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

WibblyGirly

I didn't get anything special for either birthday.
If just give him the money towards his computer as it something he will use and enjoy most days.

sillyvixen

I only remember one gift I got for my 18th birthday, my nan and I caught a bus into town (I failed my driving test that morning!) And she paid for a ring that I choose - I wear it all the time and often customers at work tell me how lovely it is, and I tell them it was an 18th birthday pressie from my nan.
I think my parents were planning to give me money towards a car, but ended up converting it into driving lessons (still very use full as once I passed my test I had more freedom - even if it was in mums car)
18th birthday pressies were a big thing in my family but I don't really have anything lasting except for the ring!

Spendless

gt568 wrote: »

I don't get the significance of a 21st, can someone enlighten me?

It used to be the age that you became an adult. Before 21 you couldn't do certain things eg vote or get married without parental permission. Though this was changed many years ago to 18 instead, 21 it is still considered a 'special' birthday.

tikki999

I don't get 21st either, but 18th I suppose is legally, officially, an adult.

My mum asked me when I was nearing 18, she wanted to get me jewellery but I asked for a rucksack. We went to camping shop together and she brought me a rucksack, which felt very expensive at the time. It went up and down to Uni with me crammed with books and 30 years and many trips later, I still have it! Just a few little holes. It was the best buy and I appreciated it then and now. And mum is pleased that I made so much use of it.

DigForVictory

We defaulted to a nice watch (Seiko on promotion) and had it engraved - he's still in school & can wear a watch where a phone is forbidden (exam halls, ahem) but I can see it not being the cherished thing we'd hoped.

Middle son has two watches already, think driving experience the right path for him! Now, how best to pitch it to husband?!

pollypenny

I think it was the money towards the post-A-level holiday with his friends.

On his actual 18th birthday poor lad had both English lit and chemistry A-level papers. Joys of a June birthday. Exams most of his teenage and young adult years.

meer53

I bought my son a Helicopter lesson, he loved it, we made a day of it and we all enjoyed it. I also made him a funny photo album using photos from when he was born. I wrote captions on each page, things like first time he walked, first day at school, camping with scouts, first time he went to a festival, got drunk etc he loved it !

AylesburyDuck

We dont do 21st, but for their 18th Birthdays we have got our kids on the road, bought them their first (second hand ) car and paid for their first years insurance.17th Birthdays have always been the driving lessons. Our last little Indian starts his driving lessons in September.

mickeymouse303

What about giving him money?

trailingspouse

I was given a camera for my 18th and a fountain pen for my 21st.

For my son, we gave him a pocket watch and had it inscribed with something appropriate. I doubt he ever uses it (although he is a natty dresser), but it's a bit different from giving a 'normal' watch.