18 Yo Birthday Gift That Can Be Kept?

nickbose on 24/10/2014 - 14:18
Last edited 26/10/2014 - 14:34

My son is turning 18 soon. I want to give him something that he may keep or even use until he is 80!
Of course I will also give him the obvious stuff like Kindle, tablet, watch …
But what about something unique and useful and can LAST? Budget is about $500
Please advise quickly as his Bday is close, thks.

He is still living at home with us for now and the near future

Update 1 after 109 replies:

Skipping the jokes, below are my thoughts

  • Knife: why? what for? cutting apples at picnic? concealed in his hoodie on public transport and get a fine? stabbing people? I can't really understand all the craze about knives collection and I think so does my boy. So I'll pass.
  • Wines / whiskey: Probably not. I am not a drinker and don't expect / want my boy to be. One or two occasional beers and a glass of fruity champagne is enough for us.
  • Experience: Nice suggestion but both of us are not into things like car racing, footy/soccer and stuff. So - crossed from the list.
  • Travel: We will have a holiday together anyway and I am the protective type of parent and can't let him go alone or with young friends on an overseas trip at this age yet (the most he has been away from home was a 5 day cadet outdoor trip in the bush).
  • Shares: Great in the long run, but doesn't meet the "can be used" point and also is not appreciated by him right now.
  • Zippo lighter: I know it can be used for other purposes, but I would be out of my mind to give him a thing to light up cigarettes.

  • Jewelry/necklace: sounds OK but the problem is he has never really worn any so I don't know about his taste - would be very difficult to choose something that he WILL like or wear. So probably not.

  • Watch: Definetely shortlisted. I read about Seiko a bit as one said it was no way high-end - that person may not know about such thing as Grand Seiko. I read it may come at US$ 400,000! I may consider an automatic, or even Spring Drive Seiko if it can be found in a stretched budget of $1000 - any comments?

  • Also as I mentioned, whether I go the watch option or not I will also likely get a pair of cufflinks - the Griffin is a really neat idea as he likes those fancy, legendary things a lot. Any pointer - which one, where?
  • Good leather luggage: a very good idea. The saddlebackleather looks like great heirloom quality. But, 100 years warranty from a single guy that just started his business 15 years ago? Anything similar and Australian-made? I am only first gen Aussie but would love to give my boy some nice leather stuff locally made. Suggestions?
  • Tools: A Leatherman sounds fine. Even though he is of the nerdy type, not handy this is still shortlisted.

So I'd like to ask for more specific suggestion/elaboration on these shortlisted items: watch, high-end leather luggage, and tools. Later I may set up a poll on certain shortlisted brands for your votes - thanks.

(I decide just to give him something simple first like a Kindle for example, then the official, heirloom-quality one will be given at a later date when he finishes his VCE as those would be too much of a distraction to him now that he is studying hard)

General Discussion

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 25/10/2014 - 18:08
    +1

    Don't get him a nice pen, someone bought me a really expensive pen for my 18th, I didn't appreciate it, lost it at Uni, looked up how much a replacement cost, and really regretted losing it.

    • -.- on 25/10/2014 - 19:04

      Depends how much of a pen person you are, particularly at 18, for someone who had probably been using $2 disposable pens for his entire life, an expensive pen won't be appreciated to its full extent.

      Nevertheless fountain pens like the Montblanc 149 are unparalleled in understated beauty and prestige. For sure those will last a lifetime.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2014 - 02:20
        +5

        Unless you lose it. But really, spending a lot of money on a pen is pretty stupid. Im sure a $200 is 99% as good as a $5000 one.

  • goosegog on 25/10/2014 - 18:56

    Family ancestory so in future years he can look back on his history. Also, obviously a bottle of whatever is his favourite tipple for the festive occasion.In addition should you have a family heirloom that could be passed down to your son -do so -might not be appreciated now,but will be as he gets older. He can than pass it on to his future children.

  • ferguscan on 25/10/2014 - 19:04

    Is he destined for a trade? Or office work?

