Help needed for 12 year old niece’s Christmas present!!

[alwayslemons]

I’m desperately hoping someone can help with some Christmas present inspiration for my niece!

She has just turned 12, and in the past 18 months she went from being a sweet (albeit very shy) child into a proper sullen teenager type. I don’t blame her at all because she’s been isolated from her friends and it’s been really hard on her, but still it makes her very difficult to buy for because she pretends she’s too cool for everything now.

She slumps around in black/grey baggy clothes with her hair permanently in her face (she refuses to wash it and uses it to hide her emerging acne, poor love). She’s not a big fan of any particular band and doesn’t read outside of school anymore. She’s definitely too old for toys but too young for make up or jewellery. She’s not what you’d call a “girly” girl but isn’t into sports either. She’s very sarcastic and is definitely getting interested in boys (if the YouTube search history is anything to go by!)

I’m out of ideas and starting to panic a tiny bit.

Thanks in advance!

Ooh sounds like my DD! Though now she's better at the hair washing!
She's very into crystals and incense...? Might be an idea?
Stay away from clothes. 😰

I clicked on this as I have a niece the same age and have also been a bit stumped.

I’ve heard good things about these? Bit random but I think useful and fun?

www.dunelm.com/product/teddy-cuddle-cushion-grey

Not sure if that link will work. I imagine cash/vouchers would be well received too :)

Darn link doesn’t work but if you Google dunelm teddy cuddle cushion it will come up

Nip n fab have an amazing skin care for teens range. My acne was awful at that age and I remember how horrible it made me feel.
I know you say to young for make up but surely a little clearosel tinted spot cream or some tinted moisturiser would be ok to help it liook less angry.

A notebook and pen so she can write down her innermost turmoil feelings?

My DDs (12&13) are getting Dr Marten (which they chose), clothes (ditto), books, art set, board game, body sprays, chocolate, plastic free shampoo bars, bath fizzers, some small crafty sets, pop vinyl Marvel characters, stationary, wireless headphones.

A moon lamp for her bedroom.

Just checked my daughters Xmas list - she is girly (mostly hair styling tools and make up requests). One thing she did ask for was a galaxy projector (about £30) - very popular on TikTok !

That or LED lights - another popular thing for teens

I know you say to young for make up but surely a little clearosel tinted spot cream or some tinted moisturiser would be ok to help it liook less angry.

Don’t buy her that for Xmas. It may make her feel dreadful about her skin. Maybe address the acne another time, but not on Xmas day unless she’s requested something like that.

Has she got an Oodie? Or maybe just do cash/cinema or costa vouchers and some sweets/chocolate/hot chocolate bombs.

Greg’s vouchers is what I got a teenager (13) in my circle as his mum said he likes the option of just grabbing something quick to eat and plenty of options. Do they leave their bedrooms or go to town with friends?

@Mucky1

Nip n fab have an amazing skin care for teens range. My acne was awful at that age and I remember how horrible it made me feel. I know you say to young for make up but surely a little clearosel tinted spot cream or some tinted moisturiser would be ok to help it liook less angry.

Definitely not spot cream! Just go for either vouchers or money - cinema, amazon, iTunes and chocolate usually works.

Dressing gown/PJ'S?
Pair of trainers?
Wreck This Journal?
I've got an almost 12 year old and it's been difficult this year.

Definitely not spot cream! My teen DD would be mortified if someone got her that. I know it’s boring but Amazon vouchers are always a hit with my DD and her friends, gives them a lot to choose from.

Cash, cash and cash lol. Or maybe some cash and a smaller gift (make up/bath bombs) or mainly cash and a token gift.

@jb23newmum

That or LED lights - another popular thing for teens

Yes my 2 teens are very different but both love their LED lights. I got them on Amazon using prime.

Nip n fab have an amazing skin care for teens range. My acne was awful at that age and I remember how horrible it made me feel.
I know you say to young for make up but surely a little clearosel tinted spot cream or some tinted moisturiser would be ok to help it liook less angry.

Happy Christmas Spotty Face! Not the best idea for a near-teen who's likely to be sensitive about her skin.

Voucher is the safest bet.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083JNS9Q5/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_M9M4TX9KRR7NMFCVYYVA?tag=mumsnetforu03-21 I've got my similar aged nieces these. Water bottles are quite a fashion thing now at secondary. They also come in black!

Is she into anime/manga at all? I have got my teens some posters from their favourite anime series from Amazon.

Or a hoodie? My DD lived in a hoodie at that age - good for covering up.

Pictionary Air. Cool and somewhat tech-y, but needs a bit of social interaction as well.

Branded hoodie (eg skater brand at tkmaxx) or Oodie. Wireless headphones. Trainers or dr martens - but expensive.
My DD was more girlie at that age but liked make it yourself kits like soap, bath bomb, special cookies/cupcakes that kind of thing, she must be happy to do something other than screen time in her spare time.
Obviously any tech she hasn’t yet got like Alexa, wireless speaker etc

Another vote for galaxy light projector or LED strip lights.

Definitely NOT spot cream of any kind.

If in doubt, cash or Amazon vouchers.

Oh my gosh what a response!!

Guys I CANNOT thank you enough for all your amazing suggestions, I think I’m gonna go with the galaxy projector thingy and maybe a hoodie or lockable journal. I’m also bookmarking this so I can get more ideas for her next birthday 😂

Freakin love this website. Have an awesome Christmas xx

DD is 11 and has the following in addition to her main present (Harry Potter lego):

How to draw manga book, paper and manga marker pens
Soap/bath bombs/sheet face mask
Chocolate orange and some sweets
Book
Eyeshadow pallet, mini brush set and lit mirror
Starbucks gift card
New PJs
Socks