OK, it's been awhile since I've dated a 17-year old, but here's tried and true wisdom from an old goat to to a young buck.
What she says: I want a hug.
What she means: I want to know you are paying attention to what I find important and fulfilling and show it in a personal way without material attachments.
So get her something that reflects you have been paying attention to HER world and how you can fit into it, not distance yourself from it.
Example: Don't get her slippers if she constantly says her feet are cold and puts them on you to warm them up. She wants YOU, not some stand-in for your foot-warming capabilities. Definitely get her slippers if the cat piddled on her old favorites and she was very upset about it.
Make sure it's something that only YOU would know and should care about. Whatever you determine is the right gift, make sure her parents and friends don't have the same idea.
If she is always asking to borrow something, don't get her one for herself. Why do you think she borrows it from you?
Don't give her what she needs unless she specifically asks for it, and even then, don't make it her only gift, and worm yourself into it somehow.
Example: If she says she could really use a new coffee maker, get the machine, a couple bags of her favorite roast, a new grinder and scoop and TWO coffee mugs (hint, hint...)
Last but not least, give it with a tag attached that says "Contents: 1 Hug"
Hope this helps.
