What are some gift ideas to buy a 10 year old female for her Birthday and Christmas?

Ok, here's the scoop: My 9 year old neice will turn 10 next month, and subsequently enter the "tween" stage. She is extremely intelligent with a whole range of interest that a typical little girl partake in. Nevertheless, she is not athletic. She's popular and fashionable and have lots of friends at her elementary school. As her aunt, I want to buy her something very nice and if its a frugal gift (that's fine as well). I am 24 year old graduate student so you can imagine that I cannot "outdo" my siblings in buying my niece anything expensive for her birthday and christmas. Please keep in mind my budget is $150 and less on each occassion. Thank you in advance. :)

I had this same predictament not 4 months ago. I too have a 10 yr old niece (and many of her friends) around alot. Paying attention, I found a big interest for all of them is "THE CHEETAH GIRLS".
If you find this is one of your neice's interest; I found a mini karaoke machine at Walmart for $45 and then bought a few of the girl pop bop karaoke cds from one of the 2nd hand video games, cd's and more kinda places. Had her covered for less than $70.
Because of just paying attention specifically to her likes, herself and her friends, think I'm "cool" Haha!

You could take her to the mall for a mini shopping spree.
Get her friends together and have them do little videos for her b-day. Its makes her feel special
Or get all of the favorite cd's and give them to her (also favorite DVD's)

well how about an ipod shuffle? or maybe a DVD she likes but doesn't have. um....how about jeans or other kinds of clothes? that's what i would want.

10 year olds are hard these days

if all else fails though
get her a gift certificate to her favourite mall
and go shopping with her
nothing would prbly make her happier than to go shopping with her cool 24 yr old aunt (rather than her own mother)

or just give her the certificate and leave it at that.

How about taking her for a manicure/pedicure day at the spa with you. Thats kind of a big deal and I am betting that if she is into fashion, it will be a hit.

For Christmas, how about a show? Christmas show or if you are near NYC, skating and hot chocolate at Rockefeller Center.

For a 10 year old it is the experience that counts and being able to tell everyone about it. Photos of the event would be nice as well....gives them bragging rights at school.

$150 is a H - - L of a lot of money to spend on a 10 year old.
I know you love her, but spend your money wisely. I would like to suggest that you buy her something of VALUE. i.e gold - a gold chain with a pendant to wear around her neck, or a bangle bracelet - try shopping on line and try out "The Big O" at www.TheBigO.com or try QVC.com - they have lots of jewelry (really good gold pieces at reasonable prices)! Just go to www.QVC.com and log on - they will be happy to help you on their Chat Line,

$150!!!!??? I think that is WAY too much money for a ten year old. When I started reading your question I thought "Oh, I know! The paint by number model horse from Toys R Us!" It costs $20 and is perfect for a ten year old. Maybe I'm out of touch though, because I wouldn't spend that much money on anybody.

get her an iopd or a kitty or uppy or robot animal or toys or clothes or phone (not cell) dolls or um........idk

I would take her on a shopping spree since you said she was "fashionable" take her to hollister or abercrombie.