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No idea what to get ds for 18th

9 replies

pinotnow · 17/08/2024 11:17

It's early next year so there's time but I have no ideas whatsoever.

He never asks for anything other than books. He doesn't want to learn to drive for environmental reasons and says he will always live in cities so no need, so nothing car-related. He isn't very materialistic and doesn't wear a watch and has no interest in high-end items along those lines - would lose/break or just not ever use them. He has all the tech he needs and isn't interested in it as long as it works.

He does love two sports and rarely gets to games/matches so I did consider something like a season ticket, but one I don't even know if I'd be successful/could afford it, and anyway, he'll be at uni so won't be around for most of the year to attend games. Plus it's temporary and I feel it should be something that lasts for an 18th. I did think about trying to get tickets for a few games throughout the year of his 18th, but, again, temporary, and one team I have no idea how you even get the tickets - Premier league. I've looked before and it seems they are never available?

He likes travel and experiences/shows/theatre but, despite having a large friendship group and busy social life he has no best friend nor, at the moment anyway, a b/gf (he never has had) and so wouldn't know who could accompany him. I could but don't want his 18th gift to come across as being partly for me! And that would also be temporary anyway.

Any thoughts, suggestions or details of what others did that was well-received by a similar-sounding 18yo would be massively appreciated!

OP posts:
SunnyHedgehog · 17/08/2024 13:54

I don't think tickets would come across as partly for you, you could easily say that the extra ticket can be for a friend or that you'll be happy to go together. Alternatively, you could look for a piece of signed memorabilia, something from a player he admires that can be kept as a collectable?
Have you had a chat with him? You could see what his own plans are for his 18th and tell him you'd like to get him something special if there's anything he'd like.

Meadowwild · 17/08/2024 13:58

It may not seem exciting, but honestly, I would give him money. Once he's a uni, money will be tight and he might welcome a bit extra - even if he spends it all on books!

You could wrap it up inside a book or a new wallet or sports bag.

Or you could get him some stuff for starting out at uni - the basics: a wok or good frying pan, chopping board and knife, some plates, bowls, mugs etc, a lamp for his room. Some of those could last a long time if you buy good quality.

indecisivewoman81 · 17/08/2024 14:01

What about an electric bike?

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NuffSaidSam · 17/08/2024 14:04

Get rid of the idea that it has to be something that isn't temporary.

He likes experiences so go down that path. A season ticket is good or theatre vouchers. Or just cold, hard cash! You can bundle the cash up with some travel books and tell him it's for a trip.

Aquamarine1029 · 17/08/2024 14:06

Money. When my son was that age, I bought a backpack, filled it with everyday necessities and little treats like deodorant, body wash, his favorite snacks, new socks, etc, etc, and attached money to each item in the bag. He was thrilled!

MouseofCommons · 17/08/2024 14:10

Same. Mine doesn't want much.

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 17/08/2024 14:18

Get him some tickets to a sports match he likes. If he's into cricket or rugby you could push the boat out and get him some really good seats or hospitality, if he likes tennis there's some matches coming up at the O2 in November ( I have no clue about football). Once he's at uni he may find someone that he'd like to take.

I can't remember what I got for my 18th, I got a good fountain pen for my 21st and still use it now.

pinotnow · 17/08/2024 15:05

Thanks everyone - I have got rid of the idea that it can't be temporary and joined the club thing for his football team so should be able to get access to some tickets this year as I know he's fed up at not having been since they got in the Premier League a few years ago. Ex took him a few times years ago but hasn't made the effort to in recent years.

Will also see if any big England cricket matches are on next year and try and get those too, though that definitely won't be near his birthday. I think he'll be happy with a year of sporting events though and a nice meal out on the day - says he doesn't want a party.

Electric bike is also a good shout but he did upgrade his other one last year - maybe could be a 21st idea though! Love the sailing idea but he's incredibly risk averse and would probably be 'no way!'

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