Author Topic: 21st birthday present suggestions (Read 3309 times)

CAMRAMan · « **on:** 09 August, 2020, 05:48:59 pm »

My eldest is 21 next month. She's studying medicine and doing well. I bought her a decent pen for her 18th, but I'm struggling for ideas for her 21st. I want something she'll treasure yet find useful. She's not a girly girl, IYSWIM. I've already discarded gold-trimmed PPE and a monogrammed stethoscope, so does anyone else have any suggestions, please?

hellymedic · « **Reply #1 on:** 09 August, 2020, 06:08:39 pm »

Stethoscopes don't last that long anyway. A Littman Cardiology scope is REALLY nice BUT the silicone rubber tubing gets hard & brittle from whatever badness exudes from the skin of the neck.
These items have a tendency to 'walk' in hospitals. 'Thieves Operate in this Area' say the posters.

My Keeler Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope/torch set are in a box in our sideboard but I'm not working.

Does your daughter have other interests?

If I were 21 again, I might like something musical...

chrisbainbridge · « **Reply #2 on:** 09 August, 2020, 08:53:52 pm »

We offered our sons a piece of art. Something they could keep for ever. Whitewall galleries for example

Mr Larrington · « **Reply #3 on:** 09 August, 2020, 09:14:58 pm »

An Irish passport?

Mrs Pingu · « **Reply #4 on:** 09 August, 2020, 09:48:29 pm »

Finding something she'll treasure in the future is a big ask. As Helly says, what are her other interests?
What I would treasure now is rather different than what I would think when I was 21. (And I'd already been married for 2 years by that point).

hatler · « **Reply #5 on:** 09 August, 2020, 09:59:16 pm »

A watch?

Canardly · « **Reply #6 on:** 09 August, 2020, 10:09:55 pm »

Ask her?

hellymedic · « **Reply #7 on:** 09 August, 2020, 10:15:00 pm »

My interests haven't changed much in the last 41 years.

In a way, the remarkable thing is how LITTLE people change. I went to a Van Gogh exhibition when I was 8 and chose 'The Drawbridge at Arles' as a souvenir. I still like that image.

fruitcake · « **Reply #8 on:** 09 August, 2020, 10:23:59 pm »

Perhaps experiences make good gifts. For a recent birthday, some close friends gave me a trip to the art galleries of Liverpool followed by a meal in a restaurant we all chose together. It was a surprise til the last minute. I didn't know where we were going til we got off the train.

Kim · « **Reply #9 on:** 09 August, 2020, 10:31:49 pm »

~~For my 21st my mum gave me a yard of Dairy Milk.~~ No, that doesn't make chronological sense. Must have been my 18th? Either way, much as I like Dairy Milk, it was a crap Significant Birthday present.

The one that stands out is the Swiss Army Knife they gave me when I was 14. One of the few things I've got that's that old, and it still sees regular use.

hellymedic · « **Reply #10 on:** 09 August, 2020, 10:40:22 pm »

I bought myself a Leatherman for my 20th.

I still have, use and love it.
If she's practical, good tools are wonderful,

HeltorChasca · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 August, 2020, 08:57:12 am »

Quote from: Canardly on 09 August, 2020, 10:09:55 pm

Ask her?

Probably the best suggestion so far. For mine I got a mounted picture of a humpback whale breaching and a party with a mate who had a similar birthday. All the parents shared the cost.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CAMRAMan · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:03:43 pm »

Quote from: Mr Larrington on 09 August, 2020, 09:14:58 pm

An Irish passport?

She's got a Hungarian one 😁

Clare · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:06:45 pm »

For my 21st mum gave me a new desk lamp and a tea towel.

CAMRAMan · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:07:22 pm »

Quote from: Canardly on 09 August, 2020, 10:09:55 pm

Ask her?

Done that. She threw it back and asked for a surprise. She's quite an accomplished painter, but is already well kitted out.

CAMRAMan · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:09:59 pm »

For my 21st my parents bigged up a Prudential policy in my name that was due to mature on my 21st. Only it didn't and I'd already spent it!

L CC · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:13:10 pm »

I got a sewing machine, which I still have, and use.

Lightning Phil · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:22:37 pm »

Some engraved goblets assuming she drinks.

Mr Larrington · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 August, 2020, 05:40:07 pm »

Quote from: CAMRAMan on 10 August, 2020, 05:03:43 pm

Quote from: Mr Larrington on 09 August, 2020, 09:14:58 pm
An Irish passport?

She's got a Hungarian one 😁

Bloody Stupid Johnson's head onna stick then?

hellymedic · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 August, 2020, 06:35:08 pm »

High quality tools of the trade for whatever floats her boat:
Woodwork
Metalwork
Needlecraft
Artists' materials (something stable like paintbrushes/paper/canvas
Music
Cookery

I don't know your daughter and don't know her interests but well-crafted equipment is always a joy.
(and lousy stuff is always a pain...)

igauk · « **Reply #20 on:** 11 August, 2020, 02:56:48 pm »

If she's an accomplished painter how about a painting holiday somewhere? Or buy her a bike?

CAMRAMan · « **Reply #21 on:** 12 August, 2020, 05:04:47 pm »

I'll get back to you 😁

DuncanM · « **Reply #22 on:** 12 August, 2020, 06:18:27 pm »

Don't buy tech. I got a laptop (needed it for Uni), and it was worthless in a few short years.

arabella · « **Reply #23 on:** 17 August, 2020, 11:59:11 am »

I got given some jewellery. I said I didn't want it and never have worn it.
I got my elder son a large posh rug for his 21st - we went shopping together (Heals) with a budget in mind and I let him chose. I think he got a shirt with the change, or some port glasses.
The younger one says he doesn't want anything. Based on my own experience I should probably comply and wait until he does want something.

matthew · « **Reply #24 on:** 17 August, 2020, 06:32:26 pm »

For my 21st I was lucky enough to be taken to the royal Albert Hall to see Diana Krall live. It was a party of five as we also took an Aunt and Uncle who appreciate that type of Jazz. I still have the programme at home.

Bit of a surprise to see John Prescott in the entrance lobby.