18th birthday present suggestions - HELP

serious_saver

Once again my OH half has left me with the job of buying presents. I don't normally mind but I'm completely stuck on this one.

In a couple of weeks we're going to his cousins 18th birthday party. It's a big family do and I have no idea what to buy.

It feels like such a long time since I was 18 and I'm a woman anyway. So what on earth do you buy for an 18 year boy that won't break the bank?

Gillyx

Alcohol.

People will say those dreadful glasses with 18 on them or keys. Let me tell you, they get thrown to the back of the cupboard and never see the light of day again.

It all depends what he does, if he works, you could get a nice set of cufflinks? I know they're quite popular and the nicest ones I've seen, well for funkiness anyway, were in Paper chase, big selection and pretty cheap.

If all else fails a gift voucher for his favourite clothes shop, it'l never go wrong.

eyelinerprincess

Booze, clothes voucher, HMV/Game voucher?

clw1

I'd get alcohol or a voucher for something like itunes, cinema, clothes or even a book voucher if he is at or going to university.

jess1974

For young adult males in our family i always give them money, it does'nt bother me, it saves me the hassle of wandering up and down the high street looking for the perfect gift....

roadiegirl

For my 18th I received numerous bottles of alcohol, and was very happy with this! Kept me in drink for ages!

kksweety

how about something useful like a nice watch or some kind of special one off jewlery if he's into things like that?

aylesby

When we have children that do not want anything and money is not suitable we buy our way out by adding more premium bonds to their account.
Finally our oldest son will cash in about a grand for a European tour with his mates this summer. If they win a prize they are lucky but that gives them a boost as well.

Lady_Aga

Something like a shallow dish/recepticle made from wood, leather or metal that is kept by the bed, in which he can keep his loose change and bits and bobs from his pockets.

It can be engraved on the underside, if you like

This is an understated and useful present that he is unlikely to already own, that will be used for many years to come.

Most good jewellers or TK Maxx sell these kinds of objects, as do department stores in the run up to Christmas.

serious_saver

Thank you all. I have a couple of ideas now

Sezzagirl

Hi

I've just registered on this site so I can post on your thread!!

We recently bought my nephew a really good penknife - the swiss army sort - for his 18th birthday. He is quite out-doorsy so suited him well but I think it's something that anyone would find useful at times!

Of all the things he ws given on his birthday - including various pieces of jewellery and money etc - this was the only one that he took out of the packaging

Remember though, if you give someone a knife as a present, they must buy it from you - even if it's just for a penny. Otherwise you may "cut" your friendship!