25 Gifts For 18 Year Old Girls (That She Will Love… Maybe)

If you know a girl who’s about to turn 18, you may be scratching your head regarding what to get her. Luckily, there are plenty of great gifts for 18-year-old girls (and boys) out there.

Gifts range from practical to fun to personalized. Consider what she likes to help narrow your search, and you can even ask her for a list of what she wants.

But you can start shopping for a gift using these ideas.

1. Lap Desk

LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder - White Marble - Fits Up To 15.6 Inch Laptops - Style No. 91501

One of the best gifts for 18-year-old girls is a lap desk. Whether she’s still in high school or venturing off to college, she needs a good place to do her homework.

After she graduates, she can use the lap desk to watch her favorite shows and movies. And she can work wherever, especially if she goes to college or gets a remote job. There’s also space for a phone and mouse on many lap desks.

2. Desk Chair

Office Chair, Ergonomic Office Chair Lumbar Support Home Office Desk Chair Computer Chair Mesh Swivel Chair Task Chair Study Chair Mid Back Office Chair with Wheels and arms, Adjustable Height, Black

Maybe the 18-year-old you know has a good desk or will be living in a college dorm. Consider getting her a nice supportive desk chair.

Some dorm chairs aren’t very comfortable, so it can be hard to focus. Your daughter or sister can bring her own chair instead so that she can get more work done at school.

3. iPad Pro

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation): with M2 chip, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP front/12MP and 10MP Back Cameras, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life – Space Gray

This may be a gift for parents to give, but consider gifting an iPad Pro. You can also include accessories, like the Magic Keyboard, so the iPad works as a laptop.

Either way, it’s an excellent device for streaming media. She can also use it to take notes during classes and to study for exams. While there’s the regular iPad, the Pro is much more powerful and can be an option if a laptop is out of the question.

4. Apple Watch

Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smart Watch w/Rugged Titanium Case & Green Alpine Loop Large. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life, Brighter Retina Display

An Apple Watch is another excellent gift, especially for Apple users. If not, any smartwatch will do, and it can offer a few benefits.

For one, the 18-year-old can track her fitness and activity. A less happy reason a watch comes in handy is in an emergency. If she can’t reach her phone, she can use her watch to call for help if necessary.

5. Alarm Keychain

Alarm Keychain for Women Self Defense – 130 dB Loud Siren Whistle - Personal Safety Protection Device with LED Light – Safesound Emergency Security Alert Key Chain to Carry by WETEN (Pink)

Unfortunately, this world isn’t the safest for young women. If you’re sending your daughter off to college, get her an alarm keychain. This one includes a flashlight, which is great at night.

If someone tries to attack her, she can pull the keychain to trigger a loud noise. That can draw attention, and it may keep an attacker from continuing to harm her. Plus, it goes on your keys, so it’s easy to access.

6. Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Compatible with Apple & Android, Built-in Microphone, IPX4 Rating, Sweat Resistant Earphones, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Many 18-year-olds like to listen to music. If you know someone like this, get her some Beats Studio Buds or similar Bluetooth earbuds.

Then, she can listen to music wherever and not disturb anyone else. Beats are soft and comfortable, and they’re compatible with Apple and Android devices. That makes them an excellent choice for most teens.

7. Portable Charger

iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank Cute Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 14/14 Pro Max/13/13 Pro Max/12/12 Pro Max/11 Pro/XS Max/XR/X/8/7/6/Plus Airpods and More,Pink

Stereotypical teens spend a lot of time on their devices. If your 18-year-old complains of her phone dying, get her a portable charger. You can find ones specifically for iPhones or Androids or chargers that work for either device.

Most portable chargers are small and easy to use. They won’t get in the way, so your daughter or sister can enjoy using her device without the risk of it dying out.

