My dd is 8, and she wants an ipad too, but she also wants a Barbie camper. I told her that I want an ipad as well, but I can't afford it. I do think I will get her the barbie camper and a magic set.

Instead of an amp for her microphone, what about a karaoke machine?

As an aunt I used to take my nieces for experiences - lunch and a movie
lunch and shopping
a trip to the zoo
doing pottery together

Is there a particular craft that your daughter is more passionate about? Maybe a calligraphy kit? A beeswax candle kit? A larger weaving loom? (check out Hearthsong for all of the above)
A sewing machine and class?

My DD has the same "problem" I'm going to take her on a girls trip to NYC and to see Annie on Broadway after Christmas.

I agree with the experience. Seeing show, or her favorite singer (even if the concert is months away, just give her tickets now). Mine loved when she got Ketty Perry tickets two years ago. Trip to NY to see kids Broadway show. Spa to do mani/pedi together and tea with cake. High tea in a nice place. We also gave one time a half day horse back riding in Blue Ridge Mountains. If you have enough money, you can do it for her and her best friend. We just did as a family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If all her friends are getting ipads and iphones, it will be a lame Christmas. An iTouch is a nice compromise but you are probably against those, too?

Why is being a lemming so important?

Op I would consider doing gift free b-day parties. Do a can drive or something if having too much stuff is an issue.

Alternately, have her clean out what she is not really playing with and a donate it. If they are American Dolls see if they can be used a place like McDonald's House, same with books or other pretty high end toys. A friend of mine also has her kid pick out what she is not playing with and joins the community yard sell. Her kid gets half the money and half goes toward a charity donation that the kid wants to donate to.

Anonymous wrote:If all her friends are getting ipads and iphones, it will be a lame Christmas. An iTouch is a nice compromise but you are probably against those, too?

Why is being a lemming so important?

Op I would consider doing gift free b-day parties. Do a can drive or something if having too much stuff is an issue.

Kindle?

Lots of people suggested American Girl dolls, although you did mention she has enough dolls. However, the American Girl Magazine is a great magazine that my daughter LOVES. We got her a subscription for it last Christmas and she has already asked that we renew it for her for this Christmas.

I have a 8yo niece who has " everything" and I struggle to find gifts that are personal but aren't toys.

Previous presents include monogrammed or personalized beach towel, an age- appropriate robe (terry cloth, generously sized), tote bag, sleeping bag, etc.

Every Christmas, I also buy her customized labels with her first name that she can use on her school supplies, for Valentines, for gear, etc.

"Everything" except Monster High, Bratz, video games, or an iPad or iPhone because her mother doesn't like them.

Why does your eight year old have everything?

My 8 year old niece wanted a password diary for her birthday. She also had a "spa day" party which was a big hit with her friends.

If all her friends are getting ipads and iphones, it will be a lame Christmas. An iTouch is a nice compromise but you are probably against those, too?

A spa day? She's 8, not 20.