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What to get DSD,11, for Christmas?

18 replies

Whiskeylover45 · 21/11/2020 18:53

So far we have got her a VR headset compatible with her phone, some scheleic things as she's hugely into them. Some littlest pet shop she has asked for, bluetooth headphones, a lifetime subscription to a game she plays online. Lush bath bombs and some makeup for her stocking, and sweets she likes. At the recomendation of her mum we're going to get her a gift card for her favourite shop but beyond that I'm stumped. She's at that stage where she's hit teenage hood but still watches Barbie. Both DH and DSDs older sister on her mums side is vulnerable which, through no one's fault, has impacted on visitation this year, so we want to make this Christmas special for her. I know you can't buy love, which isn't what we are trying to do, but given we're not sure if we will see her over the Christmas period, we do want to give a bit more than we usually would.

We have about 100- 150 left to spend, which we were going to get her a pandora bracelet; however her mum thinks she wouldn't look after it, and anyway her mum and step dad have got her a generic charm bracelet so didn't want to overstep, or over shadow, their gift. If anyone has any ideas on what else we can her I would really appreciate it.

Because this is MN I will say we pay above CMS rates and go halves on everything else over and above that. We have a very good relationship with her mum and step dad, and she is very much a big part of our family. I do the Christmas shopping as I actually like it, all presents come from both of us anyway out of the family pot. We both work.

Just feel totally lost on what to get her this year as aside from the littlest pet shop she hasn't asked for anything, so wondering what you are getting your tweens. She has a computer, a kindle and phone already . Thank you in advance

OP posts:
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TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet · 21/11/2020 18:59

It sounds like she’s already had lots spent on her? Does she really need more?

aSofaNearYou · 21/11/2020 19:01

Sounds like more than enough to me, tbh.

RandomMess · 21/11/2020 19:08

That does sound like loads already.

What about vouchers for a trip out? Here it could be a trip to the ice cream parlour or similar.

NobodyKnowsTiddlyPom · 21/11/2020 19:27

One of my DDs is 11. She’s asked for one of those wearable blankets, roller blades, embroidery floss for making friendship bracelets, magazine subscription and a lava lamp.

NobodyKnowsTiddlyPom · 21/11/2020 19:31

Just wanted to add...We don’t spend as much as lots of other people do for Christmas. Maybe a max of £150 per child, which includes stocking fillers. We don’t have games consoles either (except an ancient Wii that pre-dates the kids) and they don’t play anything online except Minecraft occasionally. I think that can add a lot to the Christmas bill for some households.

XmasEveshopper · 21/11/2020 19:43

A board game you can all play together. Something like carcasonne is good for that age but there are loads out there. Or how about books

DontBeShelfish · 21/11/2020 20:20

If it were me, and access is different this year because of COVID, I would put together a lovely parcel of things that might replicate the Christmas Eve you would otherwise have had. So, an Oodie (or something similar); mini chocolate fondue kit, a lovely new book.

On top of her other gifts I've got my DSD a onesie, some of her favourite chocolate, and I've made some vouchers that she can cash in for one-to-one time with her Dad (we've got a toddler so time just the two of them has diminished a lot over the last few years).

Pringlemonster · 21/11/2020 20:25

That sounds enough
Her mum will buy stuff too

Luckyonetwo · 21/11/2020 20:25

An IOU voucher for a theme park for when they all open for the 3 of you. One of them light up mirrors celebrity style for her room, some dr martins (they all seem to love them at the moment). Pjs, dressing gown and slippers set

Whiskeylover45 · 22/11/2020 09:02

Thank you everyone. Appologise for the late reply I had an early night last night. Usually this would be enough I agree, its partly because she's had such a horrible year we wanted to make this one a bit more special. And partly because I found a load of stuff I'd picked up in the January sales for her brother that I'd forgotten about, and it's important to me that they have the same amount spent on them both. The Christmas Eve replica is a good idea. We usually have a christmas movie night with hot chocolate and sweets snuggled up on the sofa, so may get some new PJs for her as well. Thanks again 😁

OP posts:
LyingDogsLie1 · 22/11/2020 09:06

She’s got plenty. I like the idea of leaving the remainder in a pot for treats throughout the year.

Oly4 · 22/11/2020 09:10

You sound like a lovely step mum. If it were me I’d boost the gift voucher amount so she can choose her own thing. Or the promise of a theme park day out/overnight stay somewhere she would like.

Milkshake7489 · 22/11/2020 09:29

You sound absolutely lovely OP.

I second the idea of an IOU for a day out when things become a little more normal. Ideally something tailored to her interests Smile

Whiskeylover45 · 22/11/2020 13:34

Thank you. I work in Education so have worked with a lot of children who have been pushed out by the dad/ new girlfriend; and having dealt with the fallout from that, I'm very concious of ensuring DSD never feels anything like that here. It's easy though as she is a lovely girl, and her mum is a wonderful person. I do like the idea of an IOU for a theme park. She loves Harry potter, so Harry potter world is a possibility for next summer maybe. DH did mention a month ago that he would like to get more board games to play when she's here so that's another possibility. I'll speak to DH when he comes in from work about the IOU and we'll go from there, thank you again everyone

OP posts:
Magda72 · 22/11/2020 16:05

Honestly I wouldn't get her anything more - it sounds overwhelming to me - especially if she hadn't actually asked for any of it. But I think the IOU for a day out or weekend trip once normality is restored is a great idea.

CandyLeBonBon · 22/11/2020 16:56

Op you can buy a gift ticket fir Harry Potter world which means you can book a date later - it worked out cheaper to do that rather than buy a dated ticket (well it was a couple of years ago) and then you've actually got something tangible to give her

Whiskeylover45 · 27/11/2020 13:27

I'm sorry for the late reply, I didn't get any notifications that anyone else had commented. Thank you, she is a lovely girl so it's easy lol 😁 I like the idea of a theme park so I'll be doing that. I'll look into advanced no date Harry potter world as well. Thank you everyone for your comments

OP posts:
YoungScrappyHungry · 28/11/2020 03:57

Fucking hell I wish I had this problem!
Do the IOU for a day out and please don't worry about it. Your post comes across as a little humble braggy if I'm honest but I'm pregnant and poor so may be being over sensitive.

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