The 18th birthday is significant in the US as it marks legal adulthood. Gifts should reflect this transition period, with practical items for those heading to college or living independently. Some choose to celebrate newfound freedoms, while others create keepsakes to mark the occasion.
Different cultures have different milestone birthdays, usually between the ages of 13 and 18. In the United States, although the “Sweet 16” is a landmark year in the lives of many young women, the 18th birthday has long been significant for members of both genders. It is at age 18 that a person in the United States is considered a legal adult, capable of participating in most adult activities that are barred to children and no longer a parental or state department. As a result, 18th birthday gifts are often extra special and should reflect this transition period from adolescence to adulthood.
Many people turning 18 are also about to set out on their own for the first time, to go to college or to live independently. Great gifts can take this into account and highlight this newfound independence. At the same time, practical gifts can be welcome, giving the birthday person something that they can use to start a new life.
For example, if the person is heading to a new dorm life in college, 18th birthday gifts can take the form of some sort of piece of furniture or appliance for that new dorm. A sofa, table, mini-fridge, kitchen set, television, or any other medium-sized gift that the person may not already have but will need can help celebrate this special day. Gifts given on an 18th birthday are often more expensive than previous gifts, and may be more expensive than those given on subsequent birthdays, so gift givers should expect to spend a little more than they normally would. At the same time, many excellent gifts in this vein can be found for those on a budget, simply by checking the classifieds or visiting vintage or thrift stores in search of funky yet trendy décor.
Some people choose to purchase gifts that in some way celebrate one of the new freedoms the celebrated person is gaining with their new age. In the United States many things cannot be sold to children under 18, and some of these things may be bought by friends to celebrate. Lottery tickets, for example, usually can’t be purchased by anyone under the age of 18, so a cheap and fun gift could be a collection of scratch off tickets. The sale of cigarettes and pornography is also generally prohibited for those under the age of 18, so many people choose to purchase an assortment of these items as lewd gifts and gags. Likewise, a more expensive gift might include a trip to the casino.
Finally, since turning 18 is a time of great transition, gifts to mark the day can provide an opportunity to look back on the life she left behind. People with a knack for scrapbooking might want to compile a scrapbook looking back on the person’s life, and those with computer skills might create a multimedia presentation highlighting the past. When prepared with love and care, this can become a keepsake that the birthday person will treasure forever.
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