18th birthday gift ideas

[scottish mum]

My nephew is 18 at the weekend and I'm stuck on what to give him. I asked his mum and dad and they said he was just after money. I don't want to give money as I think he will waste/drink it. I was looking for something that would mean something to him as well as him really liking it and enjoying it. Dh is buying him some lager so that they can have a few pints together but I need to get him something nice.
Any ideas as I'm stuck

 

[joolz1910]

It depends on how much you want to spend. How about: a railcard, first driving lesson, tickets to a gig, tickets to see a comedian, tickets to a sporting event, a watch, an itunes card, mobile top-up card, a tattoo (joke)

It's so difficult to buy for special birthdays. My Dh's 40th was in August and I bought him tickets to see The Specials. He absolutely loves them and it meant we had something to look forward to a couple of months later.

 

[scottishgirl87]

I was gonna say a watch as well. I think it's so much harder with guys than girls as with girls jewellery is normally always a given!

 

[A Small World]

What about a gift experience (but not sure how much you want to pay) - a bungee jump, to drive a rally car/racing car, white water rafting, drive a steam train etc etc

 

[joolz1910]

What about a gift experience (but not sure how much you want to pay) - a bungee jump, to drive a rally car/racing car, white water rafting, drive a steam train etc etc

That's a good idea. My cousin did that for her son. He drove a racing car and they got a framed photo and a dvd. They said it was worth every penny to see his face.
Girls are soooooo much easier to buy for.

 

[Tillybud]

depending on budget how about something like an ipod shuffle ? you can get them at great prices and you can also have them engraved although he's probably got something similar already. Or what about a gift voucher for his favourite shop, it won't be something 'to keep' like 18th gifts used to be but at least he'll have something to show for his money rather than drinking it.

 

[Jets fan]

My nephew was 18 in August and he got:

• A Paul Smith man bag
• Sequined vodka bottle cover with vodka inside - was probably his fav pres
• Shoes and clothes from Michael Chell - a great menswear store in Windsor
• Silver hip flask
• A Paul Smith wallet
• A full length mirror for his bedroom as he loves posing!

Jewellery is also an option, if he likes it. They do really trendy things at Links that boys seem to like.

Good luck
Tina

 

[mandymouse]

Some great ideas there. I think the rally/racing car day is a good idea, and my hubby loves the Paul Smith range too

 

[MazdaUK]

My DH had a motorcycle instructor course for his 40th, as he'd so enjoyed learning to ride a motorbike years ago. he loved it and said it was the best present he could have.

 

[scottish mum]

Thanks everyone, really like the gift experience. Think i will ask him which one he would prefer so then he's getting something he really likes.

 

[irongirlof12]

I agree with giving something meaningful. I asked my nephew and he said money so i gave him a chq ... it just went towards paying off his overdraft.

The experiences sound good, as you tend to remember what you 'did' rather than what you 'got'

 

[davidlilly]

Give 12 gifts which suits his/her mentality. One gift for one month (total gifts). He/she may feel happy....