I’m deep in the tween years with my two girls — just a year apart — and we’re in that sweet (and sometimes sassy) space between childhood and the teenage world. It’s a daily dance of encouraging their individuality, helping them hold onto playfulness, and giving them space to experiment with their evolving style. Yes, that includes skincare routines, trendy accessories, and choreographed dances that I can never keep up with.
Our garage? Half full of toys they’ve officially “retired.” One Saturday morning, totally unprompted, the girls filled laundry hampers with dolls, stuffed animals, and sparkly plastic whatnots from their rooms, and they never looked back. I got misty-eyed when one of them said, “I’m keeping these toys for my kids and grandkids.” Cue the mom tears.
But don’t worry; not all is lost. As they grow and tune into what other girls are wearing, doing, and dancing (seriously, how do they memorize full routines and still order chicken tenders with applesauce?), they’re also growing into themselves, creatively and confidently.
Here are a few of our favorite Chattanooga-area finds for embracing this unique season of girlhood:
Where Trends Meet Creativity
I Go Tokyo (Downtown)
Full of colorful, quirky accessories, beauty finds, and snacks, it’s like stepping into a K-pop dream. My girls could explore here for hours.
Learning Express (North Shore)
It’s technically a toy store, but it leans heavily into fidget finds, craft kits, and tween-worthy gifts that still feel playful (without being “babyish,” as they say).
Palmetto Moon (Hamilton Place)
Graphic tees, accessories, and Southern-style flair. Lots of trendy finds for girls who are figuring out their personal style.
Upscale Cheapskate (Hixson)
This resale shop has seriously stylish options at tween-approved prices. We love the mix of gently used clothing and new boutique items. It’s a treasure hunt and a great place for them to spend their own money wisely.
While they’re outgrowing toys, my girls are growing into makers and creators. They love creating Pinterest boards then throwing their own Flair on a DIY project. Lately, they’re loving:
- Vivid marker drawings (they go through packs fast!)!
- Keychains with charms
- Bookmarks for their ever-growing book stacks
- Not local, but we can get lost in a Hobby Lobby run, especially when there’s a sale involved.
Bonus: Nail Day = Best Day
Getting their nails done is the ultimate treat. We go to CHA Nails where the staff never rush the designs and always make the girls feel special. Hometown shoutout: Since we live closer to Ringgold, I’ve got to give a shoutout to a local spot we love popping into a couple of times a month. (Okay, okay…I might sneak in more often because they serve great coffee. Don’t tell my girls!)
Raising girls in this stage is a wild ride, but it’s also full of heart and hilarity. Watching them grow, create, shop, and yes — even leave toys behind — is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
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