BIRTHDAYS seem to creep around thick and fast, as what used to feel like an eternity for our birthdays to come around, now feels like the speed of light.
But there's no more important birthday for many than your 18th, so if you're looking for the perfect gift for the teenager in your life, we're here to help.
Whether you are buying 18th birthday gifts for a girl, or boy, we have a selection of present ideas to help.
Some love to gift a keepsake for milestone birthdays, such as an 18th.
This could be anything from an item of jewellery, such as a ring, necklace, pendant, bracelet, maybe even a charm bracelet, or charms for it, which could become a starting point for future gifts, as well as a watch.
Personalised gifts are also a great idea to make the milestone gift even better, and a gift experience is always a memorable choice
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Something designer may prove to be a huge hit, whether it is the latest new design of trainers, or high heels, maybe even a bag, all of which you can rewear time and time again for many years after.
Plus, you can't go wrong with the usual gifts, such as make-up, fragrance, food hampers, and of course, fizz.
So if you're looking for a gift, look no further, here areall the best gift ideas for an 18th birthday to help you.
Best 18th birthday gifts for her
1. Signature Name Necklace
A necklace is always a great gift idea, especially a personalised one, such as a name necklace, which have been a recurring trend for many years.
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Sarah Jessica Parker's character in Sex and The City wore the design on the shoe, while Love Island contestants have also worn similar styles in the villa.
Abbott Lyon has created a Signature Name Necklace, which is simply stunning, and the perfect gift for any birthday.
It can feature up to 12 characters, so you can opt for a full name, initials or nickname should you wish.
- Signature Name Necklace, £79 from Abbott Lyon – buy here
2. Coach Tabby Chain Leather Clutch Bag
Coach has had a moment, with many influencers and fashion gurus turning to the label to accessorize their day and evening looks.
One style of accessory which has proved hugely popular is the Tabby collection, both the Chain Leather Clutch Bag and Tabby Pillow bag.
The designs can be worn over the shoulder tucked under the arm, worn loosely over one shoulder, as well as across the body.
So for those who are wishing for a designer bag, a timeless accessory to wear day in and day out, Coach has you covered.
- Coach Tabby Chain Leather Clutch Bag, £295 from John Lewis – buy here
3. Chance Chanel Eau Tendre
A fragrance is always a great gift idea, though it is a personalised choice as some may prefer citrus scents over floral, you will not disappoint with anything Chanel.
Chanel's Chance fragrance is extensive, and includes the classic Chance, as well as Eau Tendre and Eau Fraiche, so you can find the perfect scent for all recipients.
- Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau De Toilette, £67 (Was £77) from Boots – buy here
4. Diamond Essential Bracelet
Diamonds are a girls best friend, hands down, but they can be expensive.
However, Monica Vinader has catered to our needs with the Diamond Essential Bracelet as it is a statement piece, a special keepsake, and while it is pricey, it is reasonable for the high quality that it is.
It comes in rose gold, gold and silver, and there is also matching rings, and a necklace for those who want to keep the theme running for future birthdays.
- Diamond Essential Bracelet, £150 from Monica Vinader – buy here
5. MOET & CHANDON personalised champagne
You can't have a celebration without champagne, including an 18th birthday.
Selfridges is offering shoppers the chance to personalise their bottle of fizz with the recipient's name, a message, a date, anything you choose, to make this more than just a bottle of champagne.
Whether the recipient drinks it or keeps it bottled up for years, the option is up to them, but we know it will impress.
- MOET & CHANDON Exclusive Impérial Brut NV Champagne and personalised tin, £59.99 from Selfridges – buy here
6. Red Letter Days Spa and Salon Treats for Two Gift Experience
We all dream of a trip to the spa on our birthday, and it's true no matter what age you are, you can always do with a little R&R.
Unwind, relax, enjoy a pamper, and while away the hours in the sauna with your 18th birthday pal.
