Inexpensive Gift Ideas for the Sweet 16 Birthday Party

When it comes to gifts for the Sweet 16, it's a difficult choice, to put it mildly. If you aren't able to splurge and buy the expensive jewelry, the new laptop, or (gulp) the new car, then have a look at some gifts that are fun and appropriate to be given by family or friends on the Sweet 16's special day. Remember, too, that besides the gifts, she wants to feel that she's important and special. Taking the time to pick out something that fits her personality and style, no matter what the cost, will get that message across to her.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Sweet 16 Basket

Look around for the size and shape basket that's perfect for an interesting assortment of goodies for the Sweet 16. Line the basket with a colorful scarf that can be used later as a bandana or just to hang from the back pocket of her jeans. Take a trip to the dollar store and find the most appropriate and interesting items possible. Nail files are always getting lost, and a pretty nail clipper and new tweezers are always a good idea. Look for a pot of fruity lip gloss and a wild shade of eye shadow and bright nail polish. Be careful how wild and bright, though. She'll probably use it! Add a compressed face cloth or towel that expands in water. If you see a little toy that reminds you of her, pop that in the basket, too. Don't forget gum, mints, and some sugar free candy, but throw in a chocolate bar or two because you know she'll eat them! With the basket nearly full, find a nice bottle of lotion or liquid soap to round out the Sweet 16 selection. If the basket doesn't look as full as you'd like, wrap each of the smaller gifts in scrunched up colored tissue paper. Make it fun!

Keychain for the Sweet 16's first set of car keys

There is an incredible selection of keychains available, but for this occasion a Sweet 16 theme is definitely called for.

"Don't drive faster than your angel can fly" is an appropriate engraving on a key chain from a family member. Priced at $18, the cute sterling angel is a reminder to drive safely every time she picks up her keys to go out.

Movie Theater Passes

Treat your Sweet 16 to a night out at the movies with at friend. Check with your local theater about buying blocks of passes at discount rates. You can use the remaining movie passes for other gift giving occasions.

Restaurant Gift Cards

Not only will your Sweet 16 enjoy a trip to the movies, she'll love going out to eat with a friend at a favorite restaurant and paying for it with a gift card. Part of the joy of being 16 is the independence that comes with driving, working, and having her own money to spend as she pleases. Give her independence a boost, but go ahead... choose a restaurant with healthy food!

iTunes or Music Store Gift Cards

Sweet 16's are a bit opinionated, but that's part of the way they express their burgeoning independence. One area that is definitely a good idea to let her choose for herself is music. Treat her to a collection of her favorite songs with either an iTunes gift card or a store that has good prices and a good selection so her gift will get her several CDs.

Jewelry - Always popular with the girls!

Both inexpensive and personalized, a matching necklace and bracelet that you've taken the time to design yourself is a thoughtful gift from a girlfriend. Find a bead shop near you and browse for the Sweet 16's favorite colors and interests, or make it all about her birthday with birthstone and zodiac trinkets. There is a wide selection of materials to string the beads, and an overwhelming selection of beads and charms themselves. You probably won't be able to get out of the shop without finding something for yourself. Use your imagination with the Sweet 16's personality in mind and I guarantee the girls will all go wild over this gift when it's opened.

Manicure or Pedicure

Treat your Sweet 16 to a manicure or pedicure and pamper her before her party. This is a perfect gift for a relative who is stumped for ideas. Check with a local nail shop and see if they'll give you a special rate for both manicure and pedicure. The shop I use gives a discount to kids under 16. Be sure to ask and save a little extra.

Spa Products

While I'm on the subject of pampering, a selection of 2 - 3 bath items is great for the Sweet 16 who loves to spend hours in the bath. You can put together a bath salts with a body lotion that will look good on her bathroom counter and remind her of you every time she sees them.

Magazine Subscription

With the internet in every home, we've nearly forgotten there are still lots of magazines out there for every interest you can imagine. Whether she loves horses, dancing, or is into baking cookies, a year's subscription to a magazine will be stimulating and give her an opportunity to expand her knowledge on the subject each month. If she looks forward to her magazine arriving in the mail, then it's an easy gift idea to renew it next year. Worried she won't like your choice? Give her a subscription gift card that entitles her to a magazine subscription she picks out herself.