I want a really lovely TOY for 5 yo girl

[Asleeponasunbeam]

My lovely niece is eldest of 3 and takes this role very seriously. She doesn't play much, unless it's with her little siblings in a helping/ caring way. Her parents are coping with lots of difficulties at the moment and DN, although much loved and well-cared for, is perhaps missing out a little bit on playing.

She has lots of craft materials and books. She's a great writer but finding school a bit underwhelming at the moment.

I want to buy a toy. Something to play with. Maybe not to share with her little siblings. She's never shown interest in dolls really. I don't think anyone has much capacity to play games with her at the moment. Also, a big difficulty for DSIL is anxiety around 'mess', so fiddly toys like playmobil are out I think.

My DD is only a few months younger so I should know what to get, but I don't. They're like chalk and cheese.

No budget set really, so suggestions welcome. Younger siblings will be much easier to buy for.

grow your own fairy garden

Completely lovely and would be perfect for my own DD. DN doesn't like fairies (!?) though. DB loves gardening and it's the kind of thing we used to make together as children. So not a definite no, thanks.

Great website!

Ahh shame. It is isnt it, totally stumbled on it.

What about a little simple cd player with a few audio book cds?

lovely dolls' house and furniture here if the budget stretches. I know you said she doesn't do dolls, but mine only became fussed about dolls houses at an older age

She's got a dolls house - toddler sister loves it but she doesn't.

I'm continuing to browse above website. There will be something there. Liking the butterfly growing kit but think it would freak DSIL out. My DD loves her Lottie dolls. I think DN would think they were 'babyish'.

I was also going to suggest a doll's house too.

I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with anything Frozen!

Oh God, I'm starting to sound awkward! Thanks for your ideas. She had a Frozen birthday party so I think had every Frozen item possible!

Doesn't play with any of them though...

What about treating her to a trip somewhere? A show or an animal park?

I'd love to do that but we are 5 hours away and when we do meet up it needs to be the whole family together really. Also, she has other family really nearby who tend to give those kinds of presents.

Lovely idea. But I want to give her a toy. Maybe I'm wishfully wanting her to play more. Silly.

Do you think she'll actually play with a toy? ? Just asking as my two prefer role play and craft. Toys are untouched. What about a magazine maker/ secret diary type thing?

Maybe she won't. They won't want any more craft in the house though.

I'm trying to do the impossible with a Christmas present.

Better than posting about the real issues in the family.

My DD is suddenly into 'secrets' and 'clubs' - perhaps it's a common 5 year old thing. Maybe a secret diary would be good. She's an amazing writer actually.

Build a bear vouchers?

How about some clothes/accessories that her mum might not get her? My 2 generally dislike clothes presents but if its "cool".... (onesie for ds, tulle skirt for dd....)

A camera? A magazine subscription?

What about a puppet theatre and some finger puppets. Not too much mess and she can be as silly as she likes with the stories she tells?

Oh I feel for this little girl - the way you walk about her makes it seem like she has the world on her shoulders and you sound so lovely trying to get something ni.ce for her.

Would she like a set of Worry Dolls? Little cloth dolls come in a tiny bag and you can chat to them about all your worries and then put them under your pillow and they keep your worries away.

Or what about a Globe? I had one as a little girl that was also a lamp and I loved it.

Clothes are out as her cooler auntie buys those!

I think I love the puppet theatre idea. She could perform to the little ones if she wanted, but also play at the same time. (Budget for the baby and toddler can be smaller!). Thanks!

Ooh or a Dream Catcher?

A dressing up outfit? ? Dd is 5 in a fortnight and is converting the snow White outfit in sainsburys. ...

(Ds is 6 and really wants a book of raffle tickets lol)

I was going to suggest a lovely book for her to write and draw in. Rather than get her toys which she isn't into maybe embrace what she is in to.

Some calligraphy pens or a lovely stationary set?

It seems like a gift for an older child but maybe she would appreciate it

She has a lovely globe as DB used to love his so much he bought her one. I like the rainbow projector on the website linked to above, but puppet theatre has made me smile.

A lovely jewelry box....the ones with the ballerina going round and round. My DDs both love theirs. You could put some nice children's jewelry in it.

Get her a cheap tablet.