My grandson is about to turn 21 and I need help/ideas for a present. He doesn't have a job, a car or a drivers licence. He's only interest seems to be gaming. He is kind and helpful when asked and has great parents and siblings. I'm looking for genuine sensible ideas - no smart arse replies please..Thanks in advance.
21st Birthday Present for a Male
Jassy45 on 28/04/2018 - 07:25
Last edited 28/04/2018 - 07:26
Last edited 28/04/2018 - 07:26
Comments
Gear towards someone a little older than our soon to be 21st, but there's no reason to wait: https://www.mensjournal.com/style/19-things-every-man-should…
Buy him a lint roller instead?
Because it is classy, old school useful and to those that like watches a great icebreaker/conversation starter. I have been at business networking events and literally gone up to randoms and opened with 'great watch, is that an Omega Planet ocean?" Anybody into watches normally responds very enthusiastically. After 5 mins of random watch talk I try to sell them something.
His parents don't want to encourage more gaming so have ask d the family to stay way from those sort of gifts. His Mum and Dad have tried to help him all along but are at their wits end on how to get off the couch and into the real world. He divides his time between his grandmas and their place. They don't have a spre bedroom so he sleeps on th couch when staying there, so please don't neg his parents
His Mum and Dad have tried to help him all along but are at their wits end
Have they tried taking away his games? Didn't think so.
Dont tell centerlink he is getting $300 income, else those nazis will cut his payments.
How about a $299 suit for job interviews.
Centrelink Nazis?
Holocaust Jews were sent to sub prime concentration camps and died of reduced hand outs?
Here's a novel idea: Ask him what he would like! Worked for me with my tin lid when he turned 21.
Great idea, plus maybe even have his money which will be allocated to big 21st party, put towards somethings else. A friend of mine had her family give her plain ticket to italy, instead of 21st birthday party. She has lots of family there, so spent about 6 months there I think.
An adult toy with the side note to use while your at your computer ;).
That should scar him enough he won't go back to his PC.
I heard they make desk clamp mounts. From a friend of course…
Give him an itemised bill stating what he has cost you in….
Food
Board
Clothing
Babysitting
Electricity
School fees
Furniture
Internet
Transport etc….and give him $300 cash advance (itemised).
Alcohol
Eneloops a gift that keeps on giving or a blow up doll.
The best 21st present for a man is always a watch, i suggest a seiko skx007, which is a timeless classic and not too expensive.
Maybe in 1956. We've moved on.
Kid in question is definitely not the watch type.
If he doesn't already have one, a second computer monitor is a great "quality of life" improving item.
How about a good pair of headphones? Maybe see what he has already and give him a good upgrade.
Audio Technica's or something similar good enough
Bitcoin
looking back, my parents not giving me everything i wanted forced me to get a job so i could buy what i did want. people who get hand outs will naturally be lazy.
He's male and into gaming then get him something which will give an adrenaline experience. Like a real flight in an aerobatic plane, flight simulator experience or V8 supercar laps. I know you said he doesn't drive but all the gaming will have given him a big step.
There's a few good ideas in here. As a 21 year old male gamer myself, I would avoid buying anything to do with the subject, for two reasons.
One, it's a very bad habit/addiction to have if not exercised in moderation, and helping to fuel that is not a good birthday present. By the sounds of it he could afford to do a lot more with his time than play just video games (ie. Get a job, go back and study, travel, etc)
Two, unless you get something generic (gift card, new headset, etc) it will be hard to find something he wants that he doesn't have already - he may be disappointed in the present.
I'd suggest finding him a short course relating to something that may interest him. For example, a basic welding course, a firearm course, a scuba/free diving course, skydiving, golfing, horticulture, defensive driving (not relevant as he cannot drive but may be relevant to others), etc…
At least he is not getting women pregnant
You should buy something he wouldn't buy himself.
- Nice boots (e.g. RM Williams - more like $500 than $300 though)
- Leather watch (Daniel Wellington $330 - super fashionable despite not being worth the money)
- Cologne (something nice like Tom Ford)
- Leather overnight ('weekender') bag
- Carry on luggage (hard shell, e.g. Herschel Trade)
- Bluetooth headphones (e.g. Bose QC35)
- Beard trimmer/shaver kit
- Artwork
- Nespresso machine
- Cocktail set, glasses (lowball/martini) + Dan Murphys voucher
- North Face vest
These might seem a bit 'grown up' for a gamer but honestly a lot of 21yr old gamers do want to grow up, they just have no concept of what's stylish etc. Just be careful you get something that's actually stylish - not a generic house brand from Myer/Target. As a rule, any decent brand will have an instagram account.
