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MAKE SURE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD UNWRAPS A GIFT HE WILL GENUINELY LOVE
I’m going to be straight-up honest here. In my experience, it gets harder to buy gifts for boys the older they get. So, by the time they reach their milestone 18th birthday, many of the people buying gifts for them will have resorted to cash. And it’s not to say that cash isn’t gratefully received.
But what if you want to find a gift to surprise them with? Because there is something wonderful about seeing the look on the face of someone who has just received an amazing gift, especially if you are the person who has just given it to them.
So, what can you buy an 18-year-old boy, or rather, newly minted adult man, for his birthday or Christmas? Well, you could start with the gift guide I’ve put together. Whether the young man you’re buying for is into gaming and tech, sport, music or style, I’ve got some brilliant gift ideas to inspire you. Ideas that will have you down as the GOAT* gift-giver.
*GOAT = Greatest Of All Time. Apparently.
GIFTS EVEN THE COOLEST 18-YEAR-OLD WOULD BE HAPPY TO BE SEEN ON TIKTOK WITH
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£53.49Buy from Amazon Buy from CurrysThere's a growing trend for wired earphones and headphones for teens wanting to style a retro 90s look. Kids eh! Sony hands-down makes some of the best-sounding earphones, and these black and brass 'phones are the money. Of course, you will also need to give your 18-year-old a Lightening To Headphone Jack Adapter if they want to connect them to an iPhone. Oh, the contrariness of youth!!
12/05/2023 09:43 pm GMT -
£17 (at time of publication)Buy from notonthehighstreet.comWhether they're starting to drink actual beer or Gen-Z teetotal and supping alcohol-free beer, a personalised bottle opener is a cute little 18th birthday milestone gift.
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£39.99£34.99Buy from AmazonMini fridges are a thing with teens at the moment, mainly thanks to TikTok. They might be cool (no pun intended), but they are also practical. Great for teens heading off to live in university dorm rooms or houseshares. Equally great in their bedroom at home. This fridge can hold up to six drink cans, or snacks or skincare products.
12/05/2023 09:13 pm GMT -
£529 (at time of publication)Buy from John Lewis Buy from AppleNow, this is a biggie. Back in the day, a more classic style of watch was often given as an 18th birthday present. But let's face it, the Apple Watch is coveted by many a teen (and adult!). As the owner of an Apple Watch, I'd say this is a particularly great gift for fitness and sporty guys.
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£149.95Buy from Amazon Buy from TRXTRX is huge at the moment. My 18-year-old godson absolutely loves his TRX kit, which gets plenty of use when he doesn't have time to get to the gym.
12/05/2023 08:23 pm GMT -
£28 ( at time of publication)Buy from Cult BeautyEven the most rugged, outdoorsy boys care about their skin these days. So, how about giving them some supped-up skincare products to care for their youthful faces?
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£39.99 (at time of publication)Buy from GroundTruthHow about this waterproof travel wallet that can house a passport, smartphone, credit cards and cash? Perfect for 18-year-olds about to embark on a gap year. Gen Z recipients will also love that this is a carbon-neutral product.
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£140 (at time of publication)Buy from SelfridgesHow about trying to wean them off the Lynx with a stylish, grown-up man's fragrance? What I love about Byredo is that the fragrances are unisex very Gen-Z. You'll want to go and sniff a few to find the perfect one.
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£24.99Buy from AmazonNow, this idea might be met with groans. But it's genuinely useful if they're starting to learn to drive, saving up to buy their first car or lucky enough to be given a car for their 18th. Alongside the highway code and road signs book, there's also a set of L plates.
12/05/2023 07:53 pm GMT -
BEFORE YOU GO…
If you’re still not convinced by any of these gifts and are set on giving cash, look at my list of ways to make giving cash as a gift more special. I’ve also done a roundup of brilliant experience gifts for teenagers.
Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists (Est. 2011). Over the last decade or so, I have combined my experience as a mum, journalist and shopping editor to create useful guides and lists of ideas and inspiration to make it easier for busy parents to plan and host kids’ parties and find great gifts. Read more.