Pass me my pipe and carpet slippers

[caddyman]

I have just realised something which, were I a depressive soul, would certainly depress me; although, as I generally state, the alternative is pretty rotten.

At one nanosecond past midday on Saturday next, that’s the 6 August, for you calendar-challenged types out there, I shall officially be closer to my 47th birthday than my 46th, which I failed to celebrate by virtue of having to pack for the move to Whetstone. That means that in 2½ years I shall hit 50, and the gentle down slope will steepen. I think I can feel my knee joints giving out in anticipation already. I am already dancing on the edge of granddad territory, and that will make it the full waltz…

This revelation of passing mortality was brought to me as a consequence of musing on what to buy my eldest niece for her 18th birthday on September 11th.

As I said, I’m not depressed by all this, though a couple of G&Ts would probably see to that.

Now, as the nearest I got to celebrating my birthday, was to stop packing long enough to down a couple of cans of Stella from the fridge, I was thinking maybe I should give some thought to celebrating my forty-six and a halfth birthday.

I shall mull this over. Or maybe just forget it.

So what does one buy a young lady on the occasion of her coming of age, nowadays? After all, mulling on that is what got me started on this thread.

Comments

Gifts for 18 year old girls...

[maleghast.livejournal.com]

If she were not your niece I would probably say:

"Give her a piece of paper with the following written upon it - 07775862419"

But as she is... Perhaps a good quality fountain pen is in order - everyone should have at least one good pen and I feel they are all the better for having an event or sentimental attachment. One should never buy one's own good pen.

[littleonions.livejournal.com]

Money. Crude but useful and will stop her having to pretend to like whatever you get her. (this I have learnt from my own nephews who are all now past 18 years old)

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

Try http://www.redletterdays.co.uk/home/index.asp - all sorts of wierd and wonderful experiences.

[bibliogirl.livejournal.com]

... with the proviso that Red Letter Days are not the most financially stable just at the moment

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

Arse!

[bibliogirl.livejournal.com]

Try www.thanksdarling.com instead?

[immerwahr.livejournal.com]

I feel you need to cement your postion as the Cool & Eccentric Uncle, thus presents which suggest themselves include: a zippo, a cigarette holder, pocket watch, stuffed pelican or switchblade. Equally apposite would be a unique notebook to be used as a diary or for random scribbles. Otherwise many girls of all ages have told me that you can't go wrong with a diamond or two.

[scary-lady.livejournal.com]

Any young lady should consider herself fortunate to be the recipient of a stuffed pelican...

[keith-london.livejournal.com]

Re: Red Letter Days - they have gone into administration.

I suggest a Spa Break. (as recommended by Nigella Lawson on her ITV show)

A Spa Break would also suit the older person.

[ysharros.livejournal.com]

Being married to someone your age freaks me out. *evilgrin* Actually, since I know this matters, he's a few months older by the sound of things.

Now, as a return snicker for you, I'll let you imagine my jaw-dropped moment of shock and horror when I discovered I was going to be a step-grandmother. Three at last count. Lucky for them all 3 girls are charming little bundles of cuteness. Still...

cool and eccentric indeed

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

Most 18-yr-olds like music, so a completely ripping Chicago or Delta blues compilation CD might be in order.

Seriously, money always works. It doesn't seem so much like a generic, throwaway gift if you tuck it into a really funny birthday card.

A stuffed pelican? Utterly brilliant...

Re: cool and eccentric indeed

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

It may well be money.

I can't even get her to listen to the Moody Blues because they have 'blues' in their name. It would be a waste of a decent coaster to try and get her to listen to Blues blues.

[thomryng.livejournal.com]

Last month my son celebrated his 18th birthday.

You have my sympathies.

Coming of Age

[romney.livejournal.com]

Hire her a limo for her birthday nite out

*or*

Pay for her to have a piercing or a tattoo.

[failing-angel.livejournal.com]

Books, literature and paper fings - broaden her young (relatively) malleable mind.

As for your good self, if you can squeeze out of the office this Friday, come join meself and a few chums at Olympia for a few jars of real ale.

[thalinoviel.livejournal.com]

A pint, if you're there. (Or a cocktail, if she's a girly girl.) Money is always good.

If she's already got her driving licence, racetrack day. Spa days are useless to an 18-year old, who doesn't need anything complex done to her. Good jewellery won't be properly appreciated yet - get it for her 21st instead.