Pottery wheel help!!

[nameymcnamechangeagain]

DS (9) has asked for a pottery wheel for Christmas! I’m not expecting rave reviews on any particular product but has anybody’s child had one that they recommend? They all seem like a lost cause

Bless him, what a sweet request! Is it the making especially that he's interested in? If not, maybe a day out painting pottery - mugs etc, might suit if you don't have any luck, or a set of fimo, or whatever today's equivalent is?

Oh I’m useless it was DD not DS!! He wants an Xbox I can’t afford that might be a good idea though about the day out, we have some places like that fairly local, I might get a voucher and then it’s quality time and something she can keep rather than plastic tat that will end up in the bin after one use!! Good idea! thank you

You may find a local pottery studio that does throwing classes for kids.

I wouldn't buy a toy or mediocre wheel.

Likely to put her off forever.
I would also suggest a course or day experience at some place with decent facilities- and that will include basic advice, kiln, glazing etc.
You can do real clay work at home, but a wheel is a preofessional piece of equipment.

yes, agree with speakout
pottery is not really a home based hobby for a child- it's messy, bulky, you'd need a kiln etc
BUT our kids all loved going to pottery classes and got a lot out of it- I'd look for that sort of thing

If you're able to get to Stoke easily the Emma Bridgwater experience day is really good and would make an excellent present. You get walked around the factory and show all the stages of making the liquid slip, making the crockery, painting, glazing etc. You get to have a go at throwing a plate and then at the end you can paint your own mug/cup/plate/teapot.
I had a plastic pottery wheel as a kid and honestly it was a bit shit and I didn't use it much.

My DD has a plastic one and it's not bad for what it is but it eats batteries. There is a pottery near us that does after school clubs and weekend workshops, definitely better than trying to do it at home.