Harriet Vane Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Dd's 18th birthday is this weekend. I want to put together a silly Grown-Up Kit for her. Ideas I have so far: Compass, so she will always find her way. Pepper spray for protection Emergency cash Voter's guide (not sure where I'll find one but . . .) Mustard seed (If you have faith the size of a mustard seed . . .) Any other ideas? The gift is meant to be symbolic and silly, not expensive. I'd like to fill this out with more items. Help! Thanxaholot!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerileanne99 Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Magnifying glass-so she can always read the fine print Laundry detergent sample- since she can now do all her own:) A quarter taped to an index card- a reminder that she can always call home (yes, I know it isn't a quarter anymore, but the symbolism counts!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 Magnifying glass-so she can always read the fine print Laundry detergent sample- since she can now do all her own:) A quarter taped to an index card- a reminder that she can always call home (yes, I know it isn't a quarter anymore, but the symbolism counts!) Great ideas! :thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Tool box to handle all the little things that need fixing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiden Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 A rope or piece of yarn--something with multiple strands woven together--as a reminder that she doesn't have to go it alone, that she's strongest in community Similar idea: something iron, maybe a small container of iron filings, as a reminder that she is called both to speak wisdom to others and to hear when they speak wisdom to her (iron sharpens iron) I love this idea ... I can see how some things could be silly, but with the incredible symbolism, this could be a very special and meaningful gift, even without spending a lot of money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Here's a book recommendation: The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: How to Escape from Quicksand, Wrestle an Alligator, Break Down a Door, Land a Plane... The Last Lecture is also a really good book, you could say something along the lines of "well, maybe not the last lecture, I still have a few in me." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofkhm Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 For my oldest's 18th I gave her 18 x, 17 y, 16 z.... And I was planning on doing the same with middle. Counting down to the *1* big gift. But I think I like this idea better! But since I did an 18 count down, I may need 18 symbols... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 Thanks for the lovely ideas! I think this is shaping up nicely. Now to scramble around getting this stuff . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 A rubber ball or yo-yo...something about "bouncing back" after a hard time. Compact mirror.."Know thyself." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerileanne99 Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 A few more ideas: Emergency bar of chocolate- because it can fix a whole lot. Fun, character band aids- because life is rough and sometimes we get knocked down. A small mirror-so that she can always see herself clearly A CD of her favorite comedy act or funny DVD- because laughter is the best medicine. One of those tiny, portable fish scales- for remembering to weigh the fish in her life and toss back the ones that need to be tossed back:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smstjohn Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 My mom jokingly received a suitcase and map when she turned eighteen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Toss some bills in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 A small toy- keychain? -that was a favorite of hers as a young child- to remember to never lose her sense of wonder/magic/childhood/whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Silly Putty...either for never too old to be silly or always be flexible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 I remember making multiple calls home as a young adult. They always began, "How do you cook...?" So I would include a few family recipes. Or recipes, plus a certificate for a home-cooked casserole. Emergency sewing kit. Plus a certificate for parent-made repairs. Emergency tool kit. Plus a certificate for parent- made repairs. Adulthood does not have to be sudden and complete. It is less scary if kids recognize it as a process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Wow, what a great idea! And I'm impressed with all the creative, quick-thinking ideas here. :hurray: As for the voter's guide - I'd suggest stopping by your local Secretary of State office and see if they have brochures available, or try their website for a printable pdf. It's possible the SOS office would have a pocket Constitution, too. Or maybe your library has some? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FX4VFC/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1422029686&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 This might be a good option for a small toolkit. I keep one in my drawer so I don't have to go out to the garage to get DH's tools. It gets used quite a lot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 dp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafdog Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Favorite home recipes on cards. Fix-a-flat. Local bail bondsman phone number??? (As a joke, of course!) :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Sounds like a nice gift. I'd put it all in a nice piece of luggage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I wish this thread had been posted about three months ago! What a great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I will need this thread in about 18 months...you all have such incredible ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merry gardens Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Big girl panties, so she can put them on. Duct tape, because it fixes almost anything. A pen, which is mightier than a sword. A little black dress, because it's a wardrobe staple for a grown up woman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 24, 2015 Author Share Posted January 24, 2015 Big girl panties, so she can put them on. Duct tape, because it fixes almost anything. A pen, which is mightier than a sword. A little black dress, because it's a wardrobe staple for a grown up woman. Love these! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 A whistle so she can call for help. A flashlight so she can see clearly. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 The League of Women Voters will have non-partisan voting guide materials. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 This is a fantastic idea and great thread! I'm following and would love more ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Rubber gloves to clean up life's little meses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaxmum Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Scissors to cut the red tape! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I love these. I wish I had thought to do this with my older two. Their 18th birthdays were somewhat anti-climactic. Would it be bad if I did it for dd in 4 years, but didn't do it for the others? Man, I could have done it for a 21st birthday. There is still time for one kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted February 3, 2015 Author Share Posted February 3, 2015 I love these. I wish I had thought to do this with my older two. Their 18th birthdays were somewhat anti-climactic. Would it be bad if I did it for dd in 4 years, but didn't do it for the others? Man, I could have done it for a 21st birthday. There is still time for one kid. Go ahead and do it for your dd. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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