<p>Eurail pass (money for one, not an actual pass)? Add in the plane ticket if you want to spend more?</p>
<p>I used the “I’m paying for your college education” when he graduated from high school, so that card has been played. 
I’m going to look into AC. If he goes with his girlfriend who is not 21 will that be a problem? I don’t even know the gambling age in NJ…
I was also thinking of a couple of days in NYC, with maybe a Broadway show Decisions, decisions.</p>
<p>I think a weekend somewhere would be a fabulous gift! How about Chicago?</p>
<p>Our family has a tradition of giving 21 gifts for the 21st birthday. I’ve got to admit this worked better for my daughter then it did for my son. Some of the gifts were of the stocking stuffer variety but also included some things from home like favorite cookies, framed picture of the dog, things to remind them of Pennsylvania, bath goodies, etc.</p>
<p>BTW, today is my daughter’s 25th birthday! She has been looking forward to it because it means she can finally rent a car without paying a penalty fee for being under age.</p>
<p>dkitty–gambling age in NJ is 21. That’s why S got poker money for 21st birthday. And not a bad investment–better than college was, actually. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>For several male big birthdays/graduations in my family we’ve given the classic Tiffany’s belt buckle with initials engraved. Gave DH his for. . . maybe his 40th? DS#1 started wearing it (his dad’s) in hs. Once wrote about it for a “what’s your favorite thing?” paper. Got DS#1 his own for hs graduation, but he insists on wearing his dad’s. I think it’s very sweet. (DH is now wearing DS#1’s–who really looks at the initials anyway?)</p>
<p>([Tiffany</a> & Co. | Item | Engine-turned slide belt buckle in sterling silver. | United States](<a href=“http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=10102936&mcat=148208&cid=288185&search_params=s+5-p+2-c+288185-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+]Tiffany”>http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=10102936&mcat=148208&cid=288185&search_params=s+5-p+2-c+288185-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+))</p>
<p>We paid for DS and his gf to go to Vegas. We budgeted a certain dollar amount and told then to have fun. They did! Also, as it was the summer and he was living in a house doing an internship, I arranged to have pink flamingos put on the lawn, sent cookies is the shape of beer steins, and had a birthday cake delivered. It was fun!</p>
<p>Golf clubs?</p>
<p>Ok, so I decided to give him an “experience”. He can chose between skydiving, a hot air balloon ride or a race car ride thing at Pocono Speedway. What do you all think? I think he’ll like it.</p>
<p>Have you considered opening and funding an E-Trade account?</p>
<p>My d turns 21 in few days and I ordered her an IPod touch, case and Itunes gift card.
She is also getting a Sonic toothbrush (costco).
The Ipod comes with free engraving if ordered online. I was told it gets e-mail in wi fi locations and I thought that might come in handy as I won’t pay for a blackberry or I phone due to the cost.</p>
<p>E-Trade sounds good too. I’m not really great with that kind of stuff. Is it easy?</p>
<p>My 14 year old son has had an account for the last 2-3 years. He doesn’t do a lot of trading but he monitors his stocks on a somewhat regular basis. It was very easy to set up.</p>
<p>S will turn 21 in May. I think we’re giving him money. He’s studying abroad in Europe now and seems determined to see every corner of the continent in the next 3 months - as a result, I’m sure he will be flat broke when he returns home in early May. Cash will be what he wants and needs. Not sentimental, but…</p>
<p>D is turning 18, getting an iPod Touch. Same thing her BF got for his 18th.</p>
<p>Ok, I’m gonna do the “experience” thing (probably skydiving) and E trade. Thanks guys!</p>