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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy this Christmas present?

51 replies

OnTrain · 17/12/2018 22:49

My sil has asked for me to buy her 4yr old hama beads.

I’m not keen as they’re not the most environmentally friendly, lots of bits if plastic bound to be mostly hoovered up.

But my dd has been bought them in the past and they’re just shit and take a lot of adult input. I have explained this to her, plus her 4yr old is not one to sit still and do a craft.

Anyway, this thread’s kind of me asking for recomendations of young child friendly hama bead sets disguised in an aibu to not want to buy what she’s asked for.

OP posts:
homeishere · 17/12/2018 22:59

Don’t buy it then. But don’t ask for advice on the future.

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:03

Sensitive much Hmm

OP posts:
cakedup · 17/12/2018 23:04

Maybe she wants to secretly have a go?! Just buy them, that's what she asked for. You might be surprised.

steppemum · 17/12/2018 23:07

My kids loved hama beads. The box would come out about every 3 months and we would be hama made for a few days.

But that was aged 7+ really. I agree 4 is too young.

Most craft kits are rubbish, they are just tat.

How about this:

Go to Hobbycraft. They are large cardboard type 3 D letters. Buy one in your neices initial. Then choose some of the decoupage tissue paper to cover it with, and maybe some things to stick on (sequins or sparkles). Add a pot of PVA glue and a brush.
All you need to do is rip up the paper, slap watered down pva glue all over the letter with the bursh and stick on the ripped up bits of paper. repeat a few times, allowing to dry in between. On the last layer, add in the sequins sparkles. Once dry it looks fab, has her intial and she has made it herself.

Idontknowwhyinfrench · 17/12/2018 23:07

I don’t think they take that much adult input apart from the ironing. My dd got a big set when she was 4 and they’re only just running out 5 years later! Lots of fun and fine motor. I quite like doing them too-it’s relaxing!

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:09

steppe I did similar with my then 4, but now 10yr old. He loved it. Thanks.

Do they do hama beads in an extra large size?

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 17/12/2018 23:09

My 4 year old got aqua beads and Hama beads for her birthday. The Hama beads are better and she enjoys doing it.

CheshireChat · 17/12/2018 23:09

Well, you said that you've explained they're fiddly and they're too old for your DN, what did your sister say to that?

NerrSnerr · 17/12/2018 23:10

Sorry, forgot to add that she doesn't need much adult involvement apart from the ironing.

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:10

Tbf idon’t We have had the same set on top of the fridge for over 4 yrs. Should get it out again.

OP posts:
Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:11

cheshire that mil (her dm) can do it with him 😂

OP posts:
Pinkyyy · 17/12/2018 23:11

Why are you so bothered about the hoovering and the adult input? It not you who has to do it and if she has asked you to buy them then she must be happy to help her DD

scrappydappydoo · 17/12/2018 23:13

My dc loved them. I think there is a set where you can make useful stuff like pen pots - so the craft has a purpose rather than just a bit of plastic. Hang on....

whiteroseredrose · 17/12/2018 23:13

Mmmm. I've bought Hama beads for nieces who are 4-5. We used to do them at Rainbows back in the day and they were fine. Adults needed for ironing only.

It's amazing how well they could concentrate making the patterns but I suppose it depends on the child.

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:13

It’s funny how you’ve all asumed it’s for a niece. I don’t have any nieces.

pinky it’s the unnessary bits of plastic crap that I’m not keen on buying.

OP posts:
Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:15

Thanks scrappy something useful being made would be good. My dd’s creations have just ended up in her draw.

OP posts:
Schmoochypoos · 17/12/2018 23:17

My DS 5 absolutely loves his Hama beads. You can get a larger size called Maxi beads I think, if you think the original ones will be too small

Pinkyyy · 17/12/2018 23:18

So you'd rather buy something they don't want and won't get used, than buy something that they'll enjoy that the DM will end up buying anyway?

CheshireChat · 17/12/2018 23:18

OnTrain she sounds like me, just sent my mum card oozing glitter and sequins etc as 'revenge' for buying DS a whistle Wink.

She might want to encourage your nephew to work with fiddly stuff? So fine motor skills and patience thing?

Maybe some wooden beads- just make sure you pick relatively small ones so they're a bit challenging.

NerrSnerr · 17/12/2018 23:19

I can only see two posters who assumed it was a girl?

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:22

Thanks schmoo.

OP posts:
Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:23

Okay so not ALL, nerr I forgot people take everything literal on here.

OP posts:
scrappydappydoo · 17/12/2018 23:25

Ah sorry can’t find it - to be fair we had it quite a few years ago. There Is a charm/necklace set which looks good

Original poster
OnTrain · 17/12/2018 23:27

Thanks scrappy no worries. I’ve found the maxi beads which are ideal.

OP posts:
Nix32 · 17/12/2018 23:28

My reception class love Hama beads - girls and boys. It's great for their fine motor development.

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