The 23 Best Gifts for 13-Year-Old Girls of 2023

Pick the perfect present to help her enter her teen years in style

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Assortment of Best Gifts for 13-Year-Old Girls displayed on a light blue background with colorful geometric fragments

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

If you are looking for the perfect gift to celebrate a 13-year-old girl, there are tons of options out there that'll suit her style.

While it can become increasingly difficult to shop for tweens and teens due to their ever-changing interests and style, we believe leaning into current trends can often lead to success. Whether your 13-year-old loves music, sports, fashion, or reading, there's something out there for them.

To help with your search, we researched the best gift options, considering the recommended age and educational value of each.

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (Boxed Set)

the summer i turned pretty box set

Amazon

If the 13-year-old girl has access to an Amazon Prime Video account, there's a high chance she spent the last two summers obsessing over the series The Summer I Turned Pretty. The protagonist Belly spends summers at the beach with a pair of brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. She's had a crush on Conrad since forever, and suddenly one summer Jeremiah starts showing interest. There's the who-will-she-choose dilemma, family drama, and other fun summer adventures any teen reader will love.

Besides just being a fun trilogy, the books are also a coming-of-age story, as Belly tries to figure out what it means to be pretty, be true to herself as people start to judge her more on her outward appearance, and move out of girlhood and into womanhood.

Price at time of publish: $36

LECLSTAR Photo Hanging Clips String Lights

LECLSTAR string lights

Amazon

No matter their interests and hobbies, girls will love decorating with these string lights that have clips for adding in photos. The 17-foot string has clips for 50 photos and comes with a small remote control for turning the lights on and choosing between the eight different light settings. As her interests, hobbies, and friends change, she'll be able to easily swap out the photos and adjust their locations so it's always reflective of her current self. It requires three AA batteries (not included) for the battery pack.

Price at time of publish: $17

Brass Monkey This Is A Sign Magic Velvet Zodiac Coloring Set

this is a sign zodiac coloring set

Amazon

The Kansas City-based company Brass Monkey has made the perfect gift for the zodiac/astrology-obsessed teen. The This Is a Sign coloring set comes with 12 different velvet cards, one for each sign of the zodiac. There are gaps in the velvet where she can use the markers that come with the set to color as she pleases, though any marker suitable for paper should work just fine. The zodiac coloring pages are made of a heavy card stock, so they could easily be used as birthday cards, little gifts for friends, or wall decor.

And for a taste of humor, each sign has its own funny quip at the bottom of the page. Gemini: "They used to think they were indecisive, but they're not so sure about it."

Price at time of publish: $25

Lohanu Ukulele Concert Size Bundle

Ukulele Concert Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-C) 2 Strap Pins Installed FREE Uke Strap Case Tuner Picks Hanger Aquila Strings Installed Free Video Lessons...

Amazon

Whether she already plays an instrument or not, a ukulele is a great gift for any 13-year-old girl. It's a super easy instrument to pick up, with just four strings that are easy to press and strum. In just 20 minutes, she could be playing four-chord versions of her favorite songs. (There's tons of free ukulele music online.) It's a great gift for any girl interested in music or singing.

Price at time of publish: $65

Modern Picnic The Luncher

Modern Picnic The Luncher

Amazon

Perfect for carrying lunch to school or going to a picnic, teen girls will love the Modern Picnic lunch box designed to look like a cute purse. On Amazon it's only available in black, but on the Modern Picnic website it comes in four colors and three different materials, all of which are faux or vegan. The inside is insulated to keep her food the right temperature until she's ready to eat, and both the interior and exterior are cleanable with soapy water.

