Gift idea for 18 year old that you don't really know.

[shangchi]

I've started a new job and have had some training from my 18 year old colleague. She's been really helpful and has taken lots of time out to train me and even typed up notes for me.

She'll be leaving in a few weeks and going to uni but still be living at home. I wanted to get her a nice gift but something a bit more thoughtful than a box of chocs etc.

The problem is that she is very quiet and just does my training and doesn't really talk about anything else so I have no idea what she's into. I've tried asking what she'll be doing on the weekend but I can't get anything info from her!

Do you have any suggestions for gift ideas?!

Does she smell nice and wear make up?

I would go with a beauty voucher if she does.

Do you recognise any of her clothes as being from a shop such as Next or River Island etc? If so get a store voucher.

The thing my Dd would have like best at that time of life would have been a big bottle of vodka for her first term at university! But perhaps this girl is not such a party animal as mine was.
Boots may not be "cool" but I would think any teenage girl could find something to buy there (in the same way that an M&S voucher would be acceptable for any adult).
Alternatively Amazon; where she could buy books or supplies for her course or something for her room at University.

She's definitely not a party girl. She's quiet and a bit shy and just gets on with her work. She's not into fashion or make up.
A bottle of vodka would not go down too well!

Vouchers are a good idea! Thanks!
I'll be seeing her next week so will try and see what else I can get from her.

Waterstones voucher?

Does her chosen subject at uni give you any clues?

Thinking of the 18 yo I know and have known, anything from a lovely posh term time planner, to quirky stationary, to alcohol, to posh chocolates would be welcomed!

Starbucks voucher? Posh coffee cup to keep drinks hot? ASOS voucher?

You are lovely, and I'm sure that whatever you give her will be appreciated.

I think chocolates would be fine. I'd love a box of chocolates actually, might treat myself. I'm sure she'll appreciate any gift, it's the thought that counts

A Costa gift card goes down well with my girls (19/20). Most unis have a nearby Costa.

She may already have a lot of the bits and bobs for going to uni, so vouchers are probably the best bet. Unless it's the sort of item a student can do with more than one of such as nice mugs.

If she’s living at home, mugs probably won’t be needed. Personally, I think chocolates or a voucher from Boots etc would be fine. My student child loved a diary/planner, but many wouldn’t.

Amazon voucher

I'd say a voucher for the coffee shop on campus. I would have loved this as I never really wanted to say no when people were going for a coffee as I was trying to make friends, but it does soon add up!

Sorry, I missed the 'living at home' bit.

When I was going to uni my older colleague bought me a lovely silver necklace and a little dog teddy "so you're not lovely". I was so touched she was lovely!

I'm sure an Amazon card would be much appreciated

I probably wouldn’t do an Amazon card. Lots of people object to Amazon these days. My DD wouldn’t want an Amazon card.

Starbucks travel coffee mug for commuting? You could fill it with chocolates / instant sachets inside.

Waterstones card is a good one if she’s off to university. She can use it for text books and all sorts.

I came on to say vodka or Amazon card. But reading Lemonsyellow's post what about one of those gift cards you can get that can be used in lots of shops? One4all they are called I'm sure.

Papier notebook and a nice pen?

Or if your budget is smaller, Paperchase do some lovely notebooks.

@PivotPivotPivottt

I came on to say vodka or Amazon card. But reading Lemonsyellow's post what about one of those gift cards you can get that can be used in lots of shops? One4all they are called I'm sure.

Ooh yes those would be good!

When I was 18 and off to uni, pretty much all the adults I knew gave me copies of the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Don't do that! Amazon voucher, Waterstones voucher or nice stationery/ laptop sleeve would be likely to go down well. Or a good veg knife or cheese grater. These are things that she won't get at uni and will need.

Moleskine academic year diary?
Lovely fineliners in many colours (my DD likes the staedtler ones)
Sharpies
Voucher for Waterstones a PP mentioned is good, as she's sure to need books for her course or just to read, of course!
Cute houseplant for her room, such as Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus) or aloe
Maybe some sterling silver studs if she has pierced ears, like hexagons or triangles, something not fancy quite simple
Sample set of penhaligons scents (they have it on their website, around £20 I think)
Really nice biscuits in a tin
A reusable coffee cup for university
Cute fold up shopping bags
Nice socks (I like seasalt, so does my teenage DD)

@Mammyloveswine

When I was going to uni my older colleague bought me a lovely silver necklace and a little dog teddy "so you're not lovely". I was so touched she was lovely!

I would have vommed at this, sorry.

Sorry- reusable coffee cup means the ones with lids that are insulated for travel- I don't mean a mug!