My son is turning 18 end of this month and aside from planning a party, I have been trying to find a meaningful present to give him to mark the milestone - and boy has it been hard (excuse the pun!) - I literally scoured hundreds of websites trying to find something - and my criteria from what I thought was pretty straightforward was - I wanted to get him something that
a) an 18 year old would really appreciate,
b) is not gadgety (so as not be obsolete in the next five years with the way technology is advancing) and
c) something that he can keep forever
He will be off to university in October and technically this is his last birthday at home with us, god knows next year he'll be meeting us at a restaurant somewhere! So 18th birthday is pretty special, it marks a foray into adulthood and independence (also legally) and parents do want to give something special on an18th birthday - But take my word for it, there is nothing out there - yes, there is the boring stuff- silver cuff-links, engraved leather wallets and tie pins - all grownup things that would be tossed in the drawer and forgotten the minute they are received and there are some crazy things like sky-diving and thrilling experiences, but nothing much in the way of tangible stuff that means something to them and means something to the parents who give it as well. Now there is a business idea for someone enterprising out there - a website selling meaningful gifts or one that sources and scoures meaningful birthday presents - presents that parents want to give and 18year olds would love to receive.
So what did I settle for in the end - a watch, a quality Robert Loomes engraved with his initials on the back- which I can only hope he will like and keep for ever. Do share your similar gift dillemas, I would love to know how you fared...
a) an 18 year old would really appreciate,
b) is not gadgety (so as not be obsolete in the next five years with the way technology is advancing) and
c) something that he can keep forever
He will be off to university in October and technically this is his last birthday at home with us, god knows next year he'll be meeting us at a restaurant somewhere! So 18th birthday is pretty special, it marks a foray into adulthood and independence (also legally) and parents do want to give something special on an18th birthday - But take my word for it, there is nothing out there - yes, there is the boring stuff- silver cuff-links, engraved leather wallets and tie pins - all grownup things that would be tossed in the drawer and forgotten the minute they are received and there are some crazy things like sky-diving and thrilling experiences, but nothing much in the way of tangible stuff that means something to them and means something to the parents who give it as well. Now there is a business idea for someone enterprising out there - a website selling meaningful gifts or one that sources and scoures meaningful birthday presents - presents that parents want to give and 18year olds would love to receive.
So what did I settle for in the end - a watch, a quality Robert Loomes engraved with his initials on the back- which I can only hope he will like and keep for ever. Do share your similar gift dillemas, I would love to know how you fared...
