If you know someone who is about to turn 18, you are probably very excited to have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with them. Celebrating a birthday with someone you care about and admire is always an honor.

Each birthday milestone offers us a special opportunity to look back on our lives and take stock of what we have done and what we have yet to do. We get the chance to reflect on the relationships we have built. And, if we're lucky, we have the chance to spend time with those we care about.

The 18th Birthday is a Big One

Turning 18 is one of those big birthday milestones, right up there with turning 15, 21, 40 and 65. Eighteen is that age when we are just coming out of being a teenager and heading into adulthood. 18-year olds have many of the rights and privileges of adults, and yet for some of these they must wait three more years until age 21.

Still, turning 18 is great because you are "allowed" to have some fun - like a teenager - but still enjoy of the pleasures of adulthood. Many people at this age are turning their thoughts to college, entering the workforce with a full-time job, or even joining the armed services. Still others may be taking some time off to travel before "getting serious" about the next phase of life.

Even if you do not have the opportunity to actually be together with the person you care about on their birthday, you can always celebrate with a well-chosen gift.

Your Gift Should Highlight the Excitement of their Age

Of course, birthday gifts for a person of any age should be thoughtfully-chosen; nobody wants to give a gift that is not well-received or appreciated!

And yet, persons of different ages appreciate different things about a gift. For example, a kid will probably want a skateboard, a doll, or a video game. A 30-year old might want something nice for their home or apartment. And a 70-year old might want a keepsake, piece of memorabilia, or a nice coffee table book.

For the 18-year old in your life, your birthday gift should focus around the theme of excitement and fun. No matter what their personality is like or what type of things they are interested in at this point in their life, they will appreciate something that makes the heart race and holds the attention.

18th Birthday Gift Ideas - 5 Tips

If you are looking for 18th birthday gift ideas, here are 5 tips for choosing the right gift:

1. Ask a few of their friends about what's hot: Ask some of their friends or other 18-year olds you know about what is hot right now. This is always a great way to find out what people in his or her circle are into right now.

2. Think portable and connected: Thinking of getting them an electronic gadget? Make sure that whatever you buy is portable - which is great for road trips, spending time at the local coffee shop, or heading to class. It is a bonus if the item is connected, meaning it connects to the Internet.

3. Get something that is in tune with their interests: Has this person been showing an interest in anything in particular lately, such a certain area of study, career choice, type of music or hobby? It is almost a sure bet that they would love to have a gift that helps them explore and enjoy this new-found interest.

4. Find a gift they can do with others: Any gift you can find, such as a game or outdoor activity, that they can do with their friends will be particularly well-received.

5. Make sure they do not already have a gift like this: Of course, you will want to get this person something that they do not already own. This is a no-brainer, but it's worth asking someone they know before buying something.

Follow these 5 tips for generating lots of 18th birthday gift ideas for this special person in your life.