Also if you need some smaller things to beef up the present, consider:
- Designer underwear (CK or Armani)
- Nice socks
- Beach towel
- Candle (something masculine)
All those things will go to waste if he has no interest in them. Most will sit in a cupboard I suspect, perhaps after being used once, perhaps not. Some might end up on gumtree.
Just give him cash, and tell him to spend the way he wants to.
3D printer.
$200 booze, $100 pizza.
Not sure if it's possible but maybe something along the lines of taking him to a gaming convention/exhibition like PAX or the like (though tickets may sell quickly when they become available for these things). Not sure how much tickets are but I think it would be worth buying tickets for him and yourself and make a good day of it together. That way you can both share the day together and you get to see a bit more of the world where he resides, and you can let him share what he loves with you… win/win. quality time together, even if your not enjoying the expo I'm sure you'd enjoy the time watching him enjoy it.
I'd suggest something like that… if this exact example isn't possible (due to location etc.)
I think an outing customised for his interests would be a more memorable gift and shows that you respect and support what he's interested in as most "adults" do not support an interest in gaming. I believe only due to it not being how they grew up (Computers are ruining kids social behaviours, even though it is how socialising naturally evolved via an electronic platform).
I went on a bit of a tangent only due to how I feel on the subject due to growing up a gamer and the sorts of negativity I would encounter with my pastime/hobby.
21st? Well then it's gotta be a stripper then
Cheers Nan!
He's a gamer, he only like strippers on xvideos.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say coke and hookers.
Thanks Grandma!
User name checks out
Part of the present could include a 21st memento.
Two examples:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Personalised-Engraved-Beer-Mug-T…
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Engraved-Personalised-Birthday-H…
If I was 21, Jobless, no car, probably broke and classified as a gamer even by my grandmother, I would honestly like a cold hard slap in the face with the truth; you can do so much more. Specially if was coming from my grandmother it would defs cause me to reevaluate my life trajectory. (unless he is keen on being a pro gamer, all the best if he is)
A good boot up the ass. He sounds like your typical NEET who will continue to leech off taxpayers for as long as he is breathing.
Maybe not leeching from the tax payer at all, could well be supported by parents/guardians.
At least his family have paid taxes. Welfare card to all new arrivals. You have not contributed to our tax system so you should not expect cash welfare payments
Username checks out.
I'm a hardcore gamer myself but a license is very very valuable.
To be able to play games, work offpeak, and travel only 5mins away from home has always been my dream job…
I didn't work until I turned 21 and now have a stable part time job from one of the big named stores that let me do whatever the hell I want if asked for it. You just gotta prove yourself over and over without the bullshit and they may actually prefer gamers over the typical people, lower maintenance and can consistently perform.But yeah, do something with assisting in a license.
Everybody has to go through a period of finding a job eventually and a license is the best way to do it, whether it's 5 or 30mins away, or to work odd hours. You get more sleep and time to yourself than walking and waiting around at a public transport.People have different interests and values too so he may not actually want anything from his 21st, my 21st was simple, dinner with family and relatives, gave me money, that was it, I appreciated it more than a fancy restaurant.
I don't even remember what I spent that money on, it may have been on kfc, games or a contribution to my new bed, tv etc. Money is simply best gift without the bullshit.As others have mentioned, Tissot are in the sweet spot in terms of price - this post is marked as expired but links still show great deals.
A selfwealth account with $300 worth of Vanguard index funds.
I'd go with driving lessons or cash or gift card.
Bitcoin
Myer shares
Man, I feel old now. I'm only 1 generation ahead of this guy, but I can't imagine not already having a licence at 21. When I was his age (see, I told you I felt old - that's what old people say), everyone - and I mean EVERYONE, especially guys - was desperate to get their licence. We'd all be down at the office taking the test for our learner's permit within a week of turning 16 (living in SA). I can't recall many that didn't already have their P's by the time they finished school, even if they didn't actually have their own car yet.
I guess maybe it's no longer the rite of passage that it used to be?
I don't think there are any rites of passage anymore. It's a manchild's world.
