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What to buy for a very outside loving loner 11 Yr old who has zero interest in gaming or football?

48 replies

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:18

My gorgeous and always interesting son who's soon to turn 11. I've already looked at buying a whittling set and he has owl pellet disection kits. Any ideas please 🙏

OP posts:
ViscountessMelbourne · 27/04/2024 16:20

Membership of a zoo/RSPB/National Trust or whatever local site suits him.

PinkGrapefruitSorbet · 27/04/2024 16:21

Maybe one of those bird boxes with a camera inside so he can watch what lives there? My DS liked really complicated Lego at that age (and still now a few years older, in fact!). Or tickets to something like a musical or comedy?

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:21

I was thinking of something like that from the grand parents.we already have english heritage .

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Mynewnameis · 27/04/2024 16:22

Binoculars and bird book. Bird feeders

Experience type thing with animals

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:22

@PinkGrapefruitSorbet never mind him, I'd love one of those!!! Seriously though it's a great idea. Thanks you

OP posts:
BonzoGates · 27/04/2024 16:23

Give him a patch of garden to sow and provide seeds and gardening books/tools

Acunningruse · 27/04/2024 16:24

Forest school party with his friends?
Outdoor activity session- paddle boarding, canoeing or climbing? Or equipment for similar?
Not very seasonal but new coat or gilet?
Pen knife?
Bike?

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:24

I'm loving these suggestions. It makes me realise how similar I am to my son!!

OP posts:
brightblueskies80 · 27/04/2024 16:25

A decent microscope or telescope?

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:26

Penknife (chefs kiss)

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BamberGirl · 27/04/2024 16:26

Metal detector

WaterDroplet · 27/04/2024 16:27

@BamberGirl he has one. So does his little brother. His Dad is a big detectorist and won't let them touch his Garret!!

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HopeSpringsInfernal · 27/04/2024 16:29

How about a camera?

SewingBees · 27/04/2024 16:30

I came on to suggest a den kit. My daughter has one and loves it.

pyjamarama · 27/04/2024 16:30

Fancy compass and map case? Metal detector? Is he into geocaching?

Tumbler2121 · 27/04/2024 16:32

Inflatable canoe or paddleboard if there is a water park any where near you

MigGirl · 27/04/2024 16:33

So DD is very outdoorsy, does he od scouts or similar?

She has had, the den building kit as above. Tents (yes 2) sleeping bag, pen knife, flint and steel for fire lighting and most recently a personal camping stove (similar to a jet boil), a nice compass.
She's into camping as you can see, I help with scouts and all these can be used by a 11 year old, some needing supervision of course.

SaffyWall · 27/04/2024 16:34

Maps! You can get personalised OS maps with your home (or any other post code) as the cenral point. They make a lovely gift.

PeppermintParty · 27/04/2024 16:44

Does he like any sport other than football? Perhaps swingball or a basketball hoop if you have a garden.

OmniPresents · 27/04/2024 16:45

At that age DS loved a present of some local orienteering maps, compass and a clear plastic wallet thing that you wear round your neck to put the maps in when you're orienteering. We also have a junior club nearby so he went out with them.

Petalpup · 27/04/2024 16:47

I made mine a firefighting kit-a flint & steel thing, some kindling, a little firebowl plus marshmallows and roasting forks

Solgrass · 27/04/2024 16:47

Archery set

MissBedelia · 27/04/2024 16:48

Solgrass · 27/04/2024 16:47

Archery set

These are great. Look in decathlon

menopausalmare · 27/04/2024 16:48

Metal detector