Price at time of publish: $159

Etsy Abstract Cat Paint by Number Kit

paint by numbers cats

Etsy

Paint-by-numbers kits tend to be simplistic for children or highly advanced for adults, but this kit from Etsy hits the sweet spot in the middle for teens. Just a few colors are necessary to fill in the larger spaces of this abstract painting of a cat. The canvas is available as a 12x16 or 16x20 image, and a frame can be added on so once she’s done painting she’s immediately able to put it on the wall. There are three possible cats to choose from, all in the same abstract style, or if the 13-year-old wouldn’t think a cat was fun, the Etsy shop has tons of other choices, including this great one of some friends swimming in a pool

Price at time of publish: Starts at $29

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack

If you happen to walk through a middle school hallway anytime soon, you’re likely to spot a handful of Fjällräven backpacks. These trendy backpacks are on the top of every teen’s gift list and they’re a great choice if your 13-year-old is in need of a new backpack.

We love the Fjällräven Kånken Mini because it’s compact, sturdy, and stylish. The backpack measures 11 x 8.25 inches wide and is small enough to go from the classroom to the mall without feeling cumbersome. It comes in a plethora of fun colors and features the brand’s trademark fox logo on the outside pocket. It has a side zipper for a water bottle and a front pocket for extra storage, and the adjustable padded shoulders ensure a comfortable fit. 

Price at time of publish: $88

SGSPORT Portable Pickleball Net Set with 4 Pickleball Paddles

Amazon SGSPORT Portable Pickleball Net Set with 4 Pickleball Paddles

Amazon

Thirteen-year-olds will put down their smartphones before you can say "put it away" when there's an opportunity to play pickleball. While playing pickleball often requires a trip to a public tennis court, teens can play right at home in their driveway with the SGSPORT portable pickleball net set, with four paddles and balls included. A typical court is roughly the width of a two-car driveway, and the length of your "court" can be modified to work with what you've got. Use sidewalk chalk to establish the various court lines, or try the Franklin Sports marking kit.

Price at time of publish: $90

Vans Old Skool Core Classics

Vans Women's Old Skool(tm) Core Classics

Amazon

The Vans Old Skool Core Classics are perfect for teenagers who want something cool and comfortable, and they're versatile enough to transition from the classroom to weekend excursions with friends. These canvas shoes feature a padded collar and footbed for superior comfort and shock absorption. They come in five different colors so you can let her choose her favorite color or surprise her with something new. They run true-to-size, but go up half a size for a looser fit. Keep in mind that they don’t provide as much arch support as traditional athletic shoes, but they’re definitely comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.

Price at time of publish: $70

PopSockets Collapsible Grip & Stand

PopSockets

Amazon

If your teenager doesn’t already own a PopSocket for her phone, now’s the time. It’s almost a teenage requirement to have an endless supply of fun PopSockets. This collapsible, circular phone accessory sticks to the back of a smartphone and allows for an easy grip during those endless text sessions. It also acts as a stand, but most importantly helps to prevent accidental phone drops. The Blue Nebula design has a fun, galaxy-inspired print, but it comes in a wide variety of designs and colors. It weighs just about .5 ounces and collapses flat against any phone.

A PopSocket makes watching YouTube videos and texting friends a little easier and reduces hand strain. Whether you pair a PopSocket with a new phone or you gift it alone, your 13-year-old will love this handy cell phone accessory.

Price at time of publish: $10

Quay Australia High Key Sunglasses

Quay Australia High Key Sunglasses

Quay Australia

A fashionable pair of sunglasses is a must-have accessory for the summer, but they often get broken or lost after a few months. Quay Australia offers trendy and high-quality shades without the super high price tag, so your teen won't feel bad if they need a new pair every season. The High Key style mimics a classic aviator but comes in 17 colors and three sizes to perfectly fit your teen's face and style. She can even get prescription sunglasses or blue-light glasses in the same style.

Price at time of publish: $65

LAXIZAR 8 Pack Hair Claw Clips

LAXIZAR 8 Pack Hair Claw Clips

LAXIZAR

For the teen who is always trying new hairstyles, a pack of stylish claw clips will be a welcome present. This pack features eight clips that come in fun patterns and colors for coordinating with her outfits or adding a pop of color to a school uniform or sporty look. She will love experimenting with different styles and hair trends with this versatile accessory.

