The Ultimate Gorge Youth Gift Guide Series

Finding gifts for older kids can be… a journey. They’re not little anymore, but they’re also not fully grown — and their tastes seem to evolve daily. Between trends and whatever suddenly becomes the thing, it can feel impossible to keep up.

This year, I’m breaking the gift guide into three parts to keep things simple and actually helpful:
✨ Tween Girls
✨ Teen Girls 
✨ Beauty & Self Care Favorites (great ideas for tweens or teens!) 

As a mom of a 10- and 11-year-old myself, I’m deep in the tween universe. These guides pull from what my daughter and her friends are loving, what’s trending right now, what’s practical, and what’s actually going to get used beyond Christmas morning.

And the best part? You can find 80–90% of these gifts locally here in the Gorge, so you can support local businesses and check off your holiday list at the same time.

Whether you're shopping for your own kids, nieces, grandkids, or friends of the family, this roundup has something for every personality, price point, and vibe.

Tween Girl Gift Guide 

For this guide, I’m classifying tweens as roughly ages 8–12, or about 4th through 6th grade — that in-between stage where they’re part kid, part teen, and full of very specific opinions. Some aren’t quite in the “tween vibe” yet, while others are already leaning into more teen-like styles depending on the kid. 

1. DIY Bracelet-Making Kit

Friendship bracelet making is all the rage, especially for younger tweens. A great way to learn a new skill, practice bead patterns, and keep hands busy at sleepovers or on road trips.
Shop Here → available locally at G. Willikers and Hood River Stationers 

2. Bow Planner / Journal

Bows are back and everywhere this season — from hair accessories to notebooks to holiday décor. This cheerful bow-covered planner is perfect for school, goals, lists, and keeping life organized in the cutest way.
Shop Here → available locally at Hood River Stationers

3. Ultra-Thin Thread Wallet

A minimalist card holder that sticks right in your pocket, school bag or mini backpack. Perfect for holding an ID, lunch money, or your Green Light debit card — without adding any bulk. Tweens love the fun patterns and the "grown-up” vibe.
Shop Here → available locally at Doug's

4. Greenlight Debit Card

This has been a game changer for my kids.  No more having them carry money around they might lose or drop out of a pocket.  I can add money at any time and create incentives or an allowance through the Greenlight app.  A smart first-step into money independence. Parents control the limits; tweens love having their “own card.” Bonus: helps teach budgeting and saving skills. Shop Here → available here

5. Poppy & Pout Lip Balms

Clean, natural lip balms that tweens love.
Shop Here → available locally at Hood River Stationers and Pacifica Gifts 

6. Jellycat Stuffies

Ultra-soft, cuddly, and a tween obsession.
Shop Here → available locally at G. Willikers and Heights Floral

7. Flower Hair Claw Clips

It’s all clips, all the time right now — especially cute flower ones. These trendy, easy-to-wear claw clips work for all hair types 
Shop Here → available at Hood River Stationers and The Ruddy Duck

8. Lavender Stardust Body + Hair Glitter

A little sparkle goes a long way. This gentle glitter gel is perfect for dress up, sleepovers, or just adding shimmer to an ordinary day.
Shop Here → available at Hood River Stationers and The Ruddy Duck

9. Gold Bubble Initial Necklace

Another popular item at the moment and a simple, everyday personalized piece.
Shop Here → similar styles available locally at The Ruddy Duck and Twiggs

10.  Cloud Slides 

Before you go dropping hundreads on the "yeezy" slides try these much cheaper dupes.  Soft, squishy, and comfortable — cloud slides are the go-to cozy shoe for tweens right now. Easy to slip on for school mornings, after sports, lounging around the house, or the pool deck.  I would also say the standard Crocs are still going strong with the younger/elementary age tweens. 
Shop Here → The only Amazon link in the bunch - link here

11. Birkenstock Bostons

Birkenstocks seem to always be in style for one age group or another. The Bostons seem to be everyone's favorite (with socks!) Cute, neutral, and go with everything.
Shop Here → available locally at Footwise 

12. Bow Stud Earrings (Agaveh)

More bows - sweet, simple earrings for everyday wear.
Shop Here → available locally at The Ruddy Duck

13. Books (Graphic Novels + Empowering Reads)

Graphic novels are the thing for tween girls right now — they’re fun, fast-paced, and incredibly relatable. Two favorites are Smile, a classic coming-of-age graphic novel, and Squished, a heartfelt story about siblings, identity, and finding your place.

For something a little different (and totally inspiring), Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is an empowering collection of real-life women doing extraordinary things — a perfect confidence-builder for this age.
Shop Here → available locally at Waucoma Books or Klindt's Book in the Dalles and G Willikers

14. Zipper Pouches/Small Bag

Tweens love little bags — for all the odds and ends they collect. These zipper pouches are perfect for pencils and school supplies, or for stashing makeup, hair ties, lip balms, and the million tiny treasures they carry everywhere.
Shop Here → available locally at Pacifica Gifts and Hood River Stationers 

15. Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Can you ever have too many water bottles? A durable, stylish water bottle - great for school, sports, and everywhere in between. 
Shop Here → available locally at Doug's and Shortt Supply

16. Stanley Tumbler

For another option the "Stanley" is still going strong. They have a wall of colorful Stanleys in every size and color at Hood River Stationers. 
Shop Here → available locally at Hood River Stationers

17. Color In Taylor Swift Activity Book

Calling at Swifties  — creative, fun, and a screen-free activity they’ll actually enjoy.
Shop Here → available locally at Hood River Stationers

18. Pink Palm Hoodie (but really any 'oversized' hoodie)

Cozy, and super stylish — this Pink Palm hoodie is the one tweens reach for nonstop. Soft, comfy, and with that perfect pop of color
Shop Here → available locally at Pink Palm Puff

Coming tomorrow - Teen Girl Gift Guide and Beauty & Self-Care Gift Guide that's good for tweens or teens!