Just Kate Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 My mom is very generous and she purchases $100 gifts for all of her grandchildren each year For Christmas. Generally, she likes to do one big gift. For dd this year, we had trouble coming up with anything. She has already spent $50 on some smaller gifts, but would like a $50 wow gift to add to them. Of course, we can't think of a thing. This morning, I learned about the American Girl sale ($50 for Marie Grace). I don't really think that dd is ready for an American Girl doll, as she is only 5 years old. Also, she just got the Bitty Twins last year for Christmas and I want her to have a bit more time playing with them before she moves on. I went ahead and purchased the doll this morning, thinking that I will put her away for dd's 6th birthday next summer. While I am sure that dd would love her, she doesn't even know anything about her and that will give me time to point her out in the catalog and hopefully help dd to become excited about getting the doll. (Side note...dd loves all things American Girl, but she is just still more focused on the Bitties...I know she will love the bigger dolls when she is a bit bigger herself). So today I told my mom that I bought the doll, and of course she has asked if she can buy her from me to give to dd for Christmas. I told her that I would rather not, and she accepted my answer, but it is obvious that she is disappointed. She really wants to find something for dd for Christmas that will seem "big" and she is sure that Marie Grace is just the thing. Should I just give in? I feel a bit selfish keeping the doll and not letting my mom give her. On the other hand, I really don't feel that dd is old enough to really enjoy her. While dd knows about the big American Girl dolls, she just hasn't shown a lot of interest in them yet (still loves her bitty twins!). What would you do? Also, any suggestions for a $50 gift that my mom can give my dd? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 I would suggest that she get the Bitty Twins some new clothes or accessories. There are tons of fun things on the AG website. I would hold off on the M-G doll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Why doesn't your mom spend $50 on bitty baby accessories.? My dd loved all the bitty accessories. dd kept playing with bitty baby for many years and enjoyed getting new clothes for her as well as accessories for AG doll after she got one. I used to let my MIL have the WOW gifts. I decided on years I could afford a WOW present I would be the one to give it. Maybe I'm selfish. I haven't always been able to do WOW--varies by year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tita Gidge Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 I understand your Mom's disappointment, but I relate more to your plan of delaying the AG doll. There's no need to rush away from IB dolls to the AG dolls, especially when your DD isn't asking and there are millions* of other WOW gifts your Mom could give. What about a great little travel bag (kid-sized) that she fills with IB clothes and accessories? It'd be like a trunk show :) Gosh, at that age my girls like trunks full of their own dress-up clothes and accessories LOL. *I'll be back when I think of more LOL (What does your daughter like outside of her dolls?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Maybe your mom doesn't think the accessories are WOW. But they make bitty baby more fun. I think dd got bitty baby accessories every year from some for birthday or Christmas until she was 8 or 9. She got AG accessories until she was 11. She played with both heavily until age 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted December 5, 2012 Author Share Posted December 5, 2012 I would suggest that she get the Bitty Twins some new clothes or accessories. There are tons of fun things on the AG website. I would hold off on the M-G doll. Funny you should suggest that...my mom spent the first $50 on clothes for the bitty twins. Now we need something for her to spend the remaining $50 on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Do the babies have a good bed? DD had this one for her dolls. It was fabulous, well-loved, and definitely a WOW! ETA: Hmm. Looking at reviews now, don't know if I would recommend this exact one. We didn't have any problems with DD's crib but she got it probably in 2007, so maybe it's not as well-made now? Anyway, any baby bed and/or high chair combo would be good if she doesn't have those already. Maybe this bed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Maybe something like the changing table or travel seat? Those are fairly expensive, and would be pretty "wow" at our house, mostly because the kids know I'd never purchase something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted December 5, 2012 Author Share Posted December 5, 2012 Do the babies have a good bed? DD had this one for her dolls. It was fabulous, well-loved, and definitely a WOW! I am seriously cracking up here...would you believe that my dd has that EXACT bed? My mom got it for her two years ago! Dd also has a bitty baby (so yes, she actually has three bitties!), and that bed was originally for the baby, but of course