A special gift for a 16th birthday

[cronewitch]

My great neice will be 16 the end of this month and I would love to give her something special but what? I know her grandmother thinks 16 is special and her mother got a diamond necklace from her and my brother got her a car, I got her jumper cables. This girl won't ever get a car and doesn't know much about money, she has down syndrome. I am thinking maybe a fresh water pearl necklace that was her great grandmothers, she died almost 2 years ago and I got it since I had bought it for her. The girl isn't a girly girl but did go to a prom so might want to dress up sometime. She likes seasons of the Simpsons and her iPad and wants a great dane but isn't getting one.

I need to get her something special because I am giving her brother money for college and she is being left out. I know she notices since her brother's birthday is before hers and once her uncle gave him a gift after his birthday and she was heard muttering, my birthday, he had her gift in the car. I want this gift to let her know she is just as important as her brother. I would like to make an impression on her so not just a gift card or sweatshirt or something. I am thinking something girly like jewelry, she has a fear of flowers.

[marvholly]

I would still go with something in jewelry. Maybe not the family pearls just yet but a necklace with some kind of charm or drop (birthstone?) that she can wear for everyday.  Save the pearls for a later significant bday - 18 or 21 or even 30.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

I agree with a charm or birthstone necklace for now.  Maybe "lend" her the pearl necklace for special events for now so that she develops a sense of family history for it and will appreciate it all the more when she does finally receive it.

What about an "experience" gift.  Is there something she has always wanted to do -- a show, horseback riding, a pop concert, etc.?

Can you take her on a trip somewhere she has always wanted to go -- even if it's just an overnight or weekend?

There ARE tangible gifts that I cherish, but I also deeply cherish the memories of special times with extended family.  

[tcu2003]

Ditto the necklace - I like the idea of her birthstone, or even a small diamond pendant or charm of some kind.

[andi9899]

What about a Pandora bracelet. It's a gift you can add to over the years that is all about her.

[sesfw]

I think the Pandora charm bracelet is a good idea. She can look at the charms and maybe remember the joy of each one.

[Tennesseer]

Strung pearls are fragile.  Buy her a sturdier piece of jewelry and see how she takes care of and uses it.  Save the pearl for later.

[marvholly]

Apr 4, 2015 9:50:15 GMT -5 sesfw said:

I think the Pandora charm bracelet is a good idea. She can look at the charms and maybe remember the joy of each one.

I thought about this type of jewekry gift. Back in my day (coming up on 69) charm bracelets & charms were VERY popular as 'sweet sixteen' gifts. Don't think they are so much so these days.

[cronewitch]

I talked to her mom and grand parents and uncle and it was decided she won't wear jewelery and what she wants is red converse shoes in size 1. Her mom got her Vans shoes and won't get her red converse. Shoes isn't a great gift but I think I will go with that if it makes her happy it is good enough, might throw in Subway sandwich gift card she always is asking to go there to eat fresh.<br>

[marvholly]

I still think milestone bdays should be a more lasting type of gift. Shoes & gift cards are consumables IMHO.

[ners]

Could you get her the shoes and take her to a special lunch with her great aunt.  It could be subway if that is what she likes to eat.  Be sure to take pictures.

[Peace77]

What about a watch with a red band to match the shoes?  It wouldn't have to be an expensive one.