Teen DD - so worried she is going to be disappointed !

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For various reasons I have left my Christmas preparations to the last minute. (stressed lone parent with lots going on). DD (17) has had a difficult year so I would like her to have a nice Christmas. She really doesn’t need or want much - but I know she does still want that magic of opening something special !!

it’s so hard to creat that magic. When I was that age we were not poor (but not wealthy - just average) but I guess no one had that much “stuff” so there was always something I wanted that I would not have got otherwise. DD has all the “tech” she needs and she definitely does not want a new phone just for the sake of it. She is also not into gaming.

I have got her a couple of small bits and her father has got her the only thing she did say she wanted (some noise cancelling headphones) - but he will be giving these to her when he sees her before Christmas.

just having a bit of a rant really - it’s the fact she doesn’t need/want much but when it comes to the day, she will no doubt be sad if there is not much to unwrap. She also knows her half siblings (her father’s children) will be getting lots of presents so it’s all very complicated…

Beauty products.
Hair dryer/ straighteners.
Jewellery.
Hat/ scarf/ glove set.
Pjs.
Ooodie.
Trainers/ boots
Books
Kindle
Bag/ backpack

Nice piece of silver jewellery maybe.

What have you got her so far? What budget to you have to spend this week?

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

reasonably large budget for the right things (my parents are also still asking want to get)

jewellery might be good! Ad maybe trainers. I stay away from clothes as there is only a 50% chance I will get it right!!

If she doesn't need anything, I'd go with jewellery too as a pp said^. Nobody needs^ jewellery, but it creates a nice memory if she hangs on to it, she might remember you giving it to her. In a way, her not needing anything is nice as it means you can indulge in something a bit sentimental.

Or on the off chance she has tonnes of jewellery, could you get her theatre tickets or something nice for you to do together?

There have to be a few bits you know she would like, if not want.

Beauty products is an easy win.

A hoodie from a brand she likes.

Jewellery in her style.

Clothes.

Trainers.

Books.

Uggs.

PJs from a nice brand.

Two of my boys (18&17) have both said they don't know what they want but would like presents to open....

I'm in the same boat as they expect the magic and it's hard!

I did this morning get some sports tickets for the eldest one that he will be pleased with, but apart from that I'm lost!

So far I have got her a couple of skincare things and a denim skirt as I know she wants one (contradicting myself about the clothes)

her other grandparents got her an oodie, but I know it’s a really nasty one from Amazon, so that’s a bit of a waste.

Oh OP it feels like a lot of pressure. We're in a similar situation financially and organisation wise and explained to ours that we were having a dialled back Xmas prezzie wise but we've still made an effort with the family things so gingerbread house and have plans for panto and we've done homemade bauble garlands to decorate the tree (which DH just got out loft an hr ago) I'm sure your DD will appreciate the thought and time you spend with her making it special rather than a gift. Play games, cook dinner together and give her control of Xmas films!

My DH has been really poorly with sepsis and we almost lost him and I've just had surgery for ovarian cancer so our boys have had a rubbish time but it brings in to perspective what is important - that you're there for her. She may be disappointed but I'm sure when she looks back she'll remember the time and thought over anything else. You're doing your best. That's what matters!

@GodDammitCecil yes, I think that’s a good approach. Nothing earth shuttering and amazing but trainers etc are always useful and appreciated!!!

Depending on your budget & if you’re planning on going on holiday next year - you could type a holiday destination & put it in a gift box to unwrap (with items linked to the destination like a rough guide book) - so she has the holiday to look forward to as her gift? - That would create the magic, even more so, if for example it was a weekend away to NYC, but depending on budget a uk holiday or day trip or something like that to look forward to?

@NeverAloneNeverAgain oh my gosh - hope you and your DH are well again soon. Makes me feel like I really have nothing to complain about. Hope you have a lovely Christmas.

Pandora seems to be in again with teenagers.

Nice toiletries, make up, make up bag/storage/fridge.
Oversized hoodie, lounge wear, those short uggs but I think they are sold out everywhere. Victoria secret body sprays.

I don't have a teen girl, so just going by what my friends DDs have been asking for.

I'm sure there might be a few threads with specific ideas of the in toiletries (ordinary,? sol de janeiro?)

Obviously this is pretty expensive but you said you had a large budget...
Tiffany jewellery seems to be all the rage at the minute ( they're all wearing them on the reality shows) and this necklace is £250

If she doesn't need anything what about booking an experience you can do together? For example if it was tickets to a show you can purchase a scratch card from Etsy to reveal what you are doing, buy a poster/soundtrack, programme etc and put it all in a gift box for her to unwrap

I got a lovely daughter bracelet in tk maxx today, first year dd is not for the big man. It's got cubic zircona stones daughter on side of bracelet and a couple of charms.
Bperfect eyeshadow palette set some books

What about tickets to something to look forward to like a show or concert ?…an experience ?? I know as a teen I really liked just opening money 🤣

Is she into beauty? If so what about?
Vouchers: for her nails/eyebrows etc.

Spa experience for you both or to take a friend)?? (Wowcher quite often have some fantastic deals)

Virgin experience days out...drive a sports car, hot air balloon, loads of opportunities to be honest.

Best of luck.

Does she need a new purse? Bag?

Is she into stationary? My girls really liked expensive pens and bullet journals etc.

Boots have 3 for 2 on certain hair care brands, can get some higher end stuff which is always nice.
Same with smellies.

Pandora always goes down well.

Does she drink coffee/tea? The Stanley flasks are all the rage atm

My teen was talking a couple months about how one of her friends has so much Vivienne Westwood stuff and if she had the money so would she.
turns out their sales are pretty good and for her a watch for £70! (I actually love it and one one for myself now hahah)

When DS was 17 I bought him a leather bracelet with a silver clasp and he still wears it - so jewellery is always a good bet. Does she like or have a Pandora bracelet? You could buy her one and some charms, or a Thomas Sabo one? They have lovely earrings and rings too.

I am lucky as DS still wants Lego!

Is she learning to drive? If so a block of lessons is always a much appreciated gift at 17! The teens I know also appreciate cinema, takeaway, or restaurant vouchers.

I second the tickets for a concert/show she wants to see. My DD2 (17 in Jan) mentioned a couple of people she really wanted to see and I've managed to get tickets for both as they weren't stupidly expensive. The concernts aren't until July and August but I know she'll be thrilled.