A barista course
So for a lot of my mates I tended to get things that were either personalised or just something in the range of they dont have it, but they would probably like it. So i got my best mate a decent bottle of whiskey and an action figure of his favourite character of this show that he absolutely adores. Hes a big whiskey guy too so it at least seemed that he loved both gifts. However, with your grandson because hes into games, do a bit of research, but getting him a nice headset, keyboard or mouse isnt a terrible idea. But you cant go wrong with nice cologne, a watch or even a jacket. Good luck though, and I wouldnt mind hearing what you ended up getting him!
I would get him a gift from Redballoon - probably a flying lesson. Close enough to gaming in one way, but gets him out of the house without it being a preachy suggestion gift. If he loves it and has no money, he may just end up finding a way to fund his new hobby.
I wouldn't get him driving lessons, patronising 'you need to fix your life' gifts are the worst. He's 21. The male brain doesn't stop developing until 25 and better he's inside not doing any harm to himself or others with drugs or drink driving, or hooning or whatever they do now.
Flying lessons are good but kinda cruel. He's at the age where he could actual aspire to flying more, but he doesn't have the cash for enough lessons to become a pilot.
By the way, your brain doesn't stop developing period. questionable. (Unless you count a handful of opinion pieces) the literature quoting brain development till 25 doesn't differentiate between genders and is questionable. I found that more than a little sexist. Go back a few centuries and you'll find places where men use to marry in their teens.
"I'm looking for genuine sensible ideas - no smart arse replies please..Thanks in advance"
Well that went well!
There's a few good suggestions in here OP, good luck.
Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. Most of them were good. Still deciding which way to go re gift. 19 days to go and counting down eek!
PAX (Gaming Convention in Melbourne between 26-28/10/18) tickets are currently on discounted pre-sale.
I'm turning 21 within the next month. My Opinion would be to either buy him a watch or driving lessons. I got my lessons as a gift and I can genuinely say there were highly appreciated. Nothing is more of a roadblock than having to fork out $250-$300 for lessons especially if you don't have the motivation or job to finance them. Once you turn 21 you no longer need your 120 hours so lessons are a must imo. If you would rather give him a tangible gift maybe a Seiko SKX or a Oreint Mako. Stay away from gift cards especially steam or JB Hi-FI you can always find games and electronics cheaper elsewhere.
FLeshlight FTW!
Which version???
Any new one, just not second hand.
But there are savings to be made by not buying new. Hand back your OzB badge.
Whilst on the topic has anyone posted a Flashlight discount on OzB?
You mean no hand otherwise what's the point? :P
Contact some managers at EB Games - and see if you can get him a trial/work experience opportunity which could lead to a job. Use funds then to get some respectable work clothes / fancy haircut etc.
Can't see a manager hiring a 21yo adult who needs his grandma to make the effort and ask for a job.
21 F
Hahahahaha gold
gift card to jbhifi so he can buy games or gaming accessories
I had a $100 jb gift card… It pissed me off so bad cause I could buy the exact same thing cheaper elsewhere…
As a gamer I got myself a microwave.
A lapdance
What about a gaming console? Nintendo Switch or Xbox?
What was your grandson studying before? Do you know if he was hoping to start a career in what he studied?
giftcard or money is easy just go with it
PROZZIES.. he needs em, trust me.
Who pays for hookers when there are tramps giving it away for free on dating apps
yeah but… he seems like a swipe left kinda guy.
Should get him samething he can use with his gaming. Good pair of wireless headphones with Mic. Or a capture card, a dslr so he can start making YouTube or twich videos while he games.
Sky diving.
What monitor does he have? If it's freesync, get him a Vega 56. If it's gsync, get him a GTX 1080.
If it's neither, get him a nice monitor.
Other good choices would be a lot of steam credit, or a hooker.
A lady of the night
engraved pocket knife - still got mine a decade later
A foldable electric scooter
I've been thinking about getting one myself. You say he doesn't drive, but our culture is very vehicle centric, and if you can't travel its severely limiting. You can use a bike, but for some people there's a lot of apprehension around travelling on the road. A decent electric scooter however would allow him to travel distances of 5km without trouble. Combined with public transport, and there's pretty much nowhere you can't go.
Maybe try something that aligns with his gaming interests, but puts it in a real-world environment. EG, if he likes military games, get him a Red balloon voucher for a ride in a tank, or organise a game of paintball for him and a few friends. If he likes flying games, get him a trial flight in a real plane - they can aerobatics etc if you find the right one.
