Gift Ideas for a Daughter's 18th Birthday

A daughter's 18th birthday is a day that both she and her parents see as a momentous occasion. For parents the day may also be difficult to face as they see their baby girl has grown and about to leave the nest. A gift for this milestone birthday should be something that will have long-lasting use as well as cater to her personal tastes and style.

At 18, daughters are now old enough to be responsible for and appreciate a family heirloom. Many parents keep jewelry or other objects that have been passed down for generations, waiting for the right time to continue the tradition. A daughter's 18th birthday can be that right time to give a gift that her grandmother or great-grandmother also cherished.

By age 18, daughters are often making plans to go away to college or take a long summer trip. Good luggage that will last years is not usually something she can afford. Giving a set of quality luggage that she can use when traveling back and forth to college and other trips will make traveling easier and remind her of family.

Gift cards and cash are not usually in short supply at an 18-year-old's birthday. But these are the gifts that others give when they do not really know a person's likes and needs. Also these gifts do not last. Instead, a money gift from a parent should invest in their child's future. Opening an IRA in the daughter's name or buying stocks to a favorite store are a way to give a personal yet long lasting and useful gift of money.

Jewelry is a more traditional gift for a coming-of-age present. Giving a piece that is more than just costume jewelry will certainly be treasured for years to come. She may even pass it down to her own daughter. Jewelry for an 18th birthday should be personalized by using her birthstone or favorite colored stone.

With a camera, a daughter can document her new journeys and travels for herself and her family. Pictures from a digital camera make it easy to send pictures home, keeping the parents filled in on her life away from home. Giving a camera as a give benefits the daughter and her parents.