This is perfect for mums and daughters, friends, or couples too.
- Red Letter Days Spa and Salon Treats for Two Gift Experience, £40 from Moonpig – buy here
7. Gold Theatre Tickets to a West End Show for Two
Going to the theatre has always been deemed a little bit of luxury, and a real treat, no matter how old you are everyone loves the theatre.
We previously mentioned planning activities to do together for a gift instead of buying an item is often preferred as you can make precious memories with your loved ones.
There are plenty of shows to see from Lion King, to Wicked, Tina Turner and many more.
- Gold Theatre Tickets to a West End Show for Two, £199.99 from Buyagift – buy here
8. Shark Flexstyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer with Storage Case
The Dyson Airwrap may be one of the most sought after beauty tools, so for those who do not want to fork out for the pricey Dyson, the Shark Flexstyle is a great choice.
In fact, not only do we prefer the price of the Shark alternative, but also it's functionality.
With the 5-in-1 set you can create any look with ease.
- Shark Flexstyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer with Storage Case, £299.99 from Boots – buy here
9. GUCCI heels
A pair of designer shoes, whether it is trainers or high heels, are often on every teenager's wishlist, especially come their 18th.
There are plenty of designers out there, some of the most popular 18th birthday shoes to receive often include Christian Louboutin, YSL, or Steve Madden.
Why not shake it up with a timeless blocked heel variation instead of a stiletto?
- GUCCI GG Marmont block-heel leather sandals, £640 from Matches Fashion – buy here
Best 18th birthday gifts for him
1. Mulberry Small Classic Grain Leather Card Holder
Card holders and wallets are always a great gift idea for guys.
But to elevate that gift a little more when it comes to a big birthday such as an 18th celebration, why not turn to a designer fashion label, such as Mulberry?
- Mulberry Small Classic Grain Leather Card Holder, £160 from John Lewis – buy here
2. CREED Aventus eau de parfum
The fragrance of all fragrances for men, in our opinion.
It's time to move on from the classic Paco Rabanne One Million and venture into the world of more luxe scents, which we are sure will be appreciated even more come their 18th birthday.
There are various Creed collections to shop, but the Aventus is the bestselling item and firm favourite for many shoppers.
- Creed Aventus eau de parfum, £210 from Selfridges – buy here
3. Comme Des Garcons trainers
It's safe to say almost every boy loves their trainers, and some love to invest in designer trainers to forge an impressive collection.
If your son, grandson, nephew, brother, or best friend is that guy, then why not get the whole family to club in for a new pair of designer trainers.
Comme Des Garcons' iconic high top trainers are seen everywhere we look, and are perfectly paired with jeans, shorts, trousers, and even suits.
If he's yet to invest in designer trainers, these are a great starting point, before investing in the big names like Givenchy, Dior and Prada.
- Comme Des Garcons trainers, £140 from Selfridges – buy here
4. Manchester United Football Club Stadium Tour for Two Adults
Know a football fan? Of course you do.
Virgin Experience Days has a whole host of great experiences to shop, including a range of tours around football grounds such as Old Trafford, Wembley, and many more.
What we love is this not only extends their birthday celebrations, but helps you to make memories with that special 18 year old in your life.
- Manchester United Football Club Stadium Tour for Two Adults, £50 from Virgin Experience Days – buy here
5. Tissot T-Sport Seastar 1000 Watch
A watch is a failsafe gift idea for boys when they turn 18, some popular brands include Tissot, Omega, Tag, Seiko, Armani, and many more.
Of course big name brands are always desired, such as Omega, Breitling, and Rolex, but that depends on your budget.
You can even choose to get the watch engraved with a date, message or just a name, should you wish to make this gift even more special.
- Tissot T-Sport Seastar 1000 Watch, £375 from Beaverbrooks – buy here
6. BALENCIAGA Explorer canvas cross-body bag
Cross-body bags have been all the craze in recent years, and we are not mad about it.
