Don't know what to buy dd for Xmas

[Somanyexcuses]

Determined to be organised this year and buy early but do not have a clue what to get for dd1 (12).

She has just had her ears pierced so I could get her some earrings and she likes bubble bath/lip balm/nail polish etc but the other dcs all have things that are bigger and I'm worried she will think her presents will look less despite the fact I spend same on all dcs.

Other dcs all have things they can actually play with and I don't want dd to get bored but she seems to be in an awkward in between stage where a lot of things seem too babyish but she does actually still like playing!

I don't know what to get her. Any ideas from anyone with similar age dds. My budget for a main present would be around 50pounds and I get her a few other bits as well- stocking fillers, sweets, things I mentioned above.

I'd also considered a suitable sewing pattern + the fabric & so on to make it up.

chicaguapa, could you link to the book of sewing projects? Thanks! :)

Hi. I can't access Amazon at work but it's called Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids will love to Make.

Fantastic, many thanks, I'll look out for it :) Hadn't thought of a book of projects, that would be better than just one pattern.

Proper sewing boxes can be eyewateringly expensive, but DD has a craft box that holds a lot of bobbins, fabric and the like.

For board games, I would suggest

Game of Life
Monopoly
Pictionary (Your DD2 might be able to help with guessing)
Scrabble
Pass the Bomb - the children's version is quite good and you could include a 3 yr old. Don't know about the more grown up one.

What you chose depends on whether you want DD2 to be involved or not - the ones that a 12 yr old might really enjoy might require too much attention for a 3 yr old. It would be nice if the whole family could play but it isn't necessarily realistic.

Can I also suggest the Usborne colouring books and some good felt tips. Books like this one or this one or this one None of these are for small children although you could probably let a small child have a go.

I love them and I am a massive amount little bit older than 12

I think it's more common to still want to play with toys, at this age, than people realise.

I have younger brothers and sisters and was always able to play with toys and games with them as they grew up, and could pretend it was all for their benefit!

At her age I was still playing with Sylvanian Families on the sly. When my sister was 12 she was still playing with Bratz dolls on the sly. And now my other sister is 12, she plays with DesignaFriend dolls on the sly!!

If you want to get her some toys without making her feel babyish, how about: -

Wooden Solitaire Set
Bop It or Bop It Smash

Or how about a Buzz Wire? I used to love these. In fact I still love them now, even though I'm rubbish at them!!

What about some plain white t shirts (pe style for asda etc 2 for £2) and some fabric pens? I have bought both dds a pack of fabric pens and 2 t shirts each for only £4!

www.amazon.co.uk/Carioca-Fabric-Art-Pens-pack/dp/B004RUH7ZK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381252403&sr=8-2&keywords=Fabric+pens

My dd is 2 and loved her big sewing box last year, I also got her wooden knitting needles with her name engraved, and some nice yarn.

If your dd is crafty like mine she'll LOVE needle felting, it's kept my dd amused for days at a time, you can get lovely books such a a felted farm, and felt fairies too.

My dd wants leather ugg boots this year, at £120 that's her lot!

That should have said 12!!

My dd is 11 and has asked for

Logo Billionaire
Monopoly -credit care version
Dressing gown
Docking station for her Ipod

She is struggling to think of anything she really wants as well. It is a difficult age.