Beginner on the ukulele - advice needed

[Loubydoo]

Hi. My nearly five and a half year old has decided to liven up lockdown by celebrating her half birthday! She has requested a ukulele as a gift. I’m actually quite keen on her (and me) learning so don’t mind buying one but I’m really not hugely musical. Could anyone recommend a cheapish one? And also, are there different types? Also any books/online resources for reaching ourselves. Thanks

brilliant! You'll have a lot of fun.
There are 2 different sizes of uke - a smaller one (concert?) and a larger one (tenor?). The smaller one is best for you. I can't recommend a specific brand, but don't go for the cheapest. Check out that the tuning pegs are screws not pegs. When you start looking at ukes, you'll see what I mean. Screw tuning is much easier.
Also, check out what the strings are made of - the cheaper ones have plastic strings, which are harder on little fingers.
Actually, I suppose only you know what is right for you. You could start with a cheap one and see if she takes to it - it would be a shame to spend too much on something that's just a flash in the pan.
To tune the uke, there are plenty of free apps for you to use.
As to learning, the internet has loads of free lessons. The ones I used aren't really suitable for children, but I imagine that there are lots of lessons aimed at children.
Can I suggest that you get one at the same time? Then you can have a lot of fun learning together, and you might find a new hobby. Playing the uke is a great way of getting to know people.

Thank you. This is really helpful. I will get going with a little more research x

I'd recommend a Soprano size for a 5/6 year old.

I have a Flight TUS35 as a travel uke. Like this one here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013YPOT68/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_j5bJEb07ZFSF7
They're primarily ABS plastic with a plywood sound board. So really durable.
They pack a punch with sound and have a zero fret so the strings (mine came with Aquila Nylgut strings) are nice and close to the fretboard and will stop little fingers tips getting quite so sore.
You can find plenty of reviews/sound samples of them on YouTube.