Depending on your point of view, it is either easier to buy for girls these days than it used to be or it is more difficult because there are more choices. There is much more to a girl than baby or Barbie dolls, a toy “kitchen” or pretend vacuum cleaner. The girls of today have more interests from which to choose.

Buy a girl some technology. One thing that has not changed much at all is that many girls love to talk on the phone. While a cell phone with service can be a very expensive present, buying some cellular minutes for her is always nice. A gift card for downloading mp3’s to play on her mp3 player, a hand-held game or a new video game for her console or ring tones for her phone are a good idea. Be sure to cater what you buy to what she likes.

If you know the gift recipient’s interests, music is a great gift. Get a girl a C.D., buy her concert tickets to see her favorite singer/band, or get her a gift card for downloading music. Music is ageless, so there is something to be found for girls of any age.

There are individual and series of books available for girls ages 0 to 20. While there are some specific series that are popular, such as those written by Stephenie Meyer for teens, you can get help from a bookseller at your local bookstore, too. They know which books are the most popular and can even help you find specific ones that cater to the recipient’s tastes.

Encourage her hobbies and dreams. Have a dancer in your midst? Purchase a gift card from her regular dance supply store. Get a big mirror for her practice area — not for vanity, but for the ability to see the form and postures as she practices her dance routines. How about a singer? Does she dream of one day becoming a famous singing star? Purchase several weeks of voice lessons or buy her a karaoke machine. Writers appreciate books on writing as well as blank notebooks and oodles of pens. Is she an artist? Paints, canvases, pencils, sketchpads or pastels may be the perfect choice in gifts. Is she into sports? If she plays, new equipment is always a great idea. If she loves to watch sports, take her to a game!

The fact is, most girls love “bling”. Jewelry is appreciated as long as you buy her the kind she likes. Find out if she likes the “chunky” or “dainty” look, pay attention to whether she wears silver or gold-toned jewelry and if her taste in earrings run to long and colorful or a more conservative look. Charm bracelets are great for girls with whom you have a special rapport. You can keep adding charms to it with every new occasion if you like.

Take her out on the town. Take her to see an age-appropriate movie and buy her dinner afterwards. Go bowling or provide her with gift certificates for her self and a friend. Miniature golf is a fun activity and a great opportunity to bond with, or at least get to know the girl for whom you are buying a gift. Purchase a gift card that is good at all or most of the stores in your local shopping mall and then take her shopping!

Once you know what she likes the most, girls are actually very easy to buy for. The trouble may come in with all the choices you have! Do not be afraid to ask someone for help. Her family and friends (especially the female ones) will likely be able to help you out when it comes to buying the perfect present.