What did you get your dd for her 18th birthday?

[Lilliput]

Dd is 18 in a couple of weeks and we are struggling with what to get her. She doesn't need tech, she doesn't do nice jewellery, she buys second hand clothes and has a pretty individual style.
She wants cash but I would rather get her a present.
Any ideas?

Art? Three of mine had paintings by local artists that were meaningful to them.

A Louis Vuitton bag and purse.

I can't remember what we gave DD for her 18th (2012) apart from driving lessons and a hot air balloon ride voucher - something she'd always wanted to do since she was small.

As an aside-Balloon company cancelled four trips (weather related etc) and then went into liquidation. Got our money back via credit card.

Rebooked a few years later, as a well done for passing exams after an extremely difficult period (MH related)

That was in 2017 and since then 5 bookings have been cancelled - (again weather related).

Then came covid- I think company has gone under as no one has replied to my emails or telephone calls.

I've given her the money now (back in the summer)

My sister recently turned 18, she is wonderfully independent, big on feminism and being eco-friendly.

I got her a couple of books which she loved:
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
What a Time to be Alone by Chidera Eggerue

A mini hamper full of reusable products; bamboo lunchbox and coffee cup, metal waterbottle, beeswax wraps, cotton pads etc.

And a nice bottle of champers

My parents got her some similar presents, plus a lump sum of money in premium bonds and cash for her to spend on whatever she wanted

I know you don’t want to give her the cash but if she’s asked for that, and you can, then do..!
I got cash for my 18th, some I saved, some I used to buy a couple of slightly more expensive pieces I wouldn’t have otherwise bought, some went on my first holiday without parents, after A levels!

DD was 18 in August, she got a diamond tennis bracelet (it's timeless and will see her through most events!), a white topaz necklace, a couple of charms for her nomination bracelet and some books.

She has just started Uni so instead of a cash gift we gave her 100pw living expenses (paid weekly). Unbeknownst to her there was a cash gift as well but that's tied up til she graduates.

Other ideas included a personalised reg plate for her car, a holiday (but Covid put pay to that) or flying lessons. Something to keep/treasure and something memorable was the aim.

Driving lessons or a cheap car if yoy can afford it.

We paid for our dd to go out to dinner with about 12 friends and have a meal/drinks, and bought champagne and vodka for a small party at home afterwards. We gave her a few little bits (clothes etc) but nothing pricey as the meal was £££.

My dd similar and not i to 'stuff' although we did get her a decent watch. Paid for a meal with a dozen mates, surprise cake etc. We went to Eurodisney for a couple of days too.

Is there anything at all she would want if you asked her?

My eldest was 18 in November and I couldn’t think of anything but really wanted to get something special she could keep. Settled on a Louis Vuitton purse which she absolutely loves.

Hard during lockdown, we were lucky enough to be able to go for a meal (no drinks though) and we managed to get a lovely cake made and decorate the house a bit.

Other gifts she got were: lots of nice jewellery, jewellery box, some make up, blankets/bedding, perfume, watch, money, clothes, trainers, champagne, glasses, alcohol. (And her favourite gift by far her boyfriend bought and was a mini picture painted by an actual sloth, a little photo of him doing it included!)

I hope your dd has a lovely birthday.

TAG Heuer and she wanted a weekend at a Spa Retreat with her friends.

Back in the day, I received a naice watch which I really wanted/appreciated/wore for 20+ yrs. I also received a Mont Blanc pen which I didn't really appreciate at the time. I still use have and use that Mont Blanc pen!

DS turns 18 late in the year. A cheap car/contribution/car insurance is what I'm pondering. An inter rail ticket sounds wonderful as is any sort of open ended travel/holiday voucher and if I wasn't so pessimistic about the rates of innoculation around the world, it would be a fantastic present.

I'm thinking of a nice leather backpack for my dd.

Five years ago now, ticket to Leeds Festival. Also nice ceramic pasta and cereal bowls to take to university. A vegan perfume.

We clubbed together with her grandparents to buy her a car. (We'd just sold dh's car as he was medially no longer able to drive).

Biba bag from house of fraser at the moment they have a good sale on so can get a bargain
They deliver so no problem with tiers
Dd dress at the time was vintage 60s and 70s, no good maybe if her style is different

Forever violin