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Original poster

What time get for son's 18th birthday?

32 replies

Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:11

I am completely stumped as to what to get DS for his 18th birthday.

He doesn't really drink (I know I know he isn't 18 yet so shouldn't drink anyway but in the real world he obviously has drank before and isnt that into it)
He has a car.(bought himself)
He has private plates for his car (bought himself)
He already has a festival and a lads holiday booked (paid for himself)
He has an expensive watch (16th birthday present) and can't wear jewellery because of his job.

He likes cars, the gym and his girlfriend (not necessarily in that order)

OP posts:
Biscuitsneeded · 04/02/2025 20:18

Is he working full-time or still in education? Does he want to go away to uni or anything? My DS wants an air fryer for uni! Other than that he's getting a sweat shirt, a t shirt and some socks and pants!!

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:19

Biscuitsneeded · 04/02/2025 20:18

Is he working full-time or still in education? Does he want to go away to uni or anything? My DS wants an air fryer for uni! Other than that he's getting a sweat shirt, a t shirt and some socks and pants!!

He is doing an apprenticeship. No plans to go to Uni.

OP posts:
NotaCoolMum · 04/02/2025 20:22

does he like gaming? My DS has asked for the new Nintendo Switch for his 18th… that or a tattoo…

Interested in this thread?

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Events & celebrations General shopping
Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:28

NotaCoolMum · 04/02/2025 20:22

does he like gaming? My DS has asked for the new Nintendo Switch for his 18th… that or a tattoo…

He has a PS5 and seems happy with that, he rarely plays it these days.

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 04/02/2025 20:29

What about an experience day? Like a racing track day or a flying lesson. Friends have done something like a treasure hunt in London. Could then have a nice meal out.

TY78910 · 04/02/2025 20:35

He likes cars, the gym and his girlfriend (not necessarily in that order)

Haha

Gym clothes? Like gymshark or something popular or a proper nice gym bag from north face

Flannels voucher (can get all the branded clothes youngers like these days)

rivalsbinge · 04/02/2025 20:36

Same issue with my son who's 21.

I'm setting him up a pension and putting money in, he can then choose to contribute.

I did also think maybe premium bonds?

Theextraordinaryisintheordinary · 04/02/2025 20:36

Some jewellery of his choice

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 04/02/2025 20:38

How can he have bought a car with personalised plates on an apprentices wages???

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:41

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 04/02/2025 20:38

How can he have bought a car with personalised plates on an apprentices wages???

Not really the point of the thread but because he has been doing the apprenticeship since he left school and it's for a large multinational company He is on more than £20,000 a year when you include shift allowance etc.

OP posts:
Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:42

Theextraordinaryisintheordinary · 04/02/2025 20:36

Some jewellery of his choice

He can't wear jewellery because of his job. Bhe has a few bits but never bothers with them because he can't be bothered remembering to take them off.

OP posts:
NotaCoolMum · 04/02/2025 20:44

A weekend getaway for him and his girlfriend?

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:45

rivalsbinge · 04/02/2025 20:36

Same issue with my son who's 21.

I'm setting him up a pension and putting money in, he can then choose to contribute.

I did also think maybe premium bonds?

Very sensible ideas. He is already paying into a pension and has some money set aside to out into a Lifetime ISA once he can open one at 18.

I wanted to get him a thing, so he can say for my 18th I got.... From my parents. But if I can't think of anything he wants maybe some more money for his ISA is the way to go.

OP posts:
WildCherryBlossom · 04/02/2025 20:46

Sounds like he has his head screwed on. Agree with the experience gift idea. Mercedes Benz world driving experience or Virgin experiences? A spa day? Tickets to an event? Extras for his festival - stuff to decorate the camp site, a camping stove...?

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:46

Mumof1andacat · 04/02/2025 20:29

What about an experience day? Like a racing track day or a flying lesson. Friends have done something like a treasure hunt in London. Could then have a nice meal out.

