I would do an experience. Take her to NY to see a show on broadway, or buy tickets for a show here. Or if she's into food, take her to a fancy restaurant for her favorite cuisine. Does she have a favorite band, take her to see live music.

I have an aunt who always used to give me jewelry from Tiffany when I was growing up, but it was never really my style so I don’t think I ever wore any of it. As an adult, I still don’t like to receive jewelry as a gift because I’m particular about what I’ll wear.

My teenage daughter wears all kind of jewelry, but honestly can’t tell the difference between what’s expensive and what’s junk. It’s all the same to her, so spending $500 on a necklace (that she might easily lose) would be a waste.

Jewelery from Tiffany & Co.
Something from pandora

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:An electric scooter.

A shopping spree at Sephora.

New sneakers (all the kids that age are asking for incredibly expensive Nikes or other brands).

Lululemon is very popular with that age set.

Tickets to a concert: Zack Bryan, Jason Aldean, Ice Spice, and Olivia Rodrigo are all coming to Philly.

Electric scooters are extremely unsafe. In fact, all the scooters you rent say must be 18 or above

I'm talking about the kind you stand on. The kind that so many middle school kids have - my son and almost all of his friends.

A necklace or earrings from Tiffany or a purse such as Marc Jacobs snapshot bag. I think something like either of these would be closer to $300/$350 and feel very special

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I asked my best friend. My goddaughter wouldn’t share what she really wanted. She’s too polite.

Going into 8th grade. Has a phone. Apple gift card?

So it isn’t your child? This seems inappropriate for a 13 yr old coming from someone that isn’t the parent, and isn’t a college fund contribution

You are so strange. No one besides parents give gifts?

And in the OP…I stated I am her godmother, she’s my goddaughter

So? Giving a 13 yr old $500 in the form of gifts is too much. She isn’t getting married, graduate college, etc. At least ask the parents if they are ok with her getting $500 with of lululemon or Sephora junk before you do this

+1 I would be really annoyed if my DD got a $500 mean girl kit.

Anonymous wrote:If you are very close, take her to NYC to see Gracie Abrams at Radio City then go shopping and have her pick something out. She will never forget that type of experience.

I did similar for my goddaughter. As the (fairy) godmother, extravagant it is. We did a Broadway show and high tea at the NY Palace at 13 with some shopping in midtown.

If you are very close, take her to NYC to see Gracie Abrams at Radio City then go shopping and have her pick something out. She will never forget that type of experience.

I would give her jewelry: either a Tiffany alphabet necklace or birthstone jewelry.

https://www.tiffany.com/jewelry/necklaces-pendants/tiffany-notes-alphabet-disc-charm-pendant-GRP03112/

https://www.shaneco.com/fashion-rings/bezel-set-heart-shaped-ruby-stackable-ring/p/41085241

If she is into art, you can get a really exquisite art supply selection for $500. Take the time to look for novel things. Metallic watercolors, handmade papers, Dresden foils calligraphy stuff. Love this shop: https://twohandspaperie.com/

If she likes baking, do something similar with a really novel pan, embossed rolling pin, amazing sprinkles , a pastel cake stand.

Juniper press also makes wonderful gift book sets for this age and they can be personalized

https://juniperbooks.com/collections/pop-culture/products/twilight-red-moon-book-set

Lord of the rings, classics…you would have to know if and what she likes to read

When I went to college a relative gave me a $300 gift card to a local bookstore. I had to use it in person and it was sooo much fun picking out what I wanted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I asked my best friend. My goddaughter wouldn’t share what she really wanted. She’s too polite.

Going into 8th grade. Has a phone. Apple gift card?

So it isn’t your child? This seems inappropriate for a 13 yr old coming from someone that isn’t the parent, and isn’t a college fund contribution

You are so strange. No one besides parents give gifts?

And in the OP…I stated I am her godmother, she’s my goddaughter

So? Giving a 13 yr old $500 in the form of gifts is too much. She isn’t getting married, graduate college, etc. At least ask the parents if they are ok with her getting $500 with of lululemon or Sephora junk before you do this

Anonymous wrote:An electric scooter.

A shopping spree at Sephora.

New sneakers (all the kids that age are asking for incredibly expensive Nikes or other brands).

Lululemon is very popular with that age set.

Tickets to a concert: Zack Bryan, Jason Aldean, Ice Spice, and Olivia Rodrigo are all coming to Philly.

Electric scooters are extremely unsafe. In fact, all the scooters you rent say must be 18 or above

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For that amount of money, I’d want something that lasts like real jewelry. Does she travel? You can get a hard Tumi carryon in a color like peach or purple on sale for around $520.

Seriously? A carryon as a birthday gift for a 13 year old?

I mean this makes sense to me as a practical gift, but it also seems like the sort of thing we’d provide outside of gift time.

An electric scooter.

A shopping spree at Sephora.

New sneakers (all the kids that age are asking for incredibly expensive Nikes or other brands).

Lululemon is very popular with that age set.

Tickets to a concert: Zack Bryan, Jason Aldean, Ice Spice, and Olivia Rodrigo are all coming to Philly.

My 13 yo wouldn’t have a use for an apple gift card. It seems impersonal but she would love an old fashion check rather than a gift card. She likes to go out with friends and could spend some on that and some on clothes. Now if you meant Apple Pay, she would think Apple paying her $ would be a wonderful gift.