Birthday present for an 8 year old who doesn’t like toys?

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He’s never liked toys, even when he was little. I’ve tried, he likes masking tape and string. But that isn’t a good birthday present obviously!
Considering an iPad but he isn’t massively interested in the idea it’s just a panic last ditch idea and I don’t want to get him something so expensive that he’s not too bothered about! (Though he would definitely use it, he has a switch and uses his brothers tablet atm)
He’s very creative and likes making things but won’t entertain anything aimed at kids, he is quite delayed academically so older
Model making stuff isn’t really appropriate for him to do. He’s ASD and adhd
He asked for a tomato plant but isn’t it the wrong time of year now?
Not particularly interested in Lego etc
If anyone has any ideas at all because I am at a complete loss and only a few days to think of something

Get him a tomato plant.

Gardening set? With seeds & things.
Actually masking tape & strong isn’t the worst present if that’s what he likes. You can get all different kinds of string in colours. Also knot & plaiting books?

If it dies he will be so upset! We live in a flat so it’s have to go on the balcony there’s not much light. I don’t think he’d forgive me if it died

Ooh a knot book is a real good idea he’d love that

It’s fine 90% of my tomato plants live inside next to the french doors or on a window sill. They are surprisingly hardy

What about things like an ant farm, or "grow your own" kits with different veggies in it, or robot building sets, engine building set, something technical. All those sorts of things are fine for 7/8 year olds. My kids started making those solar powered robots at around 6. They love them. They dont really play with them once finished but they like the technical side; making the hydraulic pump and the solar battery and putting it all together.

What about a plant set that are easy to look after. I got a lovely set from little botanicals (John lewis) that are cacti and succulents. I got cheaper versions from sainsburys too.

Does he love outdoors stuff? A den building kit is always a winner here. Take him down a burn or some woods and build some dens.

The butterfly hatching kit is good if he won't mind the releasing them.

My 8yo is also really enjoying origami at the moment. You can buy kits.

Possibly the wrong time of year for plants, especially something like tomatoes.

Does he not like lego, Meccano or similar?

Puzzles
Books
Sketchbook and pens
Rubix cube
Sticker books

Sorry, I can see that you've said he doesn't like lego.

I've just bought mine one of those embossed label makers.

Circus skills toys like a diabolo?

Puzzle eggs from amazon

Marble runs, you can get some more grown up versions

Cactus, harder to kill?

Pop up books, Robert sabuda style, my 8 Yr old loves the Peter pan one

Boppit!

A light up globe

@winewolfhowls a diablo is a great idea!

Something to do with cooking - cookbook or baking set etc?

Check out the website my wicked uncle

Go with what he likes even if it doesn't seem like a good present to you.
I gave a child of a similar age a box of latex gloves, a notebook and clean plastic syringes years ago. (He fancied himself a scientist and also had no interest in kids science kits)
He still talks about the best present ever, ignoring the fortune spent on tech etc for him.
Maybe bring him to Chadwick's and give him a budget?
Obviously no saws etc

Macrame

It’s the perfect time for tomatoes if you can still get one! Mine are going great guns, first fruit just ripening. Would he appreciate a special day out as a gift e.g tickets to Legoland?

Binoculars? Hours of fun zooming in on stuff from your bedroom window when you can’t go out to play!!

How about this kind of modelling clay if he's arty? Doesn't look too child-like. Or a parachute cord kit?

Maybe a 3d pen ?