What to buy an 11 year old girl

[emilou]

Hi all,

Seeking some parental advice... I am struggling to know what to buy my 11 year old cousin for christmas. She started secondary school this year and seems to be growing up fast. I want to give her something that lets her know I know shes moved on from cuddly toys and general pink tat (which used to keep her endlessly happy!), but equally doesn't encourage her to grow up to quickly! Ideally I want to avoid DS games etc as I know other will buy her this.

Any ideas gratefully received.

Em

[womanofdulwich]

those cd compilations are quite good - "Now 45" or whatever the latest is.

[Yak]

itunes voucher?

[Pugwash]

My 11 year old going on 12 grandaughter, loves having vouchers/cash to spend in her favourite shops. Her idea of a great day is being let loose in Primark in Bromley, purchasing books in Smith's, being able to go bowling or swimming in the local leisure centre with her friends. She is into 'goth fashion' and vampires, but only gets ?2 a week pocket money so the freedom to go where she wants and spend is a luxury for her.

If your cousin is into bowling etc, perhaps you can pay for a leisure card for her.

[Dodo1]

Subscribe to Groupon. They do daily deals of approx 50% on things like pampering sessions, photoshoots etc.

[westof]

If you don't want to go down the make-up / perfume / pampering route, how about a lava lamp / plasma ball or something similar which is funky & teenager-ish.

[trinity]

I can't remember the name of them but there are perfumes in Boots etc that are 'Japanese' ie the bottle tops are in the style of Japanese cartoon type girls. Not explaining very well but I just got one for my daughters friend (also 11) and she and all the girls at the sleepover loved it.

[giggirl]

Is the "Kindle" thing from Amazon too old or too uncool for an 11 year old?

[gwod]

I think its not great for an 11 year old girl as its too expensive and fragile to lug around. Most kids need to carry their reading books around with them to school and back, on journeys, overnight trips etc etc.

itunes voucher or top shop voucher is always safe, as is anything from paperchase, or a funky cushion for their bed.