The Best Stocking Stuffers for Tween Girls: From Girly to Geeky and Everything in Between

Stuck for ideas this year? When it comes to young teens and 'tweens, it can be especially tough to find small, inexpensive gifts that will be warmly received. No longer children, you can't rely on "hot toy" lists or fall back on old standards. With the holidays right around the corner and people everywhere cutting back due to the economy, here are some tips from a recently-turned-13-year-old (with help from Mom) that will not only be a hit with the recipient, but won't break the bank.

My top picks:

Flash Drives - these handy-dandy little gadgets are perfect for girls on the go. Stores like Amazon now carry a wide selection of fun and funky styles to meet all tastes and many are now attractively priced under $20. Students can use these to save work from their home computer to bring to school, stash their files, or share pix and music with friends.

Bath Bombs - No, I don't mean cheesy discount store "bath baskets," look for unique and individually wrapped pretty ones to easily stuff in a stocking.

ITunes Gift Cards - Despite wanting to avoid the whole "gift card" thing, most girls would be very pleased with one from ITunes. You can purchase these online right from ITunes, or look for a selection at your local grocery store. Even a $5 card is a cool little "extra".

Nail Polish - Avoid garish colors and look for a bottle or 2 of neutral tones.

Chocolate - Enough said.

Lip Balms - Something that everyone can use, but tween girls seem to go through by the bucketful. Look for cool gloss pots or individual tubes in fun flavors.

Blank Writing Journals - Most bookstores and discount stores carry a variety of useful and attractive blank books. Unless you know the girl's likes and dislikes ahead of time, go for a cool and sedate pattern over celebs or niche characters. Paisley and polka dots are always popular and fit in well with any girls personal style.

Gel Pens - Cheap, useful, and still popular.

Bookmarks - Another useful extra sure to be welcomed in any girl's stocking.

Gloves - A traditional and boring gift, yes. But everyone needs gloves and most stores carry stretchy "magic" gloves for under 2 dollars.

Tank Tops - Too personal? Not really, a plain, stretchy tank top rolls up nicely to tuck in a stocking and even if tank tops aren't really her style, she can always sleep in them!

Scrunchies- If a girl's hair is long enough to put in a ponytail, she can always use a pack of scrunchies. Skip the "cutesy" characters and go for assorted colors, or plain ones.

Pet Toys/Treats - Does she have a pet that she dotes on? Why not tuck in a catnip mouse for her precious kitty or a box of treats for her hamster? Girls at this age can be VERY attached to their pets and will be thrilled that their BFF got a special treat.

Voice Recorder Keychain- These nifty little gadgets are fun and useful (and inexpensive).

Novelty Emory Boards- Everyone needs to file their nails sometimes. Find a cool patterned one for home or a nifty little keychain board for girls on the go.

Slipper Socks- Useful and boring, but still welcomed (just avoid the overly cutesey ones unless you know she wants them).

And tips for IF you know the girl well:

A paperback from a series she likes- This can be tricky if you aren't sure which ones she's read already, although a gift card from either a local bookstore or Amazon would work well.

Jewelry- Again, don't buy jewelry for a tween unless you know the kind of things that she likes (and avoid the embarrassment of giving a girl earrings when she doesn't have pierced ears).

Socks- Tough call on this one - some people love getting socks, some hate it, some like funny and wild ones, some are conservative.

Makeup- Don't buy anything other than lip gloss unless you know that her parents allow her to wear it.

Other Hair Accessories- Only buy barrettes or headbands if she already wears them.

Things to avoid at all costs!:

Toothbrushes- No one wants a toothbrush in their stocking. No One.

Candles- Even if they're cute, parents might not be very happy with their young girls burning things.

Underwear or Bras- Absolutely not! Most tweens would rather die than have other people see them get a bra for Christmas.

Perfume- Unless you get the go-ahead from Mom or Dad AND the girl specifically requests a particular type, perfume is a waste.

Crayons- A little to "young" for this age group generally.