She doesn't like books and her mom was upset last year when I got her beauty supplies (not makeup - but still too much for her mom).
Movie tickets
Gift certificate for a clothing store (that mom would be ok with)
Cool backpack for school (take her with you to pick it out)
Funky shoes (age-appropriate)
Jewelry
Magazine Subscription
ipod, cash, gift cards to events, like theater, museum, movies..
I gave my Nephew a $50 Visa Gift card and he flipped.. My niece asked "Aunt L., when I turn 13, will you please give me a Visa card too?"
And yes, I did..
a visa card for 25 bucks! That way she can get whatever she needs :-)
Walmart gift card, ITunes gift card, DVD's she may be into, and CASH!
Give her an "event," not a thing. Take her out for a movie and a dinner at someplace of her choice. If her mom would flip at her getting a manicure or pedicure, take her instead for a foot massage or a facial, maybe with a gift certificate for a second one (foot massages run about $30 for 30 minutes around here, FYI, and you can get them in malls sometimes). Even better, take her to a play if she's never been to one. If she would be open to it, take her to a dance performance or something like that. If you can afford it you could even invite her to bring one friend along to your chosen "event."
Spend some time with her. Mom has to let go or she'll have a daughter going to school to get ready for school (make up, clothes, etc). She can't live under a rock.
Money, mani/pedi/, lunch with you..
She needs to know about caring for herself, she is growing up. She does not have to wear make-up but she needs basic knowledge of skin care, etc.
A gift card, a shopping trip/lunch out with you, and maybe mom too. Maybe some other "experience" gift - a craft class (something she likes) Lessons in something she wants to learn - music, art, swimming, tumbling/gymnastics, martial arts....etc....discuss it with her mom, ask her for ideas of her daughter's interests etc, at least.
Does she have a DS game? Maybe you can pick up a new game for her OR depending on your relationship with her get her a gift card...and small gift like a necklace. Some people say gift cards are impersonal BUT so are gifts they wont use. You could also attach a Spend the day with me coupon on the gift card, so you take her to lunch and then to shop using her gift card...that makes it more personal too.
get her a visa gift card n let her mom take her shopping-you can put any amount on it-then she feels like she has more input
I like to shop for my nieces at Justice (justice.com). They usualy have good sales going on. Also, what about movie tickets or music? I know you can buy iTunes certificates for downloads if she has an IPod.
Most kids that age love to have an itunes gift card.
Does she go to the movies frequently? You can give her movie tickets.
You can spend the afternoon with her and do something special, like go to a play, bowling, roller skating, whatever she likes to do.
She doesn't like books. What about a magazine subscription?
Does she like jewelry?
Does she go to the beach or pool often? A tote and a beach towel.
A camera or video recorder. They are reasonably priced now especially with the back to school sales. Or maybe a wall hanging or mirror with the ribbons accross it to hold pictures of her friends.
Last year my daughter received a messenger bag that she could design. It was a kit, and she was totally thrilled. A body pillow is a great idea. Also, is she crafty? You could do a gift certificate to Michael's, or purchase a small jewelry making kit. That or buy her a pair of flip flops and some supplies and let her go to town in making them her own. Good luck.
