Ideas for gift for 17 year old girl?

[Anonymous]

My neice just turned 17 (she'll be a senior next year). My brother suggests gift cards to either restaurants she likes, movies, i-Tunes, Sephora, Hollister, book store etc. I've done this year after year for xmas and b-days as well as just cash. Every time I try to be more original but always falls short. She'll be off to college in another year (not sure which one yet). I'd like to get her something practical/useful but that she would really like too. I was thinking college book store gift card - but since she hasn't been accepted somewhere yet, I can't do that! Suggestions? My limit is $50

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

What are her interests?

[Anonymous]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the gift card idea. It gives her an excuse to spend some money on herself, and she's guaranteed to like what she picks out. 17 year old girls are hard to buy for. I'd probably go with the iTunes card.

[Anonymous]

At some places you can get a manicure and pedicure for that much. Or you could get two pedicures and tell her to take a friend. She might enjoy the indulgence.

[Anonymous]

My guess is a 17-year old girl doesn't want original - she wants cash!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My guess is a 17-year old girl doesn't want original - she wants cash!

Probably true for many but depends upon the personality. At that age, I loved any signal that someone found me "special." I still know young people like that.

[Anonymous]

My 16 YO loves getting real gifts but is also extremely picky so it's either right or its not. She loves manicure/pedicures so that's a great idea from a pp if that's of interest to your niece. She likes particular brands of clothes and usually likes it when someone picks something from there. And gift cards are always welcome. FYI - Hollister is more 13 than 17 so make sure you know what brands she really likes, even for gift cards. My daughter sometimes has had trouble spending gift cards if they come from places she doesn't shop. One other idea is magazine subscriptions. mine likes vogue and vanity fair.

[Anonymous]

Been trying to find a good gift for our 17 year old niece too - this is a graduation year and she's off to college in the Fall.
Does anyone think personalized stationary is too old-fashioned?

[Anonymous]

Starbucks giftcard?

[Anonymous]

My 15 y.o. DS has been going to a lot of Sweet 16 parties lately, and he recommends J.Crew -- either gift card or choose something for her (she can always exchange it). My suggestion: a really fabulous pair of flip-flops and a cool summer tote -- teen girls carry around an amazing amount of stuff!

[Anonymous]

at that age, i would've loved the gift cards because i didn't have much money to spend on myself.

but

i had one aunt who as the cool bohemian in the family and she would usually buy me something cool and funky from a musuem store, usually an art one. i always loved those gifts. i had one jackson pollack inspired T shirt that i wore for years and i just thought i was so cool.

[Anonymous]

What about a classic piece of jewelry, like a pearl drop necklace? Around that age, I received some nice, simple-but-classic pieces that I wear to this day.

[Anonymous]

to the pp about the stationery, i say yes. it is too old fashioned. unless she is an old fashioned kind of girl.

[Anonymous]

Do you live nearby?

Are are you visiting soon? A lunch and shopping trip is something I give to my nieces so we get some one on one time and they get to pick out what they want. My nieces are a little younger but this is a nice tradition we have established.

[Anonymous]

What about a really nice key chain/ key ring? Coach has really cute and clever ones. It is something she'd never have the money to buy for herself and if you find a nice silver one, you can have it engraved. I am sure she will be driving soon and if not, she can use it for her dorm room.