12 year old boy who has everything

[lilolilmanchester]

Hope to start Christmas shopping at half term as little free time after that due to work commitments. I buy for friend's 12 year old son who really does have almost everything you (or at least I) can think of. Prefer not to give money/vouchers - but is my fall-back plan; have asked his Mum who says it would be nice to have a surprise, but he doesn't need clothes. I've had a quick look at his games shelf, seems to have most things I would have bought. Sports kit gets bought as he needs it; parents spend a ton on him at Christmas; has sensitive skin & various allergies so have to be careful with toiletries/edibles etc etc. Budget c. £15. Have done Oxfam unwrapped in the past, on basis that he doesn't need anything but others do. (don't think it went down too well). Have previously bought rucksacks,boot bags, personalised pens/pencil cases, puzzles, science kits etc Any thoughts for something a bit different (with apologies in advance if I say "already done" or "know he's got" for most things.)

[lilolilmanchester]

oh, have also done airfix type kits

[mogs0]

Tesco have a logo board game reduced to £15 at the moment. I've bought it for ds and one for my friend's 3 children. I haven't had a chance to study it properly but from what i saw, it looked good.

I agree with guiness book of records. My ds is 9 and loves it!

[lilolilmanchester]

Thanks both, have bought him Ripley's in the past knowing my son had loved it. I know my son loved Guiness Book of World records too - good idea, will check if he's got it. Will also take a look at the board game, tho they have shelves of board games, some still in the cellophane!

[mogs0]

What about a cinema voucher? Could you offer to take him with your dc?

[lilolilmanchester]

have done the charity gifts for this family before, but do like the sound of the comics/toys donation - thanks NotJustClassic. Magazine subscription also a good idea, any thoughts as to something that would appeal to a 12 year old boy? Cinema vouchers also a good idea. His sister is equally hard to buy, maybe cinema trip for both with my DCs would be a good idea. Knew it was worth asking! Thanks, other ideas very welcome for future reference.

[mogs0]

My ds (9) had kids nat geo last year and he really likes it, maybe you could get the grown up nat geo?

They were offering a years sub for £15 on their website last week.

If his sister is as hard to buy for then, yes, I would take them both to the cinema then your dc get a trip out too .

BTW, I saw the logo game in tesco again today and it's still on offer for £15 (normal price £32) though if they alady have lots of games then I'd stay away from that sort of thing.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks mogs. I'll have another word with is Mum, tho the cinema idea is sounding more and more attractive (if I can find a film they haven't seen!)

[hayleysd]

iTunes voucher? My friends son has everything but he loves to get an itunes voucher so he can buy music or films or games as he likes, or a voucher for clothes?

[curlycat]

what about a cinema hamper for both of them - voucher each, popcorn, big bag of sweets, juice

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks curlycat, actually my mind was going there too... as nice as it would be to take my DCs too, finding a film they all wanted to watch/hadn't seen and a time when we were all free was sounding problematic. I think that's a great idea for DCs of lots of different ages. Might be the MN present problem solution of 2011!!

[curlycat]

glad to be of help - i've done that before for my dn and she loved it - the vouchers last for ages so she was able to go with her firend when a film came out she really wanted to see.