Cheap Ideas for an 18th Birthday Gift

• You might give your son the keys to the family car for his 18th birthday. key chain image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com

  Turning 18 is a right of passage and officially marks one's transition into adulthood. While this is a time for celebration, there are many gifts can be given that don't break the bank and may mean so much more then any video game, computer or clothing item. While thinking of inexpensive gifts may be challenging, many options are available for those looking to give a great gift for a low price.

Music

• While an iPod may be out of your price range, giving an iTunes gift card allows the birthday girl to download her favorite songs. With the gift card, she can select songs that are going to be played throughout her senior year in high school and as she goes off to college or gets a job. Gift cards are available through the Apple Store for as low as $15, as of November 2010.

Day of Fun

• Gifts can come in every shape and form, and offering a day of fun offers someone celebrating his 18th birthday an opportunity to choose how he wants to spend a day. Inexpensive options may include a day at the park or beach with just one person or with a group of friends and family. The day can be used as a way to celebrate a birthday party or can be reserved for a later date.

Family Heirloom

• As someone is turning 18 and officially becoming an adult, it may be time to give her a family heirloom that has been in the family for generations. While this may be considered an inexpensive gift, it may represent much more then just money. Family heirlooms may include a watch, necklace, ring, journal, photo album or any other timeless piece that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Key Chain

• While a key chain isn't a car, it can be used as a sentimental gift to someone turning 18 years old. Parents can give their child a key chain as a promise to help him purchase their first car. The key chain could also be attached to a key to the family car, if parents feel that their child is responsible enough to drive now that he is 18. Significant others and friends can give a key chain with pictures to remind him of how much he means to them.