We got invited to a sweet 16 party this weekend and I have no idea what to do for a gift. The girl's mom and I have been in class together (I am in college) over the last few semesters and have become friendly. I have never met her daughters although she met my husband and daughter one night after class last semester. Anyway, we got an invitation to her daughter's sweet 16 party- which is going to be huge. It was really nice of her to invite us and we can't stay for the party but we are going to stop by to drop off a gift and say hi to my friend. Problem is I have no idea what to get this girl. I've never met her before and it's been a while since I've been a sixteen year old girl. I was thinking that I would get her a gift card for somewhere. Do you think $20 is enough? Also- I was thinking of getting her one for Old Navy- they have really great prices and cute clothes- doesn't everyone like Old Navy? Or should I just get her a Visa gift card so she can use it on whatever? Or does anyone have any other ideas? The girl is pretty, thin, and popular. That's about all I know about her.
I think I'd bump it up to $25 and go w/ the Visa gift card that can be used anywhere since you don't know her preferences/hobbies, etc.
I wouldn't get a 16 year old a gift card to Old Navy. She won't like it. I suggest Forever 21.
make it a standard gift....& cash is best. Don't try to pick a store for her! Since you're strangers, I think $20 is more than enough!
At the age of 16 the party should just be for teens, but if you've been invited or your daughter then a gift card to a nice nail salon would be nice, an itunes gift card, or your standard visa gift card...all within the price range of $20-$35.
I think a $20 gift card is fine; however, I would go with a Visa gift card that way she can use it where she chooses for what she chooses. No, everyone doesn't like Old Navy and since you don't know her, you don't know what she likes.
Another option would be a gift card for a local hair or nail salon. If she is getting her license, you could get her a gas card. An i-tunes card is something most teens like too.
She is 16, probably into Abercrombie, Hollister, etc. My 16 yr old has not been in Old Navy/GAP, etc since she was 10.
I would certainly bump UP the price to $30-$50 and spring for a Visa gift card so she can go anywhere.
Some other things we have done are: give a proof set of her birth year. We collect numismatics and will give Morgan Silver Dollars, proof sets, etc collectibles.
A gift card is perfect. And Old Navy is a great choice.
No on Old Navy...itunes is perfect for the $20 range. It sounds like this girl has everything she could want already...I wouldn't spend more than that and I wouldn't get a gift card other than itunes...she's pretty much guaranteed to use that.
It's hard to know which stores she enjoys, so a Visa gift card is good. Don't feel obligated to give more than $20 to someone you haven't known for a long time. I'm sure she will appreciated the gesture!
Absolutely. Mine just turned 16 and $20 in cash or a gc for iTunes would be great. Watch those VISA gift cards. My kids have gotten them several times and they have not worked.
Everything you suggested sounds great... I'm a huge fan of giving 'grown up' jewelry for sweet 16's... like nice (modestly priced) gold hoops or a tennis bracelet, just because it's my way of saying 'hey, you're old enough to take care of nice stuff!'
How thoughtful of you to bring a gift, even if you can't stay long!
My youngest is 17 & the next one up is almost 19; been there & done that with the teen gifts! Some ideas to consider:
- yes to Old Navy. or American Eagle.
- other stores they like: Marshall's / TJ Maxx (bargain hunters like their mama!), Gilly Hicks, Forever 21. Bath & Bodyworks.
- CVS is a winner in our house. It's amazing how these kids drool over new shampoo, a cool mascara or funky nailpolish.
- iTunes -- definitely!
- my kids LOVE Barnes & Noble.
- a gift card to a local nail salon would be a great win at my house.
- a small box with a few different colors of nail polish. My sister was just elevated to "almost a saint" status by my girls because she found this cool polish (black, I think) that you put over another color. The black then crackles and makes a neat effect with the underneath color showing through. She finds a coat of clear over the top makes it shiny.
- movie passes. Someone just turning 16 most likely doesn't have a steady job yet -- a little entertainment money is sure to be a hit.
Remember, this girl doesn't know you well and so probably isn't expecting anything. Whatever you do will tickle her because of your thoughtfulness. It doesn't have to be large. I think $20 in this situation is totally appropriate.
I like the idea about the Old Navy card. Or you could always do iTunes. The Visa card is a royal pain in the behind, you have to use it for EXACTLY $20. But you can't use it on a purchase with a balance of over $20. Have fun!
