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I know it's dull but what do you buy?

9 replies

Imsorrybut · 28/07/2026 10:02

I know there are threads but I've not had any inspiration from them!

My DD is due to turn 10 soon and she has no idea what she wants.
Not interested in skincare/makeup/hair
Not interested in clothes or branded things
Has a TV and tablet already
Loves to read but has a very specific type of story she likes so I worry a kindle may not be used (and it's another screen!)
Loves gymnastics but already has some gym equipment and outfits
Not hugely into crafts
Already has a lot of stationery type stuff
Has lots of perfume type sprays already (a shelf full)
Has a bike and skates
Has lots of earrings and can't wear jewellery at school so doesn't see much point in having it

I am really at a loss besides one item of gymnastics equipment! She can't even think of anything herself! But she so loves having little bits and bobs, she's not materialistic and will be happy with a pack of gel pens.

OP posts:
Mumofoneandone · 28/07/2026 10:05

What about an experience day? Or an annual pass to something she would enjoy!
Equally, does she need some new clothing or shoes?
Does her bedroom need an overhaul in some way?

CrowMate · 28/07/2026 10:06

I’d do a few stocking type filler gifts (scrunchies, fun stationery, shower/bath smellies) and then have a day out as the main present. A show, theme park, day at the seaside etc whatever looks fun.

Teaandscone · 28/07/2026 10:07

Cooking course?
Amazon voucher so that when she does want something, she can choose it herself?

Wheesht2 · 28/07/2026 10:07

Good quality felt pens, my daughters Aunt bought her them and a mindful colouring book 16 years ago for her 10th birthday and it was the most used gift. Never underestimate quality felt pens!!
since then I’ve bought this gift for lots of friends children and it’s always been well received.

Bonsaibaby · 28/07/2026 10:07

My nearly 10 dd loves squishies and slime making still. Also she wants a badminton set. Otherwise it’s art stuff and she’s getting her ears pierced but I can see that’s done already!

OttersOnAPlane · 28/07/2026 10:08

Tickets? I took mine to see Six around that age for a birthday treat.

We've also bought memberships, sponsoring a favourite animal at the zoo which involves a free visit, climbing lessons, skating lessons, riding lessons, a scuba trip, a charm bracelet with a charm each year, pizza making day at Pizza Express and a Say Yes day where the birthday child called the shots.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 28/07/2026 10:09

Tickets to a gig or show. Afternoon tea. A private zoo experience or similar. Posca markers.

Imsorrybut · 28/07/2026 11:31

Wheesht2 · 28/07/2026 10:07

Good quality felt pens, my daughters Aunt bought her them and a mindful colouring book 16 years ago for her 10th birthday and it was the most used gift. Never underestimate quality felt pens!!
since then I’ve bought this gift for lots of friends children and it’s always been well received.

@Wheesht2
Could you recommend any in particular? She has a lot of colouring pens but they don't seem to be particularly good quality (despite being expensive!)

She loves to write her own stories but I can't find much in a the way of this besides a notebook and pens!

OP posts:
ownedbymydogs · 28/07/2026 17:26

I’m not the one who posted about colouring pens but I’m reliably informed that Ohuhu markers are the bees knees, especially when paired with the ‘Coco Wyo’ range of colouring books.

And apparently you definitely want the ones with a ‘brush tip’ on one end and a ‘chisel tip’ on the other.

(Having just looked at Amazon now, Ohuhu is quite pricey, there are cheaper alternatives.)

Colouring in is way more sophisticated than when I was very happy with a Woolies 30 pack of pens about a hundred years ago!

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