Simplemost is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Crafts For Girls 8-12

Last updated on March 7, 2024
Best Crafts For Girls 8-12

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the Simplemost seal for products that are the best in a category.

Many kids love arts and crafts, especially kids ages 8 to 12. There are so many options, from making bath bombs to painting wall art to beading beautiful necklaces and bracelets. Kids can also sculpt with clay, play with finger paints or use pastels to create scenic works of art. At this age group, most kids are also able to work independently and take real ownership of their creative work.

There are many benefits of enabling kids ages 8 to 12 to explore their creative side with arts and crafts. By harnessing their creativity, kids can learn to express themselves through a new medium. Many kids have difficulty expressing their emotions or showcasing their personality through words. When provided an arts and craft activity, however, they can create something unique based on their likes and interests.

One of the key advantages to arts and crafts for kids ages 8 to 12 is that it helps them develop their decision making and critical thinking skills. Each action in an arts and crafts activity involves a choice: from the color of paint to use to how to arrange the beads to what to call the art. Through this, kids learn how to make decisions, evaluate them and grow from their mistakes. As their skills grow, they also gain newfound confidence in their abilities.

Where arts and crafts activities can certainly be done alone, they are also a great way to socialize with family and friends. Working on an arts and crafts project together can help kids ages 8 to 12 create bonds with new classmates, strengthen friendships and learn new socialization skills. This is also a great way to find out if their friends have any other similar hobbies they can do together.

Our Picks For The Top Crafts For Girls 8-12

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
  Top Pick

Coo & Koo DIY Charm Bracelet Making Craft Kit For Girls 8-12

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Coo & Koo

DIY Charm Bracelet Making Craft Kit For Girls 8-12

This DIY charm bracelet kit comes with several charms to create custom designs. The gift for 11-year-old girls also includes metal, rainbow, glass and diamond beads. No tools or glue are required.

Overall Take

DIY DesignKids can create their own charm bracelets with customized designs when they opt for this craft for girls 8-12.

  Runner Up

Hapinest Creative Craft Jewelry Set For Girls 8-12

Hapinest

Creative Craft Jewelry Set For Girls 8-12

With this craft for girls 8-12, it's possible to make three bracelets and three necklaces. There are 149 pieces included with the kit; however, kids can easily follow the provided instructions to create their very own clay jewelry. Girls can wear the jewelry with their favorite outfit or gift the jewelry to a friend.

Overall Take

Economical PickThe budget-friendly price tag on this craft for girls 8-12 makes it ideal for gift giving.

  We Also Like

Klmars DIY Magical Bracelet Making Craft For Girls 8-12

Klmars

DIY Magical Bracelet Making Craft For Girls 8-12

Included with this craft for girls 8-12 are 62 pieces to create a wide variety of jewelry pieces. Tweens will love the different glass and metal beads, as well as the line of beads that feature a dangling charm. The set works well as a party or sleepover craft and can also be given as a birthday or Christmas gift.

Overall Take

Unique and VersatileKids won't need any tools or glue to utilize this jewelry craft for girls 8-12.

  Strong Contender

Original Stationery DIY Ice Cream Slime Kit

Original Stationery

DIY Ice Cream Slime Kit Craft For Girls 8-12

This 25-piece kit lets your child make containers of slime with a fluffy texture and sweet scents. It features an ice cream theme and includes snow powder, cherries, and different sprinkles to use as slime add-ins. You also get a carrying case.

Overall Take

Fun Dessert ThemeIf your child likes sweets, this craft for girls 8-12 makes slime that looks like everyone's favorite frozen treats.

  Strong Contender

Alritz DIY Hanging Fairy Kids’ Lantern Set, 2-Pack

Alritz

DIY Hanging Fairy Kids' Lantern Set, 2-Pack

Little girls are sure to fall in love with these kids' lanterns. The craft set includes everything needed to create two glowing fairy lanterns that can then be used as nightlights. Kids will love decorating the lanterns and giving them their own unique look.

Overall Take

Encourages CreativityWith just one set of AAA batteries, this kids' lantern will glow for up to 200 hours.

  Also Great

Dan&Darci Sparkling Gem Art Craft For Girls 8-12

Dan&Darci

Sparkling Gem Art Craft For Girls 8-12

What little girl doesn't love sparkling gems? That's why this craft for girls 8-12 is a top choice for birthday, Christmas or Easter gift giving. The set includes everything your daughter needs to get creative, including 3,000 gems, five keychains, five suncatcher hooks, wax, tracing paper and a stylus.

Overall Take

Sparkles and ShinesThe gems in this craft for girls 8-12 set come in eight fun colors - red, purple, blue, dark green, lime green, yellow, dark pink and light pink.

What to Look For

  • When you’re looking for crafts for kids ages 8 to 12, ask about their interests. There are a multitude of mediums and craft kits on the market, so it’s best to start with something you know they will be interested in. For example, if you know the girl plays sports, you can get a craft kit for decorating a water bottle. This is a great way to incorporate their other interests into the craft. If you know they love spa days, consider buying them a bath bomb kit where they create a unique bath bomb from scratch.
  • Many kids ages 8 to 12 are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. Arts and crafts are a great way to incorporate STEM concepts into a fun activity. For example, with bath bomb kits, they can learn about chemistry and the science behind how bath bombs really work.
  • Be sure to check the content of the crafts kit to ensure that it comes with everything they need and that you don’t need to get anything separately. This way, kids can start crafting anytime they want since they have all of the materials for their project.
  • Many kids ages 8 to 12 enjoy working on arts and crafts projects together. Check to see how many kids can do the craft activity. Some crafts, such as beading necklaces and bracelets, are great for multiple kids to do at one time. Other crafts, such as painting pottery, may only work well for one child at a time.
  • Ensure that the crafts kit is age-appropriate. Kids ages 8 to 12 are often independent and able to follow detailed crafting instructions on their own. Check to see whether the crafting activity will provide them with the challenge they’re looking for.

More to explore