I prepared a cute zippered pouch into which I put a pair of Knix period underwear, some pads, and a menstrual stick-on heating pad. When the day came she loved the gift and still uses the pouch in her backpack.

Ok, so I equate getting a girl a present for her first period to a husband giving his wife a push present after she has a baby. Not an idea that I like at all. Whatever happened to just supporting your kid and making sure she has the supplies she needs. Plus also teaching her things about the proper use of the supplies and to not be ashamed of her body in anyway. To me, the emotional support is far more valuable than a physical gift. Plus, if I had given my daughter a gift for getting her first period she probably would’ve thrown it at me as that’s not the kind of support that she wanted.

Have a fun PMS snack kit ready!

A simple ring. Like a nicer stacking ring (but not super fancy).

My mom took me out to eat (with my best friend). It was nice.

Anonymous wrote:Hot water bottle. Collection of period-proof type underwear. Chocolate. Midol.

Cheesy

Anonymous wrote:My mom got me flowers when I got my first period and I was touched and have a special memory about it.

I think flowers would be lovely and special. why not?

When I was a teen, my friend told me this: she overheard her step-mom tell her father that my friend was "now a woman ... had had her first period". My friend was so unhappy. "why did she say that!!" She was very angry with her step-mom. I remember thinking it was terrible. I had a very good relationship with my Mom, and thought she'd never do something like that!

Don't understand the responses here. It is a momentous moment in a young girl's life. All this talk about trying to ignore seems more in line with viewing it as something shameful and not to be talked about than the OP. I never wanted to talk about it with my Mum but she did get me a gift (a beautiful watch), and I know was a bit teary-eyed as I was the youngest. I still remember that fondly. She did also make sure supplies etc were there so the two things aren't mutually exclusive.

My mom got me flowers when I got my first period and I was touched and have a special memory about it.

This sounds like something the Duggar clan would do.

Just don't.

Not sure whether it's something to "celebrate" but it is a rite of passage. My mom mentioned it before I got it and I was still mortified when it actually happened, because my mom was practically crying and told my dad without earshot. I wanted to disappear.

These days, I know some people do give small gifts, and here's an idea I came across, OP:

https://www.rubylove.com/product-page/first-period-kit-period-underwear

I think the best way to make the most of a first period is to day “here’s a pad and some Advil. Let me know when you’re ready to head out and I’ll take you to CVS and let you pick out your own period products. I’ll help you.”

Then put on your masks, go to CVS, and happen to take a spin through the makeup and candy aisles and say “yes” to everything, suggesting silly or indulgent purchases along the way. That’s a chill but fun memory she will have.

How about making sure she knows how to use a pad and a tampon, understands what her body feels like so she knows when it starts, and that she knows it's okay to be miserable and complain? Unless you're someone who sees her body as just a baby-making factory, I'm not sure why this uncomfortable monthly phase should be celebrated.

Anonymous wrote:I love this idea and this is very common in some Asian cultures. Traditionally the father will bring home flowers and have a small celebration at home. How about cake, chocolates, and then a pretty pouch with a few period essentials inside (thick period underwear, pads, wipes, etc.)?

My daughter was mortified when her dad put a box of supplies in her bathroom at his house. She definitely was not excited about her dad realizing she had gotten her period