Both my brothers are between 18 – 25 years old. While shopping for my parents and grandparents seems like an impossible challenge, shopping for my brothers is actually fun – it just takes a bit of creativity!

Even just 5 years ago, I would have suggested a CD or DVD (and 10 years ago a gift card from Blockbuster), but those days are in the past.

Here are a few thoughts:

1. A gift card: you can choose this one only if you have brainstormed ideas for 30 minutes and can’t think of anything. Then, if you’re completely stuck, I’d suggest either a gift card at Amazon.ca or The Bay – and let him choose his own gift.
2. A pocketknife: everyone needs a pocketknife. It’s useful for everything: food packages, camping trips, loose string on a coat. I once watched a guy use his knife to loosen the screws on a chair and free a little girl who got herself stuck – receive a gift, be a hero.
3. A t-shirt or a hat for their favourite sports team: Amazon.ca has it all now. Blue Jays? Whitecaps? Canucks? BC Lions? Or do they go for the “beautiful game” – Manchester United or the Real Madrid?
4. A grill or skillet: You can make all his friends jealous and encourage him to cook his girlfriend dinner at the same time. The Bay has some great options, no matter your price range.
5. Ask him to create a Wishlist: Your best option is to ask him to jump onto “All I Wish Is” and create his own list for you. This will remove the awkwardness of giving him something he already has.