18th birthday present for a girl

[InTheNameOfAllThatIsHonest]

My best friend's daughter is turning 18 this summer and I've started researching a good present for her. I'd like something that will last for years, not an experience/memory, but something she may even appreciate more later on if not now.

She is starting university (law) after the summer. My budget is up to £200. I've been looking at bags/laptop bags from Aspinal, Mulberry and Smythson and there are a few in the sale. Her parent are buying her jewellery so I don't want to go down that route. She already has nice luggage so that's a no go.

She doesn't really have many hobbies because she spends all her time studying or seeing friends, and is not interested in fashion. She lives in London, if that makes any difference. Any ideas about what I could get her? Thank you.

A full length mirror, or a dressing table mirror with lights and drawers?

I would have been to get a £200 laptop bag at 18. Give her cash so she can choose what she likes

Christ I would have been horrified to get a mirror for my 18th birthday!

I think a mulberry handbag sounds lovely. Or if that's too much some vouchers towards one.

Theatre tickets
A weekend away in a fancy place - Canopy and Stars have some lovely properties.
A velvetiser
Jo Malone goodies
Kate Spade goodies
Diptyque candles
Gin Subscription fro Craft Gin Club

I think a nice handbag would be good. She may want to choose it though.

I think engraved pen works well as an 18th gift with longevity, especially in the circs you describe. We have done this and was well received.

Velvetiser sounds good

Mulberry bag is a great gift but for £200? Maybe a purse?

My soon to be 18 year old would hate all of those gifts! I don’t think 18 year olds really care about “special” gifts that they will appreciate in the future!

My godmother got me a bangle for my 18th which I still have, it's very plain so has transitioned well throughout my different styles/life stages.

@Doidontimmm

My soon to be 18 year old would hate all of those gifts! I don’t think 18 year olds really care about “special” gifts that they will appreciate in the future!

Don't get them for your 18 year old then. Plenty of other 18 years old would like them.

My DD got lots of cold hard cash and was delighted. She bought herself an iPhone.

DD was 18 last year, we got a piece of jewellery specific to one of her interests.

She really did want a laptop bag for uni so we got a Knomo backpack which she uses everyday and loves.

Some antique books.

A large book token to help with uni book costs, some expensive perfume and cash.

Its not easy!!

@MrsEricBana

I think engraved pen works well as an 18th gift with longevity, especially in the circs you describe. We have done this and was well received.

It's a nice idea, but I would be really pissed off to receive an engraved pen, and I know my friends would be too. Not only is it boring but it's a waste of money also.

I do believe that a nice handbag or laptop bag is still the front runner - she will be able to use it when she goes to uni and/or when she starts working. I love my leather laptop bag and know that many people prefer one to nylon or canvas ones, especially when you travel to see clients.

I can't remember what I got for my 18th!

I would just give cash, to be honest. I definitely wouldn't buy a handbag or anything else stereotypically feminine. If you don't know her well enough to know what she would appreciate, then cash is the best.

I made up a hamper for my niece's 18th the usual sweets and drink that she liked but also so nice make up, jewellery and some vouchers for beauty treatments. Went down really well!

@Fearnyleaves I won’t! I was just trying to make the point all 18 year olds are different and like different things!

Handbag or laptop bag would be good, but I would say let her choose it. My 18yr old DD is very particular about what she likes and I can never predict it!

Mason Pearson hairbrush

Does she have any AirPods? They’ll be something she’ll use everyday and something out of budget for most teens.

Does she have a bike? A bike with a decent lock is something that will last for years - depending on what city she’s going to uni in it could save her on travel costs?

I didn’t love and appreciate my 18th presents until years later. Classic jewellery, a gold bangle and some earrings. I am so glad I was given them now though.

18 is still young. My daughter is 18 in May. She wouldn’t thank me for mulberry or aspinal. I have both that might influence her view!

I also don’t think they’d be in the £200 bracket unless you go vintage and nothing wrong with that!

But everyone is different. My daughter’s friends would probs go for MIchael Korr. Daughter…probs something cool and vegan.

Interestingly she has a velvetiser and wants a coffee maker for uni so those may be food for thought.

It is lovely you are putting so much thought into the gift. You know her so trust you instinct and get a gift receipt!

[quote Doidontimmm]@Fearnyleaves I won’t! I was just trying to make the point all 18 year olds are different and like different things![/quote]
Then how about making some suggestions and contributing something useful to the OP's thread then, so she has some more ideas?!