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Teenagers

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

Original poster

DD1 won't have any presents to open

39 replies

Motherofamadhouse · 15/06/2016 08:09

Hi, posting this because I feel a bit guilty really and wanted to see what you all thought.
My DD1 turns 18 next week and won't have any presents to open as she has already been given her present a few weeks ago (new iPhone) and we are all going to the theatre in the evening. Just feel a bit guilty really especially as it's a big one and DD2s birthday was yesterday so she watched her sister open a pile of presents. Don't know wether to get her some things to open as my OH doesn't feel like she needs to have anything to open.

OP posts:
lljkk · 15/06/2016 08:12

Box of chocolates? Nice home-made cake? Thought not the value that counts.

almostthirty · 15/06/2016 08:12

I think I would get her a few little bits to open. Maybe a bottle of champagne as first legal drink .

JennyWreny · 15/06/2016 08:13

I think I'd be tempted to get her some small things to open, even if it's a copy of her favourite magazine and some chocolates. Or wrap up the theatre tickets in a huge box or have some sort of treasure hunt with a chocolate bar with a clue to find the next one (hmm, maybe not the treasure hunt one).

AuntieStella · 15/06/2016 08:14

I would get her something.

Yes, she's old enough to know that her main presents are other things, but I'd probably get something like earrings or necklace (as it's a landmark birthday, and you can get more sentimental about keeping them than about a phone).

And possibly some cheap sillies as well. And no-one is too old for balloons and party poppers.

JennyWreny · 15/06/2016 08:15

Yes, the Champagne sounds like a great idea almostthirty Is she off to uni in the Autumn? Could you get her some practical things that she might need for that?

Littleballerina · 15/06/2016 08:17

I'd get some bits. Bath bombs, chocolates and possibly a photo frame? Get her younger sister to make her something.

Original poster
Motherofamadhouse · 15/06/2016 08:20

Thanks for replies, yes think I will get her a box of chocolates or something, just relieved I wasn't being too soft like my OH thinks Grin she's off to a vocational performing arts school instead of uni so might look into things for that JennyWreny

OP posts:
FeckinCrutches · 15/06/2016 08:22

I think if you can afford it, it seems a bit mean to get her nothing to open. I know she's 18 and technically an adult ,and she's had her main present, but can you imagine coming down on your (big) birthday and having absolutely nothing to open? I would be really sad!

Original poster
Motherofamadhouse · 15/06/2016 08:22

Oh I love the idea of the photo frame Littleballerina Great ideas

OP posts:
Original poster
Motherofamadhouse · 15/06/2016 08:23

FeckinCrutches yes I think your right, still kids at heart even at 18 I believe Grin

OP posts:
blueskyinmarch · 15/06/2016 08:25

I did a little pack for my DD’s 18ths. Little bottle of booze, chocs, smellies, socks, book etc along with their big present (money as i recall). All wrapped up individually then put in a gift bag. It is nice for them to have something to open on the day.

MrsJayy · 15/06/2016 08:25

I think 18 something would be fine i would just a memento bottle of fizz or whatever to open with her card

MrsJayy · 15/06/2016 08:28

bluesky thats what i did for dd2 lots of little presents her sister got a new guitar for hers Dd2 didnt really want anything except shoes so i made up a gift bag

BertrandRussell · 15/06/2016 08:28

Definitely presents to open! Don't have to be big.

FeckinCrutches · 15/06/2016 08:29

And if she's anything like my kids it will be remembered forever 😃 When I was younger my parents both worked early mornings and I used to get myself ready and out for school (just over the road) on my 10th birthday they were both out working but had left my presents at the bottom of the stairs for me to open. I sat by myself and opened my stuff and it was the saddest morning ever!

blueskyinmarch · 15/06/2016 08:30

I also did the same for DD2’s 21st then had to go on holiday to the USA to deliver it to her in person! Grin

ohtheholidays · 15/06/2016 08:33

Our son's going to be 18 at the end of this month(it doesn't seem possible and I'm sure I'll blub a little bit)we've bought him some keepsakes for his 18th like we did for his older brother as well as his other presents.I still have the keepsakes I was given on my 18th and my 21st and I'm 41 now.

Places like the Card factory sell a nice photo frame with 18 on and they had some glasses and mugs as well with 18 on.

Original poster
Motherofamadhouse · 15/06/2016 08:34

Things we do for them eh blueskyinmarch Grin

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 15/06/2016 08:39

Wish my Dd was in America for her 21st i would have need to go too, we had a family holiday for Dd1 21st and i still got her little something dh just rolled his eyes

blueskyinmarch · 15/06/2016 08:46

It was DD1’s 21st ffs. DD2 is still only 18. I need coffee!

TheWoollybacksWife · 15/06/2016 08:49

If you are near a Clinton's card shop they sell "World's Best 18 Year Old" socks. DD1 still wears hers and she's well into her 20's now Grin

Eastpoint · 15/06/2016 08:50

I think a phone case would be a good extra gift, maybe a pair of simple stud earrings she could wear to interviews.

MrsJayy · 15/06/2016 08:54

Can you still get phone cases made up with your own design ? They were about a couple of years ago you could get her 1 of those or is that a bit naff

TwatbadgingCuntfuckery · 15/06/2016 08:55

bag of haribo and a mini bottle of fizz Grin

eatyourveg · 15/06/2016 08:56

One of these with a fiver on it to save for a little treat when she goes off in the autumn

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