Everyone loves going to birthdays parties, but especially sweet sixteen birthday celebrations. This birthday is a huge milestone that will be remembered for a long time. That is the reason why you should have a beautiful and unique gift. A gift should put a smile to your loved one’s face and show them how much you care about them.
Before you buy a gift think about:
- Your budget
How much money you spend on a gift depends of how close you are with the person and also what your budget is. You can spend from $20 to $30, but usually family members and relatives spend more.
The main purpose of a gift is to show your love and gratitude for that person. If you can’t spend a lot of money there are cheaper options that can still express your thoughtfulness. You can also create a gift yourself.
If you do want to buy something more costly, you can also pair with other close friends so you can buy that gift together.
- Interests and needs of the birthday boy/girl
In most cases, you don’t want to buy random things you would buy for anybody. You need to think if this person would like that certain kind of gift. If you are not very close to the person, then there are some gifts that are universal. However, if this is your close friend or a member of your family then you need to think harder. Brainstorm some ideas and don’t be afraid to be creative.
- Party theme
If there is a unique party theme maybe you can get a gift that is connected to it. If the party is in certain color try getting the gift that is in that color. Same goes with movie, travel, fashion and other themes, these can all help you choose your gift more easily.
There are many types of gifts you can choose from. Depending on if you want to be creative or practical, or maybe both, and also on your budget, we made a few categories to make it easier for you:
Budget-friendly and practical gifts
If you are low on budget and you have a birthday bash coming up soon, we got you covered. There are some great solutions on which you don’t have to spend a fortune and that will delight your loved one. Also, there is no better gift than a practical one. Especially if the person already told you they need something. This is also a safe choice if you don’t know the person well. They are for sure going to appreciate these:
- Yoga mat
A must-have for everyone who loves doing yoga or home workouts.
- Neon lights
These lights can absolutely change someone’s room without having to buy new furniture or anything else. They can switch colors according to their mood and enjoy their beautiful space.
- Phone case
Phone case determines how our phone looks like. A nice phone case is always a good idea, and you can get even more than one.
- Tea infuser (and tea!)
If they love tea this thing will make their lives so much easier. And with a tea infuser always buy a good-quality tea.
- Shopping totes
Plastic bags are in the past now and everyone need a nice shopping tote. Even if you buy a plain one you can be creative and paint something on it to make it more personal.
- Bookmarks
For those who are bookworms, there is nothing better than pretty bookmarks. They can have their favorite book quote or a picture of their favorite book character on them.
- Candy
Chocolates, cookies and cakes make everybody happy.
- Mug
Everyone needs their favorite mug. You can buy one that has a nice quote or picture to make it more personal.
- Socks
This is a usual gift, but be sure to buy some that are colorful and have cool prints.
- Water bottle
During a workout or a walk, a water bottle is much needed. There are so many unique options you can choose from.
- Reusable straws
Drinking with straw is much more fun. Reusable straws are eco friendly and can help your friend create the habit of having more reusable items.
Tech gifts
Technology is getting more and more advanced each and every day. Every teen wants to have the newest gadget there is, and there are so many. Here are some that are still quite popular:
- Phone charger/ charging cable
This is a type of thing that a person always needs. Chargers break down easily and it is always smart to have a spare one. They also come in all sorts of colors.
- USB flash drive
Another gadget that can always come in hand. They have a good storage capacity and are really useful. Also, there are many cool shapes and colors.
- Wireless charging pad
This one is really heaven made! You don’t have to deal with a lot of cables around your table, so it is perfect for all minimalists out there.
- Ring light for phone
For all selfie enthusiasts this is a must. They will take their selfie game to the next level.
- Fitness tracker
A great gadget for those who love to keep track of their activity, sleep quality, calories, etc.
- Bluetooth speaker
Whether someone wants to have music playing outdoors, or wherever they go, Bluetooth speaker is a perfect solution for them. It is easy to carry around and you can enjoy music at any place.
- AirPods
Again for those who are just not fans of cables. These Apple headphones are so elegant and simple.
- Smartphone printer
If someone loves photography, what a better gift than this. They can instantly print their photos and give them to friends or keep them in their wallet.
- Camera/ GoPro camera
For creative types who love to make short clips or record their adventures.
Style and beauty
Girls love makeup and beauty products. At this age they usually start exploring with it and discovering their taste. These ideas always make good gifts because they are also practical. We guarantee that the birthday girl won’t be disappointed.
- Face masks
Honey, clay, fruit and many other options to choose from. And packages are always super decorative.
- Brush set
Every girl who loves makeup need a good-quality brush set.
- Led mirror
Led mirror is also great for makeup lovers. In case they don’t have good natural light, it can help them see clearly what they are doing.
- Cleansing brush and face roller
For all girls who care about their beauty routine these are good items to have. They can help the cleaning process and also make absorption of other products easier.
