Just when I thought....

[stayawake]

I wouldn't have to go out to any nasty mall this shopping season (because I'm DONE my Christmas shopping!) my daughter brings home an invitation to a birthday party! My daughter is 4, birthday girl turning 5. Miranda's never been to a birthday party that wasn't a family party before... now I've got to think of a gift for this girl.

Is it rude or weird to ask her mom what she's into?

What are your go-to birthday party gifts?

My daughter isn't into Hannah Montana or HSM or any of that stuff that it seems the other kids in her class are (from their backpacks and logos on their clothes, anyway) My daughter still wants to watch Little Bear and Blues Clues! Although she's getting into Disney Fairies, I don't know if this girl would think anything like that (fairies, littlest petshop, my little ponies, etc.) is too babyish?

[SmallMoments]

My go-to gift is a Cranium game. Hulabaloo is a fun one- Luke will be six in February and he still likes to play it. :)

[kresta]

Not rude or weird at all to ask. I would.

[alansrock]

Not rude or weird at all to ask. I would.
ITA! ON a side note, I actually appreciate it when someone asks me what to get for my boys.

[jessica31876]

if all else fails a giftcard is a good idea. I also dont think Littlest Pet Shop is to babyish. My daughter (who just turned 18) still likes them LOL. She doesnt "play" with them but still has some from when she was younger and told me that she saw some she wanted...just to sit on her shelf though. Going by what my neice likes Id say all those things you mentioned are good as are baby dolls, barbies etc. Also puzzles, games, books are good for birthdays

[scrap2day]

I don't think it is rude at all to ask the mom.

For the record, I'm old school and think that many of our children are growing up too fast and being exposed to too much too early. Little Bear and Blue's Clues are appropriate shows for a 4 year old. :)

[nun69]

I would definetely ask and also agree that if all else fails money in a card! Let your DD make the card~~~ My DD {16} makes ALL of her friends birthday cards and they love it! Makes it uniqure and special!

[robinforman]

For the record, I'm old school and think that many of our children are growing up too fast and being exposed to too much too early. Little Bear and Blue's Clues are appropriate shows for a 4 year old. :)

Totally- that is what mine watches, too (she's 4/5)

I have a recommendation for a game, too. The name is Zingo and it is a twist on bingo. There are picture tiles and a little shuffler thing. Maddie got it for her fourth birthday and it is seriously her favorite toy EVER! I HIGHLY recommend!

[rachaelsscraps]

Not rude or weird at all to ask. I would.

Ditto- that way you know what she likes, and you won't get her something she already has at home :)

[Sarah8914]

Yeah, I'd ask. We gave my 5 year old her first party a few weeks ago and the invitation was Littlest Pet shop themed so people would know... and they did. It worked great!

Everyone has good ideas, my DD doesn't even know who Hannah Montana is, that's way too old for her to me. She loves princesses and Littlest Pet shop.

[stayawake]

Thanks everyone for the suggetions! I was thinking a board game, since that's ALLL my daughter wants to play. My daughter is really excited to buy her friend a present, so I think that I'll need to buy a something rather than cash or a gift card. I'd feel okay giving that to my niece (I do!) but I think a gift is what I should do this time around.

This little girl (who's having the party) came to school this morning in full Hannah Montana branded clothing INCLUDING high-healed knee high black boots with buckles all over them. It's not a Hannah Montana party (its a bowling party!) but sheesh that's way too old for my little girl! I'm glad I'm not the only one out there who thinks so. :)

[newfiemountiewife]

My go to gift?

Money in a card. Little kids love money. At least mine do LMAO

For that age, I agree on the LPS, those Ponyville things, Polly Pockets.

[neenee]

Not rude at all to ask. Better to spend your $ on something that will be used and loved. Kwim? I usually always give cash or a gift card. I know it isn't as personal but, at least they will get something they will use. :)

[jaylensmom]

I would ask...My son just had a party and several of his classmates parents asked me what he was into...although I told them anything was good because I don't want people to feel like they have to buy something...it's funny because without telling them what he liked he got some pretty cool gifts...he did get money from one class mate but he was way more into the gifts...

[rochelle789]

My daughter is also into things that I feel are appropriate for 5 year olds - like ponies, princesses and fairies. She isn't into Hannah Montana or HSM or things like that. I don't know. I just think those things are for older kids. When she goes to parties, I let my daughter pick out the present. Maybe a Barbie? Good luck finding one that doesn't look like a prostitute though. LOL! No, I'm kidding. You can find appropriately-dressed Barbies that aren't that expensive.

[WalkersMommy]

I think it's nice when people ask :)

I agree, I think Hannah Montana is too old for 4-5 year olds. My niece is 4 and knows all the songs, wears the clothes, etc, and it freaks me out a little lol. I mean, Hannah Montana kisses boys lol! I know there could be worse things for kids to witness, but IMO that's too young for a 4-5 year old to be wathcing.

[wvasweetness]

I don't have any suggestions, but just wanted to say that I read through this whole thread very intently... I know nothing about young/teenage girl stuff. LOL.

[jocelinsmommy]

Yeah, I'd ask. We gave my 5 year old her first party a few weeks ago and the invitation was Littlest Pet shop themed so people would know... and they did. It worked great!

Everyone has good ideas, my DD doesn't even know who Hannah Montana is, that's way too old for her to me. She loves princesses and Littlest Pet shop.

My DD is fixing to be 4...and is alllllllllllll about littlest pet shop. It's basically the ONLY toys she has. I went into her room the other day and took out all the toys she doesn't play with and gave them away to charity because all she cares about is littlest pet shop. She has even requested it for her next birthday party. So at the ages of 4 and 5 littlest pet shop, my little pony etc...are very approiate. at least in my opinion :)