Hi, my brother is turning 21 and I want to buy him something. He's into tech stuff and I don't mind looking at other options too. My budget is about $500AUD. FYI, he already has a smartwatch, GoPro and a good phone. I'm really confused,hope you guys can help me!
Cheers.
Edit: I don't want to give cash! Anything else would be appreciated.
Bitcoin - will make some money off it before the year is over!
Then can roll it into whatever he wants or just HODL for a while.
Note: Original Bitcoin, not Bitcoin cash..
+1
I bought 0.6 BTC for a friend 3 years ago. He's pretty happy now.
Gimball, takes better videos with his phone and gopro
Some things I can think of:
I've seen so many of my friends get tech related presents that are now dated/sit in the cupboard never used again. Only really get tech if he really wants it.
+1 for the nice leather bag, everyone, man woman and child needs a nice leather bag.
+1 for the Jack Bauer look.
Picked up an Oroton one when on clearance.
+1 for RM William boots. Should last him a lifetime if he looks after them. Good for weddings, job interviews, or if he wants to feel fancy!
I'm surprised no one has recommended QC35s yet. With all the QC35 deals going around at the moment, you could also have $150 left in your pocket!
Taking headphones across the border hasn't always turned out so well…
How so?
I can appreciate the dilema you're in. $500 seems like a lot of money, so you don't want to waste it on some trinket or gag gift, but it also isn't enough to really buy much value these days. In days gone by (according to my oldies) for a 21st you would receive things of great value that you would use for years. Things like solid pots and pans or an engraved watch. Now these things are all cheap, easily obtained, verging on disposable
Your options as I see it
a) Buy something big and flashy. You'll get a moderate appreciation, but it will all be delivered upfront. In the long term however appreciation rates dwindle, and in 2 or 3 years it will be rendered obsolete.
b) Buy something thoughtful that will be regarded with slight disdain initially, because there are cheaper versions out there that set the baseline, but if they do end up using it will increase in value steadily and become a treasured momento.
My ideas
-Some sort of portable drink cabinet, with various liquors, glasses, laminated instructions for various mixed drinks, that kind of thing.
-A shaving kit with a well built blade, sharpener, brush and lather cup, heated water reservoir
A nice watch engraved is what I went with for an 18th.
A good pair of headphones + a desktop amp and dac for headphones/speakers.
Depending on how you budget, you can probably squeeze in a portable amp/dac too.
Yeah I'm with loke too. You can even check out Massdrop right now for some deals if you're keen. It might not arrive on time but it's still a good investment.
Nice pair of noise cancelling earphones and DAC.
Or $499 cash.
Some good suggestions above.
FWIW I subscribe to the group suggesting something memorable that really lasts. Something that reminds your brother of you :) Electronics and tech stuff is good for as long as it lasts, but most ultimately dies or falls into disuse, then so does the 21st memory or reminder.
I wouldn't rule out a good brand 'mechanical' watch - I received one for my 21st, gave it to may son for his, and he'll pass it on I suspect for his sons 21st (still keeps time and is appreciating in value strangely). I still have a pair of really good whisky glasses I received with a good bottle of whisky many years ago from someone, and every time I use the glass I remember them and the whisky we shared (the whisky somehow didn't last ;) Doesn't have to be whisky, depends on taste but you get the idea. A well selected bottle of good wine that will age, with an admonition to keep it so the two of you can celebrate his 30th, 40th or 50th birthday together. I know people who've received shares for their 21st and it started them on investing - think differently, and if it were me I'd look to something that will be around in years to come that reminds him of you, particularly if you are geographically separated.
Good luck, and Happy Birthday to your brother. He's lucky to have a brother prepared to put thought into what he received, and at the end of the day that's worth more than the $500.
Agree with this. What's a good 'mechanical' watch brand for $500? lower end Tissot?
To OP - if you are going to buy a watch, please do not buy a 'fashion' watch.
