18th Birthday Gift Ideas

[Gunney]

Recently I have been rather bored, and I have decided now would be a good time to start pondering my upcoming birthday. Its still months out, however I decided I would just write stuff down and send it out with my Xmas list, which I usually publish in late October, early November. And yes, i do anticipate being busy between now and then with School, damn me for taking AP courses lol .

I was wondering if anybody had any traditional gift ideas that perhaps I should write down. I was thinking about asking for a few small things such as: A zippo lighter, a buck knife, a cigarette/cigar and a beer. Now I will get flak for the last two: Being officially an adult I figure it wouldn't be a bad time to responsibly experiment (developing taste vs getting blasted)... I intend to go to UK university too so... lol..


However that being said I wasn't sure if there were any other ideas. I am very inspired by the 'men of past ages' and like tradition. As for any traditional ideas, I am of Irish Decent (Irish American) as well as Finnish and Welsh Decent.

*Transplanted from AoM--

 

[Deltaboy]

A quality Multi-tool or lockback knife.

 

[AllenG]

What I gave my nephews on their 18th birthdays: cash, a bail bondsmen's card, and a photograph of their mother with a stern look on her face.

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

For an eighteen year old? Cash.

Other than that, a great quality timepiece. That's assuming that your friends and family know your taste in things like that. It doesn't need to be a Rolex or Omega, just something classy and timeless; think Seiko, Citizen or even some of Orient's more classic models.

 

[Gunney]

A quality Multi-tool or lockback knife.

Not to nitpick, however I realised I should clarify something: Lockback knives in the UK are illegal... I have one that I like, but unfortunately it would soon wind up getting me held at her majesty's pleasure!

 

[Doc4]

Well, the thought of a good fountain pen or pocket watch would make for some good memories and lasting gentlemanly tools that won't offend Her Majesty ... unless of course you use the pen to write something inflammatory about the 2012 Olympics or some such thing.

Are there any pieces in the Saddleback line-up that interest you?

Is it time to get into pu-erh tea and a yixing pot or two?

 

[Matt555]

Get one of these. 25 year warranty. I use mine all time. It is great!

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-83...TF8&qid=1345597890&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman

Edit: Oh yeah......and a good fragrance. You gotta' smell good for the ladies when you go off to college.

 

[Gunney]

Oh yes, never raise the pen against the little old lady who rules all of England.. lol...

Hmmm If I do go with a knife I don't think I will go with a multitool.. I already have one that I barely use... (granted it is lockback)

Hmmm I don't know what pu-erh tea is... I am used to my English/Irish tea...

 

[ouch]

I'm half Welsh.

 

[Doc4]

I'm half Welsh.

'splains a lot.

 

[auk1124]

18 is the legal age for alcohol consumption in New England?

If you're truly planning on studying abroad I'd ask for good old cash. I imagine you'll need it.

 

[Gunney]

18 is the legal age for alcohol consumption in New England?

If you're truly planning on studying abroad I'd ask for good old cash. I imagine you'll need it.

That is a tricky one. There is no such 'age of legal consumption' when in regards to what happens in one's home. Twenty-One (21) is indeed the age for purchase and consumption in a public place. There are however two schools of thought: A) it is okay so long as done responsibly in one's abode, and of course B) the puritanical 'alcohol is evil and will do great harm if consumed even a day early'....

 

[noahpictures]

Wallet (leather)
Watch (jewelry)
Multi-tool
The Game by Strauss

Also daily showers, clean clothes and a personality will increase your chances with the opposite sex.

 

[kirk 988]

Straight
Strop
Opinel
Zippo