I think the idea of not making a shoulder strap is a good idea. Not only for safety but most little girls just want to hold the handle anyway. As the bag probably won't be very big, the handle does not have to be long. Just audition a strip of fabric for the handle and see what looks right in porportion to the bag. Little girls are short so you don't want it to drag on the ground when she carries it. Although you sound a little frustrated with the request, reasonably so, just think how proud and happy that little girl is going to be with a bag like her grandmas. It is the little things that make our children happy. Bless you for fulfilling this request. Your daughter owes you one!