Gift ideas for my 28 years old son

I consider myself a terrific gift giver. But the older they get, the harder it is. It’s kind of sad (in my opinion) to give cash, but I can certainly see where that’s the most appreciated gift. So maybe if it’s a goal to wow him with a special gift, think about that as a one time thing, for when you get a great idea.And for the off years, any gift at all is sure to be appreciated. You don’t really have to be imaginative or original. You just want to show that you love him.

I hate gift cards. Who wants a $50 gift card to a place where you will spend $40 or $60?

I actually love gift cards and am happy to get them. But , people who give them to me know what gift cards I would like and use (because they have asked).

The first year I was buying xmas presents for D1’s BF, now her fiance, I didn’t know what to get because I didn’t have a son. I ended up getting him a pair of cashmere pants and top (with hood). I wasn’t sure whether he would like it or not, but D1 told me that he loved to wear them on weekends around the apartment. I guess cashmere feels good on anyone.

Is he a foodie? Wine or beer with cheese tastings…cooking lessons for him and a significant other (my D says that is a nice date with significant others) Travel gift cards…(Southwest, American) Espresso maker or some specialty item that he probably would not indulge for himself.

Does he live near the water? How about a stand-up paddleboard?

(You can find them in that price range new, but you’d be better off finding a better used one.)

Or a guitar?

State or national park pass? (Around here, a state park pass is super coveted because it allows for free parking at many of the popular surfing beaches here that are state parks).

Year-long subscription to Audible and some Bose noise cancelling ear buds?

Case of good wine and some nice wine glasses?

Really, I think $500 is too much for a surprise gift. I’d ask him what he wants and then pick up a few extra stocking stuffers for the surprise factor.

I like experience gifts. I don’t have a son but a good friend got her son and guest a whiskey tasting class/experience. He was able to pick a date that worked for him. I have been to the place and it was educational and fun. Very informative on the growing, making and exactly how to taste whiskey/scotch and the differences between brands. I am not a whiskey lover but it was fun and I learned a lot. You could do the same with a wine tasting. Another idea would be an in home cooking lesson where a chef comes to house and teaches guests how to make dinner and then serves to all in attendance. Our local museum does a great segway tour around the city that is fun. Also there are several companies that set up an interactive game where you have to solve a crime/puzzle to escape the room. Lots of teamwork is involved. I actually believe it is called Escape the Room.

On another thread, someone mentioned Pendleton woolen blankets. I sent my son a link. It turns out, there is even an outlet store near Cambridge, MA. His g/f is with him for a few weeks, so I thought they could each pick out a blanket or jacket. They have nice looking socks too, and dish towels.

Last year I did Williams Sonoma gift card for her, and a fancy coffe maker and grinder for him (his suggestion).

The problem is, no response.

Amazon Echo, Rumba vacuum, the new NINJA duo, tickets to his favorite sports team/musician/play, monthly beer or wine club…I’m having the same problem for my 27 year old son. I purchased his RT airfare to come home for Xmas weekend but I needed a few items for him to unwrap. I got him a carry-on suitcase from Ebags, a nice passport holder and a luggage lock. I think I’m going to get him the Amazon Dot ($39 for black friday).

http://yeti.com/
Super expensive coolers but I know a number of young men who are fascinated with this companies products. In addition to keeping things super cold many of them are also bear proof.
How about tools. My 27 yr old wants a drill. We joked about a chain saw but his fiancé vetoed that idea.
I don’t buy clothes or watches unless it is something like a Patagonia jacket. It is hard to figure out what they like.

How about something small… and then cash for an IRA ?

Last year I funded my younger kids ROTH IRAs. Best time to do it is when their tax rate is low, but they can’t really afford it.

My kids are now 28 and 30. For quite a number of years (likely since high school), I ask them what they want for their birthdays and holiday gifts and tell them the amount I want to spend. We discuss it and then they get that item. I know it is not a surprise, but since they only get something big twice a year, I want it to be something they would like, or in some cases, need.

I ask too and give a budget. My kids are home for the holiday- the oldest says he wants socks, underwear and undershirts but is very specific about brands. He wants stuff good for travel, things that wash and wear easily. I’m relieved. He makes good money so can buy whatever he needs . I spend about $100 per person . He can buy the $400 hiking boots or $200 + luggage himself. Youngest hasn’t given me any ideas yet but he doesn’t leave until tomorrow so I’ll try to get something out of him before then!

I usually get a give a gift, an event, and then some money. This year I’m getting my S a Keurig (and some pods), tickets to his favorite team’s hockey game and a check.

I’ve given a 3 pack type baseball or basketball gift pack from their local professional teams in the past. Event, sports gifts seem nice when you know they like a particular team or have a particular interest in something (cooking, music, etc.).

Fitbit
Amazon Gift card
Winter coat or jacket
Cashmere sweater
Flight tickets to NY
Tickets to a Broadway show

What are his hobbies/ interests?

For my son who loves to cook, ski, camp, go see live music, travel, I have no shortage of options.

What does your son like to do when not working?

I would LOVE to buy DS an airline ticket home. But he’s taken time off for DD’s wedding in Oct and Thanksgiving visit … so not sure if he will be able to get back again next month.

I do like my toys and games so here’s some ideas with the $500 budget in mind:

Bacon of the month club, $200 https://www.zingermans.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=G-BAC-3&crf=Caledonian&gclid=CLLvsqSZyNACFQ9EfgodKJ0DgA

Intelligentsia coffee subscription, ~$20/order (you pick the frequency) so around $240/yr: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/intelligentsia-at-home

Vegas exotic car racing, $400 for 10 laps (let him find his own way there with buddies or significant other): http://www.exoticsracing.com/driving-experience/combos

Bob Kramer Damascus Henkels chef knife $400: https://www.amazon.com/Zwilling-Henckels-Stainless-J-34891-263/dp/B00GCIVHXI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1480224221&sr=8-5&keywords=Bob+Kramer

Bose noise cancelling earbuds $200: https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Acoustic-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B00X9KV0HU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1480224518&sr=1-1&keywords=bose+noise+cancelling+headphones

Coravin wine preservation system $400 (completely over the top as there’s low-tech $15 sprays that work just fine): https://www.amazon.com/Coravin-Model-Two-Wine-System/dp/B0168AT5HE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1480224593&sr=8-8&keywords=Wine%2Bpreservation%2Bsystem&th=1