Jt.. how very sweet of you. I so enjoy buying gifts for the angel trees. This year I am helping out families I know who are struggling but many years in the past I have done either angel trees or gifts for students with bad family situations at the school where my sister is a guidance counselor.

The camera is adorable and I am sure she'd love it but the film for the polaroid instax cameras is expensive.. about $14 a pack for 8 (I think?) pictures,, though you can get them on sale, a young girl will whip through the film packs in NO time. Probably not the best choice for a child in a low income home.

12 is really such an easy age for a girl.. they love everything and it doesn't have to be expensive! Fuzzy socks, fun flip flops (yes, a women's size 5!), fun pjs! At that age, my nieces LOVED the scented pencils (smencils? maybe? I got them at barnes and noble).

I'd think she'd have said inline skates if that's what she wanted-- all things retro are coming back so maybe roller skates too?

Love the pink sneakers-- the young girls here are into converse sneakers (hitops and low tops) and vans (though vans may be more for a slightly older girl).

You have been very helpful Funk! I had no idea the film was so expensive. My husband wanted to be in charge of the camera buying if we went with that. I'll tell him if we do to get lots of extra film. Still, I'm now not sure because she could get a lot of extra goodies if not for film.

Edited:

I didn't see your pink sneakers before posting above. Those are cute. A gal in the mall told me about todds slipons in metallic as well.

yeah, I don't like the todds but the girls do wear them-- still, the converse are the big thing here for the young ones.

Polaroid film is always expensive.. also, the photos are very small too. Check out the details.. the photos are about the size of a credit card. My niece loved hers when she was a freshman in college but I was always sending her care packages of film.

I'm thinking she's asking for a digital camera.

Definitely a digital camera. Otherwise she will have to continue spending money on film.

Any clothes you buy NEED to be from a place she can exchange them. The chance of your getting the fit and style, color preferences correct are SLIM.

American Eagle for clothing. Looks at sweatshirt type things.

I agree with a digital camera. Not sure about the skates. I know inline was in favor for many years, but I haven't seen anyone lately with them. Look at skating/sport stores and see what they think the latest trend is.

I have a 12 y/o dd - she has asked for a Polaroid camera as well and the one pictured is the one she is getting, but different color. I agree, film is expensive-I got a multi-pack that was on sale at BestBuy. My oldest dd is a college freshman-she got a Polaroid camera a few years ago. She knows the film is expensive so she is very thoughtful about picture taking and the photos she takes are more artistic and/or special. She did get a digital camera many years ago but then got an iPhone a couple years later. Digital camera now collecting dust but still uses her Polaroid. Not sure what the right answer is...a digital camera still requires access to either a printer w/photo paper or a trip to a place where she can download and print photos, something she probably is unlikely to do very often.

My 12 y/o dd wears low top Converse all the time. Dd18 also has a pair tho guessing she is mostly in flip flops at college. My daughters also also live in black leggings-Aerie sells them for $15 and they are good quality. American Eagle has really cute tops that are sort of in b/w a sweater and sweatshirt - just bought two a month or so ago that my dd picked out. Very comfy material.

For less expensive fun things, my daughter likes journals or planners with colored pens, stickers, etc.. She also always appreciates a good book and bookmark. Fluffy socks are definitely always a good Christmas gift for her age. Dd doesn't wear makeup but likes nail polish. Chapstick or that one that looks like a round little ball I can't think of the name of - she loves that kind of lip stuff.

Thanks! I was thinking of doing leggings instead of pants. Justice shops are pretty well known around here. I like their bottoms, most of my shorts are from there. They hold up well. I'll check American Eagle for tops.

4kids, would your daughters wear any of these? Leggings from Justice.

Oh, and...I'm not sure of these. There might be a reason Salvation Army doesn't have shorts on the clothing list in Florida.

Would a tween wear shorts this long?

One other question. The sizes given to me for bottoms are 12 - 14 large. I'm only seeing things like 12 - 14 plus. So I guess large means plus?

Can you tell I have only shopped for boy tweens lol

Justice is better for that age group than American eagle-- size wise. It may be that American eagle could work but the lengths are probably way too long on shirts and pants.