Price at time of publish: $11

Kendra Scott Elisa Birthstone Pendant Necklace

Kendra Scott Necklace

Nordstrom

Welcome your teenager to a new era of her life with a piece of jewelry she’ll treasure forever. The Elisa Birthstone Pendant Necklace is a delicate and beautiful birthstone necklace that strikes a balance between a grown-up style and a youthful accessory. The actual necklace chain is made from 14k plated gold with a portrait-shaped pendant that holds the birthstone. The gold ensures the chain will keep its color and shine over time. It measures 15 ½ inches long and sits just at the collarbone. There are about two inches of slack for you to adjust the size so it sits perfectly on your chest.

We love the quality of this pendant, making it Kendra Scott's number one best seller. It is important to note that the look of the stones may differ slightly from what appears on the website. Each stone is different and unique.

Price at time of publish: $55

Pleasing The Shroom Bloom Set

Pleasing The Shroom Bloom Set

Pleasing

Combine Harry Styles, nail polish, and adorable designs, and you get the perfect gift for any teen girl. The musician's new line features skincare products and fun nail polish colors that come in beautiful glass jars with dome-shaped caps. The new collection features four bright yet versatile colors perfect for manicures at home or for bringing to parties and sleepovers.

Price at time of publish: $65

Mixtiles Framed Moveable Wall Art

Mixtiles

Courtesy of Mixtile

Thirteen is the year of best friends, sleepovers, and memories that will last forever. But these days, every image lives only on a phone or a computer. Instead of worrying that your child’s favorite pictures will disappear during that next inevitable phone crash, surprise her with Mixtiles. These adorable prints allow you to turn any photo into affordable wall art that can be moved around at the drop of a hat. Each tile is 8 x 8 inches and sticks directly to your wall, so you don’t have to worry about nail damage. They can be moved around over and over, so they’re perfect for helping your indecisive 13-year-old decorate her room. 

Print out pictures of your teenager’s BFFs or her favorite pup... either way, she’ll love seeing her pictures the old-fashioned way: printed out. Help her create her very own gallery wall or print just a couple to place above a desk or vanity.

Price at time of publish: $180

Brother P-Touch PTD215E Embellish

Brother P-Touch PTD215E Embellish

Courtesy of Walmart

Brother is a leading brand in crafting and sewing machines, but can often involve a big splurge. For teens that love crafting and embellishing, this Brother P-Touch machine is a perfect starting machine for her to use her creativity. She can easily personalize ribbon or washi tape for unique additions to gift wrapping, labels, or scrapbooking. Perfect for parties, she will love using her imagination and the compatible Bluetooth software to create her own designs for everything in her life.

Price at time of publish: $60

The gamer in your life will love the Nintendo Switch (if they don't already have one). She can play thousands of games either solo with the handheld device or with friends on the television with extra controllers. With multiple ways to play, she will never get bored trying out new games and play modes. Consider getting her started with her first games, whether she prefers The Legend of Zelda or Animal Crossing.

Price at time of publish: $284

Carine Fabius Natural Henna Temporary Tattoo Freestyle Kit

Natural Henna Temporary Tattoo Freestyle Kit

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

When you’re a teenager nothing is more fun than experimenting with beauty products with your best friends. We love this Natural Henna Temporary Tattoo Freestyle Kit because it’s a unique gift that lets your 13-year-old explore her creative side. This kit helps create temporary henna body art tattoos that last up to ten days. It comes with enough henna to create 20-30 designs, plus stencils and an applicator bottle to create endless looks. Mix one ounce of henna powder to create a paste, and apply all over for a temporary and fun activity that’s perfect for birthday parties and sleepovers.   