JDM Seiko, Bulova, Tissot
Buy him a nice watch.
https://www.asus.com/us/Phone/ZenFone-AR-ZS571KL/Features/
ZenFone AR is the world’s first smartphone with Tango and Daydream by Google. Tango is an exciting new augmented reality (AR) technology that changes the way you interact with the world and expands your vision. And with Daydream, you can experience high-quality, immersive virtual reality (VR) with your phone. Its high-resolution WQHD display makes real and virtual environments come to life, and the optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor delivers smooth performance for both AR and VR.
He has a good phone already.
Does he have his own car? If not, then I would suggest a falcon on gas.
Classic Whirlpool.
I got my brother a pair of Harman Kardon SoundSticks (speakers) for his 18th. They're about $270-300AUD. I've got a pair myself and they're great unbelievable speakers for the price. If you don't like SoundSticks I think a pair of good speakers is a decent idea generally.
You could also get him an "actual" watch. An Orient Bambino or entry level Junkers Bauhaus should come in at less than $500. Both awesome watches. Just please don't get a Daniel Wellington.
An Airbnb gift card is also a cool idea I think. Sure, gift cards are a bit impersonal but with Airbnb you're basically getting them an awesome holiday that they'll remember for ages (and think of you when they do).
They're mentioned above but RM Williams and Bose QC35s are also awesome ideas.
High end cufflinks?
What's the difference between high end and low end cufflinks? Would anybody actually be able to tell the difference? I received a pair for a birthday, never worn them. Couldn't tell you what they're worth.
Just give him a handmade card inscribed with the fact that you were going to give him $500 but that money doesn't buy happiness and to enjoy the card instead.
Another vote for QC35's. He'll get a few good years out of them.
if you're after something that won't lose much value over time, go for something like this: http://au.louisvuitton.com/eng-au/products/multiple-wallet-m…
I actually think items like these will lose value rather quickly…
Nintendo switch maybe?
If you like going camping, how about a hand forged Australia made axe, either full size or a hatchet, or maybe both for just over 500$.
They are made by Sneddens fencing. Not many Australian made, non racing, axes made these days.
Or
Billmans foundry make dutch ovens in Australia and you can get words cast into them. Pretty cool
Rgds
My go to 21st birthday present for the last few years has been (for those who are mechanically minded at least) the Leatherman Charge TTI multi-tool, they retail for about $300 although you can pick them up much cheaper.
I got a Leatherman for my 21st from my aunts and they got it engraved for me as well it was a awesome gift I still use it and have it years later
www.gamestate.net.au get him a pair of Astro's, they're one of the top gaming headsets. I still have mine I've been using for the last 3 years and no complaints!
Pornhub premium membership
every man needs some tools… I wouldn't bother with pro stuff, but tools are something that he'll keep and use … it can also help him save in the future (e.g., servicing his own car if he drives (use axle stands if getting under), or making furniture if he's into woodwork)
A good torch is also handy
Oh and a good set of batteries like eneloops (seriously).
The leather man suggestion was good too (the "wingman" is a good basic multi tool).
There's a book called "how to be a man" by John Birmingham that I'd recommend.
Giving him a book titled "how to be a man" might give the wrong message…
A drive in a lamborghini. $200 for 20 mins. May be worth considering if he is into cars
get him a mechanical watch
Orient would be my recommendation. Make in-house movements (fancy way of saying they make all their pieces themselves and don't outsource to other places like some fashion brands) and perfect japanese quality.
https://orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/fuw00005b0/
For reference ^
EDIT: I can see someone above has already mentioned the gift of watches. Tissot is great for entry level (although in Australia, $500 will not take you far in terms of buying a Swiss watch). The Seiko JDM suggestion is great check out the SARB033, or SARB065 - these are great pieces and can be had for around your price point.
