Help me find a sentimental gift for my 16 year old

[momistired]

My son turns 16 in 2 months.

I want to get him something that is special for him but I don't know what.

I was thinking of maybe doing a scrapbook with pictures and stuff from him being a baby till now.

I'm not sure if a girl would appreciate this more than a boy.

Any ideas?

You could make a scrapbook anyway but I don't think it's suitable as a gift in lieu of a proper present.

At that age they tend to be materialistic.

I have a 16yo girl and I'm not sure she would appreciate it either. It sounds like it's something for you, not him tbh.

I'm doing a photo book for my daughter. She doesn't seem to realise 16 is thought of as a significant birthday.

I agree that photo books are only really appreciated when that 16year old turns 30!

Apple allow you to engrave their products: you could engrave a new set of headphones for him? I know probably doesn’t seem sentimental but I’m trying to think of teen-levels of sentimental!

Or how about something from the year they were born?

We did photobooks for both our sons for their 18th birthdays. They were really pleased with them.

What about a painting of somewhere that is special to him, or a painting of your pet (if you have one)?

A driving experience?

Signed football shirt?

Obviously I'm gonna buy him other things that he's asked for.

Was just wanting a special gift to throw in to mark his sixteenth

I might hold of on the scrapbook for his 18th

I did scrap books for mine when they turned 18 . Not sure they are bothered about sentimental things at 16 really. Don't they want cold, hard cash? Think you might be over thinking it and this could lead to you being disappointed if they don't care.

How much money is reasonable for a 16th?

I might just give him cash in addition to a driving experience and maybe some aftershave

DD is about to turn 18. I'd planned to do something similar for her 18th, she wouldn't have been bothered at 16 at all, but tbh she wouldn't be bothered now either, so have decided to leave it and maybe do it in a few years time.

I do think you are over thinking this. What will you do for 18th if you are making such a big thing of 16th. Driving experience great, aftershave lovely, maybe just a bit of cash to spend. 16th is a bit special but this seems a bit too much anxt.