Small gift for a 9 year old girl / inappropriate?

[Sausages18]

Hello, I’d love a bit of advice.

Spent time over Xmas with a young relative of my OH, 9 yo. As part of a bigger family group. His stepdads neice or similar. Lovely girl, we got on really well and had a lot of fun. She told another relative how much she liked me, and I thought she was brilliant too. I found out after it sounds like she has been bullied at school and doesn’t have many friends, unfortunately. The family think she needs more self esteem, although I found her confident and funny.

On the last day she gave me a little keyring, wrapped up in paper. Was clearly something that was precious to her and lovely of her to give it to me. I didn’t have anything for her, but I would like to send her something small in return.

Asking for advice - Is it weird for me to send her a small gift? I didn’t meet her parents.

And if it’s ok, what would you suggest? I thought I send a little keyring in return, maybe related to London (she doesn’t live in the UK and I thought that might be exotic). Or is there something else small you can suggest? She loves singing too. Nothing expensive.

I have a toddler and my nieces are 3&5 so not sure about bigger kids.

Thanks for any adive.

What was your favourite book when you were 9? Maybe send her a copy. With a note saying something like "I saw this in the bookshop and remembered how much I loved it at your age. I thought you might enjoy it"

I would second a book too, with a little note. Or maybe some cute little stationery things; scented pens, themed paperclips, a pad of sticky notes. You both sound lovely

Thank you! I will think about a book. I devoured books as a 9 year old.

She doesn’t speak english so I’d need to find a translated copy.

My reservation is that family don’t read much, don’t seem into books. I didn’t want to come across judgy / critiquing / seem like I was setting her homework. Especially as I’ve not met her parents.

Stationary is a great idea, plus maybe a pretty notebook.

Definitely books! Maybe one of your old favourite and/or a book voucher? My 2 youngest girls (11 & 12) still love walking around the bookstore choosing their own books and paying themselves.

She sounds a lovely little girl

What about some London stationery? I teach 8/9 year olds and they love stationery! Pencil cases especially!! You could get some lovely Union flag ones or with some other British design and send them to her. Pencil case, notebook, pencils, rubber, pens etc. Then she can use them at school and they'll be unique.

What about a coaster with her name on detailing the meaning of it

Really awesome pens

I think a London key ring sounds perfect

Stationery is a great idea. DD loves note pads, pens, paper etc.

Why not send her a set of notelets and envelopes so she can write to you?

I’d also add, when sending it, include a note to her parents about who you are and how you met etc.

I’ve had a few friends/relatives of friends who have sent things to my DD after having met her when she’s with other relatives. I think it’s lovely.

Ds got a 'you are brilliant' journal thing for Christmas

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-you-are-awesome-journal/matthew-syed/lindsey-sagar/9781526361660?awc=378715476742177869e226c1ead3620a940c643345d1a77&utmsource=176013&utmmmedium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Shopping+FM

Could you get this sort of thing? Maybe with a translation dictionary if you can't find it in her language

Lovely idea btw

Your idea of a London letting was the best. Also think it makes the most sense - "dear x thank you so much for the lovely key ring. I thought you might like one from London!"

The other suggestions are lovely if it was your OH's niece/goddaughter etc but I think maybe a bit much/weird if you don't really know her

I would send a london key ring and some pretty stationary for her to write and keep in contact, obviously sending a note to ask the parents if that is ok to do, you both sound lovely xx