| Kids love opening "real" presents-don't resort to | | | | enjoy pretend play. If you provide your daughter |
| offering a gift card for your next birthday gift. | | | | with a pretend house or kitchen, you are |
| You can offer a fun present that your child (or a | | | | providing her with the opportunity to play |
| friend) will enjoy playing with, and get some other | | | | "pretend", and role play as well. |
| real benefits as well. Choose outdoor toys to | | | | 6. Bicycle, Skates, or Skateboard: Provide a fun |
| encourage physical activity, or an art set to get | | | | way to get around, and add a matching helmet |
| the creative juices flowing. Consider bringing one | | | | and safety gear as needed. |
| of the following "girl" gifts to your next party: | | | | 7. Cooking or baking set: Depending on your child's |
| 1. Barbie with clothing: If you are at all crafty, you | | | | age, you can provide a "real" set of cooking |
| can knit, crochet, or sew a unique, one of a kind | | | | utensils, and possibly some cooking lessons. If |
| Barbie wardrobe. Looks for scraps of sparkly and | | | | your child is interested, you can seek out classes |
| embroidered fabrics or yarns to make your child's | | | | in cake decorating, artisan breads, or other |
| Barbie the best dressed on the block. | | | | specialty items. This gift is not limited to |
| 2. Sewing Machine: Choose a basic "grown up" | | | | girls-many boys enjoy cooking as well! |
| sewing machine equipped with a simple zigzag and | | | | 8. Art set: Assemble your own art set using a |
| straight stitch for an older girl. Girls under 9 may | | | | tackle box and basic art supplies. Include paint and |
| prefer a child sized machine with the same | | | | brushes, paper, pastels, canvas, scissors, and |
| functions. Include a basic sewing book and some | | | | other fine art supplies. You can also include a |
| fabrics to get her started. This is an "old | | | | collapsible easel for your budding artist to work |
| fashioned" gift, but learning to sew and craft at an | | | | on. |
| early age promotes both creativity and manual | | | | 9. Scrapbook Set: Select or make a scrapbooking |
| dexterity. | | | | kit, including an album, specialty papers, scissors, |
| 3. Salon Trip: Plan a mini salon day, including a | | | | punches and stickers. Include an inexpensive |
| haircut and style, and a simple manicure and | | | | camera, and your child can scrapbook using her |
| pedicure. This is a great way to spend some one | | | | own photos. |
| on one time with your daughter, no matter how | | | | 10. Petting Zoo party: If your child is the birthday |
| old she is. | | | | girl, rent a petting zoo for the big day- hire a |
| 4. Sports Equipment: Sports are not just for boys! | | | | travel petting zoo for the day. These small |
| Most little girls will enjoy a t-ball set or similar item, | | | | businesses will set up in your backyard, and bring |
| and girls of all ages can play basketball or soccer. | | | | along a variety of kid-friendly animals for your |
| Playing sports builds confidence and fitness, and a | | | | child to meet and learn about. The best travel |
| child that enjoys sports will develop healthy habits | | | | zoos include an "animal talk" as well, and let your |
| that last a lifetime. | | | | child and her guests meet and learn about animals |
| 5. Play House or Kitchen Set: Even young toddlers | | | | right in your own backyard. |