- Perfume
More than a fresh and nice smell, perfume represents a person’s taste and personality. People can be very picky about this one, so choose carefully.
- Straightening brush
Hair straightening can be done in a few minutes, and that is for sure every girl’s dream!
*More ideas:
- Eye shadow palette
- Head band
- Nail polish
- Bath bomb
- Body sponge
Experiences
Material gifts are great, but nothing can compare with a true life experience. They bring us lessons that can’t be bought. This year you may want to give someone this special gift:
- Travel
Buying tickets for both of you to go to a city you haven’t visited or some other country is something they will not forget. Especially because they can share this experience with you.
- Dinner
Now that they are getting more mature, they are going to love the idea of dressing up and going for a fancy dinner and dessert. And this also gives them a chance to celebrate their birthday once more.
- Adventure
Are they adrenaline lovers who are always ready for an adventure? Maybe the best gift would be something like zip lining, indoor skydiving, mountain biking or rock climbing.
- Course
Learning a new skill is a priceless experience that can change someone’s life. Depending on their interest you can choose music lessons, a cooking class, dog training, drawing workshop, photography class or anything else. The options are numerous!
- Subscriptions
A one-month subscription, or longer, can really be much more fun that a normal type of gift. Popular ones are Netflix, Kindle, Skillshare, video game subscriptions, etc.
Unique gifts
You don’t like to give boring gifts that are same every year? We got you covered with some fun and unique gifts that everyone will love:
- Art print
Paintings can be quite expensive but it is easy to get a print at a cheaper price. This gives you an option of gifting a true piece of art that can be a stunning decoration for someone’s room.
- Crystal
Crystals help with your energy, mental and physical well-being and they simply make you happy. They are also beautiful.
- Scratch map
For a teenager who loves traveling this is a great gift. As they get older, they’ll get to see all the places they visited and what countries they still got left.
- Journal
Journaling is back in fashion and companies create various types of journals you can choose from. A gratitude journal or a place to keep track of your personal development, write down your dreams, or just your everyday thoughts.
- Merch
Teenagers love their favorite musicians, vlogers and other celebrities. Getting their merch will truly make them happy.
- Locket
You can put a picture of you two together and engrave a message of love. This gift they will carry with them all the time so it is truly meaningful.
- Gramophone
Is this person a retro music lover? You should also find some special gramophone plates with that.
- Plant
Plants decorate our space and make our lives better. They also teach us responsibility and how, with our care, a plant can grow and develop.
*More ideas:
- Rubik’s cube
- Tarot cards
- Puzzles
- Fill-in books
- Coloring books
- Lamp
- Board games
- Books
- Coupon gift cards
- Skateboard
Cozy gifts
If you are buying a gift for someone who loves to spend time at home tucked in their bed then you need a warm and cozy gift:
- Blanket
- Fleece robe
- Pajama set
- Sweatshirt
- Pillow
- Candle
- Coffee mug warmer
- Slippers
Splurge-worthy gifts
If this person is a family member or a very close friend, and you are able to afford a costly and top-notch gift, then we also have some ideas for you. Before buying any of these it is best to check if they need it.
- Kindle paperwhite
With a large storage capacity this a great gift for someone who reads a lot. They can carry tons of books wherever they go.
- Jewelry
Jewelry last for ages and can even be passed to the next generation. It is very durable and it makes a great gift for this kind of special events.
- Drone
An amazing option for tech lovers.
- Musical instrument
If your loved one wants to learn how to play an instrument or already has one which is quite old, they would be delighted to get this.
- Electric scooter
Electric scooters are super popular and quite useful, especially if this teen doesn’t have a car yet.
More ideas:
- Laptop
- Apple watch
- Watch
- Gaming chair
- VR set
- Phone
- Car
Meaningful gifts made at home
You can also create a DIY gift. These gifts are truly special and are always made with much love.
- Letter
Write down your emotions for this person and express how much you care about them. In future they can read it whenever they miss you.
- Scrapbook/photo album
Print some of your favorite photos and put these pictures together. You can also write some text next to each one explaining why you like it that much.
- Tribute video
You can record a video, alone or with other close friends, wishing happy birthday to your loved one.
- Cake
If you are a crafty cook you can bake a cake and decorate it.
- Painting
It would be a lovely gift to paint something for your friend. They will appreciate the effort you put in to create their gift.
Gift baskets
If you can’t decide what to give, or you want to have more than just one gift, you can create a gift basket. You can combine many different gifts or just stick to one type.
Here are ideas:
- Pamper gift basket
- Makeup basket
- Favorite books
- Art supplies
- Flower arrangement
- Sweets and snacks
- New driver gift basket
- School supplies
- Toolbox gift basket
Remember that just by showing up at the party with a smile on your face you are showing this person that you care about them. Gift is just a bonus.
