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Teenagers

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

Original poster

dd18th birthday pressie ideas please

27 replies

boogienights · 10/01/2010 20:32

Hi
my DD is going to be 18 at the end of this month and I'm struggling for inspiration. She doesn't want anything that she might lose, she has lot of gadget stuff and I would like ( of course ) to get her something really special- any bright ideas out there?

OP posts:
CMOTdibbler · 10/01/2010 20:36

My DNiece is 18 in 2 weeks, and she has opted for a nice ring (from her parents and grandparents), and we are giving her a necklace that matches. V little chance of losing a ring or necklace, and hopefully she'll be wearing them for a long time to come

SleepingLion · 10/01/2010 20:37

What's your budget?

I know you say she doesn't want anything she might lose but a really special piece of jewellery would be lovely - and something she could obviously keep forever.

If she really doesn't want a 'thing', how about a spa weekend somewhere lovely just for the two of you - nothing lasting to keep except the memories

kalo12 · 10/01/2010 20:38

a good leather jacket can last years.

a ring is a good idea

you need to tell us more about her / price/ you etc do you want something that is sentimental and will last forever?//

ShutUpandDrinkYourGin · 10/01/2010 20:39

do you have any heirloom type things she might like?

I was given a jewellery box belonging to my great grandmother

Original poster
boogienights · 10/01/2010 20:47

Thanks for all these ideas
price range approx £500 ( DS had a laptop for his 18th so needs to be similar price)
I like the idea of an experience too. Had thought first of a gold Tiffany locket, but the nothing she could lose thing from DD put me off.
No heirlooms to pass on.
Was thinking of making her a memory book too to have something personal- but am not particularly creative!

OP posts:
hocuspontas · 10/01/2010 20:57

dd1 18 next month so I'm looking for ideas too!

I think I'm going for driving lessons but want something special as well. I like the memories book idea.

Original poster
boogienights · 10/01/2010 21:08

dd is very sporty- so think that jewellery might get taken on and off a lot which is why she is worried about having some.
she can drive, but shares ds car.
she's not into books, but loves girly things. Think a perfect pressie would be a w/e shopping in New York but is too expensive so am trying to think of something to match that idea!

OP posts:
kalo12 · 10/01/2010 21:15

if she is sporty what about really good tennis racquet - or whatever sport is.

if i was 18 (sigh) I would want clothes. expensive clothes.

and a fountain pen.

a bag

a watch

a camera

petitmaman · 10/01/2010 21:16

day shopping in london/manchester with dinner/ show/ hotel? love the scrapbook idea but if you are not creative why don't you do a photobook from truprint or similar with a selection of photos from her childhood?
a friend of mine's dad is a carpenter and he made her a chest of drawers for her 18th. could you buy her a beautiful antique/mirror or something?

Original poster
boogienights · 10/01/2010 21:22

love photo book idea- am definitely going to do that now!
London shops sounds good- although have been before so might not be different enough- why is being a mum of girls not so much easier than for boys!!It has been for every other bday!

OP posts:
CMOTdibbler · 10/01/2010 21:23

I'd think about a ring with that budget - she doesn't have to wear it on an everyday basis, but a beautiful ring that will come out when getting dressed up will go on and on, where clothes will go out of fashion, a camera will be outdated in a year or too etc

My mum is 67, and still wears her 21st birthday ring when dressed up - I wish that I had had something that lasting

brimfull · 10/01/2010 21:28

dd had her 18th a few weeks ago

we gave her a ring

aquamarine stone in white gold

she loves it - but she did choose it

she has ridiculously small fingers - size i , so it is nice for her to have a nice ring that fits

hocuspontas · 10/01/2010 21:34

Yes I might do a small photo book as an extra. A photo taken on each of her birthdays - including the ultrascan one!

Needs time though - hunting through 1000s of snaps!

paulaplumpbottom · 10/01/2010 21:36

What about a beautiful heirloom quality quilt

Original poster
boogienights · 10/01/2010 21:44

thanks all- love quilt idea- any idea where might get one?

OP posts:
paulaplumpbottom · 10/01/2010 21:54

www.treasuredquilts.co.uk/catalogue.htm#quilts

paulaplumpbottom · 10/01/2010 21:58

I have been saving some of DD's favorite clothes so I can make a quilt out of them for her when she leaves home.

Original poster
boogienights · 10/01/2010 22:00

that is such a lovely idea- am now wishing I had time! perhaps if school stays closed for another week....

OP posts:
mumeeee · 10/01/2010 22:52

DD3 is 18 today. We bought a new mobile phone and a couple of bits and pieces, But her main present is going to be a trip to Londonin half term to go shopping and see a musucal. We will stay for a couple of nights and she is bringing a friend. I have done this with all mine when they have turned 18. It is also instead of a big party.

iheartdusty · 10/01/2010 23:18

shopping in Brussels/Paris? a bit different from London/Newcastle or wherever, chance to take her to v sophisticated restaurant, etc.

ihatetinselbob · 10/01/2010 23:29

My parents bought me a beautiful ring for my 18th and my grandparents got my the matching necklace I loved them and treasured them for years, so much so that the band on the ring wore thin and snapped.
They was stolen when we were burgled, it still upsets me.

Drayford · 11/01/2010 23:40

We bought DD an SLR digital camera for her 18th (2 weeks ago) as she is very keen on photography

Her treat was to take 2 girlfriends to a spa for the day as she is absolutely NOT a party animal!

Earlybird · 12/01/2010 02:32

If she's sporty, what about a good quality bicycle?

For jewelry, I'd probably consider earrings instead of a ring. Get the kind that 'screw' on, instead of a simple post. Much harder to lose that kind!

Good quality speakers and i-pod docking station?

Her first (and maybe only) designer handbag (Mulberry, etc), would be nice for a girly girl.

I was given a nice set of luggage (3 different sizes of matching cases), and used them for years. It was nice to have something more sophisticated and 'grown up' instead of a tatty duffle bag or ruck sack!

MumGoneCrazy · 12/01/2010 02:53

For my 18th my mum bought me a charm bracelet that she adds to every year.

Milliways · 12/01/2010 17:24

DD had a new laptop which she now says was the best decision as she couldn't live without it at Uni.

We also paid for the car insurance!

I think we will get her jewellery for her 21st.

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