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Turning 18 comes with a lot of free gifts, like the right to vote in national election, to get a tattoo without a parent’s permission, and to serve on a jury. You know, the ~super fun~ present that is adulthood. It's no wonder grown-ups deserve the best gifts. And if you know someone who's about to turn the big 1-8, you need this guide to the best 18th birthday gift ideas to give them something truly special.
The best things in life might be free, but I think any 18-year-old will tell you they want more than a heartfelt birthday card to celebrate their entry to adulthood. That’s where we come in. These 18th birthday gift ideas are all super cute, cool, and, best of all, actually useful. Most importantly, there’s a little bit of something for everyone because we know that no two 18-year-olds are the same. So, whether you’re shopping for someone who's going off to college, prepping for backpacking abroad, or diving headfirst into work, look no further. These gifts will make anyone’s 18th birthday their best one yet.
Help point a new adult in the right direction with this layered necklace set that's complete with a compass charm. Is the message a bit on the nose and cheesy? Kinda, but it's also really cute.
Never underestimate the power of a cute and reliable phone case. Add in a short and sweet inspirational message, and you've got the perfect everyday accessory.
Everyone needs a little black dress, and there is none as perfect as the Somerset Mini, which can be dressed up or down and comes in a wide range of sizes, including Petite and Plus.
18-year-olds might think they want to go to the salon for a new gel mani every other week, but once they see the bill, they'll be thankful for this at home kit, trust me.
This chunky gold chain is versatile enough to wear with both everyday casual looks and boss babe outfits at the office (and yep, it's available for every zodiac sign, as well as both sterling silver or 18-karat gold).
These UGG slippers are indoor/outdoor (aka perfect for dorm life), and they blend together two of my absolute favorite things: sliders and soft fuzzy fabric.
This is the one gadget to rule them all: It's a phone charger that's also a dimmable LED nightlight and a portable bluetooth speaker. It's also got a super sleek design that won't look clunky on a bedside table. 10/10
While tweens are *allegedly* running around Sephora ruining Drunk Elephant testers, you can help someone skip the chaos by gifting them this luxury mini Tatcha set, full of the brand's top sellers.
If you know someone who's into makeup, odds are they're wishing for a Pat McGrath Mothership palette. The palettes, known as the holy grails of shimmery pigments and smooth mattes, is so iconic even Taylor Swift is a fan.
A teen needs all the sleep. Thanks to this three-piece set, they can also protect their hair, face, and eyes (oh, and it comes in a few colors to match their *specific* vibe).
One of the hardest transitions into adulthood is going from comfy clothing to professional (aka uncomfy) styles. These trousers are the perfect transition pant because they look super profesh, but have a hidden elastic waistband for comfort.
18-year-olds may not have a lot of money, what with their status as baby adults and all, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a chic place to keep their cash!
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Mekita Rivas
Editor
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
Alexis Bennett
Alexis Bennett is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives for a good sale. You can follow her shopping obsession here and on Instagram.
£50 is absolutely fine if you can afford it. I would say £100 is a good amount but it is up to you as to what you can afford. As long as a piece of string, dependant on your means.
There's no universal traditional gift for an 18th birthday. Traditions vary from culture to culture and family to family. Some of the most common 18th birthday gifts include: Jewelry (like a necklace or bracelet)
"Eighteen is an age of discovery.I hope your journey is an unforgettable adventure.""18 is one of the best ages.You get to do adult things while still acting like a kid!"
Depends upon a household budget surely, not sure there would be a normal. We put away money monthly since birth and they recieved it on their 18th. I'd say for a special Birthday such as 18th around £500 if affordable.
Turning 18 is a major milestone that calls for a big birthday celebration. This important day marks a significant transition in a teenager's life as he or she begins to enter adulthood. To celebrate this special occasion, you'll want to throw a birthday bash the guest of honor will always remember.
It appears that the general amount for a birthday celebration is around $25, no matter the relationship. Money etiquette experts suggest spending $10 to $20 for classmates while expanding the budget to $25 for close friends, $50 for relatives and upwards of $100 for your own children.
In most countries, 18 is the age of majority, in which a minor becomes a legal adult. It is also the voting age, marriageable age, drinking age and smoking age in most countries, though sometimes these ages are different than the age of majority.
At 18 years old, you're officially an adult in the eyes of the law and can start making your own decisions and taking on new responsibilities. In many cultures, this is also a time to throw a lavish party or with family and friends.
Turning 18 is a major milestone that calls for a big birthday celebration. This important day marks a significant transition in a teenager's life as he or she begins to enter adulthood.
You have new responsibilities and privileges when you turn 18, including the ability to vote, join the military, buy a lottery ticket, move out of your parent's home, rent an apartment or home, and many other new privileges. It's time to make plans for your life, but first, celebrate this new milestone!
Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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