Christmas Gift for a Picky 9-Year Old Girl?

Updated on October 21, 2011
B.E. asks from New York, NY
14 answers

I need to get something for my best friend's 9-year old daughter and it seems like she has everything, plus is picky to boot. I can't get artsy-craftsy, unless she can handle it by herself, because her parents don't have time to help out with art projects right now, what with all the homework they already have to help out on. I can't get dolls because she's only into American Girl dolls - I think even the outfits are beyond my price limit. I bought her a rock tumbler last year, which she didn't like because it was too slow. I bought her a Go-Go puppy for her birthday and she already had one.

She is really into Harry Potter and I seriously considered getting her a Harry Potter Lego set because I caught her playing with my son's Harry Potter Legos, but it might be too "boyish" for her. I also saw there is a Harry Potter Lego game out, but again, maybe too boyish? My price range is $40-$50. Any ideas? Even her Mom is stumped!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for some very good ideas!

I did propose the Lego idea to her mom, but she kind of rolled her eyes. I think you're right, though - she probably would like them. I would have gone crazy for Lego sets like they have now when I was a kid - I was never into the really girly-girl stuff. Anyway, I might get a littler Harry Potter set and try to customize it with more girl figures from eBay - Lego sets are always a little short on girls.

I also really like the American Girl magazine idea. If she doesn't get it already, I'm going to get that for her too.

Re: the suggestion about the homeless shelter - that's up to her parents, if they feel it's a problem. My own kid gets greedy at Christmas time too - always wants the presents I donate for Christmas drives. Sigh.

Featured Answers

N.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Get her the lego set. Screw stereotypical gender role toys. I'm a girl and I loved playing with legos. My husband loved legos too! We played with them very differently. He would get many sets and lump them all together to craft strange and creative conglomerations of his own making. I loved following the directions to the letter and duplicating with mechanical precision exactly what I saw on the box.

Legos are gender neutral and so is Harry Potter.

5 moms found this helpful

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V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

My daughter just turned 10 this past summer, and her best friend gave her a Star Wars lego set for her birthday. It was exactly what she wanted. Don't nix an idea simply because it is "boyish". She is 9. Lots of girls are into things you could label "boyish"... but not all girls are into girly stuff only. Mine dislikes anything pink or that slightly resembles a doll. And always has. She loves Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Legos, Bionicles and myriad other "boy" type toys. She just got her ears pierced. Don't lump all girls into doll playing "girly girls". They aren't all that way.

6 moms found this helpful
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R..

answers from Chattanooga on

I would go with the lego set, and ask for a gift receipt when you get it. I know I always wanted to play with my brother's legos... no one ever seemed to realize that I would like some too! You can give the gift receipt to her mom, and if it turns out that she doesn't like the legos then she can return them and pick something else out.

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I suggest a trip to a homeless shelter where she (or any other "picky" child) can get a reality check. Then a shopping trip where things are purchased for children who would appreciate the smallest gift because they have almost nothing at all.

Tis the season mamas and pappas...."Teach your children well".

Blessings.....

4 moms found this helpful

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

How about an age-appropriate jewelry making kit? Can be beading. Could be friendship bracelets. i don't think a 9 yr old would need assistance with most of the ones I have seen.

**ETA** I do agree that girls can TOTALLY love Legos! I loved them, so if she has a Harry Potter obsession, she will love it.

3 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Okay, first of all, there is no need to pick on this child for the people who are responding this way. I am sure she is not ungrateful or rude, and just because she is blessed does not mean she needs to be taught lessons that all kids don't need to be taught. Off of my soapbox now...

My daughter is asking for a new cell phone this year. Does she have a phone? If so, you can get even the iphone for as cheap as $40 if her parents are willing to pay the bill. What about an iTunes card? Cash? A pedi/mani certificate? Can she make her own necklaces and all? My kids all want the Stompeez slippers this year (8 girl, 6 boy, and 4 boy). And lego's are fun!!

3 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I would get her the lego set or a gift card. My nephew is the same way. He has everything! I get him points for his wii so that he download games.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Yep, as someone else put it -- "the gift of time." Take her out somewhere -- to a movie, even better, to a play; to the mall if that's her thing; if there's a Lego store near you, make that an option: I'll take you to the Lego store if you want and you can pick out anything there that's $45 or less. And so on. She probably will like the attention.

As for American Girl,you say your budget is $40 to $50 and also say that AG doll clothes are outside your budget -- but AG clothes, depending on exactly which outfit you pick, are about $22 and up per outfit; you probably could get her one outfit plus an accessory kit or even two outfits and still be around $50. You're in New York area -- why not take her to American Girl Place in New York and let her pick out that $40-$50 worth of items? Just a possibility.

Another idea is a magazine subscription! There's American Girl Magazine which is very good and she might like that. Subscriptions keep on giving all year. Find out if there's another she might like -- National Geographic Kids, Kids Discover, etc.

2 moms found this helpful

D.K.

answers from Sioux City on

Why don't you give her the gift of time. It sounds like she isn't appreciative of the gifts in the past. I am not sure I would be buying her much of anything because she has to much.

1 mom found this helpful

✤.J.

answers from Dover on

My kids absolutely adore Amazon gift cards because they can shop for themselves. They like to split it up & get a few small things, maybe some clothes & a toy or book, but they can use it whenever they want.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Get her books.
And/or gift certificates.

E-bay has Harry Potter props and things.

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E.C.

answers from Boston on

movie theater gift certificates

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T.B.

answers from New York on

Forgive me, but the line out of the entire post that stands out is that the mom rolled her eyes...hmm? Get the lego set with a gift receipt. Next year, get her a gift certificate to a beauty salon that will do a mani/pedi and style her hair. She seems like the type that likes to be pampered. Make the appt. for early in the day, and if that comes in under budget, take her to a simple lunch afterwards. You're a great friend :)

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

forget it...get her a gift card. and then take her shopping.

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