What to get my 13 year old for birthday?

maman

Mellymoo265 wrote: »

Thank you for answers, not quite sure why I'm making it up.
I think we are going to go with a new iPhone. Her old one is now 2 models old, which I'm led to believe is unthinkable and terribly unfair. And perhaps a new laptop as she needs a more up to date one for school. Just doesn't feel very special

On a side note for my 13th I got a pair of shoes with a 3 inch heel which made me feel very grown up and a jewellery box( that I still have)

Me neither.

Lunar_Eclipse

Mellymoo265 wrote: »

Thank you for answers, not quite sure why I'm making it up.
I think we are going to go with a new iPhone. Her old one is now 2 models old, which I'm led to believe is unthinkable and terribly unfair.

But you know that's not true and thus why do you fuel such unappreciative and materialistic behaviour?

I would be horrified if either of my children communicated that to me and would be on a path to turn things around quick sharp: including a house move to a new area if I felt things had spiralled so badly that a different lifestyle/school/peers would help. Maybe that's an over reaction, but it is a serious thought since I don't think this level of materialism and wanting is in the slightest bit desirable, especially at this age.

Do you live in an area of low cost housing but relatively high income, so a lot of shopping and desire for the latest of everything, which doesn't make anyone happier so it continues round and round?

gayleygoo

A new phone and laptop? Surely one or the other would be fine, plus the meal out and some sort of celebration with her friends. I can understand the "milestone" birthday part, but to me that means celebrating, not having expensive material presents. How about a nice necklace or bracelet, summer coat/shoes, or a set of Terry Pratchett books?A lovely notebook and some nice pens are usually appreciated by teens, or a photo album that she can fill herself

For my 13th birthday I got to have about 10 friends round for a sleepover/pizza party. I can't remember what I got as presents but it was an excellent party

I hope I don't come across as judgemental, but no matter how wealthy you are I think that just giving children everything they want, the latest of everything, a horde of material goods etc, is a negative set up for the future. If your DD can't even think of something she wants then perhaps she is bored of getting new things, or already knows she doesn't need anything.

I try to go by the mantra "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without", which means a phone or laptop wouldn't be getting replaced until they physically don't work anymore.

barbarawright

cte1111 wrote: »

I've got a funny feeling that this might be the same person:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4698511

Quick summary, daughter turning 11 soon (2 years ago) but already has everything, including hair extensions. OP ignored everyone's suggestions other than to ridicule them.

Yes, I spotted that. The OP in that thread went for an Iphone which would presumably now be out of date. By the standards of this kid anyway

peachyprice

Contraception? Is that the next step for children who are treated like adults before they even hit their teens?

Maybe a gold plated coil, after all this doesn't sound like a child who would be happy with a common old copper one.

oystercatcher

Why not make your own experience day up and take her to volunteer at the local food bank or homeless hostel.

Maddybee33

Oh, ok, you ARE joking then. What a relief.
I'm pretty sure I got an ant farm or something for my 13th.

tesuhoha

I would start her off with a Pandora charm bracelet. Depends what you can afford but the basic bracelet, a security chain and a couple of charms. You can add to it over the years as the charms always make a nice gift.

My daughter loves her bracelet and they are beautiful.

Edit: Oh I just noticed you said she is not keen on jewellery. How about an Unlimited Cinema ticket or a show of some sort? Or you could get her a Kindle or one of those smart watches or just a nice watch. How about some designer sunglasses? A nice perfume?

bsms1147

tesuhoha wrote: »

How about an Unlimited Cinema ticket or a show of some sort? Or you could get her a Kindle or one of those smart watches or just a nice watch. How about some designer sunglasses? A nice perfume?

She probably has all those already.

tesuhoha

Maybe if she likes piercings a tattoo would be a good idea._pale_