Gift that will hold is value for son's 21st birthday

hskhsk

looking for a gift that will hold value for a 21st birthday present for my son. Any ideas, and I am in Australia so will need to be able to get it online as well thanks all

jackyann

I have the impression that very little holds its value now, the way that say, a good watch once did.
Someone may be along who knows about precious metals - but much of the purchase price is about the workmanship.

In our family, a good tool set has often been a "marker" present for the boys (the equivalent of the sewing machine!). In a nice case, it will be very useful, easily stored, and your son will think of you every time he does a bit of DIY! I think this is a useful present, even for those in a rented flat as it comes into its own in time. Look at Axminster Tools for really good quality.

kingfisherblue

To be honest, when my daughter was 21, I wanted to buy her something that she wanted and that she would enjoy, rather than something that would hold value. It's no use having an expensive present that just sits in a drawer gathering dust.

anotheruser

Is that what you want the 21st birthday present to be about?
Money?

Think about something that could be later family heirloom, like a nice pocket watch. It's something they can use when they get married or at other special times, so would keep it special, and I doubt would lose much value in monetary terms.

LandyAndy

anotheruser wrote: »

Is that what you want the 21st birthday present to be about?
Money?

Think about something that could be later family heirloom, like a nice pocket watch. It's something they can use when they get married or at other special times, so would keep it special, and I doubt would lose much value in monetary terms.

Be careful about buying a watch. I got an expensive gold wristwatch for my 18th from my grandparents. I hated it.


On the other hand my DS2 wanted a vintage watch for his 18th so we let him choose one and he loves it.

hskhsk

Not really about money just do not want it to be socks and undies

ViolaLass

Is there anything your son has suggested he would like?

onomatopoeia99

My parents bought me an electric drill for my 21st birthday. I asked for a decent one that would last, so they went to a little independent shop and came back with one made by Peugeot(!) that the owner recommended. It came in a metal box / carry case rather than the more usual cardboard and expanded polystyrene.

It's my 46th birthday next month, I still have the drill, it's had a lot of use (on cars as I do my own motorsport preparation and on my house) over the last 25 years and it's still going strong, and I still remember that they bought it for me whenever I use it.

fairy_lights

I think the quality toolkit/drill idea is brilliant.
My OH got given a HUGE gold sovereign ring for his 21st birthday - the relative who bought it did so with the best of intentions, but my OH thinks it's hideous and it lives at the back of his sock drawer now. He's thought about selling it but feels guilty as it was a gift. it's difficult to say what will hold value, and even if something does, it might not be what the receiver really wants.

TBagpuss

It depends what you want to spend and how you want to mark the occassion. You could give something small but memorable plus a cash gift, and encourage them to invest it.

skintpaul

something simple, in silver or gold. A ring, photo frame etc?


Need to consider repair costs, for watches!