Sweet Sixteen Gift Ideas that Make the Birthday Extra Memorable

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A lot of things have changed since Neil Sedaka's pop rendition of the popular #1 hit dedicated to a young girl's coming of age. But one thing that remains the same is the excitement generated from that ever important birthday landmark - Sweet 16!

No-brainers for a sweet 16 party are the traditional sweet 16 original poem, the sweet 16 cake in numeral shape, and a karaoke rendition of the sweet 16 song. When it comes to a unique sweet sixteen gift ideas, however, it can get a little tricky.

The gift ideas below are not only creative, but each is a perfect reflection of the significant importance of a teen's 16th year birthday.

1. Create Your Own Sweet 16 Gift Basket

Nobody knows what would delight the 16-year old in your family better than you, so fill a decorated basket with favorites. Such as favorite type cookies, magazine, scented candle, gourmet flavored microwave popcorn, video, styling mousse, etc. Arrange the items in the basket leaving the middle free for the star attraction. A wireless trac phone with prepaid minutes!

A trac phone is a pay-as-you go cellular that requires no contract. When the included minutes have been used, make it your teen's responsibility to earn funds through part-time employment to purchase extra calling time. The trac phone makes a great gift, and earning funds required for use of the phone teaches responsibility.

2. Roadside Safety Bag, by CookiePots.com

Besides other benefits acquired at the magic age of 16, a learner's permit or driver's license is soon to follow. This makes the bright red, chic Roadside Safety Bag by CookiePots.com a perfect sweet sixteen birthday gift idea!

Imagine her surprise, and the excitement generated upon realization of the unspoken message represented by this gift... you'll soon be driving the car by yourself!

Included in the bag are a “send help” sign for the car window while she remains safely inside, bungee cords, flashlight, funnel set, tire pressure gauge, work gloves, jumper cables, and ice scraper; “fun stuff” like a bubblegum pink tin with a mirrored interior, filled with sugar-free peppermints, plus a stylish pen that looks like a tube of lipstick are also included.

What a great way to not only show you recognize she's becoming a young adult, but that you care about her safety, as well. Priced at around $50.

3. Sweet 16 Sign-in Book at CoolMirror.com

What other gift could be more sweet 16 party appropriate than the Sweet 16 Sign-in Book available at CoolMirror.com? This hinged keepsake book has 50 pages to log party memories and post pictures of the event, with pages for guests to sign and space for other important information pertaining to the party.

She'll be delighted with the silver mirrored finish and raised purple lettering, with her name artistically included at the top. There is even space for her picture under a photo lens, encircled by the number “16”. Or select from a variety of sparkle-glitter colors instead of a mirrored finish for the cover.

A charming souvenir to be cherished for a lifetime! Around $70; special requirements/orders accepted.

4. A Tiara from TiaraTown.com's Sweet 16 Collection

Make her feel and look like royalty at her sweet 16 birthday party! One of the elegant silver plated sweet 16 tiara designs adorned with Austrian crystals and rhinestones from TiaraTown.com is sure to make her eyes sparkle!

Fun to wear, a great way to pay tribute to your sweet 16er, and a lovely reminder that no matter how old she gets, she'll always be your “little princess.” These well crafted tiaras range in price from around $28 to $50. Tiaras for many other occasions (weddings, proms, pageants, etc.) are also available.

5. A Sweet 16 Charm Bracelet for your Charming 16-year Old - by BeadMedley.com

At the top of great sweet sixteen gift ideas is this beautiful sterling silver charm bracelet created by BeadMedley.com. For young ladies celebrating their 16th year.

Finely-crafted sterling silver charms on the bracelet include a rose, teddy bear, birthday cake, present, and in the center - a sweet 16 charm! Austrian crystal birthstone dangles can be added to the bracelet at no additional cost!

Available at around $40, this is sure to become one of her very favorite jewelry items. Additional charms can be added every few years, creating a family heirloom to be handed down to her future daughter some day.

6. What About a “Swell 16” Gift from Abernook.com for Him?

Let's not forget the guys when it comes to sweet 16 birthday gift ideas. One gift sure to bring a chuckle is this Dude Kit from Abernook.com.

What's included in the silver metal lunchbox-style container? Swell 16 essentials such as a little black book for all the telephone numbers he's likely to collect, a “Devil Duck” car freshener, “Surfer Bob” for his dashboard, and a unique duct tape wallet with all the regular features expected in a wallet.

A gag-type gift he'll nevertheless make use of and fully appreciate. Room to spare inside for the addition of your own gift idea. Costs about $50.

7. A Sweet 16 Poem, and a Visa® Gift Card

When you aren't sure what sweet sixteen gift idea would be best, why not opt for the “guaranteed-to-bring-a-smile” threesome: a gag card, a funny poem, and a Visa® Gift Card! What better gift for the sweet 16 birthday guy or gal in your life, usable anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted.

Available in $25 to $500 amounts, these gift cards resemble credit cards, sport the Visa® symbol, and offer various style choices - birthday, love, congrats, etc. Visit GiftCards.com for choice selection and details.

8. A Tiffany-Style Key Chain Offered by BlueChopsticks.com

Made even more special with the addition of an extra key to the family car, this Tiffany-style key chain offered by BlueChopsticks.com just might be the thing to send your sweet 16's heart racing.

Crafted from sparkling silver plate, the horseshoe keychain has an engrave-able charm disk with space for 2-lines of up to 10 characters each.

Comes gift boxed. About $20.

9. Gigmasters.com; Entertainment Fit for a Sweet 16 Birthday Party!

Make your gift an extra special sweet 16 birthday party idea. Professional entertainment provided by Gigmasters.com. Available in many areas of the United States, Gigmaster's offers a wide range of party ideas - many suitable for a sweet 16 party.

Imagine a room full of giggling 16-year old girls entertained by a professional Elvis impersonator. Or, what about a gifted caricaturist providing pictures of each guest? Other entertainment ideas include a fortune teller, hypnotist, or a magician. Professional bands can also be booked. Whether soft Christian rock, Motown, funk, or hits of the 90s to commemorate the sweet 16er's birth year.

Whichever of these sweet sixteen gift ideas you select, remember the following and make the sweet sixteen moment extra meaningful. As you present the sweet 16 birthday cake topped by 16 blazing candles, give your sweet 16er a big hug that unmistakably says “I really love you!”