I have 3 DS that only like computer games. Toys are sooooo last year, Mum. Ideas for presents that don't resemble toys?

[Pinot]

DS1 12
DS2 10
DS3 8

...all are apparently 'too old' for toys. Computer games is the only bit of the Argos book they care about What else can I get them? They have bikes, scooters, skateboards, TV's, CD players... any ideas for boyish prezzies that aren't toys?

My boys are like this, aged 12 & 15, christmas gets harder and harder each year, last year i got them new bag, wallet, quilt cover set, deodrant gift sets, socks, boxers, trainers,

They also like gadgety stuff, got ds2 a talking ATM money bank a couple of years ago, but i broke it so replaced it last year with a digital money jar that counts money as you put it in. Hawkins was good for that kind of stuff also some fun stuff on iwantoneofthose.com, i can usually find something they like

I also get eldest the guiness book of records every year. He loves top gear/cars so any books, dvds to do with them, they usually get a comedy dvd each as well

Are there any clothes that they want that you wouldn't otherwise buy ie a jumper or jeans that maybe cost a little more than you would usually pay.
It sort of makes it special if they know you wouldn't buy it otherwise.

If i think of anything else will let you know

Ooh thank you! I've scribbled down those ideas - just the sort of thing I'm after. Do you think it's a boy thing?

I think so, for a good few years now all they wanted was x-box, Nintendo DS, PSP.. Etc, consoles and games!!

Then last year i decided enough is enough!! I told them they could get a couple of games but i would buy them something different for a change and wouldn't be telling them what i was buying.
Eldest DS is also into skateboarding so got him a carry bag for his board as well as a new helmet.
Ds 2 is taking an interest in rollerblading so might get him some decent skates this year

Girls are so much easier to buy for!!

What about music things? Guitar? Drum pads? John lewis have a tabletop drum kit for about £50. or a pool table thingy? Or gift vouchers for a theme park type place? Or what about vouchers for an experience like junior quad biking, or the hamster ball thing...whatever you have nearby...

Or are they into sports? A rugby shirt or football strip or tickets for a game?

Top Gear annual and Doctor Who Brilliant Book usually go down well.

Best thing I bought for my tomboy DD is a Den Building Kit from the National Army Museum shop (can't do links but google will find you the shop. Well worth considering if you've got a decent sized garden.

How about decent remote control cars or kits for them to build one themselves? It's techy and they get to have fun with the results.

Do they already have digital cameras? MP3 players?

Hawkins bazaar could now be your friend for the next few years.

My ds (10) has been like this the last few years. he is getting a home cinema system this year and a new gaming chair.

His other gifts will be ps3 games, books and clothes.

I'm dreading whgen he hits the teenage years.

See I knew MNers would be wiser than I!!

to all of you

I have this dilemma with my DS (12 in December) so have to buy Christmas and birthday.

I've pre-ordered an Assasins Creed game (due out mid-Nov)
He's got X-Box, Wii, Ninendo DS, mobile phone and digital camera.

TBH, I will buy him X-Box games if that's what he wants. He'll get a stocking of little things for early morning clandestine present rustling (he sleeps in DDs room on Christmas Eve, and it's lovely to hear them quietly trying to make no noise )

DS doesn't think clothes are a real present, chocolate yes, books yes, annuals (Dr Who, Pokemon) yes.

His main birthday present this year will be a Young Drivers driving lesson at Bluewater and a birthday pizza/sleepover.

lof my ds is 11 mid december and really struggle with getting him something for both. Especially since he has grown out of 'toys'

Not sure if it helps but friend's 8 yr old DS is screen obsessed and I refuse to pander to it (evil, wants child to get off his backside emoticon needed :)) Over recent years I have bought him a set of juggling balls and a diablo. If I get him in our 'Secret Santa' draw this year he is getting a devil stick.

A home cinema for an 11 year old Blimey no wonder you're dreading the teenage years... Get him less now then you won't have run out of ridiculously expensive stuff he doesn't have later.

OP - Nerf guns might be an idea - one each! Otherwise what about an experience of some sort? Camping equipment?

my nearly 12 year old has asked for an ipad2 , oh and the 32 one

suddenly moxie dolls don't seem that bad anymore

heh heh pramsgalore :o

Thanks all of you for sharing ideas - I hope this thread is useful to other Mums of boys too :)

Oh Gawd.
I am scared and am now saving manically for the years ahead.
Mine are 7 and 5 and the youngest has only asked for a lunchbox.

Although he is on school meals

I think that when DC start requesting no toys as presents, they are old enough to accept gracefully things like socks, underwear, clothes and toiletries, and other more adult things. Perhaps pinots 8yo hasn't quite grasped this yet!

Ok I'm going to say this but please don't hate me forever if they get into it but...my DS1 really likes warhammer. Little figures you paint, role playing dice game. He is a nerd though, and proud of his nerd status I hasten to add. The reason for the plea not to hate me is because it is really expensive so if they do get into it say goodbye to your wallet! There are also books and PS3/ xbox games to to go with the series and a monthly magazine. If you have a games workshop near by they offer free painting and gaming lessons once the kids are 11. Great way for your DS's to spread they're wings you to get some peace and quiet

Or maybe Electric guitar/ bass guitar.

Tickets to a show/ gig. This is what we have done for the last couple of years for DS1. He went to the top gear show, then to see Tim Minchin and this year he wants tickets for a two night concert at the Albert Hall. He's 17

Scalextric? They do a four car set they could all share?

Remote control car although they also get really expensive when they break or need upgrading.

Trip to a theme park, go karting or a visit to their football teams grounds and a match?

My four year old won't play with any of his toys any more and I want my laptop back so we're getting an X-box Kinect thing. Hopefully will get him off the sofa and my machine!

LOL at girlywhirly getting the DC to gracefully accept socks and pants as presents.

girlywhirly my 8yo definitely wouldn't get the excited present buzz from pants. The fussy git :o

Are any of your boys into stunt scooters? Maybe you can update thier scooters or customize them?

DS1, 10, only wants Xbox games and new bits for his stunt scooter .

A Kinect is a good idea as are Nerf guns, if you are ok with the idea of them. DS1 and 2 (6) have had many a happy hour having Nerf gun 'wars' in our garden....

I'm getting my 42 year old a Lego VW camper van. Can't wait to see his little huge face when he opens it.

How about a pogo stick? My ds (11) loves his. He is also getting past toys. Nerf guns went down well a year or so ago.
A dart board? pen knife? fire starter thing? They can be used with supervision.