16 year old bday ideas

Glory

My DD is turning 16 this week and I am looking for a smallish gift for her. I have already given her a couple of items in advance (I don't recommend this:)). I will also be giving her drivers education.
I do want her to have something nice to open but am stumped.
I had wondered about an Alex and Ani bracelet. Are these on trend or too young? I can get these locally I think. I had thought of clothing but selecting on behalf of a 16 year old lassy is not for the feint of heart.
I will need to be able to get it locally, in Canada.

I would welcome any thoughts or ideas!

8 years ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from Glory

Astrid

Veteran

Maybe she already has that, but my sister very much enjoyed her surprise present of a nice grown up "serious" leather wallet.

8 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Sweet sixteen DD#1 just turned 17 and she wanted a grown up looking watch. Sunglasses are great too--especially since she will be driving. A handbag, perhaps? Movie or concert tickets? Those are a few things that my girls would like.
I'm unfamiliar with the bracelet you mentioned but jewelry is nice too. Mine wanted ear piercing but with soccer there is never enough healing time.
Eta: perfume or luxury body wash. Those are things they don't usually buy themselves.

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Oh Kelly thanks so much for the idea on sunglasses. She would love those. A terrific idea.

8 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Kelly stole my ideas!!

I would say sunglasses to go with a driver's ed certificate

8 years ago

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

What about a piece of jewelry from you or a grandparent or other relative? It can be tricky because teenagers might not always like "old" things... But some old things can be cool again, and if there is sentimental value and history attached, that makes it all the better.

8 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

At 16 I received a leather-fobbed keychain.
(I still have it

8 years ago

Anonymous

I have a 19 year old, so am not too far removed from that birthday situation We gave her a sewing machine for her 16th. That was maybe a miss - used for awhile but not carried forward. However, she'll have it forever, and everyone needs a sewing machine I also did the nice wallet - which she really liked. Is she into sports? Our other go-to gift was basketball shoes - she got to pick.

Alex and Ani are nice bracelets - Nordstrom actually carries them too. I think they are absolutely perfect for girls that age.

8 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

DD who's 15 got one of those bracelets from an aunt last year, and as far as I can observe, has never worn it. She is all about experiences ... Being taken to a concert, museum, new place, etc. She likes Copics Art markers and unusual socks, too.

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I loved all of these ideas so much. Thanks ladies!
Today was her birthday and she had a wonderful celebration.
I ended up getting her a huge bouquet of helium balloons which was a first for her and a huge hit.
In addition I bought her 5mm cultured pearl studs on 14 k gold backings. I looked at the sunglasses and it was a hard choice between the 2 things. I loved what Sarah said about vintage jewelry and I would have really enjoyed giving her a piece of history like that. I felt that this was a lovely compromise as I don't have any items from my parents or grandparents. My DD has an elegant and classic style with lots of neutrals. I was unsure if she would like them but it was unwarranted. She adores them and they made her feel very special.

8 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I gave my DD birthstone gem earrings. They were simply set and she loved them. She still has them and she wears them frequently even though she also enjoys her big dramatic artistic earrings as well. Her birth stone is amethyst.

ETA, Oh, ha ha, once again, I'm behind the ball! I wrote my post and then saw yours!

8 years ago

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Glory, I love that you did the earrings! How special. I still have some small birthstone pieces of jewelry from my parents from when I was young, She will treasure them!

8 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Sarah thanks so much for your suggestion. She has had them in since I gave them to her. I told her to wear them and not save them for special occasions so she took that to heart. Even wearing them to the horse barn today!

8 years ago

Category