I can't decide wether a track day would go down well or wether he would see it as a middle aged man kind of a present

OP posts:
festivemouse · 04/02/2025 20:46

I think a trip for him + his gf (depending on budget!) would be great. I remember experiences people got me for milestone birthdays over the physical gifts if I'm honest!

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:48

NotaCoolMum · 04/02/2025 20:44

A weekend getaway for him and his girlfriend?

They are going on a spa weekend for Valentine's and have a festival booked already. They also both work really odd shifts but I suppose I could get them a voucher or even just give him cash to be spent on a little holiday. Not too sure about what seems like a joint present for his 18th though.

OP posts:
WildCherryBlossom · 04/02/2025 20:49

Sorry, crossed post. I see you wanted more of a keepsake. A watch is obviously ideal but he has one. My DH has cufflinks he got for his 18th but people don't wear formal shirts so much anymore. I'll keep thinking.

itsgettingweird · 04/02/2025 20:51

What about cufflinks?

Mh birther got my da some for his christening when he was 2.

He wore them for the first time to my birthers wedding when he was 20.

It meant so much to my ds and my brother.

Onlyvisiting · 04/02/2025 20:52

Well the obvious answer is to ask him I guess! What sort of budget are you thinking of?
I wouldn't risk a total suprise of anything more than 75-100 max ish personally. If you are thinking a few hundred I'd prefer to make sure it was something he really wanted. But if you are trying to think of something he wouldnt think if himself as a surprise then what about something like a membership to a climbing or bouldering place? Or lessons in something random he might enjoy, like kayaking or surfing or skiing (indoor slope place).
Or something random like paying for a day at some kind of activity with his friends (at a time he chooses). Like axe throwing or paintballing or that kind of thing.

Does he have any plans to move out? Is he good with money? Money in a good savings place. Or Perhaps the promise of first months rent/deposit?

Pay for a weekend away with his girlfriend?

Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:56

@WildCherryBlossom and @itsgettingweird cufflinks could be a good shout as something to keep and bring out on special occasions. Then something a bit more fun for the here and now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:57

Onlyvisiting · 04/02/2025 20:52

Well the obvious answer is to ask him I guess! What sort of budget are you thinking of?
I wouldn't risk a total suprise of anything more than 75-100 max ish personally. If you are thinking a few hundred I'd prefer to make sure it was something he really wanted. But if you are trying to think of something he wouldnt think if himself as a surprise then what about something like a membership to a climbing or bouldering place? Or lessons in something random he might enjoy, like kayaking or surfing or skiing (indoor slope place).
Or something random like paying for a day at some kind of activity with his friends (at a time he chooses). Like axe throwing or paintballing or that kind of thing.

Does he have any plans to move out? Is he good with money? Money in a good savings place. Or Perhaps the promise of first months rent/deposit?

Pay for a weekend away with his girlfriend?

Unfortunately when I ask he says he doesn't want or need anything. Which he doesn't really which is the problem.

It's a very good position for him to be in but it does make present buying difficult.

OP posts:
Onlyvisiting · 04/02/2025 20:58

Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:46

I can't decide wether a track day would go down well or wether he would see it as a middle aged man kind of a present

Show quote history

Sorry, I didn't see all of your posts before made my suggestions!

Is he interested in any kind of sport or hobby other than the gym? Bikes, running etc? If he's not a big drinker what does his free time with his male friends look like, what sort of things does he do to socialise?

It's really tough to think of a keepsake, there are all sorts of things like fancy pens etc, but would he like them?

Is there any kind of household item he'd want, like a good coffee maker if he is into coffee?

Onlyvisiting · 04/02/2025 21:02

Littletreefrog · 04/02/2025 20:57

Unfortunately when I ask he says he doesn't want or need anything. Which he doesn't really which is the problem.

It's a very good position for him to be in but it does make present buying difficult.

Show quote history

He's sounds amazing 😆, 18, working, stable and not grasping or materialistic.
But awful for present buying 🤣.

What about asking him specifically if he would like xyz of your ideas, like any of the experience days. Can run the outline past him and keep the details a surprise?

Cynic17 · 04/02/2025 21:02

Just ask him!