Looking for some ideas on a meaningful gift for my daughter's 18th birthday. Little back story, she is my stepdaughter who I've always looked at and treated as my own blood born daughter. I have no kids of my own. Her biological father passed away before she came into my life. I've raised her for over 10 years now and she's been an absolute blessing to me. Shes an amazing young girl who has excelled in everything she takes on. She will most likely be leaving my wife and I soon for college which is going to be tough but fully support her in whatever she decides to do. When it comes to gifts I'm use to the normal stuff like electronics, clothes, perfume, makeup, etc. But trying to figure out something meaningful and special is not my forte. Just looking for some ideas for anyone of you fathers who have given your daughters some special gifts.

Pocket knife and whetstone. My daughters, granddaughters and nieces have gotten them. They stay in their purse.

I bought high carbon steel, not stainless and explain that high carbon, although it will rust, but will take a edge. Assure that they know to clean and dry it after washing.

AAA membership. AAA id not great, but if she is 200 miles away on the side of the road, it is a safety net.

I never had it, but I could still work on cars back then on the side of the road back then.

Can you provide a little more information on your daughter? Is she a girly girl or does she like the outdoors some? Also where will she most likely be going to college.

The reason I ask is I was in the same boat with my step daughter a few years ago. Mine liked to fish with me and she was going to Texas A&M in Corpus. She had mentioned that she would miss the trips we shared while she was there. So I got her a fairly decent rod and reel with a belly pouch full of lures for her to enjoy the salt water fishing down there. She later told me that when she got homesick she would go to the surf or pier and think of us while she was there. So if you can give us Dads some more information it might help. BTW I already like the knife idea.

Thanks fellas and the knife idea was something I did think about already. Thought about getting it laser etched with something that would remind her of me. She's a girly girl but has gone hunting with me. She does know her way around firearms and how to shoot properly. As far as schools O of H in Houston on where she is looking to attend at the moment. But has some other options as well all here in Texas.

Not sure what your budget is, but I’m big on experience gifts. Maybe y’all could take a hunting trip together (or visit another destination that interests her) and give her some type of keepsake on the trip as a memento.

A bible. Write her a personal note in the front of it from the heart.

Without knowing her, it's hard to make suggestions. But I do have one. Enjoy your time with her now. My oldest moved to the East Coast for college and stayed there. I don't hardly get to see her anymore. If I'd have only known.

Hunting trips have brought my daughter and me very close. Such great memories.

Girls love jewelry, so if she doesn't have a "go-to" necklace, maybe a small cross and chain (dainty). This will last forever.

sugarspring.com has cool stuff too

I gave my daughter my Sako 243. I had the stock painted and she picked the colors. It was a dang expensive gift but I don't care. She will have it for life. Another idea could be a lifetime Combo Hunting and Fishing License.

These two things -- they will last her a lifetime, be a reminder of her father's love and her Father's love

As did my oldest, I gave her a divorce from her mom for her college graduation. She stayed where she went to school. You never know but this could be a parting gift. I see her once or twice a year now, make it count.

On that note I agree with an experience, a memory. Figure your budget and her interest and do it.

Don't matter how God gave you her, she is your daughter. Give her a book of coupons with your time where she can call you anytime and have your ear or a quick prayer. Time and real attention is such a valuable gift. I take my dad on road trips and hunts all the time because I know one day I will not have that opportunity. She might not understand at that young age, but one day she will realize your time and love was the most precious thing you, her father, could have given her. Good on you for taking the time to be a good dad and father. I wish her and you all the best.

Does she like fishing?
I have a special place with a cabin and lake that I'll share with you if she does.

A nice string of pearls. A lifetime gift that will remind her of you.

Sorry, that would be a crappy Birthday present, going away to college item... not a gift.

Thanks for all the advice. She's big on her faith so the bible idea is a great one. She'd not big into fishing so will skip that. The day I stood on the alter to marry her mother I also brought her up and gave her a ring and promised to be her father for the rest of my life. I've never introduced her to anyone as my stepdaughter, it's always my daughter and she always introduces me as her dad.

One of the best gifts would be talking her out of going to UH Houston.
That place is a sewer. JMO.

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I bought my best friend an engraved leather bible from this man a couple of years ago for his Christmas present. They do great work and delivered it very quickly.

I'd love to know more about why you feel this way on UH Houston. She's not 100% committed, she will be applying to a few different schools and will be weighing her options.

How about a small fire-arm she would feel comfortable carrying on her or in her purse. When she is home y'all could go shooting together.

She has a couple already.

Adopt her

Best thing!