What comes to mind when you think back on your favorite gifts from childhood--the ones that held real meaning for you once the wrapping was cleared away and the happy thrill of the day began to fade? What gifts did you treasure weeks later? Do you still have now, perhaps? Tucked away in a trunk filled with your most special memories...

Young girls are forced to grow up far too quickly today. Before they fall prey to the vanity of teenage years and instead of giving gifts that give little back (and mean even less), give your daughter something that will touch her heart and create a memory.

A good book can inspire a lifetime of reading. Reading expands vocabularies, outlooks and horizons. A well-written piece of work lets your child escape for a few hours into her imagination, fueled by intricately constructed stories, stirring language and colorful characters. Reading can help with comprehension, development of critical thinking and offer inspiration for your child to tell her own story.

Walter Farley's books concern the adventures of Alec and his spirited companion animal, a wild black stallion. Through the series of novels, Farley expands upon the original story of The Black Stallion and includes other horses, friends and exotic adventures.

Practically every girl who has ever lived has gone through a phase of absolute love of all things horse. Farley's books, while featuring a young male lead character, offer a fantastic amount of action involving the care and companionship of horses, blended with adventure and mystery. Some girls may develop a crush on the boy with the horse, but just as many will simply insert themselves into the role, becoming Alec, feeling that special kinship with an animal through the story.

The thrill of the races are described in detail. Your daughter will feel like she is there, atop the back of The Black as he runs down foes, fights his wild nature and learns to share his world with this human boy.

The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is an incredible story of a girl alone on an island, isolated and left to fend for herself. The story is about how she learns to overcome the roadblocks to her survival, how she learns to rely on herself--her own skills and knowledge--to not only survive, but to thrive during her time there.

The story is the perfect metaphor for the loneliness of those early, scary years as girls pass from childhood into the preteen and teen years. They are a time of sometimes frightening change, mystery, embarrassment and self-doubt. Through the story, girls can learn that everything they need can be found inside themselves and in their own surroundings.

Your child may also learn a respect for the simple ways of life, gentle entertainments and exploration of the landscape. She may also see the importance of the environment, of keeping it safe to ensure our own survival.

American Girl dolls are a wonderful choice for younger girls. Instead of Barbie, her exaggerated form and focus on fashion, these dolls are shaped and dressed for eight to twelve year old girls. Instead of giving your daughter yet another baby doll and enforcing yet again the expectation that they conform to the stereotypical gender role of mother, let your girl explore adventure and unique experience through one of the American Girl dolls. The dolls have bodies, features and modest clothes more like a real girl, age appropriate and innocent.

The dolls represent the point of view of young girls throughout history. In addition to the dolls, there are stories, a magazine, books and accessories. They are meant to inspire and intrigue young girls, to guide them into the excitement and responsibility of their place in society. Through the dolls, girls learn about other lives, other cultures and the potential that awaits them in the world.

Every girl should have a diary, a place where she can feel free to explore her inner thoughts without censorship and without limits. Writing out feelings can help teens and preteens to process difficult situations, unfamiliar emotions and work through the ups and downs that come with puberty and the transition into early adulthood.

A locking diary may help her feel more comfortable in putting her most personal thoughts on paper, where she can look them over and study her own reactions. Years later, she will enjoy the journey again as she reads messages from her former self--a journey filled with laughter, tears and the whole crazy circus that comes with life at that age.

Give her a place to go with the things she cannot trust to anyone else and she may come to understand that you understand--and so be more willing to come to you with issues. The gift is more than an empty book. You are giving her quiet time for reflection, a step toward self-discovery.

Breyer has been making model horses since the 50s and I collected them when I was a city bound girl who only dreamed of ever having a real horse of my own. 

Girls of all ages will adore the incredible, life-like horses in active and realistic poses. Just about any horse your child can name is represented by the company--they make models of unicorns, horses popular from literature.

Many of the horses made by the company have become collector's items, adding value beyond the sentimental attachment your girl will have for them, whether she uses them to decorate her room or gets down on the floor to use them in active play.