8. LED Strip Lights

MINGER LED Strip Lights 16.4ft, RGB Color Changing LED Lights for Home, Kitchen, Bedroom, Dorm Room, Bar, LED Lights for New Year Decorations with IR Remote Control, 5050 LEDs, DIY Mode

There are so many things a college freshman can do to decorate her dorm. One of those few ways is to hang LED Strip Lights. You can get her a pack with different colored lights so that she can choose the colors to use.

LED lights can help offer mood lighting in a dorm room. They’re also useful for when a roommate is sleeping, and you can’t use the overhead lights. She can even swap out the colors to match seasons and holidays.

9. Polaroid Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Bundle - Sky Blue (600021729)

Becoming an adult often involves creating memories, such as high school graduation and the move to college. Get your 18-year-old a Polaroid camera to take pictures of her upcoming events.

Then, she can hang the photos in her room at home or in her dorm. She won’t have to take the photos to a printing center or print them herself.

10. Adult Coloring Book

Anxiety Relief Adult Coloring Book: Over 100 Pages of Mindfulness and anti-stress Coloring To Soothe Anxiety featuring Beautiful and Magical Scenes, ... | Adult Coloring Book (Anxiety Coloring Book)

Adulthood can be stressful, whether you’re in college, high school, or working. One of the best gifts for 18-year-old girls who are creative is an adult coloring book. This book is more advanced than a traditional one for kids.

However, some adults find coloring to be very relaxing. It also doesn’t require a ton of space or materials aside from the book and some crayons or colored pencils.

11. College Planner

Blue Sky 2022-2023 Academic Year Weekly & Monthly Planner, July 2022 - June 2023, 8.5' x 11', Flexible Cover, Wirebound, Enterprise (130609-A23)

Not all 18-year-olds go to college, but many do. If you know a young adult who will be moving away to school, get her a college planner. A regular planner is nice, but an academic planner lines up better with the school year.

You can get a generic one like this for the academic year so that she can keep track of her classes and other activities. If you know the school she’ll attend, you can also get a custom planner.

12. Morgan Gusseted Wallet

Morgan Gusseted Wallet

Many women love designer wallets but can’t afford them. Get the 18-year-old in your life a wallet from Kate Spade or another designer brand. A nice wallet can last multiple years and protect her cards and cash along the way.

If you don’t know what style she’d like, you can give her the money. Then, she can pick out a wallet that matches her aesthetic. If she doesn’t like Kate Spade, give her a wallet from Michael Kors or another designer.

13. Birthstone Jewelry

birthstone jewelry

A lot of young women also enjoy new pieces of jewelry. Consider giving your daughter or niece a piece of jewelry that features her birthstone.

However, go through a jeweler like Jared. Cheap jewelry from department stores might not last that long, and it could even cause an allergic reaction in some people. On the other hand, high-quality pieces can go a long way and be worth the money.

14. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black

Another one of the best gifts for 18-year-old girls is a Keurig coffee maker. A mini-model is especially useful if you know someone who will move into a college dorm.

Either way, a Keurig is great for both coffee drinkers and tea drinkers. Plus, the girl won’t have to worry about wasting coffee by making a larger batch. She can make what she needs, such as one cup in the morning before she heads to class.

15. Ninja Personal Blender

Ninja QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, for Shakes, Smoothies, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base and (2) 16-oz. Cups & Spout Lids, Black

If the 18-year-old girl you know doesn’t drink coffee or tea, she may drink smoothies. In that case, a Ninja Personal Blender is an excellent gift idea. The blender is powerful and can work quickly.

It also comes with a to-go mug that your daughter or sister can use to drink the smoothie. That can help her cut down on the parts she needs to wash, and the whole thing is pretty easy to clean.

16. Water Bottle

Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap or Flex Straw

Everyone needs a good quality water bottle. Hydro Flask is an excellent brand, especially to give as a gift since it’s somewhat expensive. You can choose the color and size that you know your friend or relative will like.

A water bottle is an especially good gift for college students who may not have a sink in their dorm room. You can also get a custom water bottle to match the college she’s attending.

