Special 21st birthday present suggestions?

[Ari]

So my eldest son is 21 soon. Everyone said 'they grow up so quickly' when he was small. At the time it didn't feel like it. Now though, wow...

Anyway, I'd like to get him something special to mark the big day. For his eighteenth I scanned loads of photos from his whole life and had them made into a photo book that went from when he was born to 18. This time I'd like it to be something personal that he can keep for ever.

A watch is top of the list at the moment, but I'm very open to suggestions (instead of or as well as).

When I was 21 my parents bought me a Tag Heuer watch which I still have and (I hope) will always have, so I guess it would be nice to continue that tradition.

The other thing with a watch is maybe having a couple of words inscribed on the back but I'm struggling to think of what to say without it being overly sentimental or cringe-worthy - any thoughts or suggestions on that would be much appreciated.

And just a word if you do have kids. I know everyone says it, and I know it really doesn't feel like it, but they really do grow up so fast. Try and enjoy it (not always easy I know!! )

[Richie C]

A watch is a nice thing to have. I have both an 18th and 21st watch from my parents, both still regularly worn and they always will be.

Date of birth inscribed on the back? Initials maybe?

[Vaud]

Watch is a good call. I also have a Tag from my 21st, but it was a present from me to me (bought with an inheritance), as my parents forgot my birthday... Still have it.

[Ari]

Date of birth is a good idea. I don't want to put anything too cringeworthy on it.

[caelite]

Ditto watch, got a Bulova automatic (its no Tag but we arnt loaded) from my dad on my 18th (our tradition was 18), still wear it any time I dress up for something.

[Nigel_O]

I bought my eldest son a car for his 21st, but clearly,this wouldn't fit with your "keep forever" requirement

A watch or an item of jewelry is the obvious choice.I still wear the gold ring my parents bought me for my 18th

[rolex]

Yeah a watch is a good call, preferably a mechanical one to make it future proof

[Whoozit]

Open a pension. Not sexy or beautiful, but a nudge towards savings being a lifelong habit?

Alternatively a pipe of port.

[anonymous-user]

I have a TAG HEUR Link Series bought it second hand and love it to bits. Odd as it sounds as much as when I owned Rolexes some years ago.
On mine the rear base has a large logo then writing around it which would preclude any long inscription being etched onto it. In fact I just think Date Of Birth might be about all I could get on. Maybe in very small writing happy 21st or something. It may be different with the model you buy him but worth checking

[Cerbhd]

When my mate went travelling we bought him some dogtags with yolo inscribed on them, and a big box of johnies!
As far as I know he's still got both of them

[spikeyhead]

A tattoo would be more in keeping with modern trends than a watch. More difficult to lose too

[Prohibiting]

A watch from the year he was born. Don't get it scribed as it will immediately make it near worthless.

So if he was born in 1995, get a watch from that year. Depending on budget you could get a nice original Omega Seamaster or a Rolex Sub. You wouldn't loose money on either choice.

https://www.chrono24.com/en/omega/seamaster-profes...

[Ari]

Prohibiting said:

A watch from the year he was born. Don't get it scribed as it will immediately make it near worthless.

So if he was born in 1995, get a watch from that year. Depending on budget you could get a nice original Omega Seamaster or a Rolex Sub. You wouldn't loose money on either choice.

https://www.chrono24.com/en/omega/seamaster-profes...

Funnily enough not long after he was born i nearly bought a rolex submariner from his year of birth to keep till his 21st. £1,600. And yeah, i know...

[WinstonWolf]

Curve ball, how about something memorable like a flying lesson?

[glenrobbo]

[V8LM]

Music selection from 1995. Think Twice by Celine Dion, Unchained Melody by Robson Green & Jerome Flynn, Boom Boom Boom by The Outhere Brothers.

There again.

[red_slr]

Wait, someone born in 1995 is 21.... oh dear it only seemed like yesterday I was at the school disco and taking my GCSEs.... :/

[Ari]

red_slr said:

Wait, someone born in 1995 is 21.... oh dear it only seemed like yesterday I was at the school disco and taking my GCSEs.... :/

Next year, people born in 2000 will be able to drive...

[Vaud]

Ari said:

Next year, people born in 2000 will be able to drive...

And Pulp's Disco 2000 will make no sense to them at all.

[Ari]

Very true! Or Prince - Party like it's 1999