What can DS collect that isn't football cards?

[holidayfever2024]

Slightly random topic I know ! My DS (11 and just started secondary) loved collecting the premier league / match attax football cards with his pocket money and supplemental cash from gifts and grandparents the last few years but this year we are trying to discourage him from the habit.
The cost adds up and we ended up with him often opening a pack and just not being very interested in the contents unless there was something pretty rare inside. He must have spent a fortune and I keep trying to encourage him to spend his money more wisely - but on what ? He has birthday money left from the summer and doesn't really know what to spend it on - there are a few things he wants but they may well end up Christmas gifts.

If you have a similar aged football mad DS what do they like to spend on ?

My Dad collected football player signatures by sending off requests and a stamped addressed reply envelope.

No idea if the players nowadays are as kind and thoughtful. But might be worth trying one two ....maybe Marcus Rashford to start with - he always seems a sound guy!

Thanks @Feelingstrange2 I know he would love that , I wonder if they do still respond to things like this. It's all so depressingly commercial.

DD saved her Christmas and birthday money as she didn't know what to buy with it, now she's 15 she uses it to go to Costa or out with her friends, buys CDs or books and doesn't have to rely on pocket money like her friends do as she has years of birthday money to use. She's sensible though and saves as well but there is no need to spend it just because it's there.

If you want something football related, what about tickets to matches even if it's your location tea rather than 'his' team. You can get them super cheap for women's or second team matches here

I know. My Dad's 83! He started when he was at school. He says they were gentlemen back then and it went through a phase in the 1990s when they would charge for charity.

He has dementia now so, sadly, cannot tell me anymore than I already know.

One thing I do remember him saying was that he would watch for up and coming players and ask them before they too famous, so maybe try writing to his local club first? They maybe less precious!

Thanks your DD sounds very sensible with her money - mine was for a while but had suddenly started getting interested in clothes and skincare / make up.

Back to DS he has held on to birthday money but it's more just those little 'treats' so when his sister buys a lip gloss with her pocket money he wants football cards. Or he got a glowing school report and we want to get him a treat etc.
gosh it sounds like such a small problem but it causes frustration on all sides as we say no constantly and it maybe makes them even more appealing !
He is a bit of a spendthrift and we do encourage saving as well but the odd treat is understandably something he would like !