child, but it’s more important to spend the right amount for your relationship with the child and your budget. There is nothing wrong with spending money on a child that you don’t feel comfortable with. Remember that price is not the ultimate determination of how special a gift is, and try to keep in mind what makes sense for you.”

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.