    If the latter, I recommend a briefcase:

    http://tinyurl.com/lokfn5e

    I have that very bag, and it's amazing. Seems like it will outlast the 100 year warranty.

    • -.- on 25/10/2014 - 19:06

      XL 8 lbs…that is one hefty bag.

  • mskeggs on 25/10/2014 - 19:44
    +6

    I'm going against the grain with what I wish I had been given then - a return flight to Asia (or Europe if you can stretch it).
    The memories will last a lifetime and the experience will help him grow more mature.

  • kirt on 25/10/2014 - 19:59

    Instead of an object, how about a lasting memory from a unique experience?

    Something like an accelerated freefall skydiving course, bungee jump, hot laps in a V8 / formula ford / rally car, diving with sharks / whalesharks etc…

    …or, buy him a trip to Bali / Fiji / Thailand etc to experience the world ;)

  • mranderson978 on 25/10/2014 - 22:10
    +3

    Buy him a Lordship.

    You can buy him a parcel of land in the Scottish Highlands.

    In addition to the parcel of land, you recieve a certificate of authenticity saying Lord Nicbose (or whoever) owns such-and-such land in the scottish highlands is has the title Lord of Glencoe

    http://www.highlandtitles.com/

    • JayM on 28/10/2014 - 12:19

      Then he can do raids on other plots of land close-by; Game of Thrones style.

  • matabuntu on 25/10/2014 - 23:10

    +1 for a good decent, automatic watch. Seiya Japan currently has 5 percent discount, you can get a Seiko Sumo (SBDC005) for around your budget. It's tough with style that can last a lifetime.

    link http://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/divers-collections

  • johndowy on 25/10/2014 - 23:19
    +2

    An pen engraved with his name. I still have one that I use daily from about 10 years ago. Obviously I have changed in the ink a few times.

    • rapoot6 on 26/10/2014 - 00:34

      Nice idea but I lose pens like there's no tomorrow..Well done keeping yours for so long!

  • striker5950 on 25/10/2014 - 23:31

    get him an expensive lighter, like a 24k gold plated zippo, or a limited edition zippo lighter with custom engraving, those things last a life time

    • Steptoe on 26/10/2014 - 12:50
      -1

      … at least his shortened life due to smoking :p

      • striker5950 on 26/10/2014 - 14:56

        why would you assume a lighter is only for smokers?

        • eug on 26/10/2014 - 15:43
          +4

          I would say that's a fair assumption. What is a lighter usually used for?

        • striker5950 on 28/10/2014 - 20:27

          @eug: making a fire, duh

        • eug on 28/10/2014 - 22:22

          @striker5950: At the end of a cigarette? :)

  • Mysterious on 26/10/2014 - 00:42

    A watch.

    A pocket knife.

    A silver chain, maybe.

    A katana.

    These are some of the best suggestions on this thread so far.

  • Gina Rinehart on 26/10/2014 - 01:14

    A coupon to harvey norman.

  • Cyb3rGlitch on 26/10/2014 - 01:39
    +4

    A quality stainless steel shaving razor like the Feather AS-D2. It'll save him money his entire life, and he may even be able to pass it on as an heirloom. You'll also want to get him a brush (anything from Semogue) and some blades (get a large sampler pack).

      • Cyb3rGlitch on 26/10/2014 - 15:44

        I was going to link this, but I suspect it wouldn't ship in time for his birthday.

    • nickbose on 26/10/2014 - 15:00
      +1

      I remember a similar one used by my father for some time in the 70s, he is now using disposable though :-)

      • Cyb3rGlitch on 26/10/2014 - 15:42

        Disposables have the advantage of being more convenient, but they're also more expensive (in the long run), more wasteful, and generally more irritating than safety razors.

        IMO the main lure of old school wet shaving is the extra time and care that it takes. It becomes an almost masculine form of meditation.

        • ozgriff on 27/10/2014 - 22:50

          There is a lifetime save and they are becoming quite trendy again.

