If you’re like me, the thought of your son turning 22 might have you both feeling nostalgic and exclaiming, “Where did the time go?” You want to celebrate this milestone in style – he’s exiting the realm of “just an adult” to becoming a fully-fledged, grown-up human being navigating the real world. But where do you start with choosing the right gift?
Let me tell you something – choosing a gift for a 22-year-old today is not like it was ‘back in our day’. Today’s generation has a whole different range of tastes and interests, often influenced by the latest trends, tech, and a shift towards experiences rather than material goods. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my personal top 35 picks ranging from classy to quirky, hi-tech to old-school fun.
1. Customized Wallet: It’s classy, it’s necessary, but with a personalized touch, it becomes special. Add his initials or a personal message to remind him he’s always valued.
2. Swiss Army Knife: Handy, practical, and a sign he’s a fully functioning adult now. Hopefully, he won’t cut himself while learning how to operate it!
3. Lomography Camera: To capture those thrilling twenties. A bit hipster, but who isn’t these days?
4. Apple AirPods Pro: Ideal for the music lover – or just blocking out noise when he’s pretending to work.
5. Concert Tickets: To his favorite band. Even if you think their music sounds like robots fighting.
6. Nespresso Machine: Welcome him to the world of adulting with his own coffee machine. Help him save those Starbucks dollars!
7. Amazon Kindle: For the bookworm son. Loads of books, much less shelf space needed.
8. Craft Beer Subscription: Craft Beer has taken over the world, and it’s usually a safe bet for a beer-loving 22-year-old.
9. Leather Briefcase: It’s got that ‘proudly adult’ feel. Even if half the time it’s carrying leftover pizza!
10. Nintendo Switch: For all the grown-up kids who still want their game time. And let’s be honest, that’s most of us.
11. Athletic Sneakers: Good for running, sports, or just looking like he goes to the gym.
12. Barbecue Grill: For the budding chef or steak enthusiast. WARNING: Might make him the designated griller at every family get-together.
13. Noise-cancelling Headphones: Helpful when he moves into the big, noisy world.
14. Personalized Beer Mugs: An upgrade to red solo cups. Holds beer, feels adult.
15. JBL Portable Speaker: Perfect for beach days, house parties, or annoying neighbors – hey we’ve all been there!
16. Craft Whiskey Set: Smooth, sophisticated, just don’t let him try all his creations in one night.
17. Beard Trimmer: Encourage good grooming habits. The caveman look isn’t in this year.
18. Activity Tracker: Watch him flex those muscles and count those calories. Besides, didn’t we all want to be astronauts with cool gadgets at some point?
19. DJI Mavic Mini Drone: Combines tech and outdoors. Don’t worry, crashes are part of the learning curve!
20. Professional Cooking Class: After all, a man should know more recipes than packaged ramen and hotdogs.
21. The North Face Backpack: For hiking, weekend trips, or just bagging groceries. Adventure sold separately!
22. Work-out Gear: Promote healthy habits. Or at least the illusion of them.
23. GoPro HERO8 Black: For the adrenaline junkie who wants to capture his daring feats. Try not to cringe while watching!
24. Personal Marketing Consultation: Could spark a business idea or just make him more savvy in the world of work.
25. A Year of Netflix: Because what’s better than chilling with uninterrupted streaming?
26. Magazine Subscription: GQ, Rolling Stone, Time – wisdom comes with reading.
27. Guitar Lesson Package: Awaken the John Mayer in him. You’ll know when it’s time to gift noise-cancelling headphones.
28. Watch: Classic, stylish, a symbol of responsibility. Just don’t tell him you set it five minutes fast as a safeguard!
29. Day at the Race Track: Let him feel the need for speed without any speeding tickets (we hope).
30. Modern Briefcase Turntable: Retro never goes out of style, and vinyls sound just as cool now as they did back then.
31. DNA Ancestry Test: Give him a peek into his roots, he’s old enough to appreciate it.
32. Indoor Plant: Adds a homely touch – especially if he’s living away. Bets on how long before it wilts?
33. A Gourmet Food Basket: Surprise him with a basket of exotic fruits, cheese, or premium chocolates. It’s not just a mom thing!
34. International Travel Tickets: Budget permitting sending him off on an adventure could be life changing. Don’t worry, you’ll pack his bag with mini toiletries!
35. Quality Cuff links: Classy, and a step towards maturity. Perfect for his first business meeting – or any special occasion.
Whatever gift you choose, remember the most valuable thing you can give is your love and support. Remember, the best gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones, but they are always the most thoughtful. Onward into another year full of growth, surprises and lots and lots of birthday cake!