First the dolls, then the books, then the movies. Now, the folks over at American Girl are offering up craft projects and kits for tween girls. The projects, which are available this month at 1,200 Michaels Craft Stores, are reasonably priced and are true to the American Girl mission.

These craft projects would make great gifts for a birthday party, and cater to the creative side of the tween girl mind. Projects include sewing kits, jewelry making kits, scrapbooking projects, room decor projects, fashion projects and more. A thrifty choice for budget-conscious parents on the prowl for great gift giving ideas.

More Thrifty Thursday Ideas from the Parenting Channel:

Check Grocery Coupons for Savings on Gifts

Check Out Clearance Racks with Your Teens

Save Money on Baby by Decluttering

American Girl Offers Budget-Conscious Gifts

Take Advantage of Free Shipping This Holiday Season

Free Shipping from Online Vendors

Plan Now, Black Friday Deals Already Circulating

Shop Early for Savings on Holiday Gifts

Whether or not your child decides to smoke may depend, in part, on gender. According to research by Weill Cornell Medical College, tween attitudes towards smoking and drug use are different for boys and girls.

For the study, confidential surveys were distributed to 6th and 7th graders. The results showed that tween girls are more likely to engage in smoking and other drug abuse if their friends do, whereas boys are influenced by their age group as a whole, and not just their friends.

Also, it appears as though parents do influence their children's behaviors. Children of parents who had permissive views on smoking and drinking were more likely to light up or drink alcohol than their peers.

More on Tweens and Drug Use

Keeping Tweens from Lighting Up

What Parents Should Know About Tweens and Inhalants

Most people assume teens and young adults are more likely to suffer from eating disorders. But research shows that many people who battle bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders first showed symptoms at the age of 10. Hard to believe, isn't it?

It's normal for tweens to be concerned about their weight and body image. After all, they're more self-aware and are flooded with images of "beauty" from just about every direction. Still, if your child's interest in body image, weight, and food take a serious turn, you should know the symptoms that there might be a problem, and understand treatment options that are available to you.

I'm so not ready for the holiday season. I'd like to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the beautiful autumn backdrop without having to think about shopping, Christmas music, and stores already decked out with this year's trendy decorations.

Still, the practical side of me says if I wait to begin my holiday shopping, I'll live to regret it. So I have been picking up gifts here and there, and stashing them away in a location not to be found by my kids. If you're thinking about getting ahead on your shopping this year, the Parenting Guides at About can help. Together, we've collected gift ideas that you can shop for right at home with the help of your computer. Check out our suggestions, then get back to enjoying the pre-holiday season.

10 Great Stocking Stuffers for College Kids"

Holiday Gifts Under $30 for College Kids & Young Adults

Active Toys for the Whole Family

Active Toys for School-Aged Kids

Active Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Affordable Parent-Child Gifts

Board Games That Are Fun for Parents, Too

Best Boyfriend/Girlfriend Gifts

Inexpensive Baby Clothes Gifts

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

Top Gifts for Crafty Kids

Gifts for Grandpa

Grandmother Gifts From Around the World

Gifts for Grandbaby's First Year

Commemorative Gifts for Baby's First Christmas

Top Preschool Board Games

Educational Toys for Preschoolers

Top Inexpensive Gifts for Teachers, Coaches and Parent Volunteers

Video Games for the Whole Family

Electronic Gifts and Games for Kids

Electronic Gifts and Games for Preschoolers

Gift Ideas for Tweens

10 Ideas for Grandparents Gifts

10 Ways to Give Mom Gifts She Deserves

Classic Toys for Today's Kids

Books That Keep Kids Busy