What would you get for a 12yo girl you didn't know all that well?

[franch]

We have 26 nephews & nieces so inevitably know some better than others ... Our 12yo niece is pretty quiet so we never learn much about her ... SIL won't discuss Xmas before December, so can't ask her but am determined to shop early this year (with such a big family, it's kind of helpful) .....

I'm off to TopShop on Mon so might look for something there, but don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that she'll want the same as what I'd've liked at that age. Want to avoid vouchers if poss, as I'm copping out with the older boys ..... Thought those of you with girls around this age might have some insight ..... ?

[luciemule]

Something for the bedroom always goes down well -a pretty beaded or fluffy cushion for example.
Or something from Accessorize (girls that age love bags and purses). Or something like a notebook or calendar with funky girly designs on. For clothes, Next have some really nice stuff for that age group.

[Tommy]

Claire's Accessories is a good place to start for that age as well.
Photo framees always seem to be popular too.

[franch]

Brilliant suggestions, including a number of things I hadn't thought of Thanks tommy & lucie

[Howwwwwlidaymum]

Paperchase have lovely notebooks and stationary items, journals, decorated tins for keepsakes etc we always go there, our branch is in Borders.

[chicaguapa]

Just bought a canvas bag in Claire's Accessories for £8 with NOT BOTHERED on the side and a couple of badges. Got this for DH's niece who's 12.

[badkarma]

I got my niece a watch with monkeys on the strap, she is 12 and she loved it! Also some funky black beads, a black bracelet, and a black and white striped vest top, and she loved them all! As well, my other sister bought her a lamp in the shape of a bodice for her room, and she loves it!

[janeite]

I'd be wary of getting anything too "trendy" as many 12 yr olds, my own daughter included, really wouldn't like things like that. Tbh I'd try and go for something a bit more neutral.

How much would you like to spend?

Notebooks, ringbinders, gel pens, little cute rubbers etc usually go down well with this sort of age group, especially if all wrapped individually in a big tub or one of those little drawer units.

M & S are doing some very cute nighties and PJs which might be an idea.

I think Guide Dogs For The Blind do a sponsor a puppy thing, where you get a certificate and a toy puppy and details of a specific puppy that you're helping to support.

Another idea might be all the different ingredients for making and decorating fairy cakes, including a selection of things to sprinkle on, different coloured writing icing tubes etc.

Or Boots are doing lots of nice "Smellies" selections with lipbalm, bubbble bath etc in, as part of their Christmas range.

[franch]

More great suggestions - thank you so much. Will take your ideas to town with me tomorrow, and if I can't find anything I feel confident about, will go for something like the adopt-a-puppy thing - very clever - thanks again