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18th Birthday, present & party ideas (merged)

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Cariad_3
Cariad_3 Posts: 120 Forumite
in Special occasions & other celebrations
Can anyone help? I've been invited to a distant relatives BBQ & it's her sons 18th Birthday.

Obviously I need to buy the lad a present but I've never met him & have no idea of his likes etc I have rung to ask what he likes but I know it's unlikely I'll hear from her as she is notorious for not getting back (very busy!)

Has anyone any ideas? I'm on a budget.

Thanks
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Comments

  • Shez
    Shez Posts: 2,180 Forumite
    I bought my son a pewter tankard and got it engraved (free from the shop) it wasnt an expensive one about £10-£15, but a nice keepsake or something else engraved?

    or what about CD/DVD Token? Im sure he's into music/films??
  • zodiac
    zodiac Posts: 1,255 Forumite
    Stick with vouches. Try getting a CD wow token (if they do them) that way he'll get more for his money
    I remember when this was just a little website! :money:
  • gravitytolls
    gravitytolls Posts: 13,558 Forumite
    Most typical 18 year old lads are up for anything alcoholic.

    A nice hip flask, with his initials perhaps would be appreciated I'm sure.
    I ave a dodgy H, so sometimes I will sound dead common, on occasion dead stupid and rarely, pig ignorant. Sometimes I may be these things, but I will always blame it on my dodgy H.

    Sorry, I'm a bit of a grumble weed today, no offence intended ... well it might be, but I'll be sorry.
  • bargainaddict
    bargainaddict Posts: 534 Forumite
    Just asked my 17year old and he said money or vouchers (not book tokens!!!).
  • blue_haddock
    blue_haddock Posts: 12,110 Forumite
    You can't go wrong with a bottle of Jack Daniels!
  • zodiac
    zodiac Posts: 1,255 Forumite
    blue_haddock wrote:
    You can't go wrong with a bottle of Jack Daniels!

    Only if he doesn't like it. My OH likes Southen Comfort hehe

    :rotfl: book tokens :rotfl:

    Hip flask sounds nice
    I remember when this was just a little website! :money:
  • Gingham_Ribbon
    Gingham_Ribbon Posts: 31,520 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    A shaving mirror/kit? Make him feel all manly! Actually, that might embarrass him...
    I like the tankard idea.
    May all your dots fall silently to the ground.
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,319 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Well, my son's just turned 18 and would be completely mystified by anything alcoholic, I tried to persuade him to take his Dad out to lunch and buy him a pint and he wouldn't. Even if he's not going to drink himself I do think learning to buy drinks at the bar should be part of his education.

    He was also completely clueless about what he did want for his birthday. Didn't really care whether he got anything or not. So it was mostly money, which is going on his PassPlus driving lessons, into his University fund, and on a new monitor for his PC. At least it will if he ever finds his bank paying in book. (I did say he was clueless!) He did ask for one particular DVD so at least he had something to unwrap I knew he wanted.

    If you don't know what he's into, vouchers are your best bet, I would go for Smiths or Waterstones as then he can get books or DVDs or CDs.
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • ED_WOOD_3
    ED_WOOD_3 Posts: 91 Forumite
    How about a day out Paintballing? W h Smith are selling a Adventure Voucher thingy?? at 29.99,may be worth checking out.
    What`s wrong with wearing womens clothes 54% of population do anyway :p
  • nelly_2
    nelly_2 Posts: 17,863 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Im sorry but I have never seen anyone ever use a hip flask, let alone an 18 year old.

    You dont know him, or him you, so it really doesnt have to be different or memorable
    Stick a £20 in the birthday card and right in the card;
    "Did'nt know what to get you to celebrate you birthday, so please accept this I'm sure you can put it to good use".

    Every one can use and apreciate money.
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