My SIL has always had a gift registry at amazon for out of town relatives to have gifts sent to my niece. I realize she's just trying to make it easy but I am not a big fan of ordering something online and having it sent to the recipient without ever laying eyes on what it is we're giving.
She's the only little one in our family right now and we'd love to pick some things out ourselves, wrap them and put together a fun box for her to open. Last year we did a dress up box full of costumes, accessories and props. It was opened with the other side of their family present so lots of little kids to play dress up with. My brother said it was a huge hit. So with that tough act to follow I'm stumped as to what to do this year. They live in a condo but it has pretty common areas and a lake so outdoor/nature stuff would work but nothing too big as storage space is a concern.
What are you getting your five year old girl this year?
I knew you all would have some creative, unique ideas. I was so stuck in my thinking about this, it's been a while since mine were five.
I'll run some of these suggestions by the family tonight. Thank you and keep 'em coming!
An art/craft themed box would be fun. My little ones have always loved to do crafts and draw and color. So lots of fun paper, markers, crayons, playdoh, paint, a big roll of craft paper, finger paints, craft foam, little foam noodles that stick together (that one was a huge hit with my kids and a huge box is only like $10). All these things can be found at michaels or hobby lobby.
Does your niece like to draw? How about some drawing supplies like colored pencils, pens, oil pastels and a drawing pad and maybe an easel so she can maybe go out and draw what she see's outside. You might even be able to find a children's book on drawing animals, or nature. Perhaps some stencils of leaves/animals etc. would be good too. You could also include some glitter glue for extra creativity or even white glue and several different colors of glitter.
That's my thought. Have fun with whatever you go with. Aren't 5 year olds fun? :)
My 5 year old daughter likes My Little Pony, and her Baby Alive doll. There are lots of toys/accessories for both of these.
But I also like the idea of the big arts & crafts package. Can't go wrong with that!
You are a nice aunt!!
I second yhe school box. I'm doing that for Christmas this year. Mine LOVES to play school. Her teacher even said the class likes to ply school during down time. Just don't forget a bell!
Toys r us has a fold up school set with a bell-you could always add more stuff to it.
Find out what she likes. You should get an idea of what she likes by looking at the tacky registry. Sorry but I think that is nervy.
Kiwi crate ... Then she gets a package of themed art stuff once a month for however long you purchase the subscription ... Super cute, fun things to do ... http://www.kiwicrate.com. Kids love getting mail! It's one of my new favorite gift things to give. We're even looking at it for our little guy's 3rd birthday.
Magnatiles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Jj-PYBtLo Let me put it this way, if I didn't buy them 2 Christmases ago when my littlest one was 5, I would have bought it last year when she was 6 and will still buy them this year. This is my top toy choice. My daughter has built rockets, a boot, crates for her animals, camp sites, houses, multiple story buildings, etc. I have used it to explain over, under, in, on and besides (she has language issues). I have used it to explain fractions to my eldest. Best part...no batteries, easy to store and still perfect for play if you loose a piece or two. Easy to store. Loved it so much that I donated a set for my kids classroom. It was a hit.
Other suggestions
Magformers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4D8Z-2vSc (very similar to magna tiles.We have both. With these it is easier to pick up 3d forms. You can make a sphere and some sets come with wheels). Easy to store.
Make do http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUTyugtAWDo (we have built tunnels and playhouses with these using carboard boxes) They are reusable and very storage friendly.
Schleich figures (animals, dinosaurs, mystical creatures)
Roller skates, with knee pads helmet and gloves.
An air pogo it is a swing as well as a pogo in the air. "twizzler" it hangs from a tree and she can spin from it, a glider to swing from one place to another.
A canopy that she can hang in her room. Our daughter had one she would read under it... They treated it like an indoor playhouse.
My 4 year old niece loves animals...so some kind of animal toy/toys.
My kids are not 5 years old anymore.
But, what about a "MadPax" backpack????
Those are great. Even adults collect it.
Amazon has some sales on it and free shipping.
Just have it sent to yourself, then you can give it to her, yourself in person.
Grandma got my son one.
It is awesome!
How about a "playing school" box...fill a backpack or something with fun things to play school with. A small chalkboard, fun workbooks, maze book, art supplies, a pencil box with some pencils, a pointer, teacher glasses, etc.
A backpack filled with things she can use for an adventure in her grassy/lake area (binoculars, canteen, bug net, plastic jar etc).
A small picnic basket so she can have a picnic w/her dolls. Fill with a
small checkered banket, plastic thermos, plastic plates, cute plastic
handled mugs).
Mini shopping cart. They have them for $10-15. Search for the smaller
inexpensive ones. You can thrown in plastic shopping toys. They have
kits like ketchup bottles, mini milk cartons, fake eggs etc.
I just bought my 4yo daughter her first real necklace from Piercing Pagoda, and she absolutely LOVES it :)
