Does your daughter want to save the world — or at least win the battle of good versus evil? Many young girls and tweens are drawn to the heroic female characters we're seeing in many more popular books and movies these days. Female heroes like Katniss from The Hunger Games, Merida from Brave or Tris from Divergent inspire our girls to be brave and strong, to overcome fears and just kick some evil to the curb. We found 13 fun pretend-play weapons that are all business, with a little touch of girl.
Angelic justice
Need a weapon that’s high on sass, but small enough for a purse or backpack? The Nerf Rebelle Angel Aim Mini Blaster is both compact and cute and comes with two collectible darts. With the bright colors and compact size, your girl will be saving the universe from evil — and doing it in style. (HasbroToyShop.com, $7)
The huntress
This crossbow means business, even if the colors are all girl. The Zing Air Huntress is designed for maximum distance, giving the user a 125-foot target range. It comes with two different types of safety darts that will stick to almost anything she can shoot. (Amazon, $19)
The guardian
Is your daughter obsessed with Katniss Everdeen, from The Hunger Games? She will flip when she sees the Nerf Rebelle Guardian Crossbow. With rapid-fire action to launch darts up to 75 feet, there’s nothing boring about this bow. Great for target practice and comes with six collectible darts. (HasbroToyShop.com, $25)
Crushing injustice
Sometimes, a girl just can’t make up her mind. With the Nerf Rebelle Pink Crush Blaster she doesn’t have to. Use it as a blaster to launch darts at targets up to 75 feet away, then convert it to a crossbow with a quick addition of the crossbow arm for more action. (HasbroToyShop.com, $10)
Cowgirl
Is your girl a little bit country? If she would rather watch an old western than The Hunger Games, then she will love this old west replica. The Pink Cowgirl Pistol cap gun has a pretty pink holster and belt and shoots paper-roll caps — just like our childhood favorites. (eBay, $13)
Heartbreaker
Those evildoers will think twice when they see your girl armed with the Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow and Arrow. This crossbow has beautiful markings, but it’s not just a pretty face. With real bow action and an adjustable sight, she can practice accuracy at targets up to 75 feet away. (Toys R Us, $20)
Water warrior
Want to get wet? Save the planet from evil while cooling off on a hot day. This Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow Soaker is just the thing for a great afternoon outside. Holds up to 25 ounces of water to shoot in a stream at your favorite target — and who doesn’t love to get wet on a warm day? (Toys R Us, $17)
Big game hunter
Forget Katniss Everdeen, there’s a new sheriff in town — and she’s packing pink. This Outdoor Hunter Pink Pump Toy Shotgun has realistic pump action and comes with four pretend shells that eject from the gun when shot, just like a real shotgun. All she needs now is a badge. (Cabella’s, $16)
Target practice
If your girl is a serious shot, she will love having her very own target to aim for and master her skills. The Nerf Rebelle Star Shot Targeting Set is easy to load, and comes with six soft darts and a target that’s perfect for the planet’s next big heroine. (Target, $20)
Pixel power
Do you know a certain girl who adores all things Minecraft? Why not give her the 8 Bit Pixelated Pink Stone Foam Toy Gun and let her Minecraft obsession play into real-life pretend time? A full-sized replica of the gun, this makes a great costume prop and measures a full 10 inches long. (Amazon, $15)
Big guns
Airsoft guns are a great way for your daughter to graduate to more difficult target practice. This Sig Sauer P226 Spring Airsoft Pistol is not only pretty in pink, but it’s powerful enough that she can practice her accuracy and skill. Proper safety precautions and safety glasses are needed to operate airsoft guns. (eBay, $35)
Crossbow set
Does your girl love the action of pulling back a crossbow and letting the dart sail? The NXT Generation Girls Toy Crossbow takes target practice to a whole new level for your aspiring heroine. This crossbow comes complete with a target so she can hone her skills and be ready to save the world. (Quill.com, $36)
Rose-tinted glasses
What about eye protection? Safety always comes first — even when she’s off saving the world. These Nerf Rebelle Vision Gear goggles are not only stylish, but they protect her eyes when she’s fighting the battle of good versus evil. (YoYo.com, $8)
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