Birthday Time Rolling In
Posted: October 21, 2008 at 1:45 pmFollowed shortly behind by Christmas.
And, once again, I have no idea what to get my daughter.
I hate this helpless, clueless feeling. Shouldn’t I know more about what she likes? And I have the advantage! I do know things that she likes. But as I walk down aisles, or, more realistically, click through the internet, I am both overwhelmed and uninspired by the choices available. Would she like what I think she would like? Will she think it is stupid and, therefore by association, think I am stupid? Will I ever choose the right thing?
All of this self-doubt tied into the process of gift-giving gives me a headache. And ticks me off. I love to give gifts! I delight in searching for the right present. And watching their eyes light up when I’ve hit the jackpot. And maybe that’s the problem. I know, again, that I won’t be seeing her eyes light up when she opens these presents. And while I still hope her eyes light up, it hurts. Having that taken away from me, that visual confirmation of receipt of gift, well, in a word, sucks. It’s one of my least favorite parts of adoption, I do think.
I should feel grateful, of course, that I even get to send my daughter gifts. I’m sure people are reading these words and shrugging them off. But still. I know you know that look in your child’s eyes. I know you’ve seen the glee on their face and felt proud that you put it there, that you were involved in that process.
I just miss it.
Anyway, I’m still clueless. If you were a five year old girl who was the most awesome five year old girl in the world, what would you want for your birthday?
The Discussion
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The five-year-old girls I know love dress-up. I think I saw a Hearthsong catalog once that had a collection of scarves you could use to tie on you to make costumes.
Oh…it is probably the wrong time of year, but butterfly gardens (where you get the cocoon and the butterfly develops) appeal to my inner child.
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What do you like? What would you have liked at 5? What kind of five year old were you? Using my own experience as a reference (and only being able to send my daughter a few presents beginning when she was 18 years old) I found (and she confirmed) that if I loved it, she loved it. So much so that it freaked her out how much our tastes were similar.
What was your favorite book at five? Favorite toy? Thing to do?
Happy Birth(day) to you both.
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The many 5 year old little girls I know all love the Disney Princess’. And every 5 year old I know, boy or girl, love games! My own 5 year old is into every game out there, especailly Monopoly! I bought a friend’s 5 year old little girl a disposbale camara and a kids scrapbooking kit.
She will love anything you send because it is from you!
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Not to minimize your feelings, but, I have an 8 year old. She lives under my roof. I see her everyday and I STILL don’t have a clue what to get her for Christmas.
Frankly, I think it is more about the toys these days than what kids like and don’t like. There is too much junk out there and most of it leaves no room for imagination or problem solving. My kids are quite happy with some markers and cardboard. They can play for hours. We have a house FULL of toys and we really don’t need any more and yet, I need to purchase something for them to open.
So, getting back to what matters here (you & your princess). I stay away from anything battery operated. I love heart song. I love American Girl.
Perhaps a snazzy leotard for dance class?
Another thought would be to get her on the phone and ask her what she’d like. Also ask her day to day mom and see if there is something that she’d like that for whatever reason they have opted not to buy for her.
Is there a companion gift to something they are getting her?
Oh, Clutz press has a paper doll set that is THE bees knees. My daughter played with hers endlessly.
Games are good especially if you send a note telling her why the game you selected is your favorite.
I agree with the commenter above that it doesn’t matter what it is as long as it is from you.
To a certain extent, she’s five, so everything is going to get opened and glossed over. I always aim to give the gift that is played with after the dust settles.
Lastly, how about a magazine subscription. There is always Highlights (they have one for the younger set too), and National Geographic Kids. That way She’ll think of you EVERY month.
Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide
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How about a collection of something that only YOU buy for her every year? American girl was a good idea…..
Or how about a Build-A-Bear? You put a heart inside and make a wish….. and then there are all the accessories to go along with it.
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Horses? My dd is also into any sort of miniature playset w/ the smaller pieces the better (to step on!) Stickers. tiny stamps/stamp pads. little notebooks. special pencils. lmk if you want me to raid the sanrio/hello kitty store! A small ‘purse’, bag or pencil case to hold said treasures.
*hugs*
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Maybe you could make her something. That’d probably be extra-special to her… I know Kelsey really treasures the things people have made for her, and I’m sure something from you would be even more special to the Munchkin. And you also wouldn’t have to worry about weather she already has 12 of them, etc.
Something simple but special, like maybe a fleece tie blanket in her favorite colors that she could sleep with and think of you every night. Or a photo of the two of you made into a puzzle, so she could play with it and think of you. Or a totebag you decorated with fabric paint she could use for dance class. Just some ideas…
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Ahem, Ms. Editor, I meant “whether”, not “weather”.
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a musical snowglobe or a music box
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Something with her name on it… like those lands end sleeping bags? A tote that you could put some new barbies and accessories in? If you were going for the yearly something special gift I’ve heard of the pearl gift…each year you give a pearl and it goes on a spcial chain or whatever they put pearls on and eventually she will have a full string.
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[...] received some really thoughtful comments to my previous post lamenting birthday (and Christmas) present ideas for the Munchkin. Though, I’ve got to be [...]
I thought of the collector things and the handmade things too…those are great ideas.
What if you bought her a musical instrument and lessons? If she loves to dance, perhaps she’ll love the music to go along with it!
Also, I think the fire engine idea is a great idea as well…you could always be the Mom who brings out her inner boy ;)
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Dress up rocks. Anything messy is still fun. Hayley loved squishy playdough stuff at that age – the stuff that requires you to do something with it (like squash through the hole, make a fake playdough tooth, etc).
Oooh, she loved those electric bubblemaking machines too – the ones that crank out bubbles.
Oh also – those circle sleds rock too, big wheels, scooters. She was just into ones she could control herself but not quite off the training wheels on the bike.
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