the twins now use it as well. My mom spent the first $50 on bitty clothes (two girl outfits and one boy outfit). Dd doesn't really have room in her bedroom for any big doll furniture. Not sure what else she could get for the bitties? (she already has a double stroller and high chair!) She is getting a doll house for Christmas this year. Her other interests are Lalaloopsey, Littlest Pet Shop, etc. I know that's not the direction my mom wants to go. I was actually thinking of the U Draw for Wii. Maybe I will start a thread to see if anyone knows anything about this? Otherwise, I am all tapped out of ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted December 5, 2012 Author Share Posted December 5, 2012 Do the babies have a good bed? DD had this one for her dolls. It was fabulous, well-loved, and definitely a WOW! I am seriously cracking up here...would you believe that my dd has that EXACT bed? My mom got it for her two years ago! Dd also has a bitty baby (so yes, she actually has three bitties!), and that bed was originally for the baby, but of course the twins now use it as well. My mom spent the first $50 on bitty clothes (two girl outfits and one boy outfit). Dd doesn't really have room in her bedroom for any big doll furniture. Not sure what else she could get for the bitties? (she already has a double stroller and high chair!) She is getting a doll house for Christmas this year. Her other interests are Lalaloopsey, Littlest Pet Shop, etc. I know that's not the direction my mom wants to go. I was actually thinking of the U Draw for Wii. Maybe I will start a thread to see if anyone knows anything about this? Otherwise, I am all tapped out of ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 I am seriously cracking up here...would you believe that my dd has that EXACT bed? My mom got it for her two years ago! Dd also has a bitty baby (so yes, she actually has three bitties!), and that bed was originally for the baby, but of course the twins now use it as well. My mom spent the first $50 on bitty clothes (two girl outfits and one boy outfit). Dd doesn't really have room in her bedroom for any big doll furniture. Not sure what else she could get for the bitties? (she already has a double stroller and high chair!) She is getting a doll house for Christmas this year. Her other interests are Lalaloopsey, Littlest Pet Shop, etc. I know that's not the direction my mom wants to go. I was actually thinking of the U Draw for Wii. Maybe I will start a thread to see if anyone knows anything about this? Otherwise, I am all tapped out of ideas. :lol: That is funny! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 What about Calico Critters? It's not related to AG at all, but might be another direction for your Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Can your mom buy her an event? Take her to a play or something? A day at the zoo or a museum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Can your mom buy her an event? Take her to a play or something? A day at the zoo or a museum? Or a camp for in the summer. OR swimming lessons (anything swimming related would make my son go over the moon. Even 6 months out!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted December 5, 2012 Author Share Posted December 5, 2012 What about Calico Critters? It's not related to AG at all, but might be another direction for your Mom. Dd is getting a dollhouse with calico critters from Santa. Why is this so hard? I know that it shouldn't be!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Dance or gymnastic classes? Ballet shoes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tita Gidge Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 If there's nothing else she can or wants to buy, pocket it for a downline purchase - maybe even to the AG store for when your daughter DOES get that doll. It seems only your mom is hung up on keeping to the dollar amount; it's doubtful your daughter would notice (or care) that it were deferred to a later purchase. Does your daughter enjoy physical activity, too? Mini-trampolines can slide under sofas or beds for easy, out-of-sight storage. Roller skates or a new bike? A gift card bouquet consisting of one gift card to an event (movie, play) and a second gift card to an eatery, and maybe a third gift card to a clothing store to buy a special outfit (or just buy and wrap the special outfit).The gift is a date with Grandma, but the child still has something to open on the holiday. It may not have the immediate *WOW* factor your mom desires, but it would definitely be a big WOW to the little girl come redemption day. I speak from experience with a MIL who only wanted to buy stuff that was a huge immediate hit with the kids, but really - on the day they're getting so many things they love and have longed for, sometimes the gift with the most WOW is the one that still feels new once unwrapping is done and the actual holiday has passed. Is your mom local? Is your daughter into music and singing? What about a karaoke machine, or a pre-loaded iPod (maybe with docking station). Your daughter has her own room? What about a new theme - duvet/comforter, valances, wall decor, etc.? At five my daughter was very much into Fancy Nancy. One