Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Christmas for 18 year olds-what are they getting?

68 replies

Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 14:18

DS1 is 18 and in his first year at Uni. Can't help but think Christmas will be a bit different for him this year.

In our family 18 is the cut off for Christmas presents, so he won't be getting anything from the relatives (although his younger brother will!).

He's sent a few ideas through as to what he might like from us. Just wondered if anyone was buying theirs anything exciting/interesting this year. Or are we really just looking at giving them money?

OP posts:
BackforGood · 02/12/2017 17:39

Mine got practical things - for next year's hose, or their room / kitchen this year. A sandwich maker, for example. We know how to live! Grin

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 17:44

Yes, stuff for the house next year is not a bad shout. Can't think of anything that would make his eyes light up though. Grin

OP posts:
FluffySlippers21 · 02/12/2017 17:45

Don't really agree with getting 1 sibling presents and not the other! Unless their is a massive age gap our family will continue to buy presents until youngest is 18. E.g. If 15 and 18 will buy presents until the 15 year old is 18. But if 11 and 18 won't.

UnicornMadeOfPinkGlitter · 02/12/2017 17:47

I have a 20yr old. He still lives at home and isn’t getting anything exciting. A hoodie and some sweets and then cold hard cash.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 17:48

I have mixed feelings Fluffy. DS2 is nearly 16. But it's the family tradition. Plus it means we don't have as many to buy for I suppose.

DS2 is already talking of sharing anything he gets with DS1. Confused

OP posts:
FluffySlippers21 · 02/12/2017 17:49

Yeah I think it ends up with the younger sibling feeling guilty! Speaking from experience 😳 But can see where your family is coming from. My DB is 18 and I normally buy him clothes/trainers at his suggestion x

Helena17 · 02/12/2017 17:50

A 20 year old should be the one getting you a present isn't it? :) Anyways, I'd say a sweet Christmas card will do if there are still some left at this internet age.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 17:51

I think I am longing for the days when you could make their eyes light up at Christmas but that ship has sailed.

Clothes/cash/practical stuff/ edibles. Is the way to go.

OP posts:
BackforGood · 02/12/2017 17:57

Fluffy - that's hardly fair on the youngest (or even younger) siblings though, if the eldest gets 23 years of presents and th youngest only gets 18.

I talked about it with my nephew and nieces a few years ago and they all agreed it was fairest if we stopped getting them presents after their 21st birthdays - that way each will have been treated the same. Even the eldest ones could see it wasn't fair otherwise.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 18:02

I think it would be worse if we were having the sort of Christmas where everyone sat in a room and swapped presents and opened them but we are all spread far and wide. So presents/vouchers come through the post.

OP posts:
MaverickSnoopy · 02/12/2017 18:11

I would give some of his favourite foods. Men in my family like posh bbq sauce, panko breadcrumbs, pates, chutneys, proper coffee, pop tarts...things not normally had. Other than that clothes, aftershave, books, Cds, nice bath stuff, house stuff. For "big" presents I'd go for concert tickets or a magazine subscription or season tickets for something. Does he need a bike for getting around or backpack/bloke bag for uni?

MaverickSnoopy · 02/12/2017 18:12

BTW our extended family stopped presents at 18 (30+ cousins) and I wasn't at all phased when I turned 18. My sister still got presents but she was 12. She definitely didn't feel guilty! Worked for our family. I'm sure he'll get used to it.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 18:15

I think that's it Maverick I want to get him something he doesn't need but would love.

A bloke bag is a good idea, but fear he would have to choose.

I do like the food idea, could do a hamper of nice things he doesn't buy as a student.

OP posts:
Maryz · 02/12/2017 18:21

ds is getting an enormous oversized fleecy hooded dressing gown. Since he seems to live in dressing gown and boxers, I hope he'll like it.

Apart from that, the usual bag of shite (toiletries, underwear, food bits and pieces, chocolate coins, stationery etc etc from FC).

Clankboing · 02/12/2017 18:24

My 17 yo is having a lomo camera. One of the type that prints off photos instantly. He likes the look of it as it looks retro. I think I might buy him some Doc Martens as he needs new shoes anyway and walks through lots of muddy areas. I know he likes them. Expensive but I think he's stopped growing.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 18:24

Ah yes the delightful dressing gown (not tied) and boxers combo, I will be seeing a lot of that this Christmas no doubt. Hmm Grin

OP posts:
ragged · 02/12/2017 19:50

My 18yo is earning & very keen to buy us pressies. It's sweet.
We have a few books in mind for him.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 21:44

DS1 wants to buy us presents but he will have to use his savings, and I don't want him to do that.
Him coming home will be present enough for me.

OP posts:
poisonedbypen · 02/12/2017 21:46

DS is getting dressing gown, some camera accessories, books, clothes.

TabbyTigger · 02/12/2017 22:44

Does he do any sports/other societies at uni?

I’m getting DS a tripod for a camera and some books (a mix of big dance/photography books and novels/poetry) because they’re things he enjoys. I know DSis is getting her DS (same age) a football shirt (though that’s a tradition in their home).

Plan to still fill DS a stocking with the classic chocolate/deodorant/socks too.

HRTpatch · 02/12/2017 22:51

Hard cash for main gift....have also.bought concert tickets, Pretty Green shirt, travel backgammon set and of course a fab stocking.

ssd · 02/12/2017 22:51

same problem here, both boys just want money and sweets...but I want to buy presents!!!

extra's might include cineworld voucher/nandos or prezzo vouchers/costa or greggs vouchers if either does them?

I want to buy them both a tee shirt but they want to choose their own Sad

god knows, its a bloody struggle every year

ssd · 02/12/2017 23:19

girls seem to be so much easier to buy for.

Original poster
Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2017 23:27

He plays football Tabby, so there's usually some stuff he needs for that, but would have to ask him.

I thinks that's it ssd, I want to buy presents but really I shouldn't, as they will either be unwanted or the wrong type IYKWIM.

OP posts:
ssd · 02/12/2017 23:38

my boys want a stocking with sweets and fun things (eh?), but I've bought everything Menkind ever sold and they have a cupboard of sweets all year round so that's not getting far with surprises

that, and a white envelope stuffed with cash

and thats about it

whereas I want to wander round shops and craft fairs and pick up lots of lovely thoughtful things that I know they've love

wont be happening.......