Appropriate for a sixteen year old?

tsb

I have just purchased a 'Lifetimer' which is on offer at Argos at the moment, as part of a present for my neice's sixteenth birthday :

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500002701&langId=-1&searchTerms=9245196

Thought it seemed a bit of a bargain, judging by the previous selling price and other prices elsewhere.

Now I have the item, on the box itself it states - the events desktop clock at the touch of a button you can see the:

• birthday
• christmas
• holiday
• lunch
• hometime
• weekend

and the time since:

• you started your job
• you started your relationship
• you last had sex

My question is do you think this is an appropriate birthday gift for a sixteen year old ?

I did see a chance viewing of "The joy of teen sex" on Channel 4 earlier this week, where a seventeen year old was looking for ways to spice up her sex-life ... I mean, come on, whats all that about!
I didn't think I was a prude but am I out-of-touch? :shocked:

Opinions please .....

Plans_all_plans

I wouldn't personally find this appropriate, no (I'm only 25 myself). I know many 16 years old have sex, but I wouldn't want to be seen to be encouraging my niece at such a young age (however discreet the reference to sex may be)

The fact that you're asking says to me you're not comfortable with it.

shelley_crow

i'm also 25 and don't see a problem with it, it's one small feature on a device, she'll probably giggle at it a few times and forget its on there. If you're worried then approach her parents before you buy it and see what they say.

If you were buying her a kama sutra then that would be encouraging her...:P x

RazWaz

I think it will be ok, she's 16, it's legal. Sometimes things like that help at her age, as it's a small acknowledgement that she's seen as an adult, right about the time she want's people to start seeing her as one.

KiKi

I think it depends on your niece. I personally wouldn't buy it for mine at the age of 16.

Perhaps if you're concerned check with her parents, as it's more likely to be them that will baulk at the idea than her. If they're fine with it, and if you both think she'll be fine with it (and won't be inappropriately encouraged by it) then go ahead.

KiKi

Tropez

I personally wouldn't see a problem with it, but then with some of the birthday gifts I received between the ages 16-18 maybe my mind has been warped...

Violetta_2

Difficult one, maybe check with her folk's it depends on how they would take it. My dad would have gone mental at similar when I was 16 (it is visible at around 7 if it was a clock iyswim, in the enlarged picture, don't think there could be any ambiguity over what the button represents) & if they are ok with her having it I'd make a jokey comment along the lines of her better not needing to use THAT button til she's 30 or something.

coolcait

I think the 'suitable for over 16s' advice is to cover the vendor's back.

The question isn't really about whether or not it's appropriate for a sixteen year old. It's about whether or not it's suitable for the particular sixteen year old who is your niece.

Only you can say whether or not it's appropriate for your niece. Is it the kind of thing she would appreciate, or would it mortify her?

You know her parents, how will they react? Will they see it as appropriate or not?

How will your niece view you if you give her this gift? Open-minded? Or creepy?

These are questions which only you - and other family members - can answer. But I hope the answers help you reach a decision.

tsb

Thanks to all who have replied. Some interesting opinions, particularly like Voiletta's idea of making a jokey comment about the button!

I think, all in all, its probably best to return the item and exchange for some bubble bath/hand cream or the like to save any embarrassment on any side. Such a shame that I thought I'd found an interesting/different gift to give than the usual 'smellies'. Also, a shame that the makers of the item felt the need to put the subject of sex in at all! Why couldn't it be one button for something of your own choice. Oh well ....

arbroath_lass

I don't think this is an appropriate gift from an Aunt, sorry. From a friend it may be ok but from an aunt it seems a little weird.

Woops, sorry I've just noticed you've already decided to return it.

onlyroz

Sounds like it's just a small feature, so I wouldn't worry about it.