Daughters

Girls, even little ones like your daughter, are some of the most complex creatures on the planet. They're less prone to stereotype than boys, often more mature than their numerical age would suggest, and very picky when it comes to their likes and dislikes. Having to buy presents for them inspires feelings in a lot of parents not unlike the dread of watching a hurricane approach. They want nothing more that to curl up in the leaside of a wind break and wait the whole thing out, because they can't possibly win. We're here to tell you you're wrong. With the help of our tips, you'll have your daughter squealing with joy when she tears off the wrapping paper.

For the Fashionista

If your daughter is late for school because she takes so long picking out her outfit for the day, if she's got more makeup in her bathroom than you do, or if she simply wishes she does, then clothes and makeup would be your logical choice. However, unless you know exactly what she wants, avoid selecting the items yourself. Instead, give her a gift card to her favorite clothing store. To give her a real grown-up treat, book her a treatment at a day spa. Miami fashion show tickets or a trip to a fashionable city like Paris or New York are also squeal-worthy surprises.

For the Athlete

A common misconception is that sports-related gifts are for boys. The fact is: many girls and women find it fun and rewarding to play sports or participate in outdoor activities. If this sounds like your daughter, forgo the tickets for the fancy ball at Liberty Towers and send her on a river rafting adventure. Other gifts that are sure to be appreciated: tickets to her favorite sporting event (i.e. an NBA game if she plays basketball) some new equipment (like a stick if she's a hockey player) or signed sporting memorabilia from one of her icons.

For the Artist

Whether the art she's into is music, dancing, drawing, or something else, she'll be thrilled to have her talents not just noticed and appreciated but also encouraged by her parents. Dancing shoes, musical instruments, iPods, painting sets, and jewelry making kits all fall into this category. You never know, the wood carving tools you buy her for her seventh birthday might be the thing that eventually encourages her to pursue her dreams of being a sculptor rather than settle for a career selling Clarkson real estate.

For the Genius

Above average intelligence manifests itself in a number of ways. She could be into computers, math, writing, chemistry, physics, philosophy, languages, or a number of other disciplines. Sometimes it's not enough to have her teacher assign her extra word problems calculating the mortgage rates of Poughkeepsie, NY homes. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile and invest in computer learning software, science sets, microscopes, or six-inch thick first edition books. Educational books, games, and toys aren't just for smart girls either, the right ones can also be a tremendous help to girls who are struggling for their grades.