Birthday gift ideas for 21st

[StitchBuddy]

My DD's boyfriend is turning 21 next month. She has no idea what to buy for him. Looking for unique ideas. Any ideas would be helpful. She is on a budget.

 

[Narnia_girl]

It's really hard to say without knowing his personality. My son turned 21 a couple of weeks ago and what he wanted most of all was a high-quality wok. He has used it several times since then and will take it to school in the fall when he has his first apartment.

Is there a sport, hobby, cause or profession he's interested in? I think most people tend to think 21=alcohol, but many young adults have broader interests than just drinking.
Good luck!

 

[Soulsearching]

It would really help if you tell us what the budget is. Everyone's idea of budget friendly is different.

 

[Soulsearching]

Look on Groupon, At that age my children loved experiences. She may want to be included and buy two tickets.

1. Race Car three Lap Racing Experience
2. Flying Lessons
3. Sky diving

Etc..... Well you get the picture.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

One of the first gifts that I got DH (he was 21 when we started dating) was a Garmin for his car. He still uses it every single time he drives. It was one of the best gifts. You can find them in all different price ranges with different features (lifetime maps, larger screen, traffic report, etc.)

 

[Hikergirl]

I second the experience ticket, and like the pp said check groupon. They usually have some coupon code too to make it even better deal.

 

[onescgirl]

Watches are "in" right now for young men. She could get him a Fossil watch and have it engraved on the back.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Thanks for the ideas!!! She was thinking concert tickets. He has already taken her to a couple of concerts. The problem is, he comes from $$$$ and we are just middle class. I told her to try and be creative, I like the experience idea. He likes just about everything that has to do with thrill/adventure. We are actually going to get to meet him next week when he flies in to take her to a concert and stay with us for a few days. Maybe then, I will have a better idea of what direction she should go.

 

[EvilQueen2018]

My son will be 21 next year. He likes the movie Castaway and hasn't seen it in years so for Christmas I am getting him the disk and Wilson (the volley ball). I know he will love it.

A super soft blanket is nice. Get a throw if the familiarity of a blanket bothers you.

Most guys (with cars, obviously) like car accessories.

 

[Julia M]

I bought 22 gifts when my first two turned 21. Some were smaller items (i.e. Inexpensive but cute bottle opener, 6 pack of nicer beer, a book, etc plus 1 or 2 bigger items)

 

[EvilQueen2018]

I bought 22 gifts when my first two turned 21. Some were smaller items (i.e. Inexpensive but cute bottle opener, 6 pack of nicer beer, a book, etc plus 1 or 2 bigger items)

That seems like they would be setting the bar a bit high for a new boyfriend. I can't invest too much without first knowing who the stranger is and if I expect him to stick around for awhile or if its too soon to tell. Just don't go too big, If they are still together next year, she will need help topping this year's gift. After a while that gets pretty difficult or costly to pull off.

 

[StitchBuddy]

That seems like they would be setting the bar a bit high for a new boyfriend. I can't invest too much without first knowing who the stranger is and if I expect him to stick around for awhile or if its too soon to tell. Just don't go too big, If they are still together next year, she will need help topping this year's gift. After a while that gets pretty difficult or costly to pull off.

Yes, makes sense. I found something on Pinterest. It's a bucket bouquet with lots of small bottles of alcohol and cigars. I told her she could also add a couple of coupons for stuff, like "I will make you pancakes." He's in a frat so I think that will go over well.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Booze

 

[LuvOrlando]

I don't know if it would work for you but around here a lot of people give beer can cakes with a couple of balloons and such, if you check it out you can find some neat ideas. Not too expensive and playful.

Also, a watch is always reasonable for a guy. If you go to Macy's with the coupons you can get all sorts of options for a huge range in price. Lots of young men collect watches my son is one of them Lol. Marshall's always has great deals on really nice high-end wallets, she can get him a really nice Polo wallet for about $25-$30. If you have a coach outlet near you they also have amazing deals on wallets. If he's in college she could always get him a sweatshirt with his school logo- if he's not in school I would imagine his favorite sports team one would work as well.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

Don't pressure yourselves!

If it were her birthday he could buy her flowers and take to dinner and call it a day.

I like the beer can cake, what 21 year old wouldn't appreciate that? Especially someone in a fraternity. I wouldn't try to impress him, there is no need. Do you live near a place that does canoe or kayak trips? That's another good idea.

 

[sk!mom]

DD20 got her boyfriend a humidor and cigars for Valentines Day. It wasn't terribly expensive and she knew that he and his roommates enjoy sitting on their patio and smoking cigars.

She's been looking at an experience for his 21st birthday this Fall. She saw a Groupon the other day for a dinner and sightseeing flight. If that's still available in the fall, she'll consider it. She would likely include some small gift too. Last year for his 20th birthday, she bought tickets to the Oddball Comedy Festival.

We recently did a Segway tour on a trip. It was great fun. She's considering that, as well.
They've been dating for 2 years.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Well, we have met him now. He has or can buy whatever he wants. Makes it that much more difficult. She's only 19 so can't purchase beer etc... I guess I could purchase it for her. I think she is just going to get him some type of sports jersey, he's crazy about sports.