If he's into Warcraft and those sort of games, throw him a medieval party or something maybe? This genre is a bit harder..
Failing that, some others mentioned fashion items - watches are good, cool designer clothes can be good too. Maybe a nice suit? $300 won't get you a tailored suit, but places like instichu often have some decent deals on and the experience of picking fabrics and colours etc can be fun.
I also like some of the suggestions above to take him to a gaming expo/convention - gaming as an apathetic habit isn't healthy once you get out of high school, but the skills and focus it requires can quickly translate into real world applications in 2018, but its the individual that needs to discover the opportunities, so I'd say encourage him to follow any path he sees as ambitious. He's at a great age to start discovering his place in the world.
I got my mate a Swiss Army Knife. They last for ages and are always useful.
Hope this helps, 21st presents are hard.Knives are pretty much illegal now. Although if he's not very sociable there's not much chance of him getting searched (like me:)). They are a good knife.
I'll preface with 21st birthdays are pretty meaningless in Australia given that legal drinking age is 18. However if you must get something for your grandson get him something that lasts. Maybe some long-term shares or something passed down within the family. Maybe a sky dive or even a free diving course if he likes.
Its my opinion but if you are buying something for his birthday keep all the other stuff aside for talks at a later date job/license. Theres no need to badger him about it during this time. If he's a good kid simply give him a pep talk and guidance about what his passions are.
Not everyone is the same and some need more pushing than others.
So it's a meaningless birthday if it doesn't mark your legal right to start getting plastered?
You can get a really good gaming headset for <$300. Especially if you have a bit of time to wait for a sale. I got my Logitech G933 for ~$130 if I remember correctly (thank you OzBargain), the RRP is something like ~$300 and I can not recommend it enough. If he games with his friends it would be an awesome gift. Its also good when playing later at night when people are sleeping or using while watching movies.
Fortnite is a very popular game at the moment as well. Its a free game on xbox, PS4 and PC but you can pay for a season pass that lets you unlock player skins and gives you additional challenges. If he isn't working then perhaps he would just be playing the standard version. Perhaps you could buy him a season pass as well (~$14). Its not expensive but it might be one of those things that he would like but wouldn't buy for himself.
I think a watch or a wallet. My son got both for his 16th birthday and xmas present from his uncle . I didn't think he would like either (I don't wear a watch and haven't for years) but he wears his watch when he goes out and looks so mature. His wallet was monogrammed which was nice too.
Face tattoo
If I think of people like gamers or sedentary lifestyle, I usually want to get them an adventure. Something that they normally wouldn't consider themselves. A new experience. Something to broaden their horizon. No license, a gamer, mmmm, MTB? $300 will get a basic one. I started like that - awesome for exploring the burbs and lighter tracks.
Get him a fedora and a waifu pillow /s
I have the perfect 21st birthday present for the man who has nothing and does nothing.
Lowes giftcard, resume folder/holder, engraved parker pen, tie, and a public transport card.
$300 well spent.
Vacation is over… 21 years old and playing online games mooching off relatives (no job, no car, no licence since leaving school). Time for a reality check. Does NOT need steam voucher, new video cards, licence tests etc. Needs encouragement to be the man he needs to be, not the child he wants to be.
Source: Me. I was in same situation. I needed a kick in the pants and reality check. This man needs a compass, another man in his life to show him the right direction. A grand dad suits that need perfectly. You are not his buddy. You are his example.
Time for a reality check. Does NOT need steam voucher, new video cards, licence tests etc. Needs encouragement to be the man he needs to be, not the child he wants to be.
Yeah maybe. But we're talking about a birthday present here.
When I turn 50, I don't want a reminder that I'm 10 years overdue for a endoscopy as a birthday present.
How about a nice bicycle? Even a pre-owned one will do I reckon.
Get his muscles moving and excercising when moving prom point A to B - whilst also keeping it interesting.
Plus, if he gets addicted to cycling he is going to need a job to pay for his carbon wheels and Di2 groupset!
fleshlight
I am surprised no one has said a 21 year old girl as present for a 21 year old boy
Any decent online deals for 21 YO girls?
Honestly, try a Swiss Army knife from Victorinox, and a multitool. I have one at 16, and they are a pleasure to use. Just be careful about using it in the street however. The real swiss army knives are about $60 each, and the multitool is about $100.
What's so great about a watch? Generally curious. I dont think i've ever felt compelled to own a watch, and if I did any old casio would do.