10 good gifts for girls

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The hardest part about shopping for youth, especially young women? Trends constantly change, as do their interests. If your holiday shopping list includes any children, tweens or pre- teens that identify with the “she” pronoun, with Christmas and Hanukkah quickly approaching, you might be wondering what to wrap up for the girl in your world.

From the hottest toys of 2021, to timeless treasures, to gifts to encourage interest in STEM, here are ten of CBS Essentials’ top gifts for girls to make your holiday shopping a whole lot easier.

WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder

Already on Amazon’s best-selling new release list and predicted by a handful of organizations as one of the top toys of the holiday season, the Got2Glow Fairy Finder is perfect for elementary-age children. Available in blue and pink, the whimsical jar merges the thrill-seeking hunt for Pokémon with the fulfillment of caring for a virtual friend, a la by Tamagotchi. Kids hunt for 30 different fairies, and once caught, feed, talk to and love them. Once collected, fairies can be traded among friends.

WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder, Pink Jar, $40

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Studios

Described as the “dopamine hit of a generation” by the New York Times, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls seem to make their way onto nearly every child’s holiday wish list. L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Studios serves as an easy one-and-done gift. Even fanatics probably haven’t gotten their paws on the just-released set yet, which includes 12 dolls and 70 unboxing experiences, packaged in a box that doubles as a movie studio set.

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Studios, $136

Petite ‘n Pretty Mini Makeup Artist Kit

Formulated by mother and beauty industry veteran Sam Cutler, Petite ‘n Pretty offers pediatrician-approved, age-appropriate colors and products formulated for kids and tweens. The Mini Makeup Artist Kit is inspired by a professional’s, but playful enough for young and experimental artists in training.

Petite ‘n Pretty Mini Makeup Artist Kit, $89

Barbie Dreamhouse

The Barbie Dreamhouse recently underwent a renovation with the newest incarnation released this fall. The tri-level mansion includes 10 outdoor and indoor living spaces, and a swimming pool with waterslide and grassy area. Its layout can be reconfigured and redesigned. The house comes fully furnished with everything from a BBQ grill that doubles as a dessert buffet to an entertainment center-slash-pet play area — 75 accessories in all. And, unlike many previous models, it also lights up and plays music.

Barbie Dreamhouse, $199

Polly Pocket Rainbow Funland Theme Park playset

The only thing more exciting than a trip to a theme park? Unwrapping one for the holidays. The Polly Pocket Rainbow Funland Theme Park boasts three rides, seven play areas, micro Polly and Shani dolls, two unicorns and 25 surprises.

Polly Pocket Rainbow Funland Theme Park playset, $40

Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron

With a spot on the majority of 2021 toy hot lists, and already the best-selling plush interactive toy on Amazon (and still only available for preorder), Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron is predicted to be a sellout toy this holiday season. Kids create a magical mist that reveals their very own “Mixie” creature by mixing potions and saying the magic words, “magicus mixus.” The cauldon and creature make more than 50 sounds, providing hours of creative enjoyment.

Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, $70

Nintendo Switch Lite

For the young to the young at heart, Nintendo Switch Lite entertains all ages. Available in a bunch of fun colors, the handheld device is small, sleek and light, and compatible with all Nintendo Switch games. Add an age-appropriate game such as Super Mario Odyssey or an eShop gift card for the win.

Nintendo Switch Lite console, $200

Insect Lore Butterfly Garden

Another pick from Amazon’s 2021 Toys We Love list, Insect Lore Butterfly Garden teaches life sciences to children in a fun manner, as they nurture caterpillars into cocoons and watch them transform into butterflies. This set contains 10 live caterpillars and food, a reusable habit, chrysalis logs, a butterfly feeder and STEM butterfly journal.

Insect Lore Butterfly Garden, $43

Move2Play Kidz Bop Microphone

The cultural phenomenon Kidz Bop refuses to quit. Any budding singer will appreciate the Move2Play Kidz Bop karaoke microphone. Available in pink, purple and blue, the mic enables them to sing along with the stars on the popular Youtube Channel and change their voice with four pitches.

Move2Play Kidz Bop Karaoke Microphone, $29

Erin Condren Kids Planner

Erin Condren’s clever 12-month kid’s planner helps young ones keep track of important dates, events and assignments while offering a place to doodle, set goals and manage allowances and budgets. Infused with fun, including interchangeable covers and loads of stickers, crossword puzzles and prompts, this gift will continue to be opened for 365 days.

Erin Condren Kids Planner, $30