£20 gift for 11 year old girl I don’t know?

[TickTockPolly]

An 11 year old girl has been incredibly kind to my DC and really helped them settle in at school. I’d like to buy them a Christmas present to say thank you, but no idea what as my DCs are young. I don’t want to ask the parents as I don’t know them, nor do I want them to feel they have to reciprocate. We live quite rurally so a voucher is tricky. Any ideas please?

OP you should send a card to the Y6 teacher telling her what a fantastic job this child has done, as one of the best presents would be praise from her teacher and parents.

Sounds like a lovely school too!

My year 6, 11 year old likes stationery but more grown up stuff. Not glittery unicorn type. She likes stuff from muji - their gel pens are great. Or a big set of coloured sharpies.

My 11 year old would love a primark voucher if you have one nearby.

I lovely the Joma heart bracelet that someone linked to upthread and I'm 56 (!)

When my DS was at primary it was a very school (less than 100) - if yours is similar is it worth asking at the school office or her year teacher - would be lovely to get something that hits the mark for her - although from how you've described her she's so lovely she would appreciate anything

£20 is too much. I’d get a dupe of a Stanley water bottle from b&m or somewhere, plain not cutesy. Or the lush suggestion above

What about a Lego flowers set? Can get a set for around £10 in a lot of places. I think this one is pretty sweet https://amzn.eu/d/4P31wNC

I'd err on the side of caution with things like skincare, body sprays, jewellery and food as you can't be sure of any allergies she may have
Definitely add in a thank you card, maybe with a picture drawn by DD?

Amazon voucher

Or Superdrug or River island. They can be spent online too.

I would go for a Sol De Janeiro body spray or PLouise lip balm, this is what my daughters friends are into at the moment aged 11 :-)

Flame Tree Publishing do some beautfiul A5 notebooks. £10.99. They are available in lots of different colours, with pretty patterns on the sides. They're soft cover, as well. I've bought several of these for myself and friends.

www.flametreepublishing.com/lilac-artisan-notebook-flame-tree-journals-isbn-9781787556010.html

My DD is 12, almost 13 but at 11 would have hated stationary, she would have seen it as ‘school’ stuff not a present (hope that makes sense). She would have loved the bracelet that was linked. So… sprays are the thing among her friendship group as are Sol de Janeiro. Weirdly she now loves stationary! All pre-teens are so, so different. Maybe get your DD to sound her out?

I also wanted to say I think it’s a lovely gesture and as a parent I’d be over the moon that my child made such a positive impact.