May I also suggest another brand: Melbourne Watch Company
https://www.melbournewatch.com.au/mens/?sort=priceasc
This may be pushing your money restriction, however the portsea does pay homage to the IWC Portugieser, which is about 10K more expensive…and you'll be supporting an Aussie brand!
This guy watches! Nice recommendations.
https://www.melbournewatch.com.au/sorrento-so-42-a-3hn-03/ - Very tempted to buy this.
Orient has some very nice dress watch under $500. Or Seiko divemaster.
Yes an automatic watch is a timeless tech gift. Got my Hamilton Khaki automatic on an overseas trip. An easy to read face with a window on the rear to play count the gems.
Yeah - they make some beautiful watches. I really like this one - http://www.ablogtowatch.com/orient-star-standard-date-carbon…
Westvleteren 12 bottles
Bitcoin
A few ideas:
A suit and have it tailored
A nice bottle of wine that will appreciate in value
A nice watch that will appreciate in value
VR google?
Buy $500 of share for him to start with investment
A decent formal/automatic watch ? $500 should be good enough for a decent Visodate.
talking about 21st presents my friends and i all chipped in and got our mate(guy) a massive dildo for his 21st. It has been a laugh for quite a few years very memorable.
A road bike.
My parents got me an Engel fridge for my 21st, but probably wouldn't suit your bro whos in India lol, Still something I wouldn't buy for myself
Return flights to Shanghai.
Or shanghai him and take him to Shanghai.
Okay, my suggestions: you can find places online that will paint a portrait of people for around that price. This would be an awesome present. They can paint it quite regal - like, in a setting - I had this done of myself, my brother and a very close friend of ours - sitting around a fireplace drinking scotch, in a private library. The scene was completely made up! I just told them what setting I wanted and sent a heap of photos of my brother, myself, and my friend. It's a website called Noblified. The lead time is around 7 - 8 weeks, though; but the painting I requested was absolutely huge, though - it was about 90cm wide and whatever cm high. Edit to add: the price for mine was around AU$800, but it was, as I said, a huge painting.
There are also places that do the same, but it's a portrait of your dog or cat or basically any animal. Does he have any special pets? A family dog?
I don't know what else. I personally would have loved to get a Terrarium. You could get an awesome Terrarium for my 21st! A Terrarium is one of those self-sustaining gardens in a glass bowl that is sealed. They often can be customised with a scene or setting (OzBargainers looking for a present for their partner - this one always goes down a treat). I bought one for a GF once that had a Bow-Peep setting in it and she absolutely loved it. Had little miniature sheep and a tiny fence and a cottage.
Hi OP,
I would think of something that he could learn a new thing like investment. Just stack him up another $500 to start with $1000 investment somewhere like Managed fund etc (E.g. https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/managed-funds/choosi…). He may not need that now but it's a good point to start with for him.
A fidget spinner
how often does he use his gopro?
maybe one of those gopro gimbals
Ask his friends, and/or collaborate with them to buy something meaningful.
How much do ppl usually spend on their sibling's or partner's birthday presents? Is the amount doubled for "special" years like 18th,21st,30th?
That's will vary significantly from person to person.
If he's into engineering get him a set of Mitutoyo calipers. Best in the business and he will love and use them for the rest of his life. Should cost you around $250. They will be a beautiful gift.
Honestly? Bitcoins.. or something where he can't touch it till later.. sounds like he has everything he needs for the moment but in 5, 10 years? He might find himself broke and that is when that "time capsuled" $500 is worth more than anything you could have bought him when he had it all.
Unless of course you can read his mind and find out EXACTLY what he needs right now I say either cash or some sort of time capsule.. bitcoin or litecoin future looks very promising for the next 10 years or more. I would try that.. your $500 might turn into something more.
Gift me a bag somebody. I have my birthday coming up soon.. Lol..
Bag is a good idea for Uni students..
https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/Products-details.phtml?i…
$19.00 - best bag for uni. Mine is still in almost new condition.
