what to get dd (8)

[Zazzabeans]

Was chatting to dd friends at dancing last week about what they like to play etc, and was shocked when dd1 friends told me they didn't play with anything dd is one the youngest in her class -july birthday, she enjoys playing schools with her sister, as well as with dolls,barbies,1d dolls board games etc . she also has a laptop which she enjoys going on, she also enjoys reading and putting makeup on and craft things.
Her friends told me they don't 'play' they just go on ipad, and mobile phones.
I am shocked at this.
dd is now asking if people think she is a baby. I said of course not.
she is now saying she doesn't know what she wants for xmas, I don't mind getting an ipad, but no way a mobile phone.
I don't know what else to get her.
any advice?

[Buttercupsandaisies]

Dd2 is almost 8 and loves playing with dolls, school etc and dd1 (almost 10) is the same, although very few of dd1s friends are like that which is a shame. Personally I'd feel really disappointed if my dds didn't play with anything other than an iPad and I certainly wouldn't admit it! I'd feel like I'd done something wrong parenting wise in that case :(

Mine use iPads but not very often and usually just use the video to make dolls videos or film dances etc

Anyway these are the things mine love to do...

Let's pretend play school set
Anything our generation from smyths ( UK version of American girl stuff)
Design a friend from Argos
Anything to do with dancing so outfits, accessories
Top model craft books
Face painting
T shirt designing (get fabric pens and plain white school pe t shirts
Cooking
Sewing machine - John Lewis do a mini one for £50 in various colours. Mine make dolls clothes etc. do not get sew cool as ours never worked and everyone I know who got it said it broke within days!
Acoustic guitar
New bags, trendy clothes that are more present than the norm
Favourite movie soundtracks
Kids perfume like Zaras own make

Most of the new craze haven't been advertised yet so wait til out when the adverts go on for more ideas

[fuzzpig]

No my DD is similar to yours still plays with loads of different stuff - playmobil, dolls, teddies, train track etc.

Her biggest obsession is lego, that's the only thing she particularly asked for, so will get various sets (some to share with DS)

If your DD was a bit concerned about what people thought, I'd just not mention Christmas to her for a few weeks. Then maybe ask her in a casual way and she might say what she really wants if she's forgotten about the conversation from last week, and won't be self conscious about it.

[GerrardWinstanley]

It does seem that a lot of girls stop playing with toys at this age. It's really sad. My DD1 is 8 and still fully into playmobil, playing schools etc. But her friends are definitely all heading into the 'too sophisticated for playing' camp. Maybe encourage her love of craft? Being able to sew for example is something she can carry on enjoying into adulthood. Or my DD got a very cheap camcorder for her birthday which I hope means she'll keep playing with dolls etc for another couple of years. Somehow in the mind of a tween, filming your Barbies while you play with them is much more grown up than just playing with them

[Zazzabeans]

Yeah dd likes Lego friends and playmobile also.
My other dd (7) still plays with them so gives dd1 an excuse.
She already has designafriend dolls from Argos and an our generation doll (got for her birthday) and still has 2 bottles of 1d perfume unused.
She also got a recorde and a guitar for her birthday,
I have a couple of the models own sets on my eBay watchlist :)
Will look into more craft things. She is really liking making scrapbooks at the minute.
I love the idea of a sewing machine and design own t-shirt.
Dd2 has just turned 7 and is quite a tomboy, however she will play with Lego and playmobile but not really into dolls/makeup etc .
I'm also thinking of getting them a digital camera possibly.

[MerryHippogriffs]

Here :)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/2448565-8yo-girls-What-are-you-buying


It's such a tricky age.

[fuzzpig]

Love the idea of a sewing machine. DD is always making doll clothes out of scraps, Sellotape, loom bands, absolutely anything really. Might look into that for her 9th birthday in June. :)