Gift ideas for an 11 year old girl UK

[Lena51]

Hi. I am estranged from my daughter and I can’t see my 11 year old granddaughter. I send her Christmas and birthday presents through her Dad. I miss and care for her very much.
My problem, I no longer know what she is interested in, I don’t know what the in gift might be for an 11 year old girl. I hoped that you younger Mums might have some suggestions. Thank you.

Ask her dad?

If in doubt include a gift receipt so she can change it if she needs to.

She's at an in-between age where she might like toys still, or might be into makeup.

I would suggest money/vouchers and a token gift.
Safe options would be a popular young adult book like A good girls guide to murder, or a Jellycat soft toy, or a Needoh dream drop

White Fox hoodie?
Air Up bottle?
Labubu toy?
Crochet starter set?
Smiggle gift card?

Just thinking of things that are currently popular with the y6 girls at school...

I agree with a pp that her dad would be the best person to ask. She’s right in the middle of a difficult age, present wise. You don’t know if she’s a young teenager or an older child

Mine loves P Louise!

A LED folding make-up mirror. Argos have them for £20, but I got DD's in Lidl. Maybe some tinted lip gloss.

Wreck this journals are good for this age group. I'd do one of those plus an Amazon gift card.

A board game? I'm still playing board games with my DCs and they are in their 20s.

A bubble tea making kit

the-teashed.co.uk/products/bubble-tea-kit-starter-kit-gift-set-with-reusable-bubble-tea-cup

Jellycat soft toys are a big hit with this age group and up to 14/15. Some of the quirky pastries, vegetables or sweets are the current hot collectibles.

https://jellycat.com/amuseables/amuseables-food-drink

DD has several of these including the macaron (a big fave), the lemon, and the strawberry tart. They’re a huge thing among girls aged about 10-15 at the moment. You can also get them in John Lewis, etc. Obviously they are shockingly overpriced for what they are, but they’re pretty wholesome and throughly unobjectionable as a gift — they’re hard for any 11 y o girl not to like, whatever she’s into!

My 11 year old granddaughter has enjoyed these presents recently:

Lego eg flowers and plants, houses
Crochet kit
Books
Monopoly deal cards
Journal set
Lip glosses
Rummikub
Bananagrams

Are you gifts actually wanted or is this a way to manipulate your daughter?

My nearly 11 year old niece got an Air Up bottle for Christmas and loves it. Someone else suggested it too but bear in mind it needs refills so be sure Dad (or you) are happy to do that. She’s starting to get really into skincare, she likes things like Dr Pawpaw, which are very gentle skin and lip balm type products. She also loves Wednesday Adams and there’s a new season out soon - maybe check with her Dad what her favourite tv shows are? A tshirt or some merch related to that could be a good shout. Either way I’m sure she will appreciate that you have gone to the effort to get her a gift.

It's depressing that people think 'skin care' is a suitable gift for a kid. Don't have fun be pretty. It's a waste of a gift for the child, it's like giving them deodorant, before they even use deodorant.

Not quite as depressing but on the way: asking random women for gift suggestions before daring to ask a child's male parent.

Asking her dad might be a great idea, if there are any artists or series she likes you can get her something with prints of it or maybe something from the official store even!

Cute stationery is always a hit or items like detailed coloring books or coloring calendars
Lava lamps, LED lights, glowing stickers
Friendship bracelet kit
Jewelry or hair accessories (might be DIY jewelry kit)

I wouldn't go with skin care either, mostly because it's very tricky, but lip balms with nice smell or washable colorful hairsprays are great regardless!

If you manage to get some info from her dad, you can get her subscription to useful/fun software, like a kid-friendly video editor or a photo collage maker if she's into that. Tech stuff like good headphones, portable chargers, smartphone ring lights are also good ideas.

Every child I know round that age group would love a Primark gift card!

Actually not the boys. I mean every girl!

H&M gift card, along with a box of malteasers!

Some great ideas ladies. Thank you x

I didn’t say I thought skincare was a particularly suitable gift, I said she’s really into it (and desperately wants what he friends have). As a ten year old she was asking for brands like Drunk Elephant. She doesn’t have a phone or tablet, she’s finding out about this stuff at school. Many tweens are massively into it. I think it’s seen as a better option than lots of makeup and there are now ranges made specifically for their skin types. Dr PawPaw is essentially a multipurpose balm that can be used for lips, or dry skin elsewhere like knees and elbows. I don’t think that’s so bad. Plus my niece lives in a sunnier climate where actually it’s pretty useful. At 10/11 they are at that age where they still like lots of “kid” things like Lego and roller skates, but also starting to want to be more grown up, and it’s ok to be both.

it’s really heartwarming that random women take the time to share gift suggestions for another woman who clearly finds herself in a difficult situation for whatever reason and wants to do something nice for her granddaughter.

Hope you find something suitable OP 🙂

Thank you all for your great suggestions x

I’m estranged from my dad. He sends our 11yo a cheque.

How about an instant camera like the Instax Mini 12, could you take a very pictures of yourself with it so she has pictures of her grandmum in it?