My DD turned 18 a year ago, and one thing I did was made a shutterfly book with pictures of her and us and/or her friends at her birthday party or birthday dinner every year.

(I couldn't find any pictures for when she turned 13 (DH must have taken the pictures with his SLR and it is still not uploaded), so I used some pics I took from right around that time; no one will really notice)

The last page was a two-page spread with DH and I (and our neighborhood spot with a view behind us), and we had some really sweet commentary about her growing up and how much we love her and are proud of her, yadda yadda.

I think she really liked it, and I think that as the years go by (like maybe she rediscovers it when she is a mom, or if her kids discover it) she'll like it even more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:sponsor him and friends to go to Benihana or sakura. lots of fun!

That sounds great… for a 12 year old.

We’ll my DS is turning 17 and that’s where he wants to take his friends. We’ll sit at another table. To each his own.

Why?

18 lottery tickets — scratch off or powerball depending on how much you want to spend.