Sifting through her jewelry box, Ashley Gold smiles at the sight of a sterling silver keychain, engraved with her name on it. Her parents gave it to her as a sweet 16 gift and the metro Detroit mother of two has treasured it ever since.
A national reality star, who appeared in TRUtv’s Hardcore Pawn and runs her own jewelry line. She’s helped many local parents around southeast Michigan decide on what to buy their daughters for their 16th birthday.
“I recommend something symbolic,” says Gold. “Something that symbolizes their new path that they’re embarking on in life.
“For example, I’ve noticed MantraBand” bracelets, which have sayings etched on them, “are very popular. That’s a piece of jewelry a girl can hold on to. She’s always going to have it as a reminder.”
To make your daughter’s 16th birthday one to remember consider these sweet 16 gift ideas.
Some she can wear, and others will help her create memories she can hold onto for a lifetime.
MantraBand bracelets
Send a message to your daughter she can carry with her always. There are several different sayings to choose from like “Believe,” “Celebrate Life,” “Forever Family,” “Live in the Moment” and others. They’re about $25-$35.
Python choker necklace
This unique flavor of necklace will satisfy even the pickiest of jewelry wearers. It comes in three colors and has a magnetic hematite close so that it’ll go with any girl’s style. It’s available on Ashley Gold’s website for $60.
Magic Winds necklace
Jewelry gifts from Ten Thousand Villages is handcrafted by artisans in developing countries. In other words, your gift will help your daughter feel like she’s one-of-a-kind but it will also go towards supporting those in need. Prices vary, with the Magic Winds option shown here running $24.99.
A night at the theater
Does your daughter enjoy the theater? Does she sing along to show tunes? Then order tickets to a full-on Broadway show and attend it together, dressed to the nines.
Spa day gear
At 16, your teen is probably starting to pay more attention to her appearance and her skin care. Consider holding a spa party at your house and letting your teen invite her friends. Splurge on a skin beauty set like HydroPeptide (the Fab Four Mask Collection shown here is $99), or visit a nearby beauty chain and let your teen mix and match items.
Get techie
Phones = independence, especially for teen girls. Give your daughter her own phone and plenty of minutes (and texting!) to go with it. Does she already have a phone? Maybe get her a new gaming device like an Xbox so she can play games with friends.
Special cosmetics
If your 16-year-old likes to glam it up, consider buying her a new eyeshadow pallet or contour or highlighter stick. Might we suggest an item from Fenty Beauty? This line of makeup by Rihanna is of high quality and is all-inclusive, so there’s no need to worry about whether or not you’ll find her shade.
Book subscription box
Got a kid that loves to read? Consider the OwlCrate subscription book box. Each month, they’ll get a new young-adult read and cute gear that goes along with the book of the month. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Dazzling car bling
Getting your driver’s license is a special rite-of-passage. Send her out on the road in style with gear from Carsoda. Its fizzy-fun decor ranges from snazzy key fobs and mirror charms to steering wheel covers, air-vent doodads and lots more, making it a cool pick among the car-related sweet 16 gift ideas.
Personalized jewelry
Whether it’s a bracelet special for her sweet 16 or a necklace name plate, your daughter will love the thought behind a piece of jewelry that she’ll never outgrow. The version above is by New Jersey Etsy seller KainsBoutique – or browse Etsy for loads of other options.
This post is updated regularly.
