This one is in a club about an hour away from our house. Although the girls are only summer friends, our daughter was asked to be part of the entourage of 15 girls. Although we appreciated the honor, between having the dress made, hair, limo, shoes and such, we were looking at an estimate of over $300 and several dance rehearsals far from home. There will be a visit to the gravesite of the grandparents, and other traditions as well before the party.

I get the feeling it will be quite formal. I'm thinking wedding-like? I like your gift suggestions quite a lot. Jewelry may be the safest way to go. Since they were kind enough to invite all of us I would like to bring something nice.

Quinceaños (the party thrown to quinceañeras, or girls turning 15) are the latin american equivalent of the north american sweet 16. So, you see, they're a pretty big deal for some girls. My sister and I both chose a small party when the time came for us. Mine was a little more formal than hers, but that was 7 years ago, hers was last year.

The thing with Quinceaños is that everything depends on the girl's taste.  Maybe she wants a big shindig and wear a pink, puffy dress, or maybe she wants a simple party where she can wear just a little black dress. So I would try to find out what the birthday girl is wearing and then decide from there. If she's going fluffy, your daughter should wear something elegant, but never too elegant because we don't want to steal the quinceañera's thunder! In any case, just take her attire as a guideline for your daughter's.

Now, the gift. If she's not too close, it doesn't have to be humongous. Again, it all depends on her likes and dislikes. For my Quinceaños I got some gold jewelry (which I never wore, because I really don't like gold), clothes (which I loved, but I would't risk it if you don't know her that well) some CD's and stuff like that. For my sister's quiceaños I gave her a violin (not like an incredibly expensive one,  but since she had wanted one her whole life, she loved the one I gave her. Everyone cried and everything. very moving). So, if you can, try to find out what she really likes. Or, and this is acceptable for most people when they just can't figure out what to give the quinceañera, cash. Then she can get whatever she wants. This is actually very common here in Costa Rica.

Also, men? Not a lot of help when it comes to this. That's just the way they are. ;o)