If the size is 12- 14 large, I would expect they mean 12-14 if sized or large if they run small, medium large.

A few last thought on cameras-- they are often lost or stolen at that age. I hate to dismiss something on her list -- and really, I am not-- but I'd be hesitant to buy an expensive camera for a 12 yo. I also thought about the same concerns about a place to print/download. There are cameras with wifi that connect to social media. The one I am familiar with is the Nikon Coolpix but it's over 100. I'd try Walmart and bestbuy to see what they offer with wifi.

Kohls and a few other stores have a cheaper version of the Adidas gazelle called courtset. They run a little narrow. I know because I love those gazelles but they were too wide for me. I had to settle for the courtset.

Adidas

Have fun shopping!

Funk, yes, I'm torn on the camera for practical reasons. However, I always say that mostly Christmas is a time to be a tiny bit impractical. I'm going to think about it.

D_gw, I am having fun (although a little confused).

I like this outfit from Justice. The pull on leggings and sneakers could be worn with a lot of stuff.

To be on the safe side if I do leggings I think I'll go up a size.

My daughter (13) and all her friends got the instax last year. Michaels has albums, frames, etc and other accessories for it. We got two SA angel tags this year and it is hard to choose gifts!

Nice of you to be so concerned about giving her a happy Christmas, thank you for doing this.

My 13 year old granddaughter rarely prints out photos. It's all about being digital. (Most families, even those that are below the poverty level do have access to the Internet.)

I'm off to the Justice shop.

Since my list specified 12 - 14 LARGE it got me to looking at the size charts.

Lets say I'm going to buy leggings. I don't know about you but I always size up for those.

I'm thinking a 10 plus for leggings to be safe but not sure because that's an extra 3" in the waist. Grrr. Guess I'll just do 14 regular for everything.

Regular chart.

Plus size chart

ML, that's why the Polaroids/instants are fun-because you actually get a photo right then and there. My daughter takes pictures of memorable places and fun photos with her friends, then hangs them from tiny clothes pins attached to a string across the wall in her room. She was able to bring the same setup to her dorm room. My dd is aware tho of the pricey film so only takes one or two pictures unlike with digital where you can take way too many. Like you said, my kids and I rarely print digital photos. And yes, while most have access to Internet, not all have access to printers w/photo paper. Not that I'm advocating getting a Polaroid for this girl necessarily.....of course the other thing is perhaps she DOES want a digital camera so she can post pictures to social media. It's hard to know since she did not specify.

TL, where I live, Justice is definitely more for younger girls. My daughter does not shop there. While she is not necessarily concerned with brand names (she will wear things from Target, Kohls, etc), here the Justice store is definitely viewed by her age group as being for younger girls so she won't even go in there. However, she might wear some of those jeggings if she didn't know where they came from (insert eye roll). She, however, just prefers black cotton leggings. I bought her some jeans/jeggings last year but she never wore them, despite wearing them all the time the year before. For her it's just that cotton leggings are more comfortable. She definitely would not wear those long shorts though. Too long.

I can't attest to American Eagle sizing for pants, as Funky mentioned....my daughter doesn't have any of their pants, only tops. However, at 12, she is already taller than me so I'm guessing for my dd, the pants would be fine. She is already at least 5'4" which is same height as me oldest, who was wearing AE pants around the time she was 13. As far as the Justice sizing, IIRC, their pants ran in slim, Regular and plus, with plus being for girls who were a little chunkier or solid. It's been years since I've been there tho so I don't know if they still size the same way.

Wow, I just saw the size chart you posted. Big difference in the regular and plus. I don't recall there being size a huge difference in waist size back when my oldest wore pants from there.

I was in adult sizes at age 12.. and a size 9 shoe. Some of my nieces were the same.. but I am thinking with a size 5 shoe, she's not terribly tall. I know this is not scientific and surely there are tall people with small feet lol.. but it's all guesswork.

I agree that the yoga/tights style (for lack of a better way to describe them) are preferable to the jegging styles.. also skinny jeans.

