To ask what on earth I can buy for a young man about to turn 18?

[JonesyAndTheSalad]

He doesn't do gaming or computers really at all...he likes surfing. That's it!

He has a million surfy type t shirts and last birthday we bought him a lovely big photographic book on the history of surfing....what is there??

Wine
Experience day (rally driving, etc)
Wetsuit
Beach shoes
Rucksack
Water bottle
Railcard
YHA membership
Guitar
Survival/outdoors books
Concert tickets
Weekend away with friends

Money.

My standard 18th birthday present is money.

Not very exciting I know, but it's always appreciated.

We never feel comfortable giving money as we can't afford that much and it looks a bit pathetic I suppose.

He doesn't drink alcohol but the other things Toast mentions have a few I could do. Thanks!

A case of beer

Decent rucksack or flip flops

But money would be the safest option

Board wax or other random surfing accessories?

We've always gone leatherman (or swiss army knife)... sounds like could be handy gift - not directly surfing related, but handy to have in car/bag in case things need to be cut/fixed etc.

I prefer leatherman, as it has pliers as well as blades, but others are more in the swiss army knife camp!

What about study/work, any interests there that can be cashed in on?

Rash vest. Have a look at wetsuit warehouse, wetsuit outlet or decathlon.

YY to the Leatherman or Swiss Army knife if he doesn't already have one.

Does he go surfing regularly? If so does he have a mat/bag like this? They are very useful - got my son one for Xmas and it is used all the time now and saves his wetsuit from getting ruined. Think I got a ripcurl one in the sale for about £15.

Also if he is into surfing, could you perhaps find a photographer to take some photos of him? My son although younger would be absolutely made up with some great photos of him surfing. Or if money is tight could you take some photos and make a collage poster on photo box or similar (I have huge ones 114cmsx75cms that only cost me a tenner and they are really good quality)

Have a look on Not On The High Street. Lots of ideas at all budgets.

Cufflinks many men like having a pair but it is a present that is going out of fashion.
I plan on getting ds age 15 a pair for his confirmation next month.

What about a waterproof watch he can wear surfing?

Dog tags with his initials or date of birth on. So it's a nice bit of jewellery as a keepsake but quite relevant to an 18 year old.

My DB got a silver cuff bracelet a bit like this one, but engraved with waves.

He's worn it pretty much every day since.

Vouchers for Surf Snowdonia.

Or a leather and silver bracelet?
folksy.com/items/6591582--Man-s-Chunky-Black-Leather-Bracelet-Sterling-Silver-

Waterproof watch??

Engraved hip flask - but perhaps not if he doesn't drink.

Engraved hip flask - but perhaps not if he doesn't drink.

A special surf board? (Sorry I have no idea how much they cost!) or maybe a trip to Newquay for surfing and then lunch at fifteen or something?

Watch?

Like the photo idea; you could have it printed on Perspex or something modern

I think a surfboard or trip to Newquay and lunch at fifteen is probably considerably more than the OP was looking to spend.

Her post suggests maybe £20/30, not hundreds.

Havaianas would probably be appreciated. Cool and can never have too many pairs.

I would never buy specialist equipment for a hobby. People usually have exacting requirements so like to choose their own stuff and probably have most things anyway.