To ask for help with gift for four year old

[nobblynuts]

Had no idea where to post this tbh but here goes...I need to send a birthday gift to a little girl who will be turning four. I no longer have a relationship with her mother since she divorced my DB (it was very acrimonious and she doesn't allow him access regularly but that's another story).

I haven't seen her since she was a baby and have very little idea of what sort of thing she likes...has anyone got a dd of similar age and can advise what good toys are around at the moment that are suitable? I realise they're all different in their likes and dislikes but some guidance would be great, I can spend up to about £20.

I have a 4 year old niece. She loves LoL dolls. They all seem to.

The works has lots of reading books, markers, games, colouring bags and really cheap etc. I got my niece £30 worth of stuff and it was packed.

Dyu want to send a "wow my aunt is so awesome for 5mins" gift or a lasting thing? I don't see my lovely niece much because of a long story, but got her https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fantastically-Great-Women-Changed-World/dp/1408876973/ref=ascdff_1408876973/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311043828655&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15366384508319003793&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007460&hvtargid=aud-548500765412:pla-564972116556&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 for birthday because it's a good message. Why not buy in advance and write a message inside?

Get something universal like paper and colouring/painting sets, playdoh, jewellery making kits etc. The stuff gets used up so it doesn't matter if she already has it, it's something kids always need.

Lego is always a good choice

I have a 4 year old... Colour changing umbrella was a real hit this year, as was fairy garden (grown your own). She also loves her Mad Matter (its like kinetic sand, but better) and her magnetic building set. Jigsaws are one of her favourite things, as well as Orchard games.

Orchard games are great or craft stuff, lol dolls or anything with reversible sequins.

The book “you choose” is fantastic- and I’d also send a bundle of pens, paper, stickers and glue stick along with that book.

A slightly weird one but I think it's never too early to get children interested in science: sun print paper. You put objects on top of it, place it out in the sun and then rinse it under a tap to develop and fix the image. It's the exact same process by which blueprints are made (cyanotyping), has the potential to make nice pictures which can be stuck to the fridge and doesn't require the precision of most photographic processes.

Some great ideas, thanks all!