book in particular was about a spa day at home, including recipes (because the author must hate moms like me LOL). I put together a gift basket for DD with everything we'd need, including spa snacks. We invited my sisters and mom, and kicked out the boys. We had a lovely spa day at home, working out of the Fancy Nancy book. Is there a book or movie your daughter likes that might spark a similar gift? I'm completely unfamiliar with the Laloopsey franchise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 Dd is getting a dollhouse with calico critters from Santa. Why is this so hard? I know that it shouldn't be!!! Extra furniture for the doll house? The car? More families? My daughter has the camper on her list for this year. It was $49.99 from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted December 6, 2012 Author Share Posted December 6, 2012 Extra furniture for the doll house? The car? More families? My daughter has the camper on her list for this year. It was $49.99 from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. I know I probably sound like I'm being difficult, but... That sounds like a great idea, but dd will get her gift from my mom before Christmas morning. Therefore, she won't have her dollhouse yet. Sigh... We are really thinking of the Wii uDraw tablet. It came out a few years ago and got decent reviews, although I don't know that it was very popular. It sounds like something dd would love. And my mom is getting my 8 year old ds Skylanders Giants for Wii, so they will both end up with something fun for the Wii. Thanks for all of your help! I am glad that I got to hear your thoughts on letting my mom give dd the American Girl doll. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 Can I just saying reading this thread makes me wish for a daughter so I can play with American Girl dolls!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 Can I just saying reading this thread makes me wish for a daughter so I can play with American Girl dolls!!! You are welcome here anytime!!!! In fact we need some help putting all the AG dolls in their winter/Christmas outfits! It is quite a production when you have as many dolls as DD has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 We are really thinking of the Wii uDraw tablet. It came out a few years ago and got decent reviews, although I don't know that it was very popular. I would think twice before buying the uDraw thing. I have seen them selling for as little as $10 and I still didn't buy one, because a friend bought one for her dc and they hated it. Apparently, what you think you're drawing with the stylus is not at all what appears on the screen. My friend said it was very frustrating because the accuracy was so poor. She paid a lot for it when it first came out -- I think it was the Spongebob set, because I remember that they had that game -- and she also bought a few other games for it, as well. She said she wouldn't have minded spending the money if the uDraw thing had worked as advertised, but what upset her about it was that the kids were so disappointed and frustrated with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 I know I probably sound like I'm being difficult, but... That sounds like a great idea, but dd will get her gift from my mom before Christmas morning. Therefore, she won't have her dollhouse yet. Sigh... We are really thinking of the Wii uDraw tablet. It came out a few years ago and got decent reviews, although I don't know that it was very popular. It sounds like something dd would love. And my mom is getting my 8 year old ds Skylanders Giants for Wii, so they will both end up with something fun for the Wii. Thanks for all of your help! I am glad that I got to hear your thoughts on letting my mom give dd the American Girl doll. :) I don't know if it necessarily matters that she won't have her dollhouse yet. My DD had some of the CC families and furniture a year before she got the house. She just played with them on the floor. Good luck! I know how hard it can be to find the right gift. I'm struggling with finding things for my son this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 I know we already PMed about this, but in case anyone else is thinking of the uDraw thing... I checked with my friend and the version they had and hated was the XBox 360 one. The reviews for the Wii version are considerably better! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 there are girl-sized winter coats that match the american doll girl ones. we bought ours on ebay. the girls loved them for years and years (every few years i would need to go on ebay and buy the next sizes up. lol.... the dolls didn't need new ones ; ). here's the doll's coat we have http://www.ebay.com/itm/American-Girl-Doll-Samanthas-Holiday-Coat-NEW-IN-BOX-RETIRED-/221161856660?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item337e461e94 and here's the girl's coat http://www.ebay.com/itm/American-Girl-Samanthas-Holiday-Coat-/110985689188?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item19d7433864 there are others listed.... in our house, those were Very Big Hits. hth, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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