16Th Birthday?

I "second" the emergency car kit and the keychain-- maybe an engraved keychain? Look up online the kinds of things you should have in an emergency car kit-- they say you should carry things like extra socks & protein bars, but those things don't come in the ready-made kits you buy.

Also, a map of the city you live in could prove to be very helpful-- especially if you can get a small one that is sometimes given out at the chamber of commerce or visitor centers. They're easier to handle than the huge accordian maps. Have fun!

1 mom found this helpful

hey C., 16 is such a great age...remember when? lol..! you don't mention whether she has her own car, i was thinking she doesn't by your post, but getting her license is a big milestone for her. car stuff is awesome if she has one, i would definitely go with that! air freshener, accessories, etc...if she doesn't, i was thinking, do they have a prepaid gas card? i know they have gift cards for about everything else these days. but all i've seen are credit cards for gas stations. anyway, if they have them, i think that'd be perfect if i was 16. the #2 problem i always had, after my mom finally allowed me to drive her car, was gas $. i bet that would make her day. congrats to her!

1 mom found this helpful

The key chain idea is good. I think every woman should carry pepper spray.

We recently did the same thing for my sister-in-law who turned 16. We bought her things for her car including some cool retro dice to hang from her mirror. Some ideas might be a car wash gift card and gas gift card.

Depending on what kind of car she got, you could get her some really fun stuff to decorate the inside like a stering wheel cover and matching seat covers!
Or does she have a good radio/cd player in it? Also they now have this item you plug into the cig lighter that plays your ipod for like $20. Bought my hubby one at Target, sorry I don't recall the name but they will know if you explain!
Have fun with it, she will love it! I remember that birthdate and all the fun of it!

I would definitely nix the pepper spray idea. Keep it uplifting, happy and positive. She may need that, but no sense pointing out the dangers as part of a birthday gift, right? I love the keychain idea, as well as a safety car kit. I Quik Trip gasoline-only gift card is always a winner with 16-year-olds! Have fun.

Something cute to hang from her rear view mirror? Or if you are a religious family a Saint Christopher for her car? You can usually find Saint Christopher pins at fine jewelry stores. He is the patron Saint of travelers.
Sounds like she is going to have a terrific birthday what a sweet sister she has!
Hoping she has a memorable day = )
B.

Axe the pepper spray as that can end up being a criminal offense if she uses it on someone and they file counter-charges against her. Reason is...pepper spray can actually cause retinal damage. Go fig! But if you want something "protective" get her something like a horn or even a whistle that will go on her key chain.

The scrapbook idea sounds cool but only if she is into scrapbooking...otherwise, where is she going to put it unless you frame it?

I liked the prepaid gas card/car wash but it's a use and done thing. If you are looking for something more of a keepsake what about a license plate frame? That's something that can go on her car and even be transferred from car to car. A cool keychain is always a neat thing.

My vote though, would be to make her a special emergency bag for her car. Put things in it like window cleaner wipes, armour all for cleaning the interior of her car, a bottle of HEET for winter, non-freezing washer fluid, ice scraper/brush, etc. I'd also put together a notebook for her to keep in her glovebox so she can keep track of the mileage when she gets oil changes and put the reminders on there of how many miles you should get things done like: tire rotation/balance/alignment, transmission fluid changed, when to get new tires, tune up, etc. My Dad had an OCD about all this stuff and it would have behoved me to have picked up a little more...but his charts sure help in our busy lifestyles.

BTW- I think it's really great of you to do this for her! I'm sure she'll be thrilled with whatever you get her...I know I would have been surprised just at the thought of someone other than my family remembering me on my special birthday!

One idea is a wireless headset for her cell phone so she won't be holding it and talking or looking down to dial while driving. Even though we tell kids not to, they will. I have a Jawbone but there are others that are less expensive and the kids love them!

I suggest a car emergency kit... One that includes jumper cables, flash light, flares, ets... They sell them all over the place, especaily this time of year with Christmas approaching.

What about a cute little key chain that holds a little drivers license wallet or a fun license plate for the front of the car or a plate cover?
I would stay away from the mace though. My husband is an ex cop who always kept his mace in his locker. He says it's pretty much worthless and works 100% of the time on you and about 50% on the attacker. Usually the wind is blowing in your direction and not his, or you end up sitting on it and setting it off in your own car, etc... Besides if it's attatched to your key chain it's going to be hard to get to anyways if you need it. You're very thoughtful to think of her, as well as her safety.

The mace and a cool keychain sounds like a good idea to me! Just make sure you instruct her how to use it and that it is not to be played with and sprayed for fun :)

If it's her own car, I agree a prepaid gas card or a car wash gift card.