Essential classics

[PETRONELLAS]

Was reminiscing about things our Nan gave my (female) cousins and me when we were young like a Denman hair brush and a ‘housecoat’ from Liberty. I’d like to do similar for my teenage niece - any ideas? Good quality items small that are £20ish, sort of old fashioned classics. Not in realms of Cartier watch but if you have one you’re ever so lucky!

This is such a lovely question - but I suspect you are doomed to receive disappointing answers.

How old were you when you were 'young'? And when was this golden era? Because I'm not sure the traditions you're recalling stand up to our 21st century throw-away culture. And I doubt that the young would place any lasting value on anything costing £20 when it would be so easily replaced at the click of a device key.

The only exception I can think of might be a book or two, specifically chosen to mark a particular stage of life. Gormenghast or The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie spring to mind.

But clothes - no. Unless maybe a beautiful cashmere sweater or scarf. They'd lose gloves ... Jewellery would cost a lot more (and even then there's no guarantee they'd appreciate your taste).

Sorry! I tried giving a teen a meaningful, best of its type gift a while ago. A duplicate of something I use almost every day myself and which would actually have been of use to them. The gift remains immaculate and untouched on a shelf years later ...

Oh no! I’m so sorry about your gift. I love your answer though and think you’re right. I’m mid 40s and treasured nice gifts - still do. You’re so insightful - hadn’t thought of that perspective. Thank you.

Kids in family used to receive a parker fountain pen on their 10th birthday.

Maybe stationary is worth looking into?

It’s a lovely idea (but I’m in my 40’s too!)

What about some luxury things which are not necessarily to be kept forever, but that would be treasured?

I’m thinking cashmere socks, a beautiful mirror compact, a Jewellery box perhaps?

My disclaimer to this is that I have an 8 year old boy so no experience of teen girls!

If your young are worthy of the effort have a look on the Folio Society website. Not much for £20 (except at sale time) but their books are definitely treasurable.

Really, given the proliferation of consumer goods, I'm inclined to think the best thing adult relatives can offer teens is introduction to an interest or activity - something you love and can share joyfully. Theatre, cooking, dressmaking, dry stone walling, whatever. Just something that isn't labelled 'self-care' on YouTube ...

I was about to say mirror compact too. I have one from about 30 years ago and still treasure it.

A good quality manicure set for men and women.

Maybe a pair of pearl earrings, with those secure backs to stop them getting lost? (Covid masks and earrings are an unfortunate combo IME though). Not sure how much pearl 20 pounds would get you, but you probably get my drift.

Well, quite apart from anything else, you won't get a Liberty housecoat for £20 (the only one under £150 is one that looks like a cheap bathrobe).

Denman still make brushes, under £20, but they all appear to be plastic (and sold in Superdrug) and I can't imagine any teen would be especially impressed by them. One of those Dyson stylers is more the sort of thing.

String of pearls? Silver RFID case? Kitchenaid?

(because no-one is going to think someone "ever so lucky" to have been given something that cost twenty quid)

I remember receiving a Clarins gift set (cleanser & toner) from an aunt and feeling so so lucky. I know it’s not a keepsake as such, but it felt like such a luxury at the time that I would never have bought myself.

My grandparents always used to give us a decent watch for our 18th birthdays, engraved on the back.

My parents gave me pearl studs for my 16th. I was 🤔 at the time, but I got it as I got older. I don’t wear ratings at all much, but they are nice to have.

For a teen style classic, I’d get DM boots! But a lot more than £20!

For £20, maybe a lambswool scarf?

Turtle Dove fingerless gloves. The answer to all MN present queries!

Chanel compact - there’s one with just a magnifying mirror if you don’t know the colours that might suit them.

Contigo mug.

A good make-up brush from Mac, or a larger and cheaper set of brushes from Superdrug.

Mason Pearson mini hairbrush.

Tweezerman tweezers.

A credit card Swiss Army knife.

Tea at Claridges or the Ritz.

Compact mirror is a good one (a must if you wear contact lenses), as is a small swiss army knife.

It's not the amount it costs, it's whether or not it will be treasured.

I was also going to suggest the Chanel mirror, or one of their nail polishes, Rouge Noir is a classic!

When I had my ears pierced my grandma gave me a tiny china dish to put my earrings in when I took them off at night, I still use it 40 years later.

Leighton Denny crystal nail file is a classic IMO

Proper compact mirrors are nice, I don't carry one around with me as I don't really apply make-up outside the house (although I do wear contact lenses, I'm not sure what difference that makes?) but I do keep one in my bedroom for close up make-up application, applying eyelash tint etc.

A silk pillowcase or silk turban. In the age of Instagram, girls know the benefits for hair and skin.
Something silver from Tiffany, but over £20 unfortunately.