Universal gifts for 15-18yo boys!

[BertieBotts]

I've been asked to help out with a project local to me putting together some shoebox type gifts for 8 boys aged 15-18, who have come here as refugees from Syria. I have been told that their families send them because if they didn't, they know they would end up with a weapon in their hands :(

I'm sure it's all a big adventure for them with bravado and stuff but they're a long way away from their families, I'd like to put some stuff in that they'd appreciate rather than think "That's naff".

So far I've thought of chocolate, red bull, lynx type smellies and maybe a ping pong set (we live in Germany and there are public table tennis tables everywhere). A pack of cards, and maybe some warm stuff - hat, scarf, gloves? Teenagers don't wear any of those, do they?? Beenies must still be cool.

What do you reckon your DS would want in this situation? We can't include anything language based because they all speak Arabic, and we're buying it locally rather than online.

[marne2]

I think teens do wear hats and gloves ( but trendy ones ) , all your ideas sound good and I'm sure they will love those items! I can't think of much else! maybe a wallet to keep money in? Teens are tricky to buy for, I struggle with my DSS and I often buy him a beanie hat, a t-shirt and some lynx as well as chocolate and biscuits.

[Leeds2]

A water bottle.

Also stuff like toothpaste, toothbrush and soap. May not be well received, but very necessary!

[BertieBotts]

Thermal what? Underwear?

I think they all have mobiles so no need for phone card. They're from fairly well off/MC families - ie those that can afford to send them.

[BertieBotts]

Which makes me feel :( for those who can't afford to send theirs, but you can't help everyone at once.

[Fletcherl]

My teen boys like:
calendars
thermal, trainer,slipper and football socks
smellies
thinsulate gloves
tins of nuts, crisps,chocolate
beenie hats
packs of cards
pass the pig game
ping pong stuff
party poppers
stupid challenge games like racing wing up penguins
cheap ear phones