What did you give your dc for their 18th? Need ideas!

[Sadik]

DD turns 18 next month, and I'm struggling for ideas.

She's just finishing A levels, but not planning to go to uni in the short term & intending to take some time out & work, so doesn't need stuff for going away. She's worked all the last summers so bought herself good computer & phone. I've suggested driving lessons but she's not keen at all. She's also pretty environmenally/ anti-consumerist minded. All of which is good - but makes present buying hard!

Recent successes over the last 2-3 years have been DMs, a London trip including Hamilton tickets, and a denim jacket last Christmas. I had thought of booking a trip abroad for after her exams, but after the Italian quarantines that doesn't seem like such a great idea. (And TBH I'd like to take her on holiday anyways separate from her 18th, we've not been abroad since she was 10, and shes a really good hardworking kid)

We paid for the post-A Level holiday with friends for ours. And jewellery for dd.

I got a ring for my 18th. I still wear it.

If your daughter is environmentally aware perhaps an antique ring would be nice.

Some type of good luggage/bag for travelling?

Unhelpfully dd doesn't wear jewellery at all, she's very much a denim & dms dresser. (I've actually got quite a bit of nice jewellery from my mum & nan put aside in case that does change as she gets older.) We did talk about a watch as an option, but I think my dad might be going to get one of my mum's renovated (is that the word) for her as a gift from him.

Oh, luggage might be a good idea. Or something else useful for travelling ?

My DS was going to have a good watch but got his phone wet in the weeks beforehand, so we replaced that and get him a nice but ordinary watch. Probably the better decision tbh.

My parents got me a suitcase for my 19th birthday, I still tell that story with a sad face

Tickets to a gig?

We bought DS a watch which we had engraved, clothes and took him out for a family meal. He had been his dad's carer and we wanted to do something special, so DH also bought him a car which was to be his inheritance. He really wanted to drive though and had been having lessons since his 17th birthday. His grandparents bought him a signet ring and tickets to a Premier League match.

Money!!

I got an engraved trinket box with a message of my families choice- perhaps an option?

DD had a holiday to Greece with her best friend. They swam with turtles during the day, and partied in the night. Best time.

Some sort of experience maybe?

Both of my Dds got watches for their 18th that they wear daily.

Driving lessons,? If you can afford it some buy a car or a scooter? A new computer.

Driving lessons are a definite no - I'd like her to learn, but she really doesn't want to. A trip to London & a show might be the best option - trouble is as with an overseas holiday I'm reluctant to book given the potential for quarantine issues / travel restrictions etc etc. Maybe a 'voucher' for a trip & show & then she can choose which show & we can book it.

We gave D's the money from his child saving account and other gifts x

Three of mine had art work by artists we are friendly with. They had other presents as well but those were the presents that they will keep forever. They were commissioned for them and related to them personally.

For his 21st we gave our younger son a set of reference books that he was very keen to have but the present that made him cry was something that had belonged to my dad.

Our youngest is 18 this month. We have just spent a weekend away together. When I told her we were going she said that she would like to have it as her 18th birthday present. She is going with three friends to do an adventure experience and in the evening we are going out to dinner with the whole family - siblings/partners/grandparents and the three best friends. But I will follow this thread with interest as I want to get her something sentimental as well.

Art is an interesting idea, though I'd have to talk to dd about it.

I think I'm going to go with a bag (but not luggage, @ElderAve ) - I've asked on the S&B board and I'm now hopelessly in love with just about everything from these people. Tending towards this set - I think dd would love the matching notebook / bag / pen case, even though she's not planning on going straight to uni.

It was a good present really. I'm still using it and I'm 50 this year!

Although a touch boring I got a really nice hair brush from Mason and Pearson for a significant birthday, they are at least £70 but I have had mine for years and still love it. Bought one for my daughter and sister and they use there’s the whole time. Good luck finding the right gift

That's really lovely. Hair brush specifically wouldn't work for dd (I don't think we have one in the house as all have very very short hair!) - but it's exactly the sort of thing I'm thinking of.

Ds was 17 a few days ago and I’ve been wondering what on earth l will get him next year. He has everything he wants and his dad and I are separated and his dad is loaded so he is so tough to buy for.

I think I will probably give him £1000 and he really wants to go to Dubai but I don’t fancy it at all.
Boys are harder to buy for in my opinion. I could think of so many things for dd who is only 9 but has lots of interests.

I don’t think you can go wrong with money.

DS got a ka (old)
DD got a trip to Edinburgh Fringe and sponsorship for her part in a performance