What did you buy your son for 18th or 21st Birthday?

easy

Okay, I know this sounds pathetic, but I have no idea what to get our son for his 18th.
I want it to be something that he will have in years to come, to look back on and remember it was bought for that special birthday.
BUT - he isn't into jewellery at all, and already has 2 pairs of very nice cufflinks which were my fathers.
His grandmother has already bought a lovely watch to give him.
I have thought about a good quality leather jacket - does anyone know a good retailer in Nottingham/Derby area ??

He has bottles of port and malt whisky laid down from his christening, and not showing any signs of being a drinker anyway - that might change before his 21st ...

I have asked him what he wants, but his only suggestion was a fancy gaming computer ... not quite the sort of thing I had in mind, and anyway over my budget - I was thinking up to £300-ish - although value isn't important, it's the thought that counts.

So, can anyone give me some inspiration ??

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

fairy_lights

If you want to get him something that will be memorable how about an experience rather than an object? something like vouchers for a bungee jump or a skydive maybe. Or buy him some shares that he can watch increase in value.
My OH got given 'meaningful' gifts by his family for his 18th and 21st birthdays and now he's got a cut glass whisky decanter he will never use and jewellery that he's not overly fond of all stuffed in a drawer.
Unless you know someone is going to really appreciate a particular object I think meaningful gifts can be a bit of a burden.

Izadora

For my 18th and 21st birthdays I had money towards holidays that I would never have been able to afford on my own. Many years later I still have incredibly fond memories of both. My parents wouldn't have just given me money, for fear that I would've frittered it on useless things, but knowing that it was for a specific purpose meant they didn't mind.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

Piece of art? My son is a huge Game of Thrones fan so we bought him a limited edition banner from his favourite house and framed it.

To be honest, I think too much is made of 18th and 21st birthdays. It is still relatively young and likes can change, rendering any 'special' gift pointless.

onomatopoeia99

My parents bought me a nice watch on my 18th (by Rotary, which is nice compared to the Casio ones I bought myself, rather than something by Breitling or Rolex!) and on my 21st a high quality electric drill (at my request), which I still have and use 27 years later.

Every time I get it out to use I remember they gave it to me.

Edit - I still have the watch as well, wore it for many years but stopped once I got a smartphone which I carry all the time.

pinkshoes

I don't get the whole gift thing for 18th/21st.

I was taken out for a lovely family meal, then we went on a last family holiday.

I think doing something as a family would be far nicer than a gift. A meal out, all go rock climbing/go carting/abseiling etc...

An experience will stay in him memory for life, whilst a jacket is usually forgotten.

Gloomendoom

On my 18th I got given a gift, an SLR camera, and we went out for a meal.

I can't remember doing anything for my 21st. I certainly didn't get another special gift. Probably just a load of cards with keys on them.

Faith177

As fairy lights said maybe get him an experience day.

For my 18th I got a gold bangle but as I've got older I prefer silvery colours so hardly ware it and 10 hours of driving lessons 13 years later I still havent learnt to drive fully.

For my 21st my then bf took me to NYC and my mum paid for a helicopter flight for me, a city pass and a dinner cruise

richardw

It's the thought that counts http://www.indivijewels.co.uk/jewellery/collar-stiffeners-man/

bit boring but nice, so something fun

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/powerboat other powerboat experiences are available.

Pollycat

richardw wrote: »

It's the thought that counts http://www.indivijewels.co.uk/jewellery/collar-stiffeners-man/

bit boring but nice

Do modern shirts still have the 'fittings' for these?

easy

Pollycat wrote: »

Do modern shirts still have the 'fittings' for these?

oh Yes - Charles Tyrwhitt definitely do !!

However, as they invariably get accidentally left in the shirt in the washing machine, I think I'll give them a miss.