17. Clear Toiletry Bag

PACKISM Clear Toiletry Bag, 3 Pack TSA Approved Toiletry Bag Quart Size Bag, Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bag for Women Men, Carry on Airport Airline Compliant Bag, White (for age 12 or above)

A clear toiletry bag is a particularly good gift for 18-year-old girls who travel a lot. This bag is TSA-friendly, so you can use it instead of disposable quart bags when flying. But the bag is also useful at school.

She can organize all of her belongings and take the bag to and from the bathroom. That way, she’ll have what she needs to shower or brush her teeth. This bag is an excellent option, and she can fill it with her existing toiletries.

18. Shower Shoes

Ranberone Shower Shoes Women Quick Drying Non Slip College Dorm House Shower Sandals with Holes Pink Size 10

Another one of the best gifts for 18-year-old girls who are going to college is shower shoes. She may not want to walk down the hall or stand in the shower barefoot. A good pair of shoes can still let the water hit her feet but protect the feet from germs.

These shower shoes come in different colors and sizes. That way, you can get the pair that best fits the needs of your daughter, sister, or friend.

19. Ice Scraper

AstroAI 27 Inch Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper with Ergonomic Foam Grip for Cars, Trucks, SUVs (Heavy Duty ABS, PVC Brush)

It may sound boring, but you may want to give your 18-year-old an ice scraper. A scraper is particularly important if she’s moving away to somewhere with a lot of snow. She can keep the ice scraper in her car for the next snow or ice storm.

Even if your daughter will live at home, you might get tired of her borrowing your ice scraper. Giving her one allows her to keep it with her and her vehicle. Then, she can clear off her car whether it snows when she’s at home or out and about.

20. Personalized College Sweatpants

college sweatpants

Girls who are heading off to college may want to get some university spirit wear. Sure, you can shop for that at the college bookstore. However, you can also order personalized sweatpants based on the school.

Then, you can choose the color and the text. You could add the specific school or major within the university to make it more custom than even what the bookstore sells.

21. Blazer

Blazer

If your 18-year-old is going to take a gap year or not attend college at all, she’ll probably search for jobs. A good blazer can help her dress to impress for her upcoming job interview. Even a college student may need a blazer for a presentation.

Unfortunately, blazers can be expensive, but that makes them an amazing gift. Start with a classic black blazer that goes with almost everything.

22. Custom Crochet Dog

Custom Crochet Dog

If you have a family pet, you can get a custom crochet dog based on your real dog – this is an excellent gift for dog lovers who are going off to college. Your daughter can’t take the dog with her, but she can take a stuffed version.

Then, she can keep it on her bed or even sleep with it. The stuffed animal can be a nice way to comfort herself when she misses home. Pictures are great, but feeling something from home can be even better.

23. Visa Gift Card

Visa $100 Gift Card (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)

Maybe you don’t know what the 18-year-old girl in your life wants. An excellent gift for that is a Visa Gift Card because she can use it for whatever she needs. These cards work at almost all retailers that accept Visa payments.

You can choose the right amount based on your budget. Then, the girl you give it to can spend the card on something practical or something more fun. She can even use the card to pay for textbooks or other college necessities.

24. Sephora Gift Card

Sephora Gift Card $50

If you know an 18-year-old who loves beauty and makeup, get her a Sephora gift card. Like a Visa card, you don’t have to buy something specific. However, this card can feel a bit more specific and personal than a Visa.

Now, you should make sure she’ll have access to a Sephora store wherever she lives or goes to school. If that’s the case, she can use the gift card to stock up on makeup and other products.

25. Starbucks Gift Card

starbucks gift card

Starbucks is another excellent retailer that offers gift cards. As with Sephora, a Starbucks card is more personal than a generic Visa card. However, you don’t need to purchase coffee, tea, or other refreshments.

If you want to make this gift more personal, consider combining it with a Starbucks mug. That way, the 18-year-old can use her mug when she goes to Starbucks. She can save money and the environment.