          In saying that, if he isn't a 'heavy' shaver or shows no interest in this it might not be the most memorable gift. I feel it's something you make up on a personal basis and not 'forced' into.

  • taqi on 26/10/2014 - 01:48

    I think a pocket knife would be extremely useful and will last for ages.

  • tonester on 26/10/2014 - 02:50
    +1

    Sterling Silver Oval Cufflinks

    embossed (not engraved) with his initials - i gave these to my groomsmen

    1996 Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky

    Lagavulin - https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-19991.aspx
    Macallan 18 Year Old - https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-24244.aspx (i have this in my birth year)

    keep unopened until he's 40yo then drink a dram on birthdays thereafter - whisky doesn't need to be stored as carefully as wine :)

    • herzy on 26/10/2014 - 20:57
      +2

      Whiskey doesn't age/mature in the bottle… so no real point keeping it until he's 40…

      • tonester on 28/10/2014 - 03:40

        unless you want him to better appreciate it :)

  • muncan on 26/10/2014 - 03:15

    How about a gold bullion investment? The investment should last, and its value will rise and fall with life's highs and lows. Watch out for gold diggers

  • dodgybrothers on 26/10/2014 - 06:38
    -1

    Get him wife !!

  • TripleM on 26/10/2014 - 07:33

    1996 Grange

  • duchy on 26/10/2014 - 08:49

    Vaccine against hep A and hep B.

    • Bunnyburger on 26/10/2014 - 12:48

      Vaccine for genital warts, it works on men too! The guy that invented it had his sons vaccinated.

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 26/10/2014 - 09:16

    My wife got a bottle of penfolds vintage from the year she was born for her 21st from her mother. I thought that was pretty cool.

  • wkd on 26/10/2014 - 11:20
    +3

    some underwear, that will last him till hes 80

  • Kempe on 26/10/2014 - 11:38
    +1

    Good quality tools.

    I was given a socket set at 20 and still use it and am now over 60, so I say good quality tools

  • TheAviator on 26/10/2014 - 12:42
    +1

    Some good suggestions above. My suggestions would be a good quality pocket knife or some kind of jewellery/accessory, e.g. a high-end watch, gold bracelet etc.

  • shrek4 on 26/10/2014 - 12:54
    +3

    I agree with the tool set idea. A quality set will outlast your son and will be a practical gift which will be used throughout his life.

    I wish my parents were as thoughtful as you! Well done!

    • eug on 26/10/2014 - 15:42

      …if he's the handy type. If he isn't, it might not be very useful.

      • herzy on 26/10/2014 - 20:58

        Good opportunity to learn how to be the handy type from dad…

  • BanannaMan on 26/10/2014 - 13:11

    My father bought me a coin set for my 30th, absolutely hated it
    Besides the point, 18yo presents below - I thought I'd add in my own thoughts at the time

    -Leatherman Knife, got this for my 20th with a screw driver set, love it http://www.leatherman.com.au/product/Super_Tool_300_EOD
    -My Uncle bought me a Guess watch, sits in a draw now (unless its high end, doesnt do the time unfortunately)
    -Jewelry, received a gold necklace for a bday - absolutely loved it & will last forever

    Personally my choice is the jewelry or knife

  • lolmao on 26/10/2014 - 13:15
    +3

    ps4

  • gooddealmate on 26/10/2014 - 14:17
    +1

    A bonsai tree. If its looked after, it will be around for longer than him.

  • johnno07 on 26/10/2014 - 15:21
    +2

    You don't have to spend $1000 to get a nice Seiko - or a nice watch.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2014 - 18:28
      -5

      That is like saying a Hyundai is a nice car. It isn't.

      • johnno07 on 26/10/2014 - 20:03
        +2

        I have no idea what you're talking about. Are you saying that things that aren't extremely expensive can't be nice? Are you saying Seikos aren't nice? Are you saying there's no such thing as a nice watch under $1000??

        • StewBalls on 27/10/2014 - 09:40
          +1

          Don't feed the troll, Johnno! ;)

        • johnno07 on 27/10/2014 - 12:04

          @StewBalls: My bad. Didn't notice his earlier idiotic posts!

