Please please help me decide on DDs xmas present, I have no ideas.

[missymoomoomee]

She only ever asks for something small and only when really pushed. This year she has asked for the Twister Dance game which I have bought but I usually spend around £100 on a main present and then about another £100 on some small bits and pieces.

She is 8 and fairly mature for her age. She loves writing, dancing and fashion. She has hundreds and hundreds of note pads full of her general musings about her every day life, and loads of fancy pens and pencils. She does a street class dance twice a week and she loves 'customising' her clothes (usually involving cutting bits off or sticking sparkles on).

I am at a total loss as to what to buy her. I did think about a dressing table/desk but thats a bit shit isn't it?

Any ideas would be very gratefully received.

Actually just had a quick look and its adjustable. Its a body on a stand so she can change the height on it.

Linerunner I'm on ebay just now and spending a fortune. I will blame MN next year when I am bankrupt, but have a fabulous wardrobe :)

this is really similar to the mannequin I bought Kevin

JL mini is fantastic! My only bug bear it was delivered as it was in the very obvious sewing machine box! Was very cross as was a weekend and dd (8) was home!! She has made aprons, bags, cushion covers all with very little supervision ( except the threading the needle and bobbin)

Mine is (hopefully) being delivered in the week so I shouldn't have that issue.

I can't even thread a needle without injury/swearwords so my poor DD will be on her own with all that. I really hope she likes it.

I also have an 11yo a 4yo and a 2yo and have found buying for them really easy this year. I always struggle with DD1 though. Next year will be easier if she gets into the whole sewing and making clothes thing though.

This thread has really made me smile... Hope your DD loves her present.

Oooh, the mannequin is a good idea, looks fab. i'm getting DD a sewing machine for Christmas, but I want to use it too so going for a full-ish sized (haven't made mind up which yet). Got her a lovely sewing basket from Cath Kidston in shape of a country cottage too.

DD tells me that if you customise denim shorts with 'silvery sequins and stuff' they sell amazingly well on ebaY. Now she tells me ....

That sounds like you will have one extremely happy DD on Christmas day! I started sewing with a machine at about 8/9 and still make clothes now (34). It's a great skill to have for making curtains and bean bags etc when older too!