OT: Help! Gift suggestions for 8-9 yo girl

[staci]

I ALMOST FORGOT A PRESENT THIS YEAR

I need to get something for a little girl who I think is 8-9. I dont know her well (long story). DH's aunt worked with this girls mother many years ago. The woman (and her SO) are both developmentally delayed, so when she got preggo dh's aunt really stepped up to help.

Now her parents are doing fairly well on their own and the girl lives with them, but dh's family still includes this little girl in their gift exchange, and we got her name. Only seeing her once a year, I have no idea what her interests are. I know they dont have a lot, so I want to stay away from cd's and things that require equiptment that she may not have.

We usually spend around 15-20. Last year I got her mittens and a scarf, so I dont want to do that again. I want to steer away from gift cards, as I am not sure if her parents drive or have cars, so idk how easy it would be to get her to the store.

What presents would your 8-9 yo be happy with?

 

[PaMom001]

My 9 & 1/2 yr old likes makeup, nail polish, Bratz, Pixel Chicks. Also stuff for styling hair is popular(barretts), body lotion, body spray, shower gel.

 

[GatorGal]

There's an electronic game out called 20 Questions...you think of something in your head the machine asks you 20 questions and then guesses what you are thinking of. It's really cool and fun for all ages. I'm not sure how much it costs.

 

[java]

The 20 question ball is on sale for $7 at Target this week. My 8 year old loves all things American Girl as well as anything from Limited Too(she is really into the sparkly belt things$14. She also loves arts and crafts. Oh how about a Klutz activity book- like how to make friendship bracelets
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t.../102-9956247-7125760?v=glance&s=toys&n=507846
My DD loves making these as do her friends.
Also anything from Claires- at this age they start getting into accesories- This is one of the easiest ages to buy for because they love it all.
After reading about her parents I think I would go with the trendy stuff like the glittery belt since she may not be getting that kind of stuff at home.

 

[PaMom001]

Staci, how did the gift giving go?

 

[staci]

Sorry, things have been crazy here. I meant to get back on here but forgot.

Well, I procrastinated until the 23rd, so I was not looking forward to the discount stores as I knew it would be packed. So I decided to go to our older mall that is about 1/2 empty to avoid the crowds. Since they dont have a toy store, that narrowed my choices.
I ended up at claires 50% off rack. I got her some lotion, some body wash, some spray glitter stuff, a set of best friend bracelets, an assortment of earrings, a keep out sign for her door, and some glitter pencils.
She seemed to really like them. I guess she is in 5th grade, and I was suprised at some of the gifts she was given. (a tea party set, a doll with bottles, etc). So I was glad I steered away from toys and went for something more 'adult'.

Thanks for all the suggestions!