Great Gifts for Girls

From tea sets to spa sets, these items will fill granddaughters with delight

by Phoebe Assenza

When girls first decide they want to be like mommy (and grandmommy), they usually start with accessories. My First Purse is a soft, purple pocketbook complete with essentials like a toy cell phone, keys, lipstick, and makeup mirror. We're pleased to find the included fake money is in the form of a debit card; you can explain the hazards of credit cards later on.

Price: $13
For ages: 2 to 6 years
Available at: Amazon.com

The future hostess with the most-est can entertain her dolls and friends with this modern and pretty Tea Set from Green Toys in muted pinks, blues, and yellows. The entire set is made from recycled milk cartons, and is phthalate and BPA free, making it just as safe as it is stylish.

Price: $25
For ages: 3 to 7 years
Available at: Amazon.com

Before she's ready for her first after-school job, your granddaughter can play barista with the Barbie Take a Break Café. The play set includes a pretend-blender for whipping up lattes or smoothies. Sounds and a game-play function have her remembering and filling orders, and the scented "coffee beans" and "muffins" make the experience slightly more luxurious than a real job.

Price: $65
For ages: 3 and older
Available at: Amazon.com

Sure, she's far away from the real stressors of adult life, but why deny your granddaughter the fun of relaxing and pampering? The Spa Factory Aromatherapy Kit is a do-it-yourself activity set with which your granddaughter can concoct her own face masks, lip balm, and perfume with the included essential oils and bases. As if that's not girly enough, the set's plastic, multicolored mixing bowls are all shaped like little flowers.

Price: $30
For ages: 8 to 12 years
Available at: Amazon.com

Once she's old enough to tote a MacBook around to school or work, your granddaughter might want an extra protective layer for her electronic lifeline. The InCase Hardshell for MacBook comes in both pink and purple hues, quite pretty for a rugged piece of gear.

Price: $50
For girls old enough to carry a MacBook
Available at: Apple.com