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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

DD's 18th Birthday

19 replies

MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 22:41

Help! Planning an evening at a restaurant with a few friends, then a lunch with extended family and godparents - but haven't yet decided on her present! She had jewellery for her confirmation around a year ago so nothing obvious there. Would like to surprise her. Thinking of a Center Parcs weekend for her and 3 friends. Any thoughts / advice / suggestions gratefully received. Btw, I have two days to sort it out! Not sure how this happened when I have had 18 years to plan!!!!

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almostanotherday · 22/04/2013 22:43

Car? Driving lessons?

Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 22:46

Car too expensive and I'm afraid we are already committed to lessons. But thank you!

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MaureenMLove · 22/04/2013 22:48

I like the idea of the weekend away actually.

I have an 18 year old DD this year too. She wants to go out on the lash with me and my bessie! Bless her. She doesn't even like alcohol! Jolly good. She can drive! Grin

Monty27 · 22/04/2013 22:48

Dd was 18 two years ago. I gave her a ring that was my dm's and a beautiful framed photo of my dm when she was young (sadly deceased 8 years ago), dd's eyes filled up and she was delighted. Then I gave her an amount of money that I could afford (towards her uni fund) and a lovely bag from French Connection that she had her eyes on, some other bits 'n bobs I can't remember now, just bits 'n bobs. Oh and a big framed collage of photos of her throughout her life :)

She was best pleased with the ring and picture of her dgm though.

Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 22:52

That's lovely, Monty27. Feeling very inadequate now!

Thanks, Maureen. I'm on the verge of booking but just wanted to see if anyone has any other inspiration. Good luck getting your DD to drive you!

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WaynettaSlobsLover · 22/04/2013 22:55

My mum got a good deal somewhere and took me on holiday to Egypt for my 18th. It was wonderful and really not that expensive. We did all the sightseeing and had a proper laugh :)

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MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 22:58

I would love to take her away but I would feel bad about not including her sister and her dad (she's a real daddy's girl!). Then it would feel like a family holiday and not her birthday present - if you see what I mean .....

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WaynettaSlobsLover · 22/04/2013 23:01

Yes I see what you mean. My parents are divorced so situation was completely different for us. Why not do a lovely spa day followed by a posh dinner and some bits and bobs to open?

almostanotherday · 22/04/2013 23:04

I like the sound of a spa day/weekend, as suggested above, for her and a couple of friends if you could do that?

Monty27 · 22/04/2013 23:06

Oh Sorry Mother please don't feel inadequate, I couldn't afford to buy her a holiday.

Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 23:06

Already doing dinner with friends and I have a couple of things for her to open - I think I would feel guilty spending money on me going with her to a spa!!! Also, thinking the trip away with friends would be in June at the end of her exams so killing two birds etc

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BackforGood · 22/04/2013 23:25

I think it's nice on your 18th, to have something "to keep" which is why jewellery is often the gift of choice I suppose. My God daughter, when pressed, said she'd like a particular handbag.... would that appeal ?

Monty27 · 22/04/2013 23:32

Dd cherishes her gm's ring, I would have wanted her to have it anyway, and as for the uni fund, I had that money earmarked for her too :)

The rest was peripheral.

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MotherOfGirls · 22/04/2013 23:33

Sounded her out on handbags and there's an inexpensive one she'd like but doesn't want anything too showy to go to uni. I have a charm for her bracelet so there is a little something to keep - and I really don't think there is anyything else in the jewellery line she'd like..

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mrsjay · 23/04/2013 15:23

would center parcs let a singlesex party in some holiday parks dont what about an over night and a ticket to a show or something for her and her friends

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MotherOfGirls · 24/04/2013 06:40

Thanks everyone.

Liking the idea of something to keep, which lots of you suggest. Going jewellery shopping tonight!

x

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Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 24/04/2013 06:43

Just saw your comment Monty27. Don't worry - not upset - just hugely impressed with everything you put together for your DD. x

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Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 25/04/2013 20:26

Found a beautiful diamond necklace. Very happy with it. Thanks for all the suggestions. x

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Monty27 · 26/04/2013 12:18

Lovely! Did she love it? :)

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