What have you got your 18 year old boys?

[movingonup2022]

I need ideas, mine doesn't have much of a list. So far I've got him the alcohol he likes and an accessory for his new games console.

The 8 bit sound one might be a bit of a novelty for him.

Mine is almost 18 and has asked for money. No suggestions at all as says he's fussy and would prefer to chose for himself. When he was younger I could take him shopping and he'd pick a few things. Now everything is online so I can't do that or he goes shopping with his friends and then I, or his dad give him the money. My mum has already got him his favourite aftershave so I can't even get that. I don't like giving him money as he gets that in January for his birthday and this year it's his 18th so he's getting a car from me and his dad (been saving since he was born). I have no idea what to get him to unwrap. So far I've got him designer pants and socks, a big box of American sweets and a Groupon voucher for a local restaurant for him and a friend. He's got everything already - iMac, iWatch, iPhone, ear buds, fridge in his bedroom and PS5. I Already got him the latest FIFA game when it came out. Was so much easier when they were children and would circle what they wanted in the Argos catalogue! Daughter (23) is slightly easier but my mum starts buying in November so she often gets her what I was planning to.
This year my sister, my daughter and myself all bought air fryer/ovens for my parents. When we found out I took mine back as did my daughter. No idea what to get them now either. I've asked my family to donate what they would spend on me to the charity my friend runs. Adult presents are so hard unless they have a hobby or particularly interested in something.

DS2 is nearly 18. He has tickets for the Beatles museum for him and a mate, new guitar, oasis stuff, tickets for another gig, pyjamas and underwear, smellies.
His Nan is getting him something to wear. He's easy to buy for really as he has a real obsession with certain bands 😆

Clothes will be his main present as he won't be wearing a uniform after June! Have also got...

Cable tidy from stackers
Fortnum & Mason mug with his initial
Wash bag from Rains
PJs
Toe nail clippers
Hotel chocolat cocoa beer
Mini nutella pot
Various bits of favorite chocolate

Will also get slippers and maybe a sunrise alarm clock for uni

He's just had his 18th and his favorite present (even though he got a phone) was a dreamland heated under blanket as his bedroom gets a bit chilly. A heated throw is another idea.

Aftershave sample set?

Ds is 16 but some of these might be useful?

Phone stand
Phone clip thing that'll hold it in bed
Life skills book
Phone armband for gym
Gym towel
Moonball
Balloons (to try stop him kicking balls in the house)
Alarm clock
Wallet ninja
Kooparberg cider and glass

My ds and all his mates say that Moonballs are "mint/mega/insert similar teen term"

A new xbox, pimple patches, cafetière and coffee, student cookbook.

Thanks to the poster who put boot bananas. He was complaining how much his footy boots reeked so he'll be pleased with these.

Concert tickets to favourite band
Couple of books from the charity shop
Some hoodies from vinted.
Try and buy nothing new unless edible.

Have got a few ideas from this thanks. My ds is going to California in January to do his second semestre at Uni ( whilst I eat a lot of pasta)so I need very portable presents. I am so out of inspiration

My 17yo is getting half an electric bike - got the first half for his birthday! Lego electric guitar, pyjamas, Lindor ball, calendar, framed picture for his room and that coloured strip lighting for his room.

No alcohol as he doesn't drink

With my 18 and 20 year old I just say if there's nothing specific they want then it's money and that I won't buy tat just to make it look like they've got stuff to open. They're old enough now.

That being said, I've got them some designer socks and a nice aftershave each and that's it other than money.

On another recent thread a poster suggested these people: www.presentindicative.com/. My nephew is into science and Physics, so I've ordered him a tin of "Dangerous After Dinner Experiments" cards and a book. I've also ordered this for him from the dog: www.wickeduncle.co.uk/childrens-presents/smart-ball?source=HpPop

When DSS's were that age they mostly got money but as we have younger DC it felt really important that they still have presents under the tree.

We always did 2 'hamper' type presents each. 1 filled with treats/snacks like pringles, nuts, chocolates, hot chocolate, marshmallows, flapjacks etc. The other with smellies like shower gel, body puff, shampoo, razors, deodorant, aftershave etc.

Usually taken to uni to save having to buy stuff through the year & always used & enjoyed.

Some 'rare' Mac Miller vinyl that he wanted.
New Air Forces
Boss sweatshirt
North face T shirt
Giant hoodie thing

Liquer chocs
Face and bum soap (thanks DH)
A 'it is what it is' keyring
Pot noodle twisty fork and mug
Costa voucher
French Connection pants and CK socks
Linx gift set

My ds is 19. He’s getting £100 cash, Gucci envy aftershave, Ralph Lauren socks and pants, new electric shaver, Versace baseball cap.
he has a few stocking fillers like a bottle of rum, jars of spices etc and some more smellies.

@pinkhousesarebest these look to be out of stock at moment, but worth considering for long distance travel :

Snugl

I am getting my 20yr old and 23yr old boys clothing (they wait for xmas and birthdays to get expensive jeans and sweatshirts) Nike shoes (how the hell they can justify charging what they do......) and the traditional socks and undies. My boys come, with girlfriends in tow and still sleep under the tree on xmas eve. At 6ft 3in and 6ft 4in its become a little bit of a squeeze.

DS1 is nearly 18. We’ve got him a new iPad, keyboard and pencil.

I’ve also got him a basic soda stream, Northface jumper, Northface rucksack, some SIS drinks plus new PJ’s, boxers, socks and a cheap Zara aftershave that apparently smells like Creed? Plus lots of sweets, chocolates and Pringles in his stocking.

Really tried cutting back on the amount of gifts this year so gone for quality over quantity. My children don’t receive gifts from anyone else apart from us so I usually feel I have to go overboard each year to compensate.

DS1 - Winter coat because, finally, at the ripe old age of 18 and three quarters he has come back round to coats! (He’s at Uni and now has to walk everywhere and suddenly he’s cold)

DS2 - New Trainers

my usual go to stuff is undies, socks, chocolates, toiletries, which I would buy for anyway tbf.

Place marking ... some great ideas here.

My ds is 17 and is getting (mostly off us and some off my parents):

Two games for his PS5.
A free standing punch bag that he specifically asked for.
Clothes.
A football shirt.

In his stocking he has:

Smellies.
Chocolate.
A Superdry wash bag, water bottle and small ‘man bag’ (he likes that brand!)
Boxers and socks.
More chocolate!
Stationery.

Also placemarking!

butterflymum 😍

Aftershave & weights

Thanks for this thread, have got some good ideas for my ds19