Stocking Stuffers for 'Tween Girls

OK, if your daughter is like my daughter she's 9, 10, 11, 12 - basically wants to be a teenager but isn't quite there yet. You know she doesn't want to get another Barbie doll or that cheesy makeup kit from 7-11. What do you get to put in her stocking?

The first thing to remember is this is the age where they learn there is not really a Santa. My daughter is 9 and still believes, and I think the longer they believe the better they are in the long run - it means they are not easily disillusioned with life, their creativity flows more easily, and they are steadfast in their ways. So, try to keep your purchases hidden, but know they will be loved all the more!

So, let's start simple. There are many places with fantastic deals on things like MP3 players. No, it's not an iPod, but it is a cheaper version that you won't mind getting lost or broken when she hasn't quite learned to care for her stuff yet. So, take a look and see what you can find, your tween will feel hip, but you didn't break the bank!

Makeup will always be a big hit for any girl. But you don't want to run out to Neiman Marcus for a teen who still drills the brush into the powder! Consider watching for sales to talking with your local Avon or Mary Kay representative. Often they will have samples or specials and smaller sizes that you can get or purchase (or maybe get for purchasing a bigger item for yourself or your spouse?) that you don't mind getting ruined if your tween is still learning.

Dollar Stores are a great place to find those neat little trinkets that seem strange but for some reason kids love. Take a walk down the isles and see what's there. Candles, baskets, jewelry, even candy and gum!

Even from Santa, clothing and hair accessories are very appreciated. Mom would give us all a new outfit for Christmas and then Santa would bring us a belt or jewelry or scarf to accessorize.

You can also dig through the travel size section of your local store. Maybe your tween has heard about a shampoo and wants to try it "because mom's is so ooooolllllld! " So, get them a trial size (50-cents to $1) and see what they really think. It also helps teach them the value of what they have versus what they want - and just how sneaky marketing can be. Spray bottles, soaps, deodorant, shampoos and conditioners can all be found in trial sizes.

The best way to get an idea of what your tween wants is to take them shopping to make gift baskets for their friends. Sit them down and have them write the names of X number of friends. Then, you both go shopping together for the stuff. You can also use this as an opportunity to teach money management - give her a budget and let her choose; but she has to get the same things for everyone on her list! The best gifts are (somewhat) home made, so get little baskets, fill them with goodies, and then wrap them in tulle and tie with a ribbon or lace string. By knowing what your tween would put into their gift baskets for others you have a good idea what to give her for a gift!

Finally, your tween wants more responsibility, so get them a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant. Teach them the value of money by showing them how the gift card only has so much, and their allowance will have to cover any additional funds needed to purchase what they want. Whatever you do, your tween will love it. And don't forget to think of them for the family gift, board games or musical instruments are always a hit (and inexpensive).