help - what do I get my 7yr old dd for Xmas???

[ScarletA]

Can anyone help me with ideas? We have been through catalogues (I am on some hellish mailing list so get toy catalogues descending through my letterbox - no pun intended - every day) and the ONLY thing she's shown the slightest interest in is a makeup kit. Sorry, but veto-ed that one [evil mummy].

OK, so youse have an idea - this is what she's into;
She loves colouring in, drawing, making things etc BUT we have about one million pens, glitter tubes, stickers, card making kits, colouring in books (Rosie Flos, Doodle books etc coming out of our ears), bindies, sewing kits etc. My Mum even bought her watercolours and proper paper for her birthday in Oct.

She loves reading - but can't just get her a million books for Xmas. Can I???

She doesn't really play with dolls, hates barbies, has grown out of dressing up. She has a Girl's World (played with about twice) and dolls house (played with - never).

She generally likes hanging out with her friends and playing with her little brother (5). With him she does lego (we have three tonnes of lego) and games that they make up.

She does like board games - esp. Frustration (ludo) and basic card games. Am buying her a pack of Charlie and Lola cards. But surely there must be something else I can get her???
Please help...

How about an amazing experience? a daytrip to London if you're outside London? A day when she gets to choose everything? Needn't be expensive, and in order to have something to give on the day you could wrap up something Londony like...er...something London-themed!
Or...why not go for the make-up and let her get bored of it - isn't that what most children end up doing when you give them something!
Hope that helps!
Malika

Good idea about the makeup, hmmm... I do think that it is because she can't have it that is what is so special about it.

We actually live in London and have done most stuff. Her brother is easy to do (playmobil, cars etc) and has already got a 'big present'. They are both still of an age that big = good.

Depending on your budget...how about a bike? my DD is also 7 and has grown out of her old one, we have decided that Santa will spot this, she hasn't asked for one! Digital Art studio (about £40), cheap MP3 player c.£20/30. )no, not an ipod!!!) Mine is getting books and water colours so I guess we're in the same situation (DS also 5 loves lego, wants a scooter..)Children still spend most of time making up games and playing with each other, long may it last!!

roller boots?

I second the experience thing - my DD had a day at the stables from Grandma as a birthday pressie and loved it!

What about one of those kids digital cameras? Or are they a bit baby-ish for a 7 yo?

does she not like music of any kind/
I second the mp3 player (DD age 7 is getting an ipod shuffle (sorry) you can even pre-download suitable stuff for her before ypu give her it.

DD also wants an electric guitar. that is my evil mummy NO moment!!

Thanks for the ideas - she has a bike so that is not a possibility. However am liking the fisher price digital art studio thingy, have had a look at it online and people seem to like it. Just worried about the printing costs... though suppose you don't have to print anything.

The roller blades thing - I did ask her if she fancied it and she said umm, ye-ss, which is kind of what she said for the skateboard which has hardly been used... However, I will run it by her again.

Re music and mp3 things - my brain goes funny when I think about these. Have no idea how to download choones etc though am sure she would get it quick smart. However, she has yet to get into music in any way yet, apart from the dreaded High School Musical. She told me she wants the DVD for this so that at least is something we can get her!

Thanks everyone - and keep em coming.

I am not the most technologically advanced person'
I gort an ipod FIVE years ago. I downloaded onto it LAST MONTH. I was in awe how simple it is! - seriously - you'll never look back!

a cd player instead of an mp3 player
i got dd1 one for her biday - pink one from woolies - and a few musci cds like sugababes, HSM, mcfly - she loves it
does she like animals? what abotu a goldfish
nintendo ds
more board games like dominoes, monopoly, scrabble, snakes and ladders, draughts

there is nohing wrong with 'play' make up
its only for fun - dont be a meanie

We have bought mine a Playmobil campervan, I have no idea if she will use it. She loves Uno and I have bought her Safari Rush Hour game, it looks pretty good. She has also asked for make-up too. I guess there is no harm in a little bit of it, it is inevitable I suppose. She also loves her blasted tamagotchi. My dd also has an almost 5 year old brother and they spend a lot of time playing in a tent in the garden.

Hi, I have a 7r old DD and she is desperate to be a teenager. My guess would be that the make-up represents the forbidden fruits of being very very grown-up...

So on those lines, how about:

make your own bath bombs or perfumes

a dress/styling kit or software here

Orchard toys do some excellent board games - eg What a Performance or Party Party - both very sparkly and girly.

a journal/diary with a lock
HSM dance mat/ microphone

hannah montana make your own lip gloss

Thanks for all your brilliant suggestions. I asked if she wanted a CD player and she said 'YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'
Will go to Woolies (sniff sniff, love that store) and get her one. Got her an Abba CD too (dp will curl up and die) which will get played to death no doubt, she loves them ever since school choir introduced her to them.

The makeup stuff... yes I am a meanie. I really am. Don't make me feel bad. If I get over myself, and I see one in a shop I MAY consider it. Bath bomb thingy looks good though, Victorian Mum can stretch to that perchance.

As for the flamin tamogochi. DON'T even ask. Put it this way - once its little darling battery ran out, the shops mysteriously also ran out of replacement batteries. Double meanie mummy

Escape - I have a phone that i think you can download choones onto. Is it really that easy? Don't you have to pay? Or can you put yr own on? I feel stressed just thinking about it.

What about a cd player for her room and a personal one she can take out with her. That way she can listen to her own grown up music when she is out in the car etc. My dd is 7 and I have got her this