Is there anyway one of the friends might be willing to let you use their home? I was a single mom and my oldest bday is 7 days after Christmas this was the hardest time because you want both days to be special and i felt so guilty her dad was not in the picture. When buying gifts I over did it most of the time. Mine preferred the boxes then the gift. I have seen some amazing doll blankets and dolls made on here can she sew? The little one will see pictures and see that her parents were there and all of the loved ones that is all that matters. What does she enjoy the most? Does she like to play with the kitchen stuff? watch dvd's Art stands are fun the ones that stand at an A and have both paint/chalkboards. Maybe get the art stand for bday and some accessories for Christmas? Just some ideas