to need your help with a Christmas present

[lastnightIwenttoManderley]

So on Sunday we are meeting up with my dad, his girlfriend and her 8yr old daughter. They've been together about 3yrs - he left my mum for her in somewhat spectacular fashion and so, for various reasons, I only met her earlier this year and have never met her daughter.

She had a big birthday fairly recently and I got her these www.spacenk.com/sai-sei/ but with Christmas so soon it's a bit tricky and I can't really rely on nice bath stuff again. I have a few ideas (such as something like this www.thewhitecompany.com/candles-and-fragrance/diffusers-and-room-sprays/orange-grove-scent-diffuser/) but it all feels a bit generic so am open to ideas given I don't know her all that well.

My main problem, however, is her daughter as I know very little about her and have no idea what 8yr old girls want! I wondered about making up a layered jar of dry gingerbread mix and then giving her this with cutters and decorating bits but I don't know if that's a bit young for her?

Answering the inevitable question...I still find it hard to talk to my dad about them as he's a bit gushing and I'm still not ready for that, so asking him for advice isn't an option!

Do you have to take a present? You are meeting her for the first time. I wouldn't have imagined it was necessary

Why not get your dad and sm a joint present? That's what we do for all family couples. Waitrose and John Lewis etc have nice sets such as cheese boards etc.

My 8yr old goddaughter has gone past the cake and craft stage but as I only have boys at the moment I don't know if this is true for all 8yr olds. This year we have sent her a set to make braclets. I'll see if I can find a link but again, we bought it in JL. They also do the same but hairbands and friendship bands. She's also at the age where she'd like a nice notebook or some writing material I think.

She probably likes 1 direction! The dvd just came out

Post this in the christmas board as you will get lots of helpful ideas.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas

The dd that is :D what about a restaurant voucher for the gf?

this kit is very cute and any child would love it i'm sure (as would I at 35 )

my DD is 11, and one of the most successful presents we have done for her friends is a collection of cake decorating bits and pieces, including pretty bun cases, sprinkles etc. We did that for several friends' birthdays 2 or 3 years ago, and have been asked for it as a repeat present this year when DD asked for suggestions - this year we bought 6 hole cupcake boxes to present the bits in.

So, I would think a layered gingerbread mix with cutters, decorating bits and instructions would be a great present.

i would deffo get a joint present for your dad and her.

for the little girl, how about a book and a selection box.x

They had some science museum toys with 1/3 off at sainsburys today- I got some science putty and a hologram chamber for my 10yo niece, as well as some glittery pens. I also got her some glow in the dark nail varnish from topshop!

Last year I got her a make your own perfume kit, which went down well. You can also get things like make your own lip balm etc.

panda faux thanks for the reassurance, might go with that, though very tempted with black's science stuff! (mind, we're nowhere near a Sainsbury).

worried and pirate afraid I'm still getting used to the idea of my dad having a girlfriend... Joint presents are a long way off. Plus, I'm not sure she'd appreciate the jumper I've got my dad...!

A mr gum series of books or horrible histories series of books Failing that a sparkly top or some crafty project stuff.

For 8 year old girl, I'd go for cool stationery from Paperchase or a pretty purse or similar from Accessorise - with small amount of cash in or £5 voucher for somewhere like a book store or Claire's Accessories (young kids love having their own money to spend) and sweets or bath bombs from Lush.

The girlfriend - Nails Inc varnish set, Cath Kidston toiletry bag or similar?

DSD (8) is obsessed with glittery pens and pretty notebooks- also anything related to diaries/writing in code/have a secret. Wouldn't recommend book or DVD as you don't know what she's got, but DSD would also love the gingerbread set, or a jewellery/friendship bracelet making kit.

My niece is 8 and still loves craft and baking stuff- she prefers more open ended things now though rather than the kits to make a specific item in a specific way. She's also taking an interest in learning to knit.

If you can make it to a marks and spencer all their toys and childrens things are half price. I remember seeing quite a few for age 8 plus.