        • [Deactivated] on 29/10/2014 - 16:53
          -3

          That is exactly what I am saying. Im not trolling, Im stating fact.

        • johnno07 on 29/10/2014 - 21:28

          @thorton82: Well that's just sad then.

        • maybeamacy on 30/10/2014 - 18:03
          +1

          @thorton82:

          You drive a Jeep GC though….? I'd rather a Hyundai Excel over that lul.

  • Fobsessive on 26/10/2014 - 15:25

    Gearbest 1c knife card?

    • Randxyz123 on 26/10/2014 - 22:40
      +1

      Won't arrive in time LOL :P

  • Cazzle on 26/10/2014 - 16:45

    what about a gold minted coin from the year of his birth - this will also be an investment as the price of gold rises

  • beaniecrazed2 on 26/10/2014 - 17:35
    +2

    A leather travel organiser….kind of like a long wallet with pockets for passport, cards, foreign currency etc. Something really good quality with a meaningful quote or poem. (Travel as much as you can, as long as you can because life is not meant to be lived in one place).

    • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2014 - 18:55

      Yes, no matter what the gift I agree with a simple handwritten note - not quote - from the heart of parents to their son. Something he can keep in his wallet. A friend has a note in his wallet from his (late) father from many years ago when he started travelling. I have a note from my daughter when she was a little child. Simple treasures.

  • AMLagonda on 26/10/2014 - 18:16

    Does he wear a watch now? if he does not, then dont bother, mind you it always depends on what he is going to do in the future, need a watch.

    For me it would be quality tools, for my son a kick in the ass (he doesn't live at home), I bought him a laptop as he wants to study and I see no need in his stage in life to get anything expensive, he might hock it… sigh.

  • paizuri5 on 26/10/2014 - 18:24

    So a knife is not pragmatic enough for you, but cufflinks are a great idea?

  • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2014 - 18:29
    +1

    Why don't you buy him a eurail pass?

    • aboabo on 26/10/2014 - 23:17

      First Class.

  • mewsik on 26/10/2014 - 18:56

    Even though a writing is going all digital, I would suggest a really good pen. I still have mine many years later.

  • bargained on 26/10/2014 - 19:06

    You had 18 years to get to know your son, and figure out what he likes. Now is too late /s

  • penyekz on 26/10/2014 - 20:10

    A good watch!

    Here's the thing… My mom gave me a Tag Heuer for my 21st birthday present. Well, she asked me to choose and I chose one that I liked. An automatic Kirium model.

    I'm now 38 and I have been using the watch almost every single day since. Been through uni and work.

    I've had no desire to get another watch for myself as I already have a good watch. Until now when I can perhaps afford a better watch for myself after raising 3 kids of my own…

    Its got sentimental value. And will be with him for life.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2014 - 23:29

      Your mum is American?

      • SydStrand on 27/10/2014 - 17:30

        21st birthday watches from the parents are fairly common here too.

        • eug on 27/10/2014 - 18:14
          +3

          But mums are more common here, compared to moms. :)

  • syousef on 26/10/2014 - 20:47

    Doesn't happen to play an instrument does he?

  • The Gent on 26/10/2014 - 21:04

    I can only draw from my own experience, really.

    There's 3 things I am going to own all my life: a gold chain I got for my 15th birthday present, a Swiss army knife I got at some point nearing "adulthood" (I have to admit though, I have never found it overly useful) and my granddad's walking stick, which I have fond memories of from when I was younger.

    Anything sentimental of that nature that you can get your hands on from his childhood?

    Edit: I suppose I can also draw from the experience of my BIL - he is an avid musician and his parents got him an engraved fender ukelele. You read correctly, a FENDER uke - it is a beautiful looking (and sounding) instrument.

    • ozgriff on 27/10/2014 - 22:59
      +1

      How good is dad's watch?

      That would be sentimental if used long enough to mean something, and hopefully nice enough to wear on dress occasions.

