Birthday gift ideas for an 11 year old ?! Help!

peachyprice

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Shopping trip is usually included in her birthday...but my problem is setting the money limits really, I don't have an unlimited amount of cash and she doesn't appreciate that....so it ends in a strop.

I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot of stick for spoiling her..which I fully expected. But thanks for all the suggestions..it's helping me

Does she have a bank account yet?

If not you could get that for her and put the amount that is your limit into it for her to spend on whatever she wants, that way she know the limit and once it's gone, it's gone.

My daughter has a really good HSBC account, it's a current account with a savings account attached, her pocket money goes half and half into each account. It comes with a proper Visa debit card, all very grown up.

Perhaps if she can actually see how fast money goes she may appreciate everything she has a bit more, otherwise she's on heading to being one very unpleasant, spoilt, materialistic madam.

stir_crazy

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Shopping trip is usually included in her birthday...but my problem is setting the money limits really, I don't have an unlimited amount of cash and she doesn't appreciate that....so it ends in a strop.

Instead of taking your daughter on a shopping trip where you are paying for everything - maybe give her the amount you want to spend in a card then take her on the shopping trip? She'll get to spend her birthday money and perhaps realise that she can't buy everything she wants if she has the budget.

peachyprice

Troutwrestler wrote: »

I completely agree. But unfortunately I can't say no to her,

Yes you can, if you want to.

Lots of people have children who are ill when they are babies, doesn't mean they ruin their lives by spoiling them rotten, quite literally.

balletshoes

Troutwrestler wrote: »

I completely agree. But unfortunately I can't say no to her,
I have thought about a zoo keeper for a day experience? I think she would like that as part of her present

yes, if you think she'd like that, the zoo keeper experience could be a good gift - can she unwrap it, does that fit her criteria lol?

I'm a bit concerned for the both of you when you say you can't say No to her. What happens when she says she wants to stay out all night? Go to a party where there will be alcohol and she's totally underage? Anything really where she doesn't see any risk or danger, she doesn't see a big deal, and you do? Those days are all coming soon for you, what will you do then, when she's used to complaining and stropping and then getting what she wants when she does?

tyllwyd

I'd agree with people who say not to get an iphone - if she already has a blackberry plus ipod and ipad, what will the iphone do that the others don't?

My 14 year old has just got into music, so she has really appreciated a mini stereo for her bedroom. I thought of a speaker dock for her ipod, but I have a feeling you will say that she already has that ...

To be honest, it seems crazy to spend a lot of money on something she doesn't want or need just for the sake of buying a birthday present. As other people have said, why not just tell her that you will be buying small things this year because she's already had a day out and lots of riding stuff recently? If she kicks off, maybe it's a bit of a wake up call that she's been a bit over-indulged and it might be a good idea for both of you if you reign it in.

Troutwrestler

She does have an iPod dock

The bank account idea is fab actually..I'm sure with my bank she can get a debit card at 11... So I could top up her account and she could spend it herself... Really liking that idea and I'm sure she will too.

Re the spoilt comments... I know how awful it sounds that she has all these things but tbh...all her friends are the same so it's not unusual. Se has her stroppy ungrateful moments but she's a good girl.

I have been told for years to reign her in...but I just find it impossible to say no. I really must try harder though.

lika_86

How about a book? Something that won't rot her brain. It won't flash or light up or allow her to communicate with the world about all the fab things her mummy is buying her but it sounds like she's a bit of a vapid and spoilt child and so could do with broadening her horizons. She's 10! Just because it's not unusual amongst her friends doesn't mean it's ok.

Stop this princess syndrome now.

balletshoes

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Re the spoilt comments... I know how awful it sounds that she has all these things but tbh...all her friends are the same so it's not unusual.

Ah that old chestnut - old as the hills that one :rotfl:. I get that from my DD - doesn't stop me saying "if you have the money for it, you can have it, but I'm not paying for it".

CH27

Troutwrestler wrote: »

She does have an iPod dock

The bank account idea is fab actually..I'm sure with my bank she can get a debit card at 11... So I could top up her account and she could spend it herself... Really liking that idea and I'm sure she will too.

Re the spoilt comments... I know how awful it sounds that she has all these things but tbh...all her friends are the same so it's not unusual. Se has her stroppy ungrateful moments but she's a good girl.

I have been told for years to reign her in...but I just find it impossible to say no. I really must try harder though.

You must as you are in danger of creating a monster who is never satisfied with a gift & will demand more & more.
She'll never be happy with what her future friends or partners buy her as it won't be good enough.

Clamp down now!

SavingPennies_2

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Shopping trip is usually included in her birthday...but my problem is setting the money limits really, I don't have an unlimited amount of cash and she doesn't appreciate that....so it ends in a strop.

I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot of stick for spoiling her..which I fully expected. But thanks for all the suggestions..it's helping me

What's wrong with a small gift gratefully received...

Buying a new iphone 6 months after a new blackberry is ridiculous, most adults wouldnt even do that.

You've already booked her a hotel, meal out and a shopping trip....seriously...that is more than enough.

I hope she enjoys her day, however if she thows a strop after all that, I think you need to re-evaluate your spending on her.