Is this an awful present for a 14 year old?

[DobbleBobble]

I have 14 and 8 year olds, both get stockings and (small-ish) Santa presents plus presents / money from family. 14 year old has always been full of Christmas magic, never had a conversation about no Santa, last time he asked was 4 years ago and I just reminded him how much he loves the build up and if he doesn't believe he will lose that (8 year old has never questioned, I don't think she ever had any Christmas magic although she still loves the holiday and is my best bet for watching a Christmas film).

So, scene set, my 14 year old doesn't want anything for Christmas, there are a couple of things he wants but to do with computer games and he is very aware that it's all a rip off and he doesn't really want to spend money on it. He has chocs, a t-shirt and a couple of things he might like plus money and probably a computer voucher from family, but his stocking is quite empty (compared with sisters and previous years) and I'm thinking rather than trying to fill it I put a note from Santa (obviously he knows that is me although we haven't discussed it) saying he's growing up, nice to see he appreciates what he has, stocking a bit empty, no child should be without gifts so hope he likes what has been chosen for him and Santa has given an extra gift of xxx to a child whose family can't treat them like his can.

I feel happy with that and I think he would be but what do you think, is it Christmas ruined for a 14 year old and what on earth do I do instead if it is?

I can't believe that you can't find enough gifts to fill a stocking from Santa. He won't still believe so a note from Santa is only for the benefit of the younger child. Put some extra effort in to finding him bits. Even if you get him things like little quizzes the full family can play etc.

I know it's tough for older boys stockings (girls is a piece of piss in comparison) but could you not do like chocolates, character socks, slippers, undies etc. Smellies... I'll always want my kids to wake up to the feeling of a full stocking at the end of the bed.

I don't think I would. I'd probably just fill the stocking more with things you'd buy anyway (shower gel, deodorant etc)

I think it’s just a bit cringey and random. If you can’t think of enough things to fill a stocking then just have an empty-ish stocking.

But him some stocking presents, for gods sake all the faux Santa thing is ridiculous! He’s 14 not 4! He’s on the verge of adulthood! Can you seriously not think of presents for him? Why can’t he have computer games like every other 14 year old?

I’d do this. As a teen my stocking always has deodorant, a new toothbrush, bath bombs, socks, chocolates etc.
Ive also learnt from friends mistakes- my kids stockings are small! Full from about 5/6 little things. So much easier! Not helpful for a 14 year old sorry!

I think that's a shit idea sorry. To just do it with his presents? Really unfair. I also don't agree with charity donations as presents. Giving to charity is great but don't do it on someone else's behalf unless they've asked you to.

A 14 year old who doesn't want anything for Christmas? You've never had a conversation with him about Santa not being real?

Please don't give him a half empty stocking. That's rubbish.

There's a couple of threads with present and stocking ideas, have a look for inspiration . You can definatlety fill a stocking OP

Yes, it's an awful idea! Fill the stocking with chocolate, sweets, toiletries, socks, a book... it's really not that difficult!

I'd probably just fill his stocking up a bit.

Another t-shirt.
A magazine of crossword/puzzle book.
Socks.
Slippers.
Pants.
Hat.
Ping pong bats and ball.
Equipment for a sport he plays.
Card game.
Smellies.

They're all quite big and take up space.

Buy him the computer game ffs

It does sound awful to be honest. You could get him all sorts of things - selection box, toiletries, mug with some Dr Oetker pudding in a mug or hot chocolate sachets, socks, a hat and scarf, keyring, stationery, slippers, pyjamas - honestly I have a 14 year old and could find 100 items to buy for them.

Yeah it's a bit shit sorry. Throw in some novelty socks, pjs, xbox mug (or whatever platform he uses), chocs, smellies, book/magazines, vouchers, character merchandise or some TV show/film merchandise that he likes.

Older boys are hard to buy for but you can still find stuff for him.

Lynx, slippers, dressing gown, pj's, new bed spread, sweets, giant chocolate, juggling balls, hat, gloves, fun socks, diabolo, card game, bottle of Prime, led lights, hoody...

Loads of options, sometimes Santa needs to find what they want when they don't know.

Does he really not want computer games because ‘it’s all a rip off’ or have you made it clear that’s your opinion, and he’s parroting what he thinks you want to hear?

I agree with the others - get him toiletries and socks and edibles to bulk up the stocking, don’t treat him like a primary school aged child with coy little notes from Santa. And get him a decent Santa present. Do you really only give your kids one small Santa present and their stockings?!

I also can’t believe you can’t find anything to buy - smart shower gel , bath bombs , something for his bike if he has one ( reflective gear / puncture repair kit ) , a mens manicure set , small Lego set , chocolate, STEAM voucher . For larger presents an Oodie , larger Lego kit , age appropriate board game , subscription for a magazine , electric toothbrush or water pik .

Odd socks! Kids bloody love those!

No I think it's mean. Wrap up a £5 in a tin. Choc orange. House Socks. Lynx. Bubble bath. Dried mango slices. Phone charging cable.

I am quite practical / boring with stockings but DS1 who is 15 has in his stockings some smellies (deodorant, hair stuff, shower gel, coke flavoured lip balm), sports stuff he needs for football (football socks, sleeves, skins, as well as everyday pants and socks), a couple of books, an Air Jordan keyring, national lottery ticket, some pens, as well as piles of chocolates and sweets (also put some popcorn and box of sugary cereal in to pad it out!) … I may also put a cinema ticket voucher in.

Not sure if that helps but I try to focus on practical stuff he needs.

Yes thats a rubbish present. I just buy my teen things he needs anyway, shower gel, some nice moisturiser, socks and then consumables like hot chocolate and expensive American cereal I dont normally let him have like Lucky Charms etc

Oh no sorry OP What on earth are you on about he's 14! Banging on about Santa and not believing and writing notes? Giving presents to other children ?

Drop the cringe nonsense please you will be embarrassing him , that's maybe why he's saying he doesn't want anything ?

Like a pp said he's 14 not 4 , this is so strange. I've got a 15 year old he's like a big man child !

Fill it with lynx , shower gel , chocolate , haribos , hot chocolate , jar of Nutella , Nike socks , voucher for Nando's it's not hard in the slightest !!

Yes I always go to B&M and buy crap American cereal that I wouldn't usually but plus quite a few bits from their American candy section. DS loves it as it's usually too expensive to buy every week but nice for a little token gift.

I've picked up some nice ideas just from this thread alone to add to DS's stocking!

Video game merchandise?

Is there any reason you are treating him like a much younger child?

It is a bit cringe. Are you doing this for you or him?

You've had lots of good suggestions OP
Also funky socks/sports socks
Metre long tube of jaffa cakes or Oreos
Annual
Comic
Hand warmers
Phone case