I agree with the money part...I have a 12 yr old GrDtr and she has two older and one younger brother. They've all gotten to the stage of having everything. So now I give them a small gift to open and some spending money to buy something...She likes the store Justice and will give her a gift certificate to use there. A few yrs ago I opened a small savings account for ea of them, and now give them Half or a Quarter of what I used to spend on them, and the rest goes into their accounts. Also for their Birthdays...now they enjoy seeing their savings grow. In fact when they get money from others, they will give either all or some of it to me for their savings...and will compare, who has the most. Funny, the youngest ..who's 10, has the Most money! Oh and to make my life easier $$ I put money aside ea month so when a birthday or Holiday comes, it doesn't break My Bank !! jane

Several suggested a "gift bag" with several items inside. I like that idea. She is starting off on a "new life" -- a gift bag filled with several items suggested is great. My son (okay a BOY, not a GIRL) for his 18th b-day got "A Can, A Man, A Plan". What an AWESOME cookbook idea that ended up being. In fact, there is one recipe in it that has become a family favorite! I also ended up giving the same cookbook to my nephew when he turned 18. Its a favorite amongst the young! So...a gift bag filled with "starter" things she'll want/need, like nice soaps, lotions, pampering stuff, etc. I think is a great suggestion including a few things she would not probably buy for herself... And a wonderful, personal note inside from her Aunt about "coming of age" =)

Congratulations, Allison! Such a great joy, and at this time of year! And your wreath is lovely, and perfect. My favorite dolls when I was a girl were a pair of twin babies. Basically, my mother bought two identical dolls and doubled their clothes and baby "stuff". I loved them so much! I named them Jeanette and Janiece. Very happy holidays to you and your family...

We have a two yr old in the family - lots of years where we've had 2 yr olds to buy for over the years with DH's big family ;0) Kids today seem to have SO MANY toys. I've self imposed a toy rule - if its bigger than a shoe box and will need to have some place for 'mom' to put it away, I don't buy it ;0) Honestly, without a designated playroom which we didn't have growing up, I wouldn't know where all this stuff goes. With grandparents pitching in for the current wants, I'll often do a book, leggings and tee or top. It may not be the most exciting gift the child receives at their birthday party but functional and will never require a storage locker rental.... I do try to do comfortable and quality, often turning to Hannah Andersson which the moms seem to appreciate. They turn into hand-me-downs rather than wearing out.