Something a bit more fancy/corporate - http://www.theiconic.com.au/original-target-double-zip-commu…
$69.00 - both great options
No offence if you don't know them well enough to know what they actually need just give cash.
Presents I'd like to get.
Macbkook pro speced to the max 13"
Ipad 10.5" 512 4gb.
See both you need to know specifics about and they are expensive. If ur not prepared to do that then just cash.
PS4
Hifi headphone
book a high end escort for 30min for him.
Single Malt whisky, this one is awesome https://m.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_746692/talisker-25-ye…
I would give him a room automation package
Google chrome (179-189$ range)
Phillip hue starter kit (roughly 199$)
Chromecast to attach to tv (59$)
A bluetooth speaker (50$)
That's the starting for his room automation and then sky is the limit in automation, he'd love you for that
Google Chrome is free 😜
Oh yea soz, I meant google home
Sponsor a poor Indian child on his behalf.
Could do it with World Vision for example.
"One third of India’s people live in extreme poverty, going hungry for days at a time, getting sick from preventable diseases, and struggling to find clean water. With so many challenges, millions of children in India cannot attend school long enough to graduate."
$500 condoms are good.
Depends … does he have someone to use them with :P
(well, that strikes me out lol)
1,282 batman fidget spinners.
ahhh i didnt read the main post and suggested something he already has :(
Plane tickets (New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia would all be good options)!
He will come back with a bunch of memories and experiences, far more valuable than a tangible item.
This forum has been really useful not only to me but to other people as well.
I'm planning to take him out to Dymocks & Kinokuniya store in Sydney CBD where I have heard you get all sorts of collector stuff and cool things.
We'll even look around stores to see if he finds something good.
$500 "Physical Bitcoin"
Ambulance cover and roadside assistance;)
'Being Techy' below is what I would consider some essentials.
Please note most of these purchases I would be very hesitant at somebody else buying for me as I love my research! Not all these things will add up to $500 but certainly might help with some mix and match.
A decent pair of headphones:
Lots of interesting options out there! My current can's - http://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmf-x-vibro-labs/
DAC/Amp combo:
If he already has a great pair of headphones make them even better!
Desktop speakers as mentioned above:
Maybe not such a great idea for a uni student especially if living with other people.
Watch:
I am too cheap to spend big here but love my Tissot!
Mechanical Keyboard:
Rocking a Leopald F660C, easy to burn a few hundred into something like this to enjoy some typing bliss.
Wallet:
Have been using this for 8 or 9 years and love it! http://www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-medium-bifold-walle…
Desk Chair:
The older I get the more I appreciate it. May be harder to sort out if he is living overseas. You will not get BOTB for $500 but certainly a good chair to last a long time.
Collectables:
I am not a big collector, but I keep a few prized possessions out such as rare comics etc. Find out what he likes and do some research!
Backpack:
Has taken me a long time to find one that meets my needs - walking / cycling / travelling. Love love https://www.booqbags.com/collections/macbook-laptop-backpack…
Travel:
Offer to sponsor next holiday up to $500. This would personally be the winner for me!
Buy him some shares in tech or cryptocurrency using that $500. He will thank you in 5-10 years time.
Apparently there are some very hard to get domino's pizzas right now…
Buy him a weekend getaway to another city with flights and accommodation paid. Should be 500-600 and he'd enjoy that
You sound like a nice brother. I think you should get him a memorable experience for his 21st birthday. How about a trip to Tasmania?
That is what I would do. It would at least get my brother out of the house and he would stop gaming online!! That or some new fresh socks.
pay his electricity bill for the quarter if he lives in queensland
Could get him a nice dress watch so he can switch it up with his smartwatch. Or an iPad. Or wireless portable speakers. Good luck mate.
Give him 1/10th of a bitcoin. He'll thank you later when he buys his house with it.
Hi guys, any good Bluetooth portable speakers?
Good kid. You should be ashamed of yourself. Tsk tsk tsk.