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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to ask you to put on your thinking caps

88 replies

WeirdCatLady · 02/06/2014 08:45

Dd will be 13 this year. She doesn't want a fuss, no party, no special cake etc. This very much goes against the grain for me but it is what she wants, and it's her day.

I'd very much like to pull a few fabulous presents out but am drawing a blank. So, your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to give amazing gift ideas!

Dd has some health issues so can't do much physically (so skydiving vouchers are out), she isn't interested in clothes or make up (so no pampering sessions). She has every gadget imaginable, isn't fussed about music or apps, there are no toys that she likes. She reads a lot but has just bought the A Song of Ice and Fire series so is well stocked. We can't fit any more pets in the house.

I am completely out of ideas and am hoping you fab MumsNetters can help.

OP posts:

Cocolepew · 02/06/2014 09:53

Oh too slow!

MammaTJ · 02/06/2014 09:57

How about a trip to see a re-enactment?

Catsize · 02/06/2014 09:57

At about this age, I was given a really cool chemistry set. Hated chemistry at school. But this set was great as you could make exploding mixtures in test tubes and things. Probably deemed to dangerous to sell nowadays.

Original poster

WeirdCatLady · 02/06/2014 09:58

That exhibition looks amazing. Well jealous :)

Love the dragon.

You guys are great xx

OP posts:

KillashandraRee · 02/06/2014 10:00

What about a behind the scenes at the zoo day out? I think you can pay to go feed tigers or similar?

Dontwanttobeyourmonkeywench · 02/06/2014 10:03

If you're on FB check out Phoenix Copper Art. He makes copper and leather bound journals and you can commission whatever you like to go on them. I have my eye on a copper panel for my kindle cover

Original poster

WeirdCatLady · 02/06/2014 10:05

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go for a dragon theme.
Brilliant :)

OP posts:

Spherical · 02/06/2014 10:07

Second the teen driving lessons from PP. They have cars adapted for children with certain disabilities so worth checking out if it will be suitable for your dd.

antimatter · 02/06/2014 10:08

Sleepover in one of the museums?

siblingrevelryagain · 02/06/2014 10:08

It sounds like the 'stuff' side is pretty much covered, so how about just devoting the whole day to her and making her feel special: set an alarm for every hour and when it chimes she gets to choose what she/everyone does-could be "eat chocolate cake for breakfast", "make me a cup of tea", "stand on one leg and rub your head" etc..Or use '13' as a theme, so wrap thirteen boxes of presents/13 books/take a photo every 13 mins/release 13 balloons..

Sorry they all sound so daft, but if she truly has everything, as it sounds like she does, making the day all about little treats or being silly might make it more memorable.

Spherical · 02/06/2014 10:08

Sorry, x-post

Original poster

WeirdCatLady · 02/06/2014 10:11

What a fab idea sibling, definitely doing that.

Now I have to find 13 dragon themed gifts

(And I soooo want a copper covered book for myself now!)

OP posts:

Dontwanttobeyourmonkeywench · 02/06/2014 10:13

He has a lovely dragon panel on the FB page

PixieofCatan · 02/06/2014 10:13

Do you know anybody who could make her a direwolf or dragon plushie? Nerdy and maybe quite child-like but she might appreciate the thought! I give DP knitted things for birthdays and Christmas.

That and I make things on vistaprint and sticker books on moo. You can use your own photos and pictures and customise anything, they're great :)

I second boardgames, there are some brilliant ones out there. Settlers of Catan is a good board game to get into the geekier games with! It's how I got hooked. That and Dominion are my favourites, Dominion is card-based :)

PixieofCatan · 02/06/2014 10:15

Sorry, X-post with the dragon themed items. Definitely a little dragon plushie then! If you know somebody who knits/crochets you can ask them to do something?

MrsCakesPremonition · 02/06/2014 10:19

Dragon Automaton

Dragon hair clip

Leather dragon

Lots and lots of dragony stuff on etsy - also Game of Thrones type costume accessories.

Original poster

WeirdCatLady · 02/06/2014 10:25

Yay Dragon stuff

Happy happy Mommy :)

OP posts:

HicDraconis · 02/06/2014 10:43

I know you're going with a dragon theme and this is totally undragony, but has she got a sphero? They're amazing and I want one

Check them out here

GoringBit · 02/06/2014 10:49

Falconry/bird of prey centre visit gets my vote, we had a cracking day at one.

kgb is good for quirky-but-useful gadgets and stuff like pocket phone chargers, it might be worth a look.

It sounds like you're animal lovers, so maybe 'adopt' a wild animal in her name? Or sponsor a guide dog puppy?

FauxFox · 02/06/2014 10:51

What about making her room over? You could use old stone print paper and wall sconce lights like torches and make her bed into a 4 poster with velvet curtains, you could paint or decoupage her existing furniture to look rustic or gold and gem studded, faux animal skin rug on the floor etc...would be epic!

lacktoastandtolerance · 02/06/2014 11:01

Would she enjoy a creative writing course / day?

dawndonnaagain · 02/06/2014 11:03

Magic, The Gathering

Battle re-enactments

Medieval re-enactments

Just musing, really.

dawndonnaagain · 02/06/2014 11:09

Oh dear, there is a bow and arrow game on the kids bit of the last site I put up. I should be working!