Professional Items

• Purchase an item that the 18-year-old can use at her workplace. Even if the teen is currently job hunting, some professional items can give her a boost of confidence for her search. For instance, purchase a nice women's laptop tote so the teen can look fashionable at work. Or buy the teen quality jewelry that is appropriate for the workplace, such as a nice set of pearls with matching earrings.
  
  

Academic Items

• Purchase a gift to encourage the scholarly aspirations of the 18-year-old. For instance, buy a few coffee table books that the teen can show others in her dorm. Topics for coffee table books might include photography, guitar and astronomy. Read reviews of novels and purchase a book about the teen's favorite topic of study. Or buy an academic gadget, such as a telescope if the teen loves looking at the sky.
  
  

Practical Items

• Practical items should be greatly appreciated because some 18-year-old teens are poor college students. A personalized gift card is a thoughtful gift that the teen can use toward anything she needs. Some credit card companies permit you to upload a photo of you and the 18-year-old. Also personalize the gift card with the name of the 18-year-old and a short message for her.
  
  

Entertainment

• Entertainment is a thoughtful gift because the 18-year-old should be enjoying her youth. Purchase a new CD of the teen's favorite band and get her two tickets when the band comes to town. Or get a few Blu-ray movies that the 18-year-old can enjoy with her friends in her dorm room. Alternatively, purchase an entertainment system with a television and Blu-ray player for the 18-year-old teen's apartment if you have a large budget.