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AIBU?

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Original poster

To give DS clothing as birthday gifts?

33 replies

rabbitheadlights · 03/05/2021 13:41

DS will be 8, he doesn't need anything, he has lots of toys (that he doesn't play with) an Xbox one which is all he's interested in. But he needs clothes that obviously I would need to buy for him anyway I've just ordered a load online, some naice stuff, some trainers, some everyday wear. WIBU to wrap these as gifts for his birthday? When asked what he would like he said an iPhone (not happening) ... I have a few Minecraft bits for him to open but other than that I'm stuck?

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 03/05/2021 13:43

I do it but only with branded things that they want but don't need as non branded would be just as good. For example if DS needs t shirts then I will buy them for him from Primark/ASDA etc if DS wants branded t shirts he has them for his birthday/Christmas. So in summary yes if they are things he wants no if they are just things he needs.

UserAtRandom · 03/05/2021 13:47

I wouldn't if they are clothes you would have bought him anyway if it hadn't been his birthday. I'd only count clothes as gifts if they are more expensive/special than I'd normally buy and/or the DC already has plenty of clothes but wants something extra.

Original poster
rabbitheadlights · 03/05/2021 13:52

Hmm I see your point which is why it's not sitting right and why I asked the question really, but then what do I do? Do I just buy a load of toys that he will be indifferent to that will probably not be played with? There is no way he's having a phone and if you ask him what he wants that's all he says.

OP posts:
iklboo · 03/05/2021 13:57

Could you buy him a couple of items of clothes you know he'll love and maybe a gift card for his Xbox?

Summertime21 · 03/05/2021 13:58

Branded clothes that are extra to what he needs yes, everyday clothes he needs no.

Smartiepants79 · 03/05/2021 14:01

He’s only 8, surely he can come up with something he wants that doesn’t involve a screen? What does he do when he’s not on the x box?
I would perhaps wrap up a couple of the more expensive bits up for presents.

Hellocatshome · 03/05/2021 14:03

If he honestly doesn't want anything get him a few bits to unwrap and give him the money, he cant start saving for a phone if he wants but I guarantee he will find something to spend it on before he saves up enough.

KaleSlayer · 03/05/2021 14:04

If he doesn’t want anything, I’d give him some money.

Hockeyboysmum · 03/05/2021 14:05

Day out somewhere?

PferdeMerde · 03/05/2021 14:05

Why not get him an “experience” gift voucher? Like climbing wall centre or zip wire or a skiing lesson? These places should be opening soon(Or maybe a new game for Xbox
Wrap the trainers. Children love trainers. I wouldn’t bother wrapping T-shirts etc. They’re my not that exciting for a child.

DancesWithDaffodils · 03/05/2021 14:09

Yes, but like others, only if it was special in some way.
So, needs teeshirts =H&M basics usually. Birthday teeshirts = Minecraft or other such treasured branding.

Original poster
rabbitheadlights · 03/05/2021 14:09

@smartiepants79 if he's not on the Xbox he's out climbing trees literally that is his life. He has a brand new top of the range bike that he got for his birthday last year, he's ridden it once! I think the money is probably a good shout but it feels a bit lacking in effort.

OP posts:
kowari · 03/05/2021 14:09

Wrap the trainers. Children love trainers.
Some children love trainers. DS is 15, has never cared about trainers. I agree about giving him an experience voucher though.

Caspianberg · 03/05/2021 14:10

I would but only for things which are extra ‘ special’ ie for your son maybe a mine craft t short instead of a plain basic one.

At 8 there must be something he likes though? A game for garden like giant Jenga or swing ball? Books? Minecraft colouring book with new fancy pens? Football/ gloves? Board game?

Apileofballyhoo · 03/05/2021 14:10

Does he enjoy anything besides the xbox? DS liked minecraft tshirts at that age, also gaming merchandise like mugs, lamps, stationery. Dan TDM, Stampy Cat and Minecraft books. Minecraft Lego. (Liked me or DH to build it with him.)

Caspianberg · 03/05/2021 14:10

If you have trees he can climb in garden could you get a rope ladder/ swing/ den kit for it?

Bul21ia · 03/05/2021 14:11

I would buy clothes OP. Any trainers he’s into I would go for them... I’m a bit of a practical polly though.

Original poster
rabbitheadlights · 03/05/2021 14:11

His clothes I would usually buy from Asda/h&m etc but the ones I've bought are french connection, Jack & Jones, Armani emporium etc

OP posts:
kowari · 03/05/2021 14:12

Is he getting the birthday dinner he wants? Go all out on that to make the day more special?

Mistressinthetulips · 03/05/2021 14:12

Yes "merch" for the favourite game is a good shout

trevthecat · 03/05/2021 14:12

I do. Always have! He's in school uniform all week so I tend to just buy clothes that he would see as a treat anyway. They don't get much wear! But I always buy new underpants and socks too, and wrap them!

kowari · 03/05/2021 14:13

Look for a tree climbing experience with the harness and ropes? Covid willing.

Original poster
rabbitheadlights · 03/05/2021 14:16

We take him out to climb trees as we don't have any in our garden .

@caspianberg I've got him a few bits like a Minecraft periodic table, Minecraft Uno and Minecraft drinks bottle etc but other than that without the clothes I'm stumped.

OP posts:
Pinkycheeks · 03/05/2021 14:18

How about a scooter?

imgoinginsaneinthemembrane · 03/05/2021 14:18

Have you got an indoor rock climbing centre near you. What about a session there ?

Other ideas

A lava lamp
Digital clock
Buzz wire game ( novelty item)
Minecraft Lego? Or might be too easy