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Original poster

Good present for DS (16) to give his new girlfriend

65 replies

HairyMaclary · 13/05/2023 21:02

DS has his first girlfriend (aah!), they’re very sweet and taking things v slow, not least as GCSEs start next week!

It’s her 16th birthday soon and he does not know what to get her. We know no other teenage girls (male heavy extended family) so I thought I’d ask MN! I was thinking a small bracelet but he thinks that might be too ‘coupley’ as they are so new together. Is jewellery too much? Any other suggestions? Help please!

OP posts:
travelingtortoise · 13/05/2023 21:08

What does she like? What's she into? What does she enjoy?

'16 year old girl' could mean all kinds of types of person...

Original poster
HairyMaclary · 13/05/2023 21:55

I think that’s the problem, I don’t know her, only met her once. They both appear focused on revision and work a lot together, she seems kind and friendly. Neither of them are top of the ‘social pile’ at school but I have no idea what her interests are and I’m not really sure DS does either!

i think I was just after some generic ideas that he could give to mark the occasion!

OP posts:
strawberryjeans · 13/05/2023 22:20

A bracelet is a lovely idea and she (and her mum/sisters) will probably think ahh, what a sweet and caring boyfriend she has. I think it’s a perfect idea OP. I would also get a big bar of chocolate or small bunch of flowers.

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berksandbeyond · 13/05/2023 22:21

My now husband and I got together just before a ‘big’ birthday and he bought me a charm bracelet. A lovely gift that can be added to if they stay together…

MadridMadridMadrid · 14/05/2023 00:32

Does the girlfriend have close female friends at school? If so, I would advise your DS to ask them for ideas.

Twerpsichore · 14/05/2023 00:34

Bracelet is perfect.

ramonaquimby · 14/05/2023 00:50

I’d get a cuddly toy and some chocs or flowers. Jewellery is too much if it’s a new relationship at 16. In my opinion before anyone jumps on me 😁

reluctantadmissions · 14/05/2023 02:11

My daughter is soon turning 17 and recently started dating her first BF. She has spent the whole time wearing his hoody. I suspect she might like a hoody from him too but if that's too expensive she would also like a silver ring. Nothing expensive but just costume jewellery. Or a Waterstones voucher because she loves reading.

Or a photo of her and bf framed. Maybe from their prom.

BrokenWing · 14/05/2023 02:21

When Ds had his first gf, I told him to work it out. Look for hints/ideas when out with her, ask her friends.

He got her some powder stuff from an online protien place 🤣 (she is very athletic) and he said she really liked it. 🤷🏻‍♀️. They stayed together for a year so couldnt have been that bad!

I would say don't get involved.

Landofthemobilephones · 14/05/2023 02:27

Visit to cinema or bowling with food ?

Or something to wear

Does she have any hobbies ?

Jewellery at 16, no

sunshineandtea · 14/05/2023 02:39

Bracelet is too much (unless it's a bead/ friendship type one).

I'd go for stationary, book, flowers, little plant in a pot, etc, if they'd been together for 6m plus, a bracelet would be lovely though they're just brand new so a small gift is appropriate

HappiDaze · 14/05/2023 05:17

ramonaquimby · 14/05/2023 00:50

I’d get a cuddly toy and some chocs or flowers. Jewellery is too much if it’s a new relationship at 16. In my opinion before anyone jumps on me 😁

This

I know this as my DD is the same age and was delighted to get a soft toy from her long term BF

HappiDaze · 14/05/2023 05:22

It's gets harder though because you also have Christmas, valentines etc so best to keep it simple and not raise expectations from the start ie don't start off with Jewellery

HappiDaze · 14/05/2023 05:23

www.jellycat.com

Anything from here will always be welcome

sashh · 14/05/2023 06:47

A duruma?

They are a Japanese doll and can be made from plastic or ceramic or paper so they can be quite cheap but can be more expensive.

The different colours have meaning, red is for luck, so as GCSEs are coming up it could be a good choice.

Orange is for academic success.

She needs to think of a goal / what she wants and then colour one of the eyes in black. When she achieves her goal she should colour in the other eye.

https://japan-avenue.com/blogs/japan/what-is-a-daruma-doll

daruma

The History of the Daruma Doll and its Meaning

Discover the story behind the Daruma, a Japanese lucky doll. What does it symbolize? Where does it come from? You will find the answers in this article!

https://japan-avenue.com/blogs/japan/what-is-a-daruma-doll

DucksNewburyport · 14/05/2023 06:49

DS gave his girlfriend nice smelly stuff for her 17th, I think jewellery is a bit much at that age.

Frenchfancy · 14/05/2023 07:19

I have a 16 yr old DD. A cuddly toy or a plant would be better than a bracelet.

determinedtomakethiswork · 14/05/2023 07:23

I'm really surprised that people saying that 16-year-olds would like a soft toy from their boyfriend.

Mumof1andacat · 14/05/2023 07:35

Flowers, chocolates and a gift card for her favourite shop.

Popcorn640 · 14/05/2023 07:48

DNiece was very smitten when her newish boyfriend bought her perfume (not anything wildly expensive) and some nice flowers.

Jewellery definitely feels like too much - and is very personal taste wise, odds are it wont be something she'd have chosen for herself.

Treeonahill · 14/05/2023 07:51

The first gift DS bought his GF was a bracelet with her name on, we were in a Barcelona and he had it made at a little handicraft stall. He was 17 and four years hence they are still together.

clpsmum · 14/05/2023 07:52

Twerpsichore · 14/05/2023 00:34

Bracelet is perfect.

Not if ops do is not comfortable giving it is not and that's what she has said in her op

Phineyj · 14/05/2023 07:54

The 16 year olds I teach all love stationery. He could get down to Flying Tiger or WHSmiths for some fancy pens and post it notes.

Flowers are good too.

MrsPoliportsGoose · 14/05/2023 07:56

Flowers and pretty fairy lights to put up in her room. Jewellery is a bit too much, even if it's cheap.

Thack · 14/05/2023 08:04

Does her parents know she has a boyfriend? I didn't tell mine of my first bf.
At which point flowers would be embarrassing and over the top.

I'd have found it more lovey-dovey than a bracelet and not liked it. Friends and I would give (non experience) jewellery as gifts, I wouldn't call it too much.