I am sorry, 4kids is right though-- I misremembered the years lol. I think it was around 10/12 when the girls stuck their noses up at Justice. I did still buy them pjs there though (at least back then, they had super cute pj styles) but not clothing.

FWIW I really like American eagle and so do a number of my nieces (and nephew). I've even bought a few things for myself there. They have great sales and decent prices. I'd just be cautious with the styles and lengths as their target audience is teen/young adult.

Another places they loved in the tween years: aeropostale-- especially the sweatshirts. I wasn't a fan of the store but I sure bought a bunch there. Also Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister! They can be overpriced but they have good sales.

12 is a fun age because they are between kids and teens. They want grown up stuff but also delight in the little things like 4kids mentioned-- fuzzy socks, etc.

Ok, thanks! I haven't left yet. I think (maybe) what I'll do is get the plain colored leggings/tights at Justice because it will be less confusing as I know their bottoms hold up well, especially for the price. Although I'm growing as of late I normally have to buy girls bottoms and know from experience that most other brands are overpriced crap. Then, I'll hit Macy's for tops because I have a 30% off coupon. Or, maybe I'll hit Macy's first and some of the shops mentioned above and then go to Justice for leggings if all I see is flimsy.

Now, if your gals lived in Florida show me some more shoes (please).

Edited to add: glad I checked with you all. I wasn't planning on buying Justice tops but now I really know not too.

I think this child will be very happy and thankful for whatever presents you give to her. I think a number of us are responding based on our experience with kids who have a broad choice of options and price points. Children who start the school year with new clothes and who get them when they need them-- AND when they want them. Not all children have those luxuries.

You are a dear, JT.. not only to gift her but to put thought into the gifts! I am sure it isn't the same everywhere but here American Eagle has exceptional staff. Head and shoulders above the others. If you go this time of day when it isn't so busy, I bet you could find a staffer to help you find great options for the ages, size and budget.

Just a warning...some school districts do not allow yoga pants or tight fitting leggings to be worn at school.

JT, I showed my dd the pants you showed above. She said she wouldn't choose them for herself, but if I told her to wear them, she would. I did not tell her they were from Justice, but I agree with Funky, most likely kids in her situation will be happy to have new, cute clothing. I think with pants from Justice, you will be fine. AE can be pricey, Aeropostale is a good alternative. My dd wears a uniform to school, so we don't have to buy as many casual clothes and easier for her to live in black leggings outside of school most of the time.

I just asked her what gift is really popular with girls her age and the first thing out of her mouth was Polaroid! She said lots of girls use the pictures to decorate their rooms (like my oldest did I suppose). I then asked about smaller, less expensive ideas and she said basically the same as me - fuzzy socks, scented lotions, a pack of colored sharpie pens, journal, inexpensive bracelets.

oh yes.. sharpies too. Great inexpensive idea!

If you go with the instax polaroid, amazon is where I usually found the best prices on film. Multipacks are cheapest.. and there are a very packs under 10/pack now (like with blue or rainbow borders). Still, $1 a picture is a lot .. even at the sale prices.

I have a daughter that size and age. You're looking at a smaller than average kid. So some styles in the girls department will be a little juvenile for a middle school kid. If you find pink unicorns in her size, pass on them. :)

This is the worst shopping size ever--between junior and kid sizes. And I recently discovered that size 5 in big girls' shoes is indeed a women's 5...and that they can be REALLY hard to find!

I'm back and went CRAZY! Got all kinds of stuff. I'll take pictures and share in a few.

re size: 12/14 is the number version of girls' large - 16/18 is extra large, 8/10 is medium. Clothes are a tough buy because even at 12 girls are so particular. Justice is probably the right store to go to - but maybe ask one of the sales clerks you feel will give you on honest opinion on what are the best sellers. Don't be surprised if the pants are nearly torn to shreds - that's just how pants are now.

This is what I bought. Got everything on sale at Macy's in the teen / junior section and on some items I got an additional 30% off. The receipt will go with the gifts in case exchanges are needed.

Active wear.

I was going to spent a 100 on clothes but spent $180. Got a lot of stuff though.