  • chipstss on 26/10/2014 - 21:15
    +5

    An excellent quality wallet and these https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/166912

  • AG_ACT on 26/10/2014 - 21:27

    Very highly recommend the Titan Edge watch range available from Amazon for approx $300 delivered. Benefits include:
    Officially world's thinnest watches to date
    2 year warranty
    Sapphire Glass (the best of the best)
    One of the most accurate movements of all time
    If you get one of the titanium ones, one of the lightest watches in the world

    even though you've probably never heard of them, titan is One of the biggest watch manufactures of the world

    I own a 2k rado,a similarly priced Raymond well, a 5k longiness, and a couple of Titan Edge. By far my favorite is the titanium edge.

    If only they made one with a ceramic strap… it'd be the perfect daily wearer.

  • acersaurus on 26/10/2014 - 21:42

    How about this laptop that someone posted on Ozbargain today. Good for $500

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/166961

  • orrinxu on 26/10/2014 - 21:48
    +1

    If he's into competitive gaming, maybe a trip to Worlds S5 or TI5 would definitely be something he would cherish

  • UFO on 26/10/2014 - 21:52
    +14

    18 years old?!?!

    You're overthinking it mate.

    At 18, he's not old enough to appreciate the real sentiment that comes from cufflinks, or briefcase, or necklace. Yeah yeah, he's mature for his age, yeah yeah you want to get him something special.

    Get him an experience… not some trinket. And share the experience with him so it's something you can talk about years later.

    You said a budget of $500??
    Hire a Ferrari for an hour or so. Or get a V8 supercar ride.
    Or a track day. Or a skid pan day.
    Or a rally drive.
    Or a dune buggy ride.
    Something exciting. Something he would probably never buy for himself.

    At 21, when or if he's decided on a career path (I didnt know mine until 25 btw)… THEN get something special trinket wise.

    I got a nice engraved pen at 18. Didnt treat it correctly, and regretted it later on in life.
    That's more suited to a 21 year old.

    He's 18 mate. Technically a man according to the law, but everyone who's older on this forum knows damn well that real manhood doesnt come till later, when a little more maturity sets in.

    Go for the experience now. Something you can share with him as "men".
    Trinket later. Trust me.

    But if a watch is still up top on the list….

    I noticed someone mention a Casio G-Shock earlier and got negged. VERY UNFAIR.
    There are PLENTY of professional people out there who wear G-Shocks every day. They may not be lawyers (who gives!), but look closely at a cop (any emergency services pro actually), or tradie, army personel, or pretty much anyone that needs a strong reliable watch for every day… and G-Shock comes up trumps.

    I got one and love it… and I'm no where near 18 ;).

    They are completely different to what they were 25 years ago…. http://world.g-shock.com/asia-mea/en/products/catalog/

    They can do everything, temperature, compass, moon phases, solar power, "proper" water proof, and stacks of other functions. And depending on his style a range of colours. Oh, and for his geek streak… different time zones on the watch so he always knows what time that USA Warcraft server is going down for maintenance :).

    And your $500 budget would fit perfectly btw… engraved included ;). Damn fine watch for any man… and virtually bulletproof for any teenager.

    • paizuri5 on 26/10/2014 - 23:07
      +1

      Agreed with just about everything there.

      Also - I get more compliments on my $120 G-Shock than any of my more expensive watches.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2014 - 00:10
      +1

      You can get the renowned Frogman for aroundthe magic $500 but it's not a watch for everyone

      http://au.askmen.com/fashion/trends/g-shock-frogman.html

      • UFO on 27/10/2014 - 10:12

        yep!

        The top of the range Frogman's or Mudman's (I got the later) are exactly what I was thinking of. You wont get much/if any change from $500 for the genuine article, but damn good watches!

    • Soybeanus on 27/10/2014 - 05:40

      5AM PDT mate I'm sure he knows when Tuesday maintenance is! Haha, really appreciated your comment as I'm also looking for a gift.

