Perfect birthday party presents

Buying a gift for an 18th or 21st birthday present? If you’re stuck for ideas… read on

• A day at the races

  Time for a little sophistication, and a lot of fun! Place a few small bets and treat yourselves to a glass of bubbly at lunchtime.

   

• Driving lessons

  If they haven’t already passed their test, it’s about time they did!

• Perfume

  Just the thing for a girly girl. Try to find out what she likes before you buy!

• A handbag

  As with perfume, you can’t go wrong with a stylish bag for the girl about town.

• A drinking pack

  Include a four pack of beer, yard glass, aspirin and coffee… or a bottle of Champagne and two flutes.

• A city break

  If you’re splashing out on a loved one, how about a romantic trip to Paris or Madrid? Failing that, London’s pretty special too!

• An outdoor game box

  Just the thing for a summer birthday – include a softball, football, Frisbee, tennis balls, bats and perhaps a badminton net. Hours of fun in the sun!

• An indoor game box

  If the sun’s not shining, how about a pack of playing cards, Connect Four, Twister, dominoes and Monopoly?

• Electronic games

  You’re always going to be popular if this is your choice of gift! How about splashing out a Nintendo Wii?

• Magazine subscription

  Perhaps she’s in to cooking, or he’s a fan of golf? Equally, you’ll be every girl’s best friend if you buy her a subscription to Grazia!

• Essential uni box

  If they’re just about to flee the nest and head off to university or college, how about an address book, pens, paper, stamps, phone cards and… food!

• Photographs

  Ah, time to tug on the heartstrings. How about a lovely framed photograph, or even a montage of shots throughout the years? Alternatively, fill a photo album with pictures of them since birth.

• A newspaper

  OK – not just any newspaper, but one from the day they were born. A great keepsake!

• An eco gift

  Why not do something really special with your money and adopt an animal, plant a tree or donate money to charity? You might not have anything to show for it but who cares?

• Name a star

  We’re back to romance again! For the person who has everything, how about naming a star in their honour?!

• A relaxation kit

  Everyone likes to be pampered, so fill a hamper with bubble bath, bath bombs, a scented candle, body lotion and other treats.

• A beach kit

  If they’re heading off to the sunshine, make sure they’re well prepared with suntan lotion, sunglasses a towel and that all important chick‐lit novel.

• Treats for a good night in

  It’s time for them to kick off their shoes and relax. Essentials include DVD’s, chocolate, popcorn, and relaxing music. You could include a foot massage if you’re feeling extra generous!

• Theme‐park tickets

  Do they like a bit of excitement in their lives? How about two tickets to a theme‐park – just remember that you have to go too!

• A cocktail box

  Everyone loves a glamorous cocktail – so how about a cocktail shaker, glasses, a book on how to make them and a few spirit miniatures?

• Tickets

  Always a winning present – take a look at sporting events, music concerts and stand‐up comedy shows.

• An adrenaline rush

  How about a bungee jump, parachute jump, balloon ride or helicopter trip?

• Treats for the tastebuds

  If they’re a real foodie, how about dinner for two? Alternatively, you could employ the services of a caterer at home, or send them off to a cookery school!

• A birthday cake!

  Last but certainly not least… what could be better on your birthday than a delicious, chocolatey, home made cake. Don’t forget the candles!