by Kelly Olsen

Created on: October 28, 2009

Being the parent of a tween girl (age 9-12) can be a little rough. These little girls are just on the cusp of being teenagers and their tastes in clothes, toys, and entertainment are starting to show it, yet they are still young enough to want that stuffed animal or American Girl doll. This age group has become one of the fastest growing age groups stores and the fashion world have been directing their phasers on. Now for many this year cash will be tight around the holidays and below will be hints to buying cool inexpensive gifts.

For the younger tweens toys that have counterparts online are all the rage. Stuffed animals such as webkinz (www.webkinz.com) are usually a big hit, and because of their amazing sales other companies such as TY have made their own versions. Accessories for these "friends" can be a more reasonable option not only because they do cost less but if your house has become over run with the stuffed animals adding to the collection may not be what Mom and Dad want. Since the target is tween girls webkinz also has a line of lip glosses and body sprays, as well as jewelry with charms, all with codes for both real and virtual fun.

Now that lip gloss and body spray has been brought up, we all know the tweens want to be like the older girls wearing make up and perfume. A good way to have fun with this and keep it young ( and under control) would be to buy kits to make these bath items. Arts and crafts isles of stores such as Walmart, Micheal's, Target and A.C. Moore have a large variety of simple kits for tweens to make everything from body spray and soap, to lip gloss and fake tattoos. Fashion kits can be found in these areas as well with kits to make belts, scarves, tote bags and purses. These gift ideas opens up the world of the "big" girls as well as the crafty side of the girl you are purchasing for. Not your style? Mass merchandise stores carry character themed gift sets for this age group, but these can cost just as much if not more and have less in them as well as can be cheaply made.

Buying clothes for this set can be as treacherous as buying for a full blown teen. They watch shows like Hannah Montana and want the clothes the characters wear. Hence the fact that Miley Cyrus has her own line of clothes, which would be a good place to start if you know the girl likes the show. For older girls I would suggest something like a simple pair of jeans with a gift card in the pocket.

I know I said gift card. Yes, they are impersonal, and cold

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