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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

Ideas for 19 yr old ds.

28 replies

Powerpuff2 · 25/07/2025 15:05

I know its July but I am on the Christmas board! I'm really stuck for ideas for my ds. He is 19, neurodiverse and quite a homebody. He doesn't really socialise apart from at work, so vouchers for food or coffee wouldn't work. He doesn't drink alcohol, eat spicy food. Very plain!
He likes gaming but has new headphones and controller.
He isn't into fashion and wouldn't care if he got new trainers or clothes even though that's what I end up getting each year.
I'm really really stuck for ideas. He has plenty of money and doesnt really spend it.
I've got tickets for comedy gigs for the past few years so would like something different.
Any ideas or hits from previous years?
He always seems quite underwhelmed.

OP posts:
Rocknrollstar · 25/07/2025 15:36

Some sort of experience? Eg a hot air balloon ride? Falconry Day?

ChristmasMad1 · 25/07/2025 15:42

Following as my 21 DD is like this. She is a homebody and doesn't socialise apart from at uni (lives at home). She doesn't drink alcohol, and has her own fashion so wouldn't care if she got viral clothes. I've got tickets for wrestling shows for the past few years. Any ideas ?

Trentdarkmore · 25/07/2025 15:47

Does he definitely want presents?
If not, I would save some money in an account for him, maybe for a housing deposit.

SapatSea · 25/07/2025 15:59

STEAM credit for his gaming? or a different gaming console - maybe a retro one. Books - does he have some interests- you could get him a book on or a quirky or old book.

Original poster
Powerpuff2 · 25/07/2025 16:14

@ChristmasMad1 its so difficult isn't it!

He will definitely want presents. He has quite alot of money because he has no interests and doesn't spend it.

@SapatSea Possibly a retro console, ill look into that. He doesn't read books, even though every year I buy one which he pretends to read and puts on his shelf!

OP posts:
joan12 · 25/07/2025 16:14

I tend to get nicer versions of things he has or needs eg super nice PJs, boxers, lovely dressing gown, socks, trainers, new winter coat. So Calvin Klein, Adidas etc rather than M and S or Sports Direct. I think it might cheer him up and make him feel good about himself.

Original poster
Powerpuff2 · 25/07/2025 16:16

@ChristmasMad1 its so difficult isn't it!

He will definitely want presents. He has quite alot of money because he has no interests and doesn't spend it.

@SapatSea Possibly a retro console, ill look into that. He doesn't read books, even though every year I buy one which he pretends to read and puts on his shelf!

@joan12 Perhaps I need to think more like this. I got him a new coat last year but maybe nice boxers and pyjamas might be an idea

OP posts:
Darlingk · 25/07/2025 16:22

Ideas on my list for my similarly aged DS include a record player, coffee machine.

VR headset?

ChristmasMad1 · 25/07/2025 16:50

Darlingk · 25/07/2025 16:22

Ideas on my list for my similarly aged DS include a record player, coffee machine.

VR headset?

My DD has a record player and for the 1st year used them but now she asked for record but doesn't play them, she played them once or twice then they just sit in a box.

Forgottenmyphone · 25/07/2025 20:01

Stunt kite
Brick On mug
Dart board
Telescope
Escape room in a box
Toastie maker
Illuminated Apparel t shirt
Drone
Pizza oven
Lego Architect
Ice cream machine

SlatternIsMyMiddleName · 25/07/2025 21:24

Popular things with my teen DS over the years

lego set
toastie maker
waffle maker
gaming chair
aftershave
cosy blanket
spotify subscription
percy pigs

HerbertVonDoodlebug · 25/07/2025 21:35

I think we have the same DS. It is very very difficult!