Price at time of publish: $25

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

Amazon

Now that your 13-year-old is firmly a teenager, we’re sure there will be endless school dances, sleepovers, and mall outings that she’ll want to remember. Help her create lasting memories with a Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera. We love that this compact camera instantly prints out Polaroid-style prints small enough to fit in your pocket. Each print measures 2.4 x 1.8 inches and is perfect for hanging on mirrors or inside lockers. Despite its small size, this polaroid features an automatic exposure, a LED flash, and a close-up lens adapter. It comes in five bright colors and is small enough to toss in a backpack or purse. Even though its film is expensive, the camera itself is a good value and is the perfect way to capture memories from a party or event with family and friends.

Price at time of publish: $73

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

Uncommon Goods Bubble Tea Kit

Uncommon Goods Bubble Tea Kit

Uncommon Goods

For a fun bonding activity, you and your teen can complete together, look to a trendy and delicious cooking set like this Bubble Tea Kit from Uncommon Goods. This kit comes with two types of tea and tapioca pearls along with helpful instructions to create your own bubble tea right at home. Even better, two reusable stainless steel straws are included—a necessity for slurping boba at home or on-the-go.

Price at time of publish: $40

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

Courtesy of Amazon

Whether your 13-year-old is a big reader or loves the Harry Potter movie series, they will love owning all of the Harry Potter books in this stylish box set. She can read (and reread) the seven books as she dives into the magical world of Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Introduce her to the wizarding world before watching the movies or gift her the full set for endless rereading. The set also makes a stylish bookshelf accessory.

Price at time of publish: $100

Pura Vida Bracelet Club

Pura Vida Bracelet Club

Pura Vida

If your teen loves jewelry, they will love this bracelet-themed subscription box from Pura Vida. Every month, she will receive three exclusive bracelets and a cute sticker, as well as access to major sales and launches on the site. She can pick her bracelets every month or leave it to chance for a surprise set every single month. You can choose to pay monthly or purchase the subscription for six or twelve months for a further discount, so you can pick the plan that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

Price at time of publish: $15 per month

GameWright Splurt

GameWright Splurt

GameWright

Splurt! is a hilarious party game perfect for birthday parties, sleepovers, or family game night that your teen will love. To play, simply flip over a pink card with a category (such as a movie star) and a black card with a letter and its placement (beginning with J). Then, player race to shout out an answer that fits those categories (for example, Julia Roberts), and whoever shouts first, wins. Collect the most cards at the end to become the winner. Teens can play for hours and hours, picking new combinations of cards every time for infinite replayability.

Price at time of publish: $15

Other Great Gift Options

When I look back on my teenage years, the one gift that always comes to mind is when my mom surprised me with tickets to see Hairspray on Broadway. Something like concert or Broadway tickets were much more exciting to me than a new piece of clothing or tech gadget. Don't limit yourself to tangible objects. Picking an activity that you and your teen can do together that aligns with her interests just might be the special present that she'll remember for years. If she doesn't love music or theater, opt for a sporting event, a cooking class, a book signing, an escape room, a trip to a local farm, or a day spent at an animal shelter petting puppies.

Tips on Choosing a Gift for a 13-Year-Old Girl

Fashionista 13-year-old girls can be difficult to please, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Look at the latest trends and fashion statements to make sure that your clothing or accessory gift is age-appropriate. You can also incorporate your new teen in picking out the color or style. Some pieces never go out of style, like these sneakers from Vans, but your teen may have a specific color or pattern in mind.

While considering age appropriateness, also look beyond the expected makeup and fashion activities. Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, cautions that sticking only to these types of gifts may be limiting. “We need to open it up so that people don’t feel like this is for my gender only,” he says. Following your teen’s unique interests is the best way to go.

No matter what interests your 13-year-old girl has, there’s a gift to help her develop that talent. If she’s musical, consider a new instrument for her to learn. For the creative kids, decor or tech like the Brother Embellish, to allow her to express herself are perfect. Anything that helps her learn a new skill or further develop an interest she already has is perfect.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, an associate editor for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, interviews with expert-focused articles, and more. She used her online research and experience being a teenage girl to find multiple gifting options, no matter your 13-year-old's interests.

Other experts that contributed to this roundup:

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