Did you get your DS a special present for 21st?

[cakedup]

Or anything commemorative? Not sure if DS will understand why I've bought him a tankard. I've thought about getting something gold maybe? He wouldn't wear it mind you but wil probably like the idea of having something that increases in value. Or he would maybe appreciate the money (last year at uni) but nothing special about that.

We bought an (limited edition/signed) art print from a contemporary artist he loves, of a relevant subject. A bit niche but I wanted something that is something he can hold onto and has meaning. Obv his art tastes may change so it may not work long term but he loved it.

(Ofc art is also never a safe financial bet!)

That's sounds like a lovely idea.

My sons is coming up. I've just bought this https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/the-great-british-treasure-hunt/

We splashed out on his 18th and he is having some specific stuff that he wants so this was a nod to the commemorative and a bit of fun!

9 years ago, but we bought DS a gopro camera as he had just finished his degree and was about to go travelling for an extended time.

Oh that looks brilliant. Unfortunately don't think DS would enjoy the puzzle part, he is profoundly dyslexic and never puzzles for fun

He would probably like the coin though.

Ah, not the right thing at all then for your son. It'll be interesting to see if mine solves any of it, he does like a puzzle but it has to be the right kind. We will see! I'm sure he'd like the chance to win the bullion so that might be a motivator...

Sovereign from his birth year.

What about a nice watch op it's something he can keep and use.

No, we discussed it with him (specifically a watch) but decided it would be a bit doing it for the sake of it. He had generous gifts (more generous than usual) but nothing ‘special’ and agreed we would save that for when he really wanted something in that bracket - revisit for his 25th.
I had a bracelet for mine - didn’t like it although was touched by the sentiment. Never wore it. I don’t have it anymore.
DH got a watch which he wore for a few years. Hasn’t been worn in decades now.
DH got a tankard for his 50th off his parents and thought it was a bit pointless and just clutter. I don’t think we are sentimental people in that way!

I got 21 personalised vouchers made - for my DD to choose 21 gigs, concerts, festivals to go to over the following few years. She writes details of dates and times and I pay! It’s spread what could have been a big expense out over a period of time.

That would actually be perfect! Unfortunately well out of my budget otherwise that would be a definite purchase.

That is a really brilliant idea!! Love it! Totally unsuitable for ds as he has very limited social life, no interest in going out. But I like the 21 things theme so will have a think about that.

Nice idea but he's really not into watches at all.

Yes, if all else fails I can discuss with him and just give him more.money than I usually would. He is really into norse mythology so was thinking perhaps a norse inspired tankard. He often buys me sentimental gifts but not sure how much he appreciates them for himself.

The sovereign gave me an idea....I'm thinking maybe a small gold bullion for about £150 or so. He likes the idea of investments and has mentioned to me before that gold is a good investment. I could say its his to keep or sell anytime he wants/needs?

There wasn't anything 'big' that I could think of that my DS would really appreciate so I did 21 presents. Some were small in cost some were more money but he loved opening everything - we split it up as a sort of seven day advent calendar and he opened three things everyday in the week leading up to his birthday. It made it really special for him.

My parents bought DS a fancy watch for his 21st which pretty much overshadowed anything we could have bought. In the end we gave money for his flight to NZ later in the year. Hopefully when he looks back at his photos he will remember a chunk was a 21st gift.