It was very difficult shopping for this age as far as finding things that aren't see-thru or with plunging necklines or open backs or borderline rude graffics. Most everything except the flowy dress is stretchy to the point that it could go smaller or larger.

i'm exhausted!

Did I do Okay for 12 yr old girl?

That all looks wonderful! She's going to be thrilled. How generous and kind of you!!

I hope she will be Oly.. I tried to mix it up so hopefully there will be something that she likes.

Still thinking about which Camera.

I can't believe how tired I am from that mall trip. My shopping normally consists of pushing the buy button and then picking up a box by my front door a week or so later.

I would get her a decent digital camera - she might not have the money or transportation to deal w/ buying film &/or developing photos - and a silicon skin &/or camera bag for it, if possible and definitely a screen protector too. The extra protection is not too costly & really extends the life of the camera. What about extra batteries - or a set of rechargeables?

Here's a list of recommendations for teens/tweens:

http://mommyhighfive.com/budget-digital-cameras-teens-tweens/

The Nikon Coolpix is a good little camera.

I think you made good choices. I have 3 granddaughters- one 12 years, two 11 years old. They would prefer the outfits you selected over something from Justice. I would buy a simple digital camera. The instant camera is popular but not practical and may be unused because film is expensive. Being conservative about using the film to save film takes the fun out of taking pictures. She can print pictures on regular computer paper. You ae doing a good thing.

Yes I just can't bring myself to buy the instant picture camera. I feel bad but it's just not practical. I remember having one briefly as in briefly used due to the film cost and my mom refusing to spring for it. I think it was given to me and did black and white pictures. Then, it sat. That was a hundred years ago.

Carol, thank you so much for the list. I will study it tomorrow. Husband and I spent the evening online digital camera and roller blade/skate surfing. Now my head is spinning. I didn't even know the derby style was a thing again.

With only boys can you imagine what a mess I'll be when I get granddaughters ?

I think it's a good call not to get the instant picture camera. It doesn't sound like she specifically asked for an instant camera.

Look great! I don't know how kids dress over there, but these would go over pretty well at my local junior high!

YOU are a very nice Santa. Stick something extra in your own stocking.

Hey Flori do you still live north of me in Florida? Can you ask your daughter about this roller skate thing. The list doesn't specify inline but says roller. I only have one girl in my whole neighborhood in the age group but I'll ask her as well.

The wish list part will probably be a digital camera but I'll do a backup plan in case. I just don't know if the derby style skate is a must have or if inline is okay.

I'm not Flori, but a Floridian in Tampa. Our 13 yr old granddaughter is often invited to skate parties at rinks around here. I think they only allow derby style skates.

I also do see more people skating the sidewalks with the 4 wheelers now a days.

The clothing you picked are excellent choices, she's a lucky girl.

Good point, maddielee, on the skate parties. I concur, great choices, justerrilynn!

I am on an angel tree committee for our community. We finished up gifts this past week. Had so many gifts to purchase and I was getting worried because we had a good many "angels" left! Thank goodness for a donation, and then another that allowed us to take care of all the children. You have done a great job with the clothing. One thing I would caution (after being on this committee several years) is to not go overboard on one child. Many times there are siblings and it can be hurtful if one child in the family gets more than another. Although our committee doesn't set a price range, we do try to limit gifts. We have categories so each child gets several gifts. Categories are pants/shirt (they get 2 of these), underwear and pjs, shoes and socks, misc. (which would include toys, toiletries, or whatever they ask for). We have an additional category for coats but usually don't have those due to the "Coats for the Cold" campaign. However, this year, we had requests for about 10 coats.

I was thinking like tinam61. It is so nice of you to do this for that little girl but, if she has siblings or friends who are getting their gifts this way and the other people stick more to the limits that were suggested it might create some hard feelings. We have done this in the past and it is hard to stick to the limits that are suggested. Once again you are very thoughtful!

I agree no camera. BTDT. Plus as soon as they get a phone (and that is not a function of income from what I have seen), the camera will be tossed.

I have heard that roller skating is making a comeback but I do not even know any places. Apparently though the inline wheel technology that makes it possible to inline skate outside can be applied to roller skates.

