gift ideas for 17, almost 18 year old boy?

I have a just turned 18 year old geeky nerd that loves comics, games etc like yours.

His big gift this year will be a lens or accessories for his camera (he is an aspiring film makers).

Every year (or almost) I go to Hobby Lobby and buy him a metal sign that looks like a vintage comic book cover. He loves them and has them hanging in his dorm room. They have all kinds of Marvel and DC ones. Regular price is 19.99 but they have them 50% off every few weeks.

They also have a large selection of other nerddom gifts. And many generes, themes etc.

If you like to sew, JoAnns has a selection of themed fabric. Last year I made both DS and DD blankets with DC fabric. I have made Dr. Who pillowcases, MLP, etc.

Sometimes it would be easier with a kid that was into sports or a hobby like fishing where there are all sorts of ideas, but having a nerd can be more fun, and creative!

I’ve been struggling this year to come up with ideas for my DS. It doesn’t help that his birthday is on 29 December, and he'll be 21. He’s asked for a new (gaming) keyboard for his PC. Actually, he just said he would like a new keyboard, and I thought he meant a musical one. Thankfully my DD questioned that before I went and bought one! 

I've also bought him a fleece lined hat so that I can get my one back, Bert and Ernie socks, the new Zits Treasury, and many many Terry's Chocolate Oranges. I normally give him cash for his birthday but as he now has a higher income than me, that no longer makes sense.  

Is he into vintage video games? Find him an Atari! We have an Atari 2600 and a Super Nintendo, amongst our herd of gaming systems they get the most use!

I’ll be watching this thread. I have a similar species of son, he turns 21 on January 4th. So I have double gifts to figure out. Lol

Maybe a small Jurassic Park lego set. Not sure if they make them.

He has one but he’s usually not driving more than a few miles so not enough time to charge enroute.

For DS, my gifts wins have been surprising him with something related to a favorite TV show. Last year is was It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a couple years ago it was Workaholics. 

Gift cards to his favorite fast places are also popular.

Uncommon Goods usually has something interesting and different that appeals to him. IIRC, you are in Europe so maybe there is a similar site.

Grooming products? Is he shaving yet?

We got DS a second monitor for his computer last year. He has a laptop and it works really well for school work and gaming. It was only about $80.

If he's into online gaming, Steam gift cards are the way to go.

A gaming mouse is another idea.

ThinkGeek has lots of cool gadgets and both TG and Hot Topic have good nerd tees and such.

This year, DS is 21 and about to get his first job, first car, and first apartment. I feel like I've hit the jackpot for gifting options! I've already gotten him a small battery that will jump a car or charge a phone. We put it in the freezer to test it to see if it will hold a charge in the cold. But DH jumped the kids Jeep (they don't take it to school and the battery goes dead while they are away) and it started up instantly on the first try. I haven't looked at it, but DH says it's a lot safer than using traditional jumper cables. We got it at Costco but there must be others out there. Portable Power Bank

Gift cards for the Brown Bear or another car wash?

Our DS was so excited by the backpacking trip we took last summer that we're gifting a trip again this year for next summer. that and a few clothes and a fun game or something for his woodworking hobby. (We got him a Dremel set a couple of years ago and some scrap wood and it sparked a woodworking /carving obsession).


ETA I just asked him and he says he wants more wood-exotic kinds, a wristwatch, and band t shirts.

We buy our DS (now 18) a years subscription to xbox live every year. Also a subscription to Game Informer (magazine) from Game Stop)

We've got him a tote filled with car stuff (tire pressure gage, jumper cables, first aid kit, blanket, air freshener, gum, phone charger) one year.

Gift cards to fast food, restaurant, movies, gas, car wash

It's always hard to buy for the older "kids". I'm taking my 18 year old son on a trip in March. I think we're going to Portugal but I haven't hit the buy button yet. Just the two of us. I'm still trying to figure out the itinerary.

My middle child is still on an exchange in Asia. I'm going to give her money in December toward a trip. She finishes school Dec. 10 and her plane ticket home is Dec 23 so she might go to the Phillipines.

My oldest- I have no idea. I'll have to figure that out this week.

ETA: I'm not paying for their entire trips, I'm giving cash to use for the trip.  They are contributing too. 

that is the age (actually starting around 15/16) where a portion of the Christmas and birthday gifts are useful things for their future (you know - when they move out and get an apartment/dorm room)

kitchen things - utensils, measuring cups/spoons, towels/potholders, mixing bowls, baking pans/cookie sheets, casserole dishes, pyrex storage, pots and pans, an apron....not all at once but over several years.

towels (bath/hand/wash)

car things - jumper cables, battery charger, ice scraper

tools - basic hand tools plus a power drill, some basic nail and screws and picture hangers

My DS loves getting cinema vouchers wrapped in a box with popcorn (a pea idea I think). My DD gave her boyfriend a custom made X box controller. He absolutely loves it. You can choose the colours, they have extra features and you can get them engraved. It was ordered direct from Microsoft online I think. DS also likes EDT, and loves the bracelet  he was given for his 21st - black rope type bracelet with a silver bar and clasp.

If your DS loved the vintage comics you got him last year, I wouldn’t hesitate to get him some more. No point trying to be original for the sake of it, if you know he loves them. Heck, I like to get the same perfume and the Estée Lauder Christmas collection every year!