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.

Not sure if this has been mentioned but I just started a subscription to this for my dd (5yrs). Found issue 1 in shop and looks fab. www.storytimemagazine.com

Other good magazines include Okido, Anorak or Story Box.

My DDs (6 and 5) love their arts and craft, toy kitchen, small world stuff (playmobil and lego), wooden train set, marble run, bikes and scooters, dressing up clothes, and dressing up dolls.

What about a rocking horse? I know they're large and can dominate a room but ours gets a lot of play. I think kiss find them relaxing, rocking along, having a think. Or some kind of music player?

Kids not kiss. Drat autocorrect !

Puzzles are popular with my 5 year old too. Ravensburger do Frozen ones. My 5 and 2.7 year old love their Disney Princess one.

Easel and paints, paper, pens etc

My 5yos most played with toys are Lego, my little pony, marble run.

Puppet theater idea is lovely.

How about [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004NSUMP8?pc_redir=1412463845&robot_redir=1]]

Link again:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004NSUMP8?pc_redir=1412463845&robot_redir=1

Planning on getting it for my own 5 yo

Penguin race is really simple but mesmerises most kids that come round,furby boom or something really 'silly' like a remote control fart gun. Play doh with one of the 'machines' like the sweet maker or princess castle? My 5 year old has her heart set on My Friend Cayla. She also loves carddies, sticky mosaics and her skipping rope and hula hoop.

I was going to say puppet theatre as well so she can entertain the little ones by putting on a show but it will also be a toy for her. I like this one because it's a shop as well which is another toy that could work well for her/younger siblings. But more expensive than the other one linked to

I was also going to suggest build a bear gift card.

Pop up tent?

I know they're books not toys but anything by Robert sabuda is lovely. They are on amazon but haven't shown any images of the inside so here is a google link:

www.google.co.uk/search?q=sabuda+fairies&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=8g9EVIq-EM-d7gaLsIHoCA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ

Robert Sabuda books are certainly very beautiful. I would be a bit worried they would end up being shared with the little ones and damaged. But they are amazing.

Still leaning towards the puppet theatre but concerned that DB and DSIL might be upset by the obvious cost as we usually all have an (approximate) budget of £15 for nieces and nephews. I just want to do something extra special for this one!

A puppet theatre could be for all three, of course, but with eldest DN being the main player at first. What do people think?

This May or may not be any use, how about a build a den kit? www.johnlewis.com/pl-ug-build-your-own-canopy-den-kit-medium/p1195207
I was just thinking if she's the type of child who is so careful of others all the time, perhaps having a den would give her the space to herself?