Ideas for 18 yo sons

[StressedLP1]

Can someone give me some inspiration?

happy to be directed to similar threads too 💐

What kind of things is he interested in?

Mini fridge for desk (can get ones on amazon that fit a few cans, chocolate bars etc)
Merch of music artists he likes
an experience gift- sports car driving/a visit to somewhere
Eurostar voucher
Clothing- off white (expensive so I get second hand from vinted!), Route One, adidas and Hollister are all popular with my DS
New backpack for college/uni/work

This year mostly cash! But he has a box of coffee pods - 100 from Wonky Coffee. We'll have to see what they taste like. A crimpit - he likes a toastie, but my old Breville made the edges too tough. It can go in an airfryer. Very little else.

Is he off to uni next year or in the first year of uni already? If so, maybe something that he'd need there. depending on your budget that could be a laptop or bicycle or a wok and an easy cookbook.

He might like a new sports bag or backpack or things to make his room more welcoming - a stylish lamp and rug (I appreciate not all 18 year olds would want these - but mine did!)

What are his interests? If he plays music seriously - an instrument upgrade? If he plays sport - some really good kit? If he wants to travel, some money wrapped up inside guidebooks and maps of places he'd love to visit?

Some great ideas here - thank you so much!

it made me think think that clothes for the gym will probably go down well.

@socialdilemmawhattodo coujd you give a link to the air fryer crimpet? I think he’d like that too!

Here it is!

https://crimpit.co.uk/pages/shop

I bought the toastie one, and was then offered at checkout for £4-99 the wrap one - also apparently suitable for an airfryer.

My son is a motor mechanic and at college - so he comes in ravenous - I thought this could make a better snack than the sweet rubbish he favours!

I cant remember where I saw them reviewed - either Mumsnet or perhaps Lakeland, so they might be rubbish. Sorry if so!

I would say about the mini-fridges that they don't get very cold, so eg milk wont last all day. I was able to pick up a 2nd hand one for my son (quite pleased about that as they are a little pricey new for not quite doing the job!). We add an icepack and that helps keep cold drinks cool.

Oddballs do great clothing for the gym - lots of themes, patterns, plain. Great company - really support self examination for men. (Also do clothing and accessories for women and kids)

www.myoddballs.com/pages/gift-guide#

Here's what I've got my 18 year old son ..

Chanel bleu aftershave
Chanel bleu deodorant
Philips oneblade
Boss joggers
Nike tech fleece
3 x Boss t shirts
Boss jacket
Nike trainers
Jeans
Skincare box
Bulldog skin set
Gymshark joggers
CK boxers
Headphone / controller stand
Barbour wash bag
Fitness Wall planner
Bar glass
Selection box

Oh and his stocking ....

American import Chapstick
Fidget toy
Eyebrow blades
Xbox thumb tabs
The ordinary shower gel
Freeze dried sweets
Golf ice moulds
Beatles coaster
Stress ball
Soap
Mini pull light
Chocolate
Maltesers
Margarita
Scratch cards
Chocolate Santa

Seasonsgreetingsbatface
He's a lucky chap!!

Some fab ideas! I am really stuck for my 18YO!

I can add:

Beard grooming kit
Shaving moisturiser
Shower gel(s)

I was looking at a TV but they're really complicated and I've absolutely no idea what to look for in a TV!

Off to Google XBox thumb tabs!

Omg he's a world away from my 18yo. After shave is a waste of time on him still. I can't buy clothes without him.
We're basically giving money and having some days out including skiing at a snow dome. Very boring!

Driving lessons or golf lesson if he is into that.
Does he have stuff on his wishlist for sport/ college etc?

Was just about to say exactly this!

@NCTDN they're all so different aren't they? I really struggle tbh and I see lots of threads with all these great ideas but he has a part time job so gets himself lots of bits and pieces. He also has an Xbox , gaming chair, AirPods, iPhone, iPad etc etc so all the tech he could want. He is very fortunate

He doesn't drink coffee, doesn't have hobbies that require purchasing anything, buys all manner of 'treat' food already and would not wear a watch

So this list takes me forever to come up with!

And yes - he's lucky. However I can make it a whole lot easier for myself as I have 25% staff discount at John Lewis and this works on top of promotions

So the Chanel aftershave is £80 a bottle - with a recent fragrance promotion along with my discount - got it for £38

Just means everybody gets stuff from John Lewis basically

I'd love that! Esp as we've just bought ds a laptop for hood birthday from there. Then our oven broke - back to John Lewis !

I got my 15 yo tickets for his football team. Inexpensive but hard to come by

Beard trimmer

Headphones

Car things

Beavertown glasses.

My 18 year old has
A leather weekend bag - for when he stays out at girlfriend’s etc
insulated coffee cup
Bottle of some fancy local spirit
globe ice mold
poker chips set
Odie
super fancy Italian spaghetti
electric toothbrush

then for stocking
Superman Pez
Sachet fancy hot chocolate
sweet flavoured chapsticks
chocolate coins
carrhart keychain
tweezer set - so he can stop stealing my tweezers for his eyebrows
facemask
toothstain tablets

DS is 19 and at Uni
We’ve got him (it’s rather niche though!!)
Cycle Computer
Mudguards
Yeti Bottle
Levi’s (from Vinted)
Belt
Ralph Lauren card holder
Cat shaped cushion of our cat!
New MacBook as his is very old and is struggling to keep up with his Uni stuff

Stocking-
Step Up running cycling shorts
Hilly Running socks
Book
Mini aftershave from M&S
Crimpet
Small foldable white board (he uses it for revision)
Sweets/Chocolate

My son is a couple of years older but things he is having this year or has had in previous years

Jewellery, chains and rings
Band t shirts
Trainers/clothes
Framed prints of bands/films
Airpods
Record player and vinyl
Gaming accessories, headphones, keyboard, chair
Weights/gym stuff
Fridge for his room
Echo dot
Lego
Tickets for concert/comedian
Power bank
Hot sauces
Weekend bag/washbag
Aftershave
Oodie
Wireless phone charger
Photo gifts like mugs with our animals on
Vouchers
Bag full of his favourite snacks
Alcohol
Shot glasses
Cash!

Who did you use please for the personalised cat shaped cushion?