Excellent 18th ideas for introverted ds

[Ifeelmuchlessfat]

Aibu to ask MN for some inspiration?

He has hated every birthday despite himself, because the reality can never match up to his expectations.
He has all the tech anyone could ever need.
Very thoughtful, vegetarian, wants to save the world. I’m thinking maybe shares in an environmentally friendly company or similar, but also want something else.
Would normally be looking at giving him tickets to go abroad for a long weekend or something but obvs…
Has car and insurance sorted.

I’m genuinely all out of ideas.
Can anyone out there suggest something unusual I haven’t thought of?

Could you and everyone else in the household go somewhere for the weekend, leaving him home alone? Set up with nice meals/ money for takeaway, snacks and things he loves to do.

The worst part of being an introverted young adult still living with my family was craving time at home alone and rarely getting it, or only having a few hours at a time. A whole weekend to myself would have felt like bliss to me.

@fruitpastillelolly

Could you and everyone else in the household go somewhere for the weekend, leaving him home alone? Set up with nice meals/ money for takeaway, snacks and things he loves to do.

The worst part of being an introverted young adult still living with my family was craving time at home alone and rarely getting it, or only having a few hours at a time. A whole weekend to myself would have felt like bliss to me.

I love this idea. When you're introverted, what you really like best is your own space - your own familiar, comfortable space, without other people in it.

Wow interesting answer! I really like the way you’re thinking - it wouldn’t work in his case as, although I’ve described him as introverted he thinks he’s a party animal
He’d just think we’re playing a trick on him and be waiting for the punch line…

I'm usually described as an introvert but would hate being left in house by myself as a "treat" - actually I'd be deeply hurt.

It might work for my DD1 or DD2 when they get there as they'd have their mates round - not so much our DS though by 18 he may be more settled.

Maybe an eco friendly trip for next spring - something to look forward to or any local experinces that might be open or experiences style days out that might appeal and might be going ahead this summer- FIL did flying trip and loved it.

Has he himself no suggestions or ideas?

@randomlyLostInWales yes, but I’d like to to surprise him

Would an experience day type thing work, if he's very environmental maybe a keeper for a day at a zoo/safari Park that does a lot of conservation work for example or volunteering at a seal.sanctuary or something similar?

I'd just ask him.

Surprises are the worst (also an introvert).

A gift voucher for lendwithcare.org? He gets to invest it in businesses in developing countries, and as the loans are paid back he can reinvest in further businesses or withdraw the money. I love keeping an eye on my businesses and selecting new ones

My introvert son hates surprises. I agree, ask him. You can’t give him a budget at this age too.

*can give him a budget

You can hire a cinema to play video games on, if he plays anything with a group of friends online it could be fun, my idea of hell but I'm not an 18 year old male.

A day at an animal sanctuary? Not tickets to an open day for the public but a day where he sees behind the scenes, gets to feed animals - I know it sounds like a trip to the zoo for a child but with the right sanctuary it can be totally different.

Setting up an eco pond in the garden or a bog garden?

A driving experience? You can do classic cars, supercars, you can even try out the original batmobile.

I got DS1 a helicopter ride for his 18th and a supercar driving experience for his 21st.

Does he actually like surprises, or is it just that you do? Personally, I loathe them, even if it’s something I would have loved if I’d been in on the planning.

My teens get experience days, indoor skydiving, helicopter rides, fast driving experiences, zoo animal experiences.

My daughter is similar and I took her to Paris for her 18th (pre Covid). A party would be her idea of a nightmare, so going away took the pressure off. I also emailed the hotel in advance, and they very kindly gave us a room upgrade.
So go away would be my advice, even if it's just camping or whatever!

I wouldn't go down the zoo route as animals are kept captive and all zoos have 'environmental' projects to justify their existence.
Similarly, those aquarium type tourist attractions.
I'd look at direct environmental programmes eg 'adopt a shark/Jaguar/a piece of forest' etc...

Sailing lessons?

@muddledmidget this looks perfect, thanks! Just the kind of thing I think would appeal.
Thanks too for all the other suggestions, appreciate your thoughts.

give a piece of art (e.g. a print or painting from ArtFinder) - it is unique & can be kept but doesn't take up much space or wear out like tech does.

@parietal yes I think this too, thanks

I would either ask him, or give cash.

I was trying to suggest subtly sounding him out rather than not surpising him - but I'm glad someone had an idea you liked - hope he enjoys his birthday.

A weekend away somewhere sustainable?

Eg. Coed Hills in Wales is great, it's an amazing place

I'm an introvert, when I was in my 20's I stopped going out with my birthdays with family and friends and started spending time on my own. I would go to gym for a few hrs, shopping, cinema and food on my own and I loved it.
I'm not shy by any stretch and actually love people when Its one to one/two and informal but found social gatherings for celebrations just to much to take, I certainly didn't enjoy them. When the focus was on me I actually just wanted to run. Far to much going on to be able to enjoy the company!
I agree that he may like the freedom to just do as he pleases without feeling obliged to do something special with others as its his birthday.

I cant speak for every introvert but its also worth bearing in mind that some just don't do stuff and things if that makes sense. I never actually wanted any presents but felt obliged to pick something as they wanted to buy something just like having to pick something to do as its my birthday because I have to do something. I was often standing there puzzled wondering why? can you not just wish me happy birthday I'd be more than happy with that!!
May be I'm Just odd (smile).