Bday gift for screen-obsessed 10yo

[Cocacolathanks]

Hi Mumsnetters,

First of all - really sorry for posting this in AIBU! It is mostly for the traffic and also because I’m on my phone and couldn’t find a more suitable forum - very sorry!

I was hoping for some gift ideas for a 10 year old with an unhealthy obsession with screens (if he’s not playing games on a phone, he’s sat in front of an Xbox).

He’s a very close relative and a lovely boy but I feel like he hasn’t been given the chance to enjoy other things, like a good old book!

Could you suggest some birthday gift ideas that might appeal to him and help him branch out a little more? Whether it’s a book, a board game or something else - hoping you guys can help!

Thank you!

Hobby drone

Outdoor toys - Super Soaker?

Audio book gift for his phone? Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver? You buy gifts on Apple but I'm not sure about Audible.

Activity day out? Like paintballing or a helicopter ride

If he hasn't read them the Percy Jackson or Artemis Fowl books are good reads for boys his age.

Books!
Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different is inspiring.

There are so many excellent series for children that age. Has he discovered Harry Potter yet?
Magnus Chase
Percy Jackson

If he's a reluctant reader perhaps graphic novels such as Hilo series, Tin Tin, Marvel, Asterix. Even something a bit "young" for him like Tom Gates, to sow the seed of enjoying books?

With board games you need to be sure he has someone who will take the time to play them with him - Monopoly, Cluedo, Scrabble.. all the classics. Or chess, draughts, backgammon.

I do feel his parents are doing him a disservice allowing that much screen time (I may be slated for expressing that opinion, I realise). My son would spend all day and night on screens but the fact is we allow 1 hour a day and are VERY strict about that. He's a huge reader and player of board games and also loves construction (lego, K-nex, meccano).

There are graphic novel versions of the Percy Jackson books so those might work if not the actual books. In terms of board and card games mine like Uno, Fluxx, Sushi Go, King of Tokyo and Munchkins. You can get Monopoly in different versions - there is a Pokemon one and a Mario one I think. Also there’s a Harry Potter Scrabble and other Harry Potter board games, if he like Harry Potter. My 11 year old is still into Lego if that’s an option. Mine also like footballs, drones, cricket sets, even boules and croquet.

Just to add I help with reading at the school and children are generally reading one of: Harry Potter, Tom Gates, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, David Walliams, David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell or Rick Riordan. Also the Mortal Engines books.

Maybe he doesn't like books. My DS would never read despite us trying every book style possible and spending time reading with him. Unless you know he would actually read a book then don't buy them for him - a wasted present.

A trampoline park voucher.

Do you have a local board game cafe? Take him there for his birthday and try out some games - find some he likes and then you'll have options for Christmas!

I recommend Ticket To Ride or Castle Panic for that age, although it depends what he's into, obviously.

Thank you for all the fantastic ideas! I’m looking into some of them now. Special thank you for all the book recommendations! It’s been a while since I explored children’s literature so I was a bit out of touch. And I’d never even heard of a board game cafe until today! Interesting stuff.

keepaddingpets
Truth be told, he’s not currently a keen reader but I feel like that’s because he’s rarely introduced to any books outside of school and his reading level seems to be a little below the average. He can read fluently but it takes him longer to understand the text so some school books are out of his reach at the mo. But good point! Not everyone enjoys books, of course.

hippospot
No I absolutely agree. He could and does sit in front of a screen all day if you let him. During the school hols he’d be in front of a screen from 9am to 11pm and he’d only get up for a packet of crisps, toilet break or screen swap!!! I’ve tried bringing it up gently but it hasn’t gotten anywhere and I don’t want to look too intrusive or meddling.

Manga drawing books

A Fitbit watch, a gadget that promotes fitness

My 10 year old son loves the books mentioned above and Lego! Always has and always will I think. Lego Lego Lego it's all he wants. You coukd get him a set that interests him and is his agebracket.

Thanks Whoops75!

SurfingGiantess, many people have mentioned Lego on MN but I’ve never actually looked into the appeal! Might try this out and see what it’s all about

During the school hols he’d be in front of a screen from 9am to 11pm and he’d only get up for a packet of crisps, toilet break or screen swap!!

I know this thread is about presents but that is appalling. That poor child.

mintandthyme

Believe me, it makes me so uncomfortable when I’m visiting (I live quite far away now but used to be very close and visited regularly, pretty much daily). Sometimes I’d visit for the day and he’d be holed up in his bedroom in front of the Xbox, I would see him for 5-10 minutes when he’d come downstairs for a (usually unhealthy) snack. It’s really sad and I feel he’s missing out on a healthy childhood.

Tickets to see DanTDM live? (If he likes DanTDM)

A football? He may hate it but I have a just 10 year old who is pretty fond of screen time but loves to kick a ball about. I fear he is probably addicted to the screens now though.

Books that are connected to gaming could be a good way of 'crossing over' to the world of reading. Guiness Book of Gaming Records type thing. There are loads of minecraft/roblox /Pokemon etc books out there.
And yes Lego. Some of the Creator 3 in 1 sets might seem a bit more 'grown up' than the City/Character ranges.

Lego boost. You build it then control it from you iPad. It might be close enough to his current interests to entice him to try something new.