what did you get from your parents for your 18th birthday?

[brimfull]

I need some ideas for dd.

So far watch has got a thumbs down.

I got a ring - quite a nice one as they go, but I don't really wear rings. The rule in my family is that it needs to last the rest of your life or something like - compared to other birthday presents which are allowed to be reasonably short term. I can't see anything wrong with a watch. I gave nephews silver beer tankards and nieces a locket, I think. Lockets are nice! Of course, I might have been more worried about my decision if I'd been their mum....

The plan was for a ring with my birthstone in it and a partially funded party - as it was I was three months pregnant, so made do with a low key BBQ and some maternity clothes

I got a gold watch and a flute.

We gave both DD's a full set of 'Good' Luggage each when one was 21 and one 18 a fortnight later. Some of that luggage has been RTW and still in use.

My parents were on holiday when I turned 18 They did ask me if I minded before they booked the tickets and I truly didn't till the actual day dawned and I really missed them. My grand-dad felt sorry for me, and made up for it by asking me to join him in a proper grown-up drink. It was only a glass of wine (a LARGE glass) but he made it into such an occassion...bringing out the good glasses, pouring it out, handing it out like it was nectar. He then asked me what I thought of the government and discussed it with me seriously.

I know it sounds shite, but it was the best day of my life. I felt so grown-up to be taken seriously by an adult!

Not much help for you OP, but I just had to share.

I can't remember - so obviously nothing particularly splendid

LastTrain, what a lovely grandad you had. . I have similar stories about my 18th and 21st birthdays and honestly cannot remember what my parents bought for me at all.

However, my grandma bought me a food processor to celebrate my A level results. She wanted to get me pearls, I think, but a food processor was more my style. And it lasted until a couple of ago (that's nearly 20 years).

Maybe your dd can come up with her own ideas for things that will be appreciated and will last?

me either - money i suspect cos i had a kid my then and was skint

My DD1 was 18 last week and said she didn't want jewellery until her 21st which left me a bit stumped. I ended up buying her a hip belt/pouch thing to put all her hairdressing stuff in and some of her favourite perfume. Also had a party in the garden for her and she had some lovely, thoughtful presents off family so she was very happy and it will be something she'll remember I hope.

Depends on your budget really. If I had the money I would have paid for driving lessons and test for her - in fact I'd probably have bought her a cheap, second hand car as well!

Awww at your Grandad LastTrain that's so sweet

thanks for your replies

lastrain-your grandad sounds lovely

she can't decide what she wants and I'm not sure what budget we have

maybe a few hundred

btw started two threads by mistake

My sister came back to visit as a special treat,she lived away, also mum organised a family party(am the youngest of 5), it was nice actually, very low key compared to the things people do for their kids today. food and drink, and my boyfriend at the time was even allowed!...mam was very strict working class..

LastTrain- your Grandad sounds lovely.

Their old car. Which they later sold because they changed their minds

I got a ring. If she likes jewellery, I'd let her pick something out. I got an opal ring for my 18th and a diamond pendant for my 21st and I still love both.

Also art - something more exciting than a poster of her favourite rock band. I got some prints that were nicely framed for my 16th. I don't like them any more, but I like the idea and still value them for what they represent.

i got new 'stuff' for going to uni - portable cd player and radio alarm clock and stuff..

Well I was in hospital after having Ds1 two days before I was 18, so a bunch of grapes I expect

They paid for me to go to South Africa.

Lasttrain, your grandad sounds like such a lovely man, what a great memory to have of your 18th.

I got a gold ring, in the shape of a King Cobra with ruby eyes, sounds horrid but I love it.

My dad bought it for me whilst I was in town with him, my mum had said I wasn't getting anything that expensive. My dad said it was just from him and not mum.

I think that was the first time i really saw my relationship with my mum as not quite normal.

An antique necklace - chunky withe a locket. I still wear it now but did choose it and had to contribute some money

earrings. promptly lost one of them on a heavy night out

I was given a violin.

Like other posters, I wanted something that would last a long time but would be used regularly.
I have to be honest and say I don't use it regularly (mainly because i'm lazy) but it still holds pride of place and I think of it fondly. and then promise myself i will get it out and play it more often....