Love the outfits, you did a super super job!

I do have to say, though, as someone did above, that you want to try to avoid overspending, or even if there are great sales, giving too many items. You have three outfits, TBH you should give them to three girls. I am sure you can find a way to do that. I don't mean to be a wet blanket and I know how much fun it is to shop for kids who might have meager holidays. But I just need to be honest and tell you the way to do it is to buy for as many kids as possible, and not to buy more than what is recommended for any one kid.

If you have not done this before, you will find it addictive I assure you. It is the very best part of Christmas in my family.

Yes, I did briefly (and now even more) worry about overspending on one. At my local S.A tree they have sibling tree cards together. My gal Natie was not a combo.

So, Tina, should I just not give the wish list part (camera or skates) but give the rest to my girl?

Not give poor little Natie these very cool skates? Boo hoo. Really though, I have spent enough.

Or, should I take what I have to the gift Tree volunteers, show them what I've got and ask if it should be split?

Edited to add: strangely there were mostly boys left on my local angel tree. I'm wondering if it's because their wish list had some expensive things on it. Not much under $140. I know this because my squeaky butt husband was standing at the tree looking stuff up on his phone and then being embarrassingly loud about it. Or, maybe people just prefer to buy for girls? I did ask the volunteers about the many boys on the tree and she did say that every year they have all been taken up by givers.

I'm thinking with all the money in my area of Florida combined with the large percent of snowbird wealthy retired people that angel tree kids around here tend to get overspent on. I do think it's a bit more normal. My husband along with others does a toy drive every year and just off that one place three large truck loads of toys will go out. There are hundreds maybe thousands of such toy drives in my county.

Mtn, I have always in the past just given money to different causes at Christmas. This is my first time actually getting a kid, a kid with a name and sizes and wants. It's so very addicting!!! In fact it's even more than that as I'm an empty nester. I don't have any kids to buy for and that bites.

I usually try to give a combination of practical and fun-- both when donating gifts and to my own family. As someone stated above, one outfit .. and the skates would be perfect. You could even add some little fun things, markers, fuzzy socks, flip flops, etc. You had many suggestions above for inexpensive gifts 12 yos love.

There are really so many kids and families in need. I don't think you'll struggle to find a way to spread your gifts! You're a good soul.

I can't help with the skates--I'm on the west coast and I haven't seen anyone under 40 in skates in years. :)

Years ago, I volunteered a couple of times with a local organization that helped with kids' back to school shopping. They partnered with JCPenney, who donated around $100 per child, and also sold everything at a deep discount. Each child was assigned an adult volunteer, and given a list from the parents of what the child needed, then we shopped with the children, to help them maximize the money they were given. Some of us also spent a bit of our own money on fun stuff, like accessories to go with their new clothing. It was so fun helping these kids pick out their brand new clothes - not hand me downs, or thrift shop items.

Here's the thing: if she's 12, her feet will likely still be growing (I'm not aware of any 12 year olds whose feet do not), so the skates might not fit her for very long.

Just sayin'...

Terriks, taking the kids shopping is such a nice idea! I have never heard of it done that way.

Jterri, I would tell them you have extra and they will figure it out.

IME, the boys often get picked last. I go out of my way to buy boy gifts because everyone likes getting girl stuff more!

My sister’s work brings kids shopping to buy them a winter coat, then they return to the cafeteria at work and have dinner together. One year a kid lost his brand new winter coat before he even left the cafeteria. Someone returned to the store the next day and replaced it. I wonder how long that coat lasted?

But Funk, it is related! It's so much more fun doing hands on giving compared to just writing out a few checks to the needy every year. I'm never going back to that way again.

I would love to do what Terriks did and take a kid shopping.

A few times over the last few years I have asked around or checked online to see if there was a teenager gift giving charity. Still no such thing. When I mentioned to the Salvation Army volunteer what a shame it was that the cutoff age is 12 she agreed and said she gets a lot of comments on the cutoff being to young. I think it should be cut off at 16. She said she agreed and so do many many others. I hope they eventually change the age. It's sad there are little thirteen year olds getting zip.