Both men and women can wear them, store all their valuables, and go hands free too, so it's a win win.
While some may lust after designer garments, this may be a solution as it will be more practical and the lucky birthday boy will no doubt get a lot of use out of this purchase.
- BALENCIAGA Explorer canvas cross-body bag, £550 from Matches Fashion – buy here
7. Fizzics DraftPour Pub Special
We all know an 18-year-old who loves a pint, if you know that someone why not treat someone to the Fizzics DraftPour Pub Special.
Plus, you can keep it in the home for the rest of the family to enjoy too.
- Fizzics DraftPour Pub Special, £149 from Menkind – buy here
8. Signet ring
Thomas Sabo is a longstanding jewellery brand we know and love, and have shopped at for decades.
The label has an impressive men's selection also, including rings, which we think make a great 18th birthday gift.
You can choose to get engraved should you wish or leave plain, and either way it's a timeless keepsake to keep forever more.
- Ring classic, £89 from Thomas Sabo – buy here
9. Adventure Challenge
While you may not be able to give your child the gift of unlimited holidays, you can inspire them and encourage them to pursue their dreams, which may involve travelling the world.
Turning 18 brings exciting adventures, as it may be the time some are at university, or take a gap year to go exploring.
The Adventure Challenge can be given by any friend, relative, to the birthday boy, so they can stretch their limits.
You can also shop The Adventure Challenge books for couples too, just in case your teen is all loved up.
- Adventure Challenge Book, £49 from The Adventure Challenge
How much should I spend on an 18th birthday gift?
How much to spend on an 18th birthday gift is entirely up to you, and your relationship with the 18-year-old.
It is assumed parents will spend more on their child's big birthday, while siblings or friends may club together to buy one impressive gift.
We think anywhere from £50 to £100 is a great place to start, however, some may choose to spend more.
Where to buy 18th birthday gifts?
There are plenty of shopping destinations to head to when buying an 18th birthday gift for him and for her.
Some may head to luxury retailers, or department stores, others online outlets, especially if you need quick shipping.
- Selfridges – shop here
- Amazon – shop here
- Net-A-Porter – shop here
- Menkind- shop here
- Virgin Experience Days – shop here
- Moonpig – shop here
- Monica Vinader – shop here
- John Lewis – shop here
- Beaverbrooks – shop here
- Thomas Sabo – shop here
- Boots – shop here
What is the best gift for an 18 year old girl?
There are plenty of gifts to shop for an 18 year old girl, it simply depends on your budget and their preferences.
Some may be saving to go travelling on a gap year, in which case you could help on the way, or even line up activities for a destination they're in.
However, it is more common for 18 year olds to receive a timeless piece of jewellery as a keepsake, whether this is a necklace, bracelet, ring, or watch.
They may wear the jewellery all the time, or keep for special occasions.
Other popular buys also include designer purchases, and there have been many requests from 18 year olds we know for a designer bag or shoes, whether it is trainers, sandals or stiletto heels.
What's the best gift for an 18 year old boy?
The best gift for an 18-year-old boy is similar to an 18-year-old girl as jewellery, such as watches, bracelets, chains, rings or cufflinks, are often high on the cards.
The reason jewellery is loved so much for milestone birthdays is because they become keepsakes the birthday boy can keep forever and look back on in years to come.
A designer pair of trainers will also not go amiss we're sure.
What's a traditional 18th birthday gift?
Jewellery and keepsakes are often the most popular gift ideas for those celebrating their 18th birthday.
In some cases it's the birthday before they may leave for university, so it is often a cause to celebrate in style – and big.
When it comes to milestone birthdays we always love to receive keepsakes, and gifts we can treasure forever, which can be anything from jewellery, to accessories, even photos, or experiences to make memories.
We also love anything personalised, as it just makes any gift all the more special and looks like more care has been put into your gift.
Need more gift inspiration with Father's Day fast approaching?
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