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Teenagers

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

DDs 20th birthday presents

10 replies

doctorwhoknowswhat · 28/12/2018 03:45

DD is turning 20 in late january, so soon after christmas and I cannot for the life of me think of what to get her.
Normally we get her new tech but having started uni she's already had a new phone and a new laptop this year and has never seen the point in tablets. Half considering an echo or google home but not sure if she'll ever use it, any one have any experience?
Generally we spend abut £200 on gifts all together. Usually one big one and a few smaller ones, however I know she likes stuff and opening things, so quantity is an important factor (not that she's materialistic she just the oposite to minamalist likes alot of clutter), so maybe just alot of smaller things.
She's a bit insecure about her body so won't appreciate clothes, even if she picked them herself. She likes make up, loves her cat, likes a few cartoon but is trying to focus on uni at the moment. She has vaguely mentioned festivals but her friends aren't big on music or festivals and I wouldn't want her to go alone. She loves lush but hardly ever ends up using the stuff she's got. She likes comedy so maybe seeing stand up, but then again thats not something to open really.
I have asked her what she wants but she's been very depressed and stressed lately and has struggled alot going to university so her wants are very exsistential at the minute (think time, peace, the ability to achieve academic successs) and she genuinly can't think of a material thing she wants. I'm thinking of money as a last resort but I want her to feel like we really put thought into it, for her to feel loved when she's struggling.
I just wan't her to feel good for a bit, can anyone help?

OP posts:
Weenurse · 28/12/2018 04:24

DD1 got Granny’s pearls. Very sentimental gift for her and she loves them.
Also helped pay for a new passport. She went travelling with uni to Indonesia.

MumUnderTheMoon · 30/12/2018 01:05

Why don't you take her for a night away to see a show or do the Harry Potter tour?

PatPhoenix · 30/12/2018 01:11

Agree, take her to a gig or a show. Most tickets look nice to open?

Hate to suggest it but as a uni student how about a book token or a book?? Would she use a kindle?

If it's something really small you could wrap it up with a 'home care kit' of a cake or pudding you would normally have at home maybe, or something comfy like slippers?

SerialChangerOfName · 30/12/2018 01:11

I got DD20 Ed Sheeran tickets (£85 each) and a Sonos speaker (£125) for Christmas. For her last birthday I got her an iPhone. No idea what I'll get for her 21st in June.

Teenagedream · 31/12/2018 14:16

My DS lives his Amazon Alexa in his student accommodation. Music, diary of lectures etc, special light bulb he can turn on with it too. A surprising success.

tablelegs · 31/12/2018 21:22

Spa day for you and her?

Rarfy · 31/12/2018 21:28

What about some expensive hair products,nice make up brushes, a vanity case, perfume, nice handbag?

Truffleshuffle do some great novelty items if she is into cartoons.

Guiltypleasures001 · 31/12/2018 21:34

If she has a cat, the cats face on a pillow or mug or similar
Simons cat cartoon has a range of funny merchandise, prints and stuff

RJnomore1 · 31/12/2018 21:38

A makeup lesson at a counter (Dior, urban decay, whatever - Dior do free makeovers for a £25 deposit which goes on a gift card and I think lots do similar, Bobbi Brown, mac etc) and a voucher for lunch and cocktails to make a day of it?

marmiteloversunite · 31/12/2018 21:38

Is she in Halls? I made my DD a rainy day box when she went. Lots of bits and things to do if she is feeling fed up. Eg cookie mix, mug cakes,face pack, puzzle books, photos etc. You could make up a birthday box she could dip into. Even wrap things if she liked to have surprises.

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