Birthday present for 8 yr old girl?

[lulupop]

I need to buy a present for the 8 year old daughter of some friends. It seems that difficult age at which most toys seem a bit babyish but she's not really into CDs and things yet. She loves making things, but already has all the more common Lego Clikits and stuff. Does anyone have any ideas about what I could get her? I want to spend about £15-£20.

I boought a lovely craft kit for my god-daughter (8 on tuesday) to make "petal fairies" from Methvens bookstore, is there one of those near you? I also got her a very pretty fairy pendant on a velvet ribbon from Monsoon, all together came to about that amount. Monsoon has some gorgeous girlie bits and pieces for inbetweeny ages.

I bought a weaving kit for my eight year old neice. Was from Ikea and under £10, so you could afford something else as well. Bought another child a candle making kit. These gifts both went down very well and the girls concerned had a lot of enjoyment out of them.

No, no Methvens near me - shame as the petal thingy sounds sweet. Unfortunately Ikea is also a bit of a trek and going there with baby and toddler (no other option, unfortunately) makes me want to drown myself in a barrel of gin every time. Monsoon is a good idea though - I'd forgotten all the little girls' things they have.

Pretty notebooks, diaries, gel pens all go down well at our house! Or a pad of proper drawing paper with sketching pencils if she likes art.

I teach that age group and I would agree with pencils, gel pens, secret diaries, note books, pencil cases always seem popular. Also hair clips and other accessories. Plus I have noticed a growing trend for them to bring 'handbags' to school rather than what i would call a school bag. Stickers.... Art sets, felt pens, Jacqueline Wilson books, voucher for their mobile!!! Yes I know!! Perhaps I'm getting old... Craft kits, nice outfit, they also seem to have lots of 'girls' make up which they all wear for class parties! Yes I know - I am definitely too old... Hope this helps.

It may be a bit off-beam but what about one of the Easy Peasy books for part of it? They're not too childish, and if she likes making things it might appeal. You could also get her some knitting needles and wool and a trendy pattern