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Large family and gifts.

8 replies

sugarplumfairy28 · 17/08/2016 11:15

This is slightly off topic but I really need some ideas. We make sure that we buy at least one present for our nieces and nephews for Christmas and birthdays - I think that's pretty normal?

Unfortunately our family have a pattern it would seem, and all bar two nephews all all our nieces and nephews have birthdays in December or the beginning of January, plus DS. As you can imagine it gets pretty expensive and stressful. I'm a bit of a dab hand at DIY and crafts and have no objection to making gifts - they all went down really really well last year. I really have to try and get out in front this year.

So here is my question. I have one nephew who likes skateboarding, West Ham, age 12. I need two gifts, I am already making a string art skateboard piece, any other ideas?

I have another nephew who likes sports in general, supports arsenal and is also 12, also slightly less mature than the one above. I am already making a string art arsenal logo for him, any other ideas?

Please, I have no idea what 12 year old boys even do most of the time. I'm not against buying a gift, but would be very very grateful for even a whiff of an idea.

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lljkk · 17/08/2016 11:31

Wouldn't it be cheaper to put £5-£10 into a card for him?

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ImYourMama · 17/08/2016 11:37

Is a 12year old honestly going to appreciate home made gifts? Not to sound harsh OP but stick £10 in a card and save the time

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Diglet · 17/08/2016 11:41

I think string art might not be appreciated by a 12 year old. He sounds like he would be polite but I'd be sceptical that he would like it. Money in a card sounds better

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sugarplumfairy28 · 17/08/2016 14:07

Both the string art pieces are actually on request. One is having a new bedroom and wants something on theme and 'cool' for his wall, also the other specifically asked for something Arsenal that his friends doesn't have.

We live abroad and at present I don't believe we are going over at Christmas, and I'm really really not keen on sending cash in cards, both ways that time of year, we've had them go missing.

I think the trick to home made gifts is that it needs to be something they will like or use. Other things I'm making, a book sorter to have over the side of the bed, that is a requested one. I'm making my niece a mermaid tail blanket, the sort you actually get in. I'm also making two sets of wooden letters that spell out names but are painted up as roads with markings and bits and cars. It's just these 12 year old boys that I'm stumped with, anything other than money?

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lljkk · 17/08/2016 18:24

Why do you need to send 2 gifts for each 12yo boy?
I have a 12yo boy. He'd most love a lego voucher.

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CodyKing · 17/08/2016 18:30

Mine could do with a head phone stand!! They get crushed and broken!!

Also a PE bag for his sports kit

Maybe bookend for their Xbox games or something soft to put them in? As obviously cases are complicated items to work Hmm

Or - something I haven't found - a bag that would fit a football for them to carry on their backs or bike

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sugarplumfairy28 · 17/08/2016 18:48

lljkk one for Christmas and one for birthday, both have birthdays immediately after Christmas, I don't really like the idea of one present for both. Unfortunately neither are lego boys, which is such a shame, can't beat a good lego set.

Cody a football bag sounds intriguing! Might have to look that one up.

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lljkk · 17/08/2016 19:39

Latest Wimpy Kid book. Some upgrade on Pokemon Go.
Or just wait until November because interests will have changed by then.

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