Keepsake Gift for Young Men

Parent Cafe
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<p>A relative recently left a small amount of money to me, with the understanding that I’d use some of it for keepsake gifts for his nieces and nephews. The gift idea is to purchase something special they can keep; perhaps something personal they can use/wear; something through which they can remember their uncle for years to come. The simple pearl earrings for the girls were a no-brainer. </p>

<p>The boys are a different story! I’ve thought about cuff links, but I’m not sure young men today would use them. His only request was that it not be “junky” and not a hassle for them to move as they start their adult lives—suppose the gift should be smallish. The plan is to spend as much as $75. Are there suggestions from this group??</p>

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<p>A wallet? A tie?</p>

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<p>What is the age range, and what are their personalities?</p>

<p>My parents, who are both lawyers, got my brother a nice briefcase when he passed the Bar. I believe they did the same thing with some of my male cousins when they passed the Bar. (Can you tell that I live in a family of lawyers?) Useful and easy to transport, but it’s not as appropriate for, say, a young man who wants to be a rock musician.</p>

<p>Although this wouldn’t be something you would buy, if there are any old keepsakes in the family, you could have them cleaned and fixed and then give them to the boys. Something like an old pocket watch comes to mind, if you have something like this in your family. Are the boys named after anyone in the family?</p>

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<p>A silver keychain with an inscription? I’d suggest a watch, but I think $75 isn’t quite enough for a good one.</p>

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<p>If you don’t have enough for a briefcase, as corranged mentioned, a leather portfolio, perhaps with their initials, might be nice.</p>

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<p>Check out Tiffany’s website. It might take $100 but there are some nice keychains and other gifts that would last a lifetime.</p>

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<p>My son really liked an engraved Dalvey of Scotland compass. Also, a Mulholland Brothers leather change tray (to throw change, keys, etc. on).</p>

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<p>How about a Swiss Army Knife? They have quite a range of products and prices, even one with a USB drive!!</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/6b3b/[/url]”>http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/6b3b/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>for $69</p>

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<p>^^^ Leatherman makes a great line of well made pocket tools too. S got one as a grad gift and uses it a lot.</p>

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<p>binoculars</p>

<p>I like the Swiss army knife idea; also men’s jewelry box.</p>

<p>Is there a craft show/store in your area? I once bought a silver buckle in New Mexico and then had a belt made. My g/f did the same for her H and sons. We both went with classic styles and plain leather belts.</p>

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<p>There are a few online retailers that will engrave knives with the owner’s name. I’ve bought each of my sons a Leatherman with their name engraved on it. Very cool, very much appreciated, and they were about $75.</p>

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<p>Also perhaps a sterling ID bracelet with their initials.</p>

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<p>I like the idea of cufflinks, personally. They may not get used all that often, but when they do they will be much appreciated.</p>

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<p>As a keepsake, I would stay away from clothes, wallets, and things that will be worn out in a couple of years. $75 is tough, but I would go with inscribed keychains, swiss army knives, or the leathermen.</p>

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<p>I gave my son a money clip with his initials for his graduation.</p>

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<p>For a long term gift, I like tuxedo accessories. Here’s a site with a variety of prices and styles.
<a href=“http://www.tuxedosdirect.com/category/007736.shtml[/url]”>http://www.tuxedosdirect.com/category/007736.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>engraved desk clock</p>

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<p>silver picture frame? silver pen?</p>

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<p>From a guy’s perspective - </p>

<p>I like the ideas of a leatherman, binoculars (not sure what can be had for $75 though), quality Sears Craftsman hand tools ($75 worth), sports items, camping items, and other things one can do something with. Quality hand tools will last forever.</p>

<p>JMO - I think a lot of guys won’t have much appreciation for jewelry, Tiffany’s (they’re geared towards females), tux items, etc.</p>

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<p>Is there anything that would be an appropriate reminder of this uncle? An engraved key chain if he was into cars, a nice pocket knife if he was an outdoorsman (though I like this idea anyway and have given engraved pocket knives and Leatherman items as gifts on a number of occasions), money clip if he was into banking or finance. Cuff links would tie in if he was a dapper dresser. But like the pearls for the nieces, it should be something of a more timeless nature that won’t wear out or go out of style. IMO.</p>