The Youngest has been invited to a kid’s birthday party this weekend. It’s for a girl in his Grade 1 class. Which means I have to buy a present. A present for a little girl.
I myself haven’t been a little girl for a really long time few years, and even when I was, I wasn’t a very girlie-girl. And as this blog suggests – there aren’t any other girls in my house besides me. Nor do I have young nieces or god-daughters. In fact, pretty much everyone I know under the age of 10 has a penis.
So what the hell do I buy for her?!?!?!
That was the question I wrangled with as I aimlessly walked around the girl’s section of Toys R Us yesterday morning – for what felt like hours. It’s like a different country in those aisle, I tell you. A foreign land. A sea of pink and purple. Comprised of unfamiliar trinkets and unusual playthings.
What do 6 year old girls like? Well I’ll tell you. According to the marketing gurus at Toys R Us, if it’s pink or purple – they will like it. Because that seems to be the theme of any and all packaging in the girl’s section. Oh, and Hannah Montana. Judging by the vast quantity of Hannah items, all you need to do is throw her picture on a box and it’s as good as sold.
I considered taking the easy way out and getting her a gift card. But what 6 year old is impressed by that?
So I opted for a jewelry making kit that has 1,100 (!) beads in it – some are pretty colors and shapes, and some are alphabet beads. Which means that it could be considered mildly educational. A gift that tells the other Mom that I must be:
a) a really good Mom who values education and;
b) a cool Mom who likes jewelry.
Because that happens, doesn’t it? When we don’t actually know the other parents, we are judged by the gifts we send. So I always take great care to send gifts that are attractive to both the recipient as well as the parent. Because I don’t wish to be the subject of any post-party ridicule.
And so the little birthday Princess can make necklaces, bracelets and key chains for everyone she’s ever met and still have beads left over. I actually thought it looked kinda cool. And fun. And I think I’m going to put it on my own Christmas list this year.
So when I give you a handmade beady something-or-another, please act surprised.
18 Responses to “Entering Foreign Territory”
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October 23rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
I’ll take an ankle bracelet please, the colour of your chosing will be fine!!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
Anything pink or purple and with Hannah Montana’s face or a princess of some sort = gag me = perfect bribery for the 6 year old I babysit. So, yes, Toys R Us marketing gurus are sadly correct.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
I don’t know why you think you weren’t girly! You were the most girly of girls, loved pretty clothes, dolls, etc. You were not into sports or climbing trees. Everyone said you were a little lady. You have been around males so much that you now think you are like them. Too much testosterone in your life. Don’t let them beat the femininity out of you!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I promise to act surprised when you give my very own bracelet that you’ve made in my fav colours(Rich Regals) and perhaps a necklace too – thanks! You’re the best!! And thanks for the tip on what to buy YOU for Christmas
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
LOL…good choice.
I always tell everyone not to bring gifts…LOL. Just make her a card.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
This might just be your best blog yet. Pretty, pretty, pretty funny…
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I always go for Hello Kitty stuff. But, you know, that’s me.
October 24th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I like it – though you may get in trouble for the number of pieces. I am STILL yelled at by my cousins for the 100 block set i gave their daughter 4 yrs ago – even tho she loved it and it had the power to keep her quiet for extended periods of time – go fig!
happy sits saturday sharefest!
October 24th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Beady anything sounds wonderful! ;O)
Clydebank isn’t that far from me; I’m in Bearsden, anout 10 minutes away. x
October 24th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
happy saturday she will love it.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
It’s a great gift, until, as my sister-in-law points out every Christmas, you end up picking up little tiny beads out of the carpet and finding them everywhere. Oh well. Not my problem. The little girl loved it!!! As you know, the best most annoying-for-the-parents gifts are the most fun to give and why Aunty Deb and Uncle Pete are the best!!! Wait till you see what we got your kids for Christmas…….scared?????
December 24th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I would love that for Christmas! Visiting from the SITS link-up, have a lovely Christmas
December 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I have no children at all..so it’s tough for me too to buy for a kid when it’s necessary. I am proud to say I think I’m pretty good!
Visiting from SITS!
December 25th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Being a early elementary teacher I’m lucky – I can get away with giving books/educational toys – it may not always be the favorite but it’s a great standby;-)
December 25th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I have the same problem. I have four little cousins that live across the country from me that I only see about once a year. I don’t see them often enough to really know what to get them. 1100 beads —- wow! Did the other mom like it? ha – i hope they stay in their case and not in the floor! (-: I’m sure it was a great gift. I always loved crafts. I feel your pain. Sounds like you did good!
~Kathryn
December 28th, 2009 at 9:31 am
LMAO!! I feel your pain. I never know what to buy for little girls and there are more girls in my family then boys. I have no problem buying for boys. Give ‘em a truck or car.. even a cardboard box and they’re good to go. But girls.. no idea. They’re never happy with anything. Sooooo.. I go gift certificates xD
December 29th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I don’t have any nieces either. I would be lost. My nephew is easy. Dinosaurs and sharks. I can handle that.
January 4th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I think that you were talked about later ….1000 pieces??? I bet that mommy is still sweeping up beads! lol.
Stopping by from the SITS linky thing – hope the new year is wonderful for you!