What to get niece for her 18th birthday?

Gelly123

Hi all,

Love the MSE forums and all the helpful advice people give so was hoping you might have some great ideas on what to get my niece for her 18th birthday?

I don't want to get anything like a "key to the door" or "champagne glasses" so do you have any ideas for something really nice as I'm reluctant to just give cash - want it to be something meaningful.

Was planning to get her a charm with her star sign on for her Links of London charm bracelet but sister tells me she's not worn that in about a year so it would be a waste.

Looking to spend around £50ish.

Thanks all
Gelly

neverdespairgirl

Is she going to university? Looking for / got her first full-time job?

sukysue

Look Gelly, speaking as a mum who has just had her dd2's 18th birthday on the 13th of this month. I have to tell you that despite you not wanting to give money as it isn't meaningful, that is what she will probably want and need. If she is going to uni or in fact working they really need every penny they can summon up for lots of things they need, she can probably put the money towards something else she really wants/needs. It's not what you wnat to hear but I am telling you as it is to me in our house. It's up to you of course but even my very very mean bil & sil gave her £40 quid and this is after giving them poundland bargains every year!I hope she has a wonderful birthday we had a lovely family lunch with a gorgeous cake for everyone it was very inexpensive but we had a lovely time together perhaps you could do something like that if you really don't want to give her money?

Bazey

Most young un's are into One Direction, crystal meth and dogging, buy them a present along those lines and you cant go wrong.

Tish_P

What things does she like? There isn't a one size fits all answer (except possibly money). There are 18 year old girls who would love a professional photo portrait or an engraved fountain pen or a bicycle or a pair of diamond earrings, and there are 18 year old girls who would hate any of the above.

CH27

I'd just give her money.
I know you are not keen but it is really all they want. They save it up for a big purchase in my experience.
We've had a spate of 18ths this year & everyone has given/received cash.

susancs

OP, I agree with sukysue regarding the money as I find that the 18 year old neices and nephews in our family are into their fad of the moment so most things are shortlived (as is my 16 year old daughter). My 16 year old also has a links bracelet that her Auntie got her for a special occassion and she wore it for a few months and it has not seen the light of day since. I gave one neice money and also had a drumstick sweets sweetie tree made up which she really loved and sent instagram prictures to everyone of.

Tish_P

You could give cash but ask her to earmark it for something meaningful and let you know what it was. Whatever she's doing next with her life there will be any number of things to choose from.

Gelly123

Thanks all - really appreciate your replies.

She's been working since the age of 16 and is treated like rubbish at the hair salon where she's an apprentice so she's looking for a new job (change of career).

Totally appreciate about giving cash and I'm sure lots of family will - you never know, we might end up doing the same but if there's anybody else with more suggestions, I'd be grateful to hear from you.
Many thanks
Gelly

HeadAboveWater

DD1 is 18 today (and DD2 16). OH has bought her a couple things (inc a new mobile) and is also giving her money. I took the 3 girls to a beauty salon last Saturday and treated them all! We all had 2 treatments done (massage/nails/facial/eyelashes/etc), about an hour each total, private room to chill out in before and after, juice, tea, chocolates.... £50 pp. Maybe take her somewhere to get nails/eyelashes done? (if she's into that sorta thing! lol)

Dimey

I recently bought this bracelet for a teenager. She loves it.


http://www.swarovski.com/Web_GB/en/5021033/product/Slake_Light_Bracelet.html;sid=zpnM1I3pLr3K1N_9FP5a8uTjzWVGhgECYuTXoDC95AVrHQ==

You can get them n pink, black or grey.