I have a weird Christmas problem - please share your wisdom with me

[Time4adrink]

DS13 can’t think of anything he wants for Christmas. And I don’t have any ideas. I have a few small bits, books and pyjamas, but nothing ‘big’. He’s already got all the sports kit and equipment he needs/wants. His xbox and iPad are only a few years old and he doesn’t want a phone. He’s got a bike. He’s not into clothes yet or music. I’m also worried he’s not asking as we’ve lost a lot of income this year - but I have money set aside for this and could afford around £100 for him...if only I knew what to get.
Please please help with ideas.

[LaughingLlama]

Are there any xbox games he would like?

[Time4adrink]

Nothing he’s keen on, Laughing. maybe he’s just got too many things? He just smiles and says I don’t need anything. And I say, I know but what would you like?

[Insomnibrat]

He sounds like a credit to you tbh.

[NoSquirrels]

Experience type gifts?

Sports match he's love to see, concert he'd like, theatre? Active stuff?

Why doesn't he want a phone? That's got to be quite unusual for a 13 year old?

[Insomnibrat]

How about tickets to Alton towers when it reopens in the spring?

[Time4adrink]

I suppose I’m asking if anyone else has got a teenager like this? And what do you do?
All his friends are into stuff and desperate for new phones, watches, trainers, etc, and he just seems happy with what he has.
Which is lovely in a way
But a problem when it comes to gift giving

[NotEnoughCushions]

Someone suggested recently the driving lessons for 10-17 year olds. Would he enjoy something like that?

[DiscoDeviant]

My 12 year old son is the same. Never asks for anything. I’ve bought him a hoverboard (not one of the explosive ones) because he loves my friends daughters. I think he’ll be thrilled.

[BeeFace]

Would he like an experience day? Like go ape? Or a zoo pass? Tickets to a concert? Something to do rather than something to have?

[scrabbler3]

I think you might end up having to pop the money in a card for him, as his "main" present. I take it you have already bought toiletries, socks, chocolate etc.

It's a difficult age.

[LaughingLlama]

How about a subscription for Nerflix or Spotify. Or a family day out somewhere like Alton Towers, Harry Potter, Go Ape or similar.

[Time4adrink]

Thanks Insomni

NoS Experience might be an idea.

[inneedofchocolate]

My DS12 is very similar! He still has a lot of money left from his birthday in August! I've bought mine a voucher for a driving lesson, various food items like a big jar of jelly beans, a gooseneck tablet holder that he can attach to his bed, some items from Hype and he'll be getting a Xbox live subscription and game from family.

[MyNameIsLola]

Marking my place as I have the exact same problem with my 13 year old so am hoping for ideas if you don’t mind, OP

[Time4adrink]

Oh there’s some good ideas here. Keep them coming please.

[Time4adrink]

Feel free mynameis nice to know I’m not alone

[annandale]

Similar issue here! I think it's OK not to give something big tbh.

Would he like a good quality small rucksack?

DS is getting a solar charger from us, medicine balls from one side of GPs, and is being taken to a sports event by the other set. I thought the sports event was a really good call. E.g. if he likes athletics the World Indoor Athletics Championships are on in March I think in Birmingham, quite cheap. Or is there a band he likes at all? Trip to the National Theatre - they do £15 tickets if you are on the ball (I never have been)?

[Prettyprettygood]

My ds is almost 13 and sounds similar. We’re also on a smaller budget this year due to me being on maternity leave.

He likes gaming so I’ve bought him a gameboy advance sp and all the original old Mario and Pokemon games off of eBay - came in at just under £100 and he’s going to be so pleased!

[BeeFace]

Does he like outdoorsy things? Wake boarding maybe?

[buckeejit]

I agree on experience related to his favourite stuff.

Also putting money in an envelope is a good idea, especially if you show him e.g. How much driving lessons will cost when he's 17-it's not that far away & he should be at an age where he'll get a real thrill from saving which could stand him in great stead for later life. Also if there's something he really wants in the future, kits great to have some money already saved etc

[elephantoverthehill]

Why not just give him a cheque? He will feel ever so grown up and can use it for the sales or save it. If you've got the 'small' bits then he has things to open and amuse him etc. and then plan how to spend his windfall.

[MakeMisogynyAHateCrime]

My DS (13) is a bit like this. We are getting him vouchers for a local outdoor pursuits centre. They have all sorts of things he can choose from.

[Goshthatwentwell]

Mines the same.

Getting money.
Himalayan salt lamp to combat the computer ions
American and Japanese sweets
Stuff magazine subscription.
Nice pen
And a stocking of bits

[JustPutSomeGlitterOnIt]

What a darling.

Zorbing?

[Brandnewstart]

Mine (13) had tickets to see Dan and Phil's tour, bloggers apparently. Set me back £104 as I have to go with him.
I would give him the money to be honest on the proviso it can't be frittered away!
I was also thinking of Costa vouchers and Nando vouchers.