Most recent successes have been stuff for his bedroom (his favourite place!). He has a favourite graphic artist and we commissioned him to do a cartoon portrait of our pet. And an extra long duvet (he is tall and gets cold feet in bed!) Always gets Steam vouchers. Other than that we mostly get food eg fancy popcorn, unusual flavour crisps etc

ITSSSSCHRISTMASSS · 25/07/2025 21:44

Tickets to a gaming convention

Would he be interested in going away with or without you? Suggest a big holiday there are loads of cities around the world that have a massive gaming culture, close to hone is Dundee. Your gift could be covering some of the cost or buy certain tickets.

Lacitlyana · 25/07/2025 21:48

I get my DS experiences. Day trip to Alton Towers for 2. Gig for a band he likes (2 tickets in disabled area). Feeding stingrays at the local aquarium was a big hit. Bought him a tree in the local forest which he approves of. I go with him or he takes his friend, or both.

MrsPositivity1 · 25/07/2025 22:21

My son loves the Oddball Boxers https://www.myoddballs.com/collections/him-individuals

EveChristmas · 26/07/2025 10:01

i have a neurodiverse son as well who is a complete homebody as well. Does your son have a favourite colour? Maybe you could get him new bedding or paint his room that colour? Does he have a favourite show or game? You could get him funko pops of the characters or posters for his room? Maybe some cool gamer lighting? My son doesn’t like strong flavours either but he really wanted to try lots of the American and Korean foods he’s seen on YouTube and movies so last Christmas we bought him loads of American cereals and snacks to try. He absolutely loved it! New video games normally come out around Christmas as well so that might be an idea….

Original poster
Powerpuff2 · 26/07/2025 12:41

I'm thinking of getting some things for his room as he spends most of his time there. He likes a heavy duvet so maybe a weighted blanket, can you put them over duvets?
He likes chocolate, hot chocolate and cake so maybe some kind of chocolate hamper might be an idea too.

OP posts:
Lacitlyana · 26/07/2025 21:54

Oh we did a Japanese snack box too which was a hit. And a giant cat body pillow which he loves.

https://amzn.eu/d/3sl7Fc6

fluffiphlox · 26/07/2025 21:56

Cold hard cash at this age surely?

AgainstTheOddsNo2 · 26/07/2025 22:03

Your son is the male version of my daughter. I've taken to getting her "events" comedy, music ( very rarely) puppy yoga, a small trip. I think really she just wants 1 on 1 time.

Kittkats · 07/09/2025 21:05

Manga?
funko pops
lego
freeze dried sweets
American or Japanese snacks
novelty socks
astronaut pen
led lights for monitor
mini fridge for bedroom and stuff to stock it with
weighted blanket (fine over duvet)

AnneButNotHathaway · 08/09/2025 12:17

Steam gift card?
Something for his room, like led lights
Maybe something related to his favorite games, like figurines if he's into collecting stuff like that, keychains or stickers, etc. Could be a hoodie or a t-shirt but not sure about whether he'd like that.
If there is a band or an artist he likes, you can get him something from their official store, could be clothing items or accessories as well.
If he makes gaming videos or has a Tiktok/Youtube channel, you can get him a good video editor license
Various snack boxes are also out there and you can get him a subscription to one of those
https://www.snackcrate.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoobI_G_A7rCDi73_CUvB2f8jk2T7dZIL5JG9vIH5jdKa_irczeJ

https://www.universalyums.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6nMt--effEzZt5XGyiFSth-Dbl6CLBWeiFDIpx9ClzQ20zlfX

Streatfeild · 08/09/2025 12:23

Does he like animals? Would a walk with a llama be a good gift for example, or zookeeper for a day. And a stuffed animal or animal themed socks etc to unwrap?

ChristmasMad1 · 08/09/2025 12:44

Streatfeild · 08/09/2025 12:23

Does he like animals? Would a walk with a llama be a good gift for example, or zookeeper for a day. And a stuffed animal or animal themed socks etc to unwrap?

He's not very into animals, otherwise would have been a fab idea! 😂

MiddleAgedDread · 08/09/2025 12:56

after shave
decent electric razor