Levenger makes fabulous pens…but they are pricey.
I would try to find a small gift, and then pair it with money.
That way he can use it to buy event tickets, clothes, Starbucks, whatever he wants…but he will have a smaller lasting gift that you gave him too.
And I agree that a pricey pen is not a great idea for someone who doesn’t use pens much. With a $100 budget, something personal for about $50, paired with something practical (money, gift card,etc.), is a good idea .
@AustenNut when I’m trying to think of ideas for 20 somethings…I ask another 20 something…or one of my kids. They have a good pulse on what their generation might enjoy, and usually have some good ideas. Could you ask your college age kids (if you have some) for some gift ideas?
I can totally see my 31 year old son (and myself) losing an expensive pen and feeling horrible about it.
If you don’t want to give cash how about a gift card for one of his hobbies - Airbnb for traveling, eBay for a vintage item… and a card with some heartfelt words
My aunt gave me a pair of nice faux pearls…. ha, that won’t work for a nephew. Maybe amazon gift card?
I gave my nephews and the sons of close friends bar glasses with their school crest.
We all dread trying to find gifts for the 20ish guy in our family. I agree money is always a hit.
For a small personal gift to go with the cash, I gave my kid a small jewelry or knick knack box which he seems to actually like and use. Does not need to be pricey…I found a lovely carved stone one. He uses it for his cuff links and shirt studs.
My AZ kid would like an experience thing. He is in Phoenix. Anyone know of some good cooking classes there?
Sur la table has some good cooking classes at some of their locations, including Scottsdale.
I forgot about them…maybe I can check my local one here for info.
I bought a cooking class there for a gift and I was told it was really good!
A Leatherman multitool? I think they run about $75.
Thanks so much for all the ideas! Now to decide on one (or more).
One more link on nice wooden gifts and toys: Wooden Toys & Games
TJ alert - plenty of waxed amaryllis at my store (Boulder CO), perhaps same elsewhere too. $7.99 each, pretty big - choice of red or silver wax.
In prior years we had to call a few times to ensure inventory, shipping schedule. (Maybe I started earlier those years?). And limit of 6. Today loads of inventory in multiple locations in the store, no limit. The cool thing about this gift is that many of the recipients like to text us photos or call us when their plant blooms.
Oh my, how I loved the Hearthsong catalog when my kids were little, I had forgotten about it. And Chinaberry (books and games <3)
Thank you to whomever suggested the Advent calendar of fancy beauty items from Anthropologie. It’s been a huge hit with my 17 year old daughter, and I’ve been gifted a few of the items she doesn’t want, bonus!
Did get Athleta running tights for D. Now, thinking of gifts for H. His old wallet is pretty beat up and he does love it. This guy likes to carry several cards (a battle I’ve given up on). HIs old wallet is a Big Skinny wallet which is pretty thin. I could get him another one of those - but do folks have any other suggestions? I am seeing a Ridge wallet that’s supposedly slim and also has RFID - any feedback on that?
I keep seeing a men’s wallet with an AirTag build into it on my Instagram feed. Man, my son needs that one - he’s always losing his wallet!