Panic - no gifts for 3 year old DGD

[Notthatmouseiain]

Ahhh so in a list minute change of plans we are going to be seeing DS, DIL and DGD on Monday. Initially we weren't going to be seeing them at all until January but a change of plans means they are actually going to make the trip to see us on Monday.
Issue is we have no gifts at all for DGD right now. DGD is 3 years old.
We have spent around £100-£125 on the other grandchildren and would like to keep it even. Since we weren't going to see her until mid January I was planning to sort her gifts after Christmas to ease the Christmas pressure as we have 6 grandchildren and it's a lot to think about.

DGD loves ballet, it's her favourite thing in the world, all she talks about is going to ballet class, or she is twirling around in the living room. Toy wise she already has a lot of things.

What can we get DGD before Monday, really has to be next day delivery on Amazon or easily available somewhere like Waterstones/Smyths.

I was looking at the story orchestra books but DIL has already bought them.

Any and all ideas appreciated

Just sent this to DIL as DGD whole room is Ballet/Swan themed and she has ordered it!

Oh this is lovely, wish I'd seen it earlier!

Delivery next working day - lots of nice things on here! https://www.trotters.co.uk/products/moulin-roty-le-danse-ballerina-mouse-with-a-suitcase?variant=40213912354877&currency=GBP&currency=gbp&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADvTk--n0MYDZ4E_G19ngkBy6ImO6

I was going to say get her a torch. They go down so well. But then I saw your budget!

£40 is a lot of money for a little kids jewellery box.
Would you not be better asking DS or DIL if they had any ideas of things she's like or need?

OP you can always send something back in order to get this - a pain I know but if it might help you balance budgets it's something that is often forgotten...

And if you do need an extra, if you have a dvd player, I'ver recommended this dvd many times on this thread over the years - the Tom and Jerry Nutcracker Tale DVD is great for the story of the Nutcracker in inimitable T&J style - lots of laughs and fun but with minimal dialogue, just Tchaikovsky's music which makes it a great one to have on in the background - doesn't need too much effort to concentrate on, there's no real talk to be distracting for adults so they can chatter away while the kids watch or play with nice music in the background but they can watch bits if they want but don't need to stay focused on it - it doesn't require the same sort of effort that some modern kids programmes need!
Oh I forgot to say - it's a snip at £3 for the dvd - my dc still bring it out occasionally (late teens!) and when they were younger it was often put on when they were playing or doing thing sin the lounge (like decorating the Christmas tree or helping to wrap presents or write cards) as it was seasonal and fun to dip in and out of without needing to watch it fully. Plus dh and I often used to use it as a dvd for them to watch when we were doing long drives - again - they were familiar with it so had some comfort factor that they didn't need to stare at the screen too hard and the music made it easy for them to relax and drop off to, while dh and I could talk and not have to compete with the dialogue of a film that was being played by our earholes!

And your granddaughter would know it was related to ballet but the other gc would also enjoy it without feeling it was just for that one dc!

Music box

I had this and loved it

To go with the performance

@wibdib

That's what we've done, the original Barbie after discussion was more expensive and DGD has blonde hair and loves it when her dolls look like her (I know as a blonde that's easy and she has other dolls too). We've been able to cancel the original Barbie and order the Lottie instead which looks lovely and maybe even better for granddaughters age.

Hi Op, you sound like a very engaged and loving Grandma that is doing a fabulous job.

As a mum and a dance mum at that (my DD19 completed all her ballet grades and vocational grades, and then just stopped!), just a few thoughts going forward.

If your DGD takes up formal ballet, it gets VERY expensive! You could offer I'm advance to support by buying grade leotards. Different dance schools also have different merchandise that they like their pupils in, so hoodies, dance bags, tracksuits etc. They might give you some options as she gets older. Ballet dancers don't go to barre for some time, usually as they are preparing to go to pointe. This does not happen until their feet are strong enough and it shouldn't be encouraged as there is a lot of damage that can be done of they go too early, even if just messing at a barre at home!

