Marking your entrance into adulthood, your 18th birthday is a significant milestone. In many parts of the world you can vote in elections, and of course, drink alcohol. If you’re looking for something more thoughtful than a novelty shot glass or cocktail shaker, finding a gift for an 18-year-old man can be a hard task. Luckily for you, we will list our favourite gift ideas for him on his 18th birthday.
Perfect for active and adventurous young men, an experience gift is one he’ll remember forever. Whether he's a foodie, adrenaline-junkie or nature lover, you will find the perfect gift for him. The best part about giving an experience is that you can join in the fun too. If you find something you know would be great to do together, you can buy a voucher for the two of you to use together. No matter what you choose, I can guarantee you he’ll remember this gift for decades to come - especially compared to that novelty shot glass!
1. For the Thrill Seekers
They’ve got nerves of steel and are always chasing the next thrill - a thrilling experience gift is the only way to guarantee the birthday boy won’t get bored on their experience. Below are some adrenaline-fueled experiences to choose from that are sure to kick start their big step into adulthood.
Skydiving
If this doesn’t get their heart pumping we don’t know what will. Gift the thrill of a lifetime with a skydiving gift voucher. Up the ante and choose the highest option available - a whopping 18,500 ft!
Shark cage diving
Yes, you heard us right. You can even give the daredevil the opportunity to swim with great whites. While it is as scary as it sounds, it’s within the safe confines of a cage of course!
Ghost tours
For a different kind of thrill, you can buy a ghost tour gift voucher. Some of these eerie experiences even let you sleep overnight with your new paranormal friends.
2. For the Adventure Seekers
If they love to uncover remote areas and hard to reach destinations an adventure gift voucher is perfect! Choose from hundreds of different adventure activities. A few of our favourites to gift to the birthday boy on his 18th birthday are:
Scuba diving
An introductory scuba diving experience or PADI dive training is a fantastic gift idea for adventure seekers who love the ocean. They’ll get closer than ever to their favourite marine wildlife and beautiful coral.
Treks and hikes
If they like to take their time in nature and truly immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness, a trail hike or trek you can do together is a great gift idea. If they are heading on an overseas adventure, perhaps you could choose a guided hike in a famous national park.
Driving and racing
If he has a need for speed you should check out the driving and racing experiences. Choose from ATV experiences in the mountains to supervised rally car driving and drifting. Whichever experience you choose will have the birthday boy smiling from ear to ear.
White water rafting
The best of both worlds - adventurous and thrilling. White water rafting is also a favourite for group experiences. If he’d like to take the family or a few mates, white water rafting is a great option.
3. For Travellers
If the newly 18-year-old is heading on his first solo overseas trip, gifting a travel gift is a great way to contribute to his trip of a lifetime. After all, a lot of the iconic experiences of the world are not so budget friendly for a young backpacker.
Famous landmarks and attractions
First and foremost, have a think about the iconic landmarks and attractions they’ll encounter on their journey. Whether it’s the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal or Angkor Wat, your gift can pay for their guided tour.
Getaways & short breaks
If you’d like to take a trip together to celebrate their birthday, how about booking in a short break or getaway? Choose to stay local or go on a road trip together and experience somewhere new.
4. For the foodies
The age-old saying - the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If he loves to cook or simply indulge in different cuisines then a food and drink experience gift is for him.
Cooking classes
While any dining experience will make the birthday boy happy - how about letting him take the reins and learn to cook something new instead? Check out the range of cooking classes available to give to the birthday boy. These experiences also double as a fun date activity, if he’d like to take his other half.
Brewery tour
Not technically food we know… But it’s a safe bet that the 18-year-old birthday boy will enjoy a brewery tour. The craft beer craze is still thriving around the world - and he may not know which flavour is his favourite.
5. Experience gift cards
If you’re not quite sure what to give him you can choose an experience gift card to the value of your choice. He’ll be able to browse the global experiences available on Gifting Owl and book one in when he’s ready. With a three year expiry period and worldwide validity, he’ll have plenty of time to book his dream experience.
Whatever you choose to gift the birthday boy on his 18th birthday, we’re sure he’ll love it!
Happy Gifting!
