What should I buy my son for his 18th birthday?

Buy him a woman. :]

You are just silly. He doesn’t need me to buy him a woman, he has a girlfriend and what they do together is their business.

Why not put money towards a new computer?

I put towards a laptop for him a few months ago or that would be a nice idea. I would like to buy him something that will last for life though. Not necessarily a useful gift, but something he can look at in the future and say my parents got me that on my 18th birthday. My dad bought me a watch (which some asshat later stole) and it was a special gift.

Who knows your son better than you? Choose something of lasting value that reflects your love and trust in him and for his future. What are his career plans?

That I wish I knew. He is interested in engineering but hasn’t committed to anything yet. Your question does present some interesting ideas though. What do engineers use all the time? I was thinking drawing tools (although they probably use AutoCad or the like now).

And yes I do, but I am drawing a blank at the moment so suggestions would be very welcome. I will know it when I hear it. It doesn’t need to be an expensive gift as much as a thoughtful gift. The traditional things don’t fit him. He isn’t terribly traditional.

Have you thought of some type of vacation? That would be something he would always remember.

Paying for our son’s student exchange trip to Germany, plus extra money for spending, was our graduation and 18th birthday present to our son. I’m sure a trip to Germany isn’t what you had in mind, but is there somewhere close he has wanted to visit that wouldn’t be too expensive?

I almost hit answer then thought of something else. Has he wanted to try a new activity? Is he adventurous at all? Something like skydiving or scuba diving. Or maybe he’s done these things already. Trying to help! =)

And you have! I like the idea of a trip very much. I agree with you, travel is a gift for life. You never forget those important trips. I will talk to him about that idea. Thank you. @jonsblond

Why not get him the cologne and a nice embossed leather daytimer/organizer sort of thing. Perhaps with his initials and date of birth. You could put a nice note on his birthday in the calendar about your love or the day he was born and how honored you are to have him as a son.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck!

He don’t drive. How about a bicycle or skateboard. Im almost 30 and don’t drive always have loved either of those things as gifts since I was like 7 years old.

Tools are nice and necessary for life. Most guys are thrilled with a fab tool chest.

I do like the idea of an adventure as in @jonsblond‘s answer. An experience brings a lifetime of memories.

Get him an ipod touch (seen it for $209 with promo).

If you do get him a watch (I have gotten in the past upon graduation), he will grow to appreciate it over time, as I have. Its the gift that keeps on giving.

I’m going to go with the watch or a first edition book or maybe a pen, with some engraving or a note or something. He might not like the watch at first, he might not wear it, but he almost definitely will keep it some place safe, to look at from time to time and remember you with. My father has a watch from an aunt of his he never, ever wears (not his style), but he has it several decades later in a box on his dresser. The gifts that will be really cool on his 18th birthday aren’t the gifts he’ll treasure forever.

My mother got me a cuff bracelet for my 21st birthday much like this one that says “Loved” on it. I always wear it, despite our shit relationship, and only take it off when it’s bothering me (physically – like if I have a rash there or something).

There are some great ideas here. Thank you very much. I love the idea of an engraved wallet or organiser too. You have made me rethink the watch though. I agree it is a timeless and special gift and I could have it engraved. I agree that even if you don’t wear it, it is special and meaningful. I rarely wore the watch my dad bought me but I too used to look at it and think about him. I love the holiday idea too. Now I have some ideas to work with and I very much appreciate all of your input. Will let you know what I decide upon.

My brother is 18 in a few months too and we are also in Australia and the one thing he really wants for his 18th is either a new car or the first 2 months paid to rent out a flat or a small house with his girlfriend and/or mates. :)