Getting all the grandkids experiences or an annual ticket to something depending on age is a godsend to a parent! If you can discuss it in advance it gives everyone the same opening experience (maybe include a relevant toy) but they get a year's worth of fun from it! It also saves more 'stuff'.

Also, with some advance planning you could cover the bikes/scooters/musical instrument type gifts on an agreed basis with parents going forward!

Hope that helps, but well done, this year's presents look amazing! Hope you all have a lovely day.

It looks like you’ve managed to get everything you need, but for a future birthday/Christmas, my daughter loved the Ella Bella ballet books at that age:

https://amzn.eu/d/b9JBhom

Hi OP, the ROH does family Sundays for children from 3 up. In April there are some ballet sessions. Sometimes they also have ballet themed teas.

Probably I am being a grinch but that is a huge amount of presents from a grandparent. That is more than my kids got in total, one gift from family members (small family) and main present from Father Christmas.

Also, and you know you granddaughter best, but make sure she has other options rather than just ballet - she is so young that only being given ballet themed gifts, clothing, room decoration etc…seems very limiting.

I think you’re sorted but for the future Sadlers Wells do ballet performances for little ones, I remember taking DD at that age. She will love your presents!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ZHXGO-Twirling-Dance-Ribbons-Performance/dp/B0D477P957/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7qyH6KZ2W7dMk3pR1iKjIpcGfMcQ5kQ4C0O07kL9g2u9Te6hHva8PQUI7Zy2b0tMIaR9k_gO7Gsdspf0cxaFqitaQhjWQgJ5t5WsN7pjVUm2AFaM1QG42yhXuRHc28QUCx6mu6IhAdqF5GBeQzzLibFM5Q1SxDQJRKuX2izM1BNOdrqoxSlLrrrWjJT2-Bkk_Ksf-p48tgQnggkP8Pqjiw.T-u_GrMqqAVVSh4rZ2z00hsjSTomVbEo8jVzMHAmQJs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ribbon+Wand&qid=1734792326&sr=8-18

A very small gift but my small twirler gets hours out of these.

Smyths have a ballerina barbie, I saw one while getting my DN a present. Comes with pretty outfits.

You're such a nice e grandmother OP. Enjoy watching all your GC opening their lovely presents.

If you're willing to spend a bit of money, then Kathe Kruse sell absolutely beautiful dolls with lots of detail and will last forever.
There is a ballerina girl doll and it looks like an actual little girl with beautiful accessories and clothes.

https://www.mydollbestfriend.co.uk/kathe-kruse-la-bella-darcy-doll-42cm?srsltid=AfmBOoofGZ8xkV8ZmKCYCCTP14UOYYhXW3DibCl--7-k7EHlAwebs9jc

Agree with yotos being the best / most used gift we’ve ever bought. Although admittedly didn’t excite much on the day. My 11 year old loves her and has had it years. I’ve just bought her the Harry Potter set of cards for this Christmas. Our 4 year old also had one and I’ve just bought her the mog books for it.l She’s also got a set of these light up fairy wings and a dance mat from Amazon amongst a lot of gabbys dollhouse toys that she wants.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0C7CDLLTY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Oh @Notthatmouseiain as a 3 yr old I was OBSESSED with full and frilly ballet dresses!

Get her one, and something sparkly as well🥰

@Notthatmouseiain the linked ballet dresses aren’t as sparkly as I liked as a kid, and don’t come in small sizes, but possibly
you could choose her one online when she’s with you?! Elastic waistband so she can grow a bit might help
I had a fabulous pale blue one I grew out of - LOVED that dress so much!

So cute, surely she would love this!

@Notthatmouseiain You sound like a lovely grandma and all of your grandchildren are very lucky, as are you to be blessed with them.
Enjoy all the excitement x

amzn.eu/d/cvxc2d0

How about a ballerina jewelry box?