my 6 year old daughter has put these

delain

DD1 had a DS at 7th birthday, she's now 8, it cost me £45 on ebay. She's always had the trade-ins from game etc that cost about £5 each, in fact £5 is the going rate for nintendogs and most DS games that have been out ages (and lets face it she won't know or care that it's not new out).

Meadows

Deals wrote: »

i seem to have seen boys play games only on those and i would not like her wasting her time like that! or am i judging and do they actually learn something with it?
oh and forgot she wants another cat! or a dog - though not sure am ready for a dog yet!

Given the right game you may learn something but they are more for fun, if you bought her educational games then she probably wouldn't like them.
If you bought one of the ones mentioned it would have to be more of a family console where she could play along with you on some of the more appropriate games. Too often young children are plonked in front of TV's, DVD's Game Consoles as it is an easy option where adults leave them to it. Why not look for some good family participation Board Games, Jenga, Connect Four etc type games where she can have fun with you.

If you buy a pet guess who gets to look after it

Counting_Pennies_2

We have a Wii and got it last year for new years eve to see in 2010. My DS aged 6 loves playing on it and is great when friends come home to play. He plays a variety of MarioKart and my DD 3 attempts a Peppa Pig Game, but really we do it for her and is just to keep her happy to say she has had a 'go'. We have not allowed him any of the other games, he wants a Ben 10 game to go on it, but I am putting my foot down. I don't want any fighting or shooting games. He does also play a lot with the Wii Sports package that came with the Wii and they love doing tennis and bowling when friends come to play. Also a great family thing to do.

I have been not keen for DS to have a DS, all his friends do, but I worry because it is very much a lonely thing to do and I want him to enjoy socialising. Plus he does get a little hot headed if he plays on a friends. We are putting that off!

From my understanding an Xbox is fairly similar in terms of it is a games machine, so wii and PS3 are all under that sort of bracket in my head.

In terms of a mobile phone, even the 'coolest' kids in my DS class don't have one of these. They do all talk about it in the playground, and all have one on their lists, but all the parents are laughing at the suggestion!

delain

I bought Jenga for my twins' 6th birthday. They still use the blocks to build imaginary things :rotfl:

Sarahlou_2

Hi

I'd probably go for the DS, lots of great games for little girls - all the lets pretend type ones (cant think what they are called!!)

My son, 6, has one - he plays FIFA on his when he manages to drag himself away from his football. It is a god send on very long journeys or when Mummy is going somewhere boring like the doctors......

This year we are getting the Wii - however it is as much for me and my DH to play on . We've got the FIFA 11, Mario Kart and Donkey Kong games and the Wii Sports and Sports resort came with the bundle. Can't wait for Xmas day!!!!!!

I wouldn't go for a mobile - far too young IMO.

Hope that helps!

Counting_Pennies_2

PS. I agree with the poster above about board games. My children both love Guess Who, Connect 4, Operation Head, Snap, Frustration

Sarahlou_2

delain wrote: »

DD1 had a DS at 7th birthday, she's now 8, it cost me £45 on ebay. She's always had the trade-ins from game etc that cost about £5 each, in fact £5 is the going rate for nintendogs and most DS games that have been out ages (and lets face it she won't know or care that it's not new out).

Great point - we always go for the pre-owned DS games.

Sublime_2

Deals wrote: »

on her list to santa:
1) nintendo ds
2) wii game
3) x box
4) basic mobile phone...

i am not sure of the differences on these games. i like her to learn stuff and woudl like to get the best option. obviously price IS an issue so good to know price options too!
any tips anyone please!

The Ds would probably be the most cost effective out of the consoles long term, and she can also play solo.

With regards to the phone, my DD is getting this one, only because it is was a freebie given to me (with £10 credit pre-loaded) when I took out a mobile phone contract. It states unlimited texts, so may be good as a stocking filler.

Redman30

A DSi/DS would be fine, you could even get Nintendogs for it, and that will cover the looking after a dog thing virtually

My niece is getting a DS for xmas, she's 6 and it has to be pink :P She's getting 'Art Academy' a game which supposedly help you & shows you how to draw, and 'Style Boutique' to cover off the dresses/fashion malarkey. There are education games out there for the DS too, it's worth having a look on play.com, or Game and seeign what's available.

Do NOT get an xbox360, they're way too advanced for a 6 year old, and most of the available things will be fairly unsuitable. A Wii would be fine, but will take up your whole living room with kiddies jumping around.

stumpycat

Deals wrote: »

i seem to have seen boys play games only on those and i would not like her wasting her time like that! or am i judging and do they actually learn something with it?
oh and forgot she wants another cat! or a dog - though not sure am ready for a dog yet!

Lots of girls play on DS as well - and you can even get her a virtual pet to look after:
http://www.toysrus.co.uk/%280083249%29?aw_link=aw&cm_mmc=Affiliate%2fAwin-_-102563-_-Text-_-DeepLink

As for learning - kids take in information like sponges. Even in basic games they are working out strategies and tactics without realising that they are 'learning'!