Hi girls and guys! Any suggestions on what to make for my nephews' 18th birthday? It has to be quick and nice. I work 40 hrs a week and the party is this Sat. Thanks for any suggestions. I have thought about making him a cooling necktie, that's all I can think of that would be quick. :)

A masculine holder for his computer/electronic games? Something with a long holder to go over the shoulder, but with a VERY macho pattern?

Good luck with that. Not much time to be creative.

An 18 yo girl?
........ whatdya mean that you can't make that?



*mischievous giggles*

That could get her into a different kind of trouble!

She'd be one popular Auntie!! :)

But not a popular sister!

A fleece quillow?

Sister? who cares?
They've probably scrapped before!!! :)

a cover for one of his media devices.

You could always buy a large piece of fleece and tie it or just get a piece and finish the edge using some kind of fleece that reflects his personality!!!

Not sure if there is a available but how about a cd case for his car? If he is having a large party just make a small wallhanging or pillow case/cover using fabrics that show his interests or school colors leaving plenty of room for all of his "friends and families" signatures and wishes for his birthday!! You could applique Happy 18th and use birthday fabric.

blanket and pillow for his car

A quilt of course...maybe a sports quilt...does he have a favorite team or sport? My boys always ask for flannel backing and to make it long so that it covers their feet and head. They like quilts for the couch but they need to be longer than a normal lap quilt.

Hey, thanks for the great idea of a quillow! Actually, it's a party for my 19 yo niece, and 18 yo nephew, so I think that would be a great idea for both! Only one drawback, it's been so hot and humid here, but it would be a good gift for when it's 20 degrees! Thanks again.

How about a "gift certificate" ... that they will go shopping with you, pick out the fabric and then you will make it for them. If the cost is more than you wish, then make it part of their Christmas present! :)

It'd be a fun day out and some one=on-one time with each, or you could do it as a three-some fun time!

As a mom who has just seen my last teen turn 20, I say don't waste your time trying to stitch him anything. Just give him $$$$. It's sure to be the right size, colour and pattern!

I agree, cash is always a hit!
Got to ask though, does life get easier when there are no more teens??? Please say yes!

My boya loved rec'ing blankets over the years from their grandmothers. I did not quilts at the time. they still have them and remember their grandmothers making them. They both treasure and use them, Now that I quilt they have asked for quilts for Christmas which they got. They also have requested another for next Christmas and this time they have input on the fabrics. With all the things that are out their that money can buy...its refreshing to have a homemade gift. My boys are now 24 and 28.

How about a quick-pieced quilt----maybe a strip pieced Trip Around the World???----and then back it with fleece. All the quilting you have to do with fleece is enough to hold it together. My 18 year old son's favorite gift back then was the world's fastest "quilt".....just two widths of fabric on the front, no piecing, just a fabulous basketball print that I found....and about 1 1/2 widths of fleece on the back. Finished the edges by turning the cotton fabric to the back and self-binding that way. Then ran a few lines of stitching lengthways and widthways....and done! He really appreciated it since I made it extra-long....as he's 6'6" and quilts usually are too short.

Yes, Yes, and YES!!!!!! Then you get to sit back and watch.... parenting done unless you're asked! They WILL make mistakes but that's how they learn. The hardest part is not talking about stuff to them unless they ask for your opinion (unless it's something life-threatening or equally serious)....

Or get a panel of one of his favorites from when he was little, like a dragon or dinosaur, and make a simple quilt. Kids going off to college love the "old fashioned styling and secretly still love the same things they had as a kid. And panels are fast.

How about a fleece blanket? I had a red one on my couch and my 16 year old great grandson took it, his favorite color.

Carol J.

At that age, all three of my boys went through their "Black" phase- NOT Goth-just black. Here is what I made the now 20 yr old baby.

Sorry- laptop messing up.

Laurafet, I love that black and white quilt. I agree that a quick snuggle quilt seems to be appreciated by guys and gals alike. It doesn't have to be big. I like the idea of one oversized block and borders.

Laurafet, I love that black and white quilt. I agree that a quick snuggle quilt seems to be appreciated by guys and gals alike. It doesn't have to be big. I like the idea of one oversized block and borders.

The black white and red quilt reminded me of the one my DD made for her 18 year old grandson for a graduation gift. He requested that and is so proud of it.
But I think a fleece blanket is a nice gift and you don't have to make it. Our guys love them and I have 10 great grandsons.

Carol J.

Sorry, I can't honestly say that it does. But just wait until your children have teenagers of their own.

I would get a gift card to iTunes. Kids like music and that would be memorable each time he used it.

I am with you, that is why I suggested an ITune gift card.

2 masculine tube pillow cases.

laundry bag for college?

I've been through four-plus teenage boys in the last few years (2 adopted ages 18/20 now, 2 foster ages 19/21 now, and a few of their friends who showed up one day and didn't leave for months) and I'd agree with the people who suggested money. If he's a typical 18-year-old I can't see him wearing a cooling necktie... there's a reason they show dorky old suburban people wearing them in the commercials. ;)

Unless you know him very well, selecting a fabric he'd like would be very difficult... there aren't a lot of ultra-cool fabrics out there for 18-year-old boys who run the gamut from nerdy MIT-bound geeks to wannabe "gangstas"... and some nerdy geeks who *think* they are gangstas!

If you're opposed to cash, consider an iTunes gift card--my 19-year-old recently specifically requested one as a gift.

Of course, if you know your nephew quite well and he's always expressed an appreciation for your handiwork, then by all means, make him something. :)

no suggestion of what to make, but my favorite gift that I gave to my nephew was a book of saints' lives and I stuck a $20.00 in at St. Anthony...He found the $$ before he left the party, but he did continue to read the book.

I made these for several friends of both my girls when the graduated from H.S. -personalized laundry bags to go off to college with.
I bought the duck type laundry bags and then cut out letters that spelled their name, used fuseable interfacing to adhere them, and then zig zagged around each letter. The boys I made in masculine colors and the girls were in brights. They all loved them.

For a few that were very close friends, I added two large bath towels in colors that coordinated with the letters. They are in their 30's now and still have the bags.

With the 24 inch pillow form, make a cover with an envelope closing (so he can take it off, wash it, and then put it back on himself. GREAT for when he is reading in bed, sitting on the floor... or WHATEVER !!

Oh dear, pardon my sense of humor - hopefully not to go along with the 18 year old girl!!

What a great idea!!!! :shock:

QuiltE - that was the first thing I thought of too!!!! :) Big help we both are...

Don't over think it a quillow is a great idea. I have teenager that age and they love covers any time of the year.