  • evol on 26/10/2014 - 22:26
    +2

    You can get some very good value watches for $500 (genuine online) or less, like Seiko diver, Seiko 5, Citizen Promaster, high end Casio G-Shock, mid range Orient to high end (Orient Star). Depends what style & function of watch your son likes.

    You can also look into entry level Swiss like Tissot or Tag, but value-for-money wise they are poor - if you're gonna buy a Swiss then buying the entry level models is a total waste of money.

    I'd highly recommend the Seikos as best value - you really can't go wrong with a good Seiko and they're rock solid. As you know they make everything from low to high end (Grand Seikos and then the super high end Credor's), so their quality is as good, if not better, than anything the Swiss can make, for a far better price.

    Don't overthink it and good luck :)

    • StewBalls on 27/10/2014 - 10:03
      +1

      I'll throw my hat in the watch ring & suggest a Citizen Aqualand, there's heaps of styles to choose from, but I can't go past the classic for timeless looks. Mine is 20+ years old & still going strong, plus some serious old school cred when you turn up for a group dive! ;)

      Yeah, tryhard wannabe watch snobs will be wailing & spinning in their watery graves over the quartz movement; but in usual OzB style, a lot of them will just be talking TAG but wearing Timex! :P

      On a personal note, I would steer clear of Eco-drives, more trouble than their worth IMHO, they just don't live up to the hype…just my $0.02

  • Wallyt99 on 26/10/2014 - 23:35

    Honestly I am not a 'knife' person - but I got a quality swiss army knife with screw driver + the works on my 18th. 15 years later still good as new and use it at least every month (at home - never take it out). I also got an engraved lighter ( didnt use it much even though smoker) and and engraved hip flask ( too nice to use… Pointless). Swiss Knife ftw. There is no prestige to a leatherman.

    Too young for a nice watch. Save it for the 21st.

    • Randxyz123 on 27/10/2014 - 00:05
      +1

      HIP FLASK now THAT is an idea :P

  • Wallyt99 on 26/10/2014 - 23:40

    Oh… The cybertool range is the best for nerds -http://www.myswissarmyknife.com.au/victorinox-cybertool-swiss-army-knife.html

  • Daabido on 26/10/2014 - 23:51
    +1

    Give him The Present
    http://www.thepresent.is/

    My boys loved it at that age.

  • striker5950 on 27/10/2014 - 02:15
    -1

    Dude u gotto get him a real katana, before u say for what leme ask u that why does he have to have a use for it it in order to make it justifiable gift? A katana and i mtalking about a real one not the fake ones that break with one hit, its gonna srt u back $1000 a very good brand is the cold steel katana, check it out, id be sick if i had gotten a katana for my 18th, he can hang it in his living room or where ever and when he sees it he willl remember u, and the fact that its a real proper katana adds to the coolness.
    oh and u never know when the zombie appocalypse will be upon us so when ever he chops up some zombies he will remember u lol

    • lplau on 27/10/2014 - 15:13

      Going to be hard to find one of them legally in Australia. It isn't illegal to own one, but it is illegal to sell one.

      • StewBalls on 27/10/2014 - 16:23

        Damn hard to get a real one out of Japan too…

      • striker5950 on 27/10/2014 - 23:06

        nope, not if you are a dealer selling them, or a business.

    • SydStrand on 27/10/2014 - 17:02

      OP, is your son a weeaboo?

    • CandyMan on 27/10/2014 - 21:32

      Or a real taser

      • striker5950 on 27/10/2014 - 23:03

        taser is illegal man

  • striker5950 on 27/10/2014 - 02:18

    It would have been awesome to get like a complete rebuild classic/muscle car for a birthday but i guess that n not on the option list for u :P

  • aldoboy on 27/10/2014 - 07:11
    +3

    get him a tortoise

  • liquid metal on 27/10/2014 - 08:02

    Voucher for a branding

  • zond on 27/10/2014 - 08:58

    How about some bargain stocks? $500 worth of Qantas (at $1.42) should make him a millionaire albeit at his retired age!!
    (provided - the airline is not bankrupt by then, or hoverboard hasn't replace airplanes….)

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