14 year old DS1 is a nightmare to buy for :(

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He used to be the easy one - Lego , lego and more lego and a pile of books, pair of Pjs a few sweets and job done :)

Birhday & christmas have become increasingly harder as the years go by and lego became less desirable.

DS2 (13) used to be the hard one and now he is easy peasy, he writes a list, wants the moon on a stick :o Basically I can tell him a budget and he lets me know his preferences.

DS1 - has no clue, he doesn't spend any of his money that he gets for birthday or christmas until there is a big thing he wants - there is nothing left that he wants. He has a decent phone, laptop, tv, xbox, ps3. There are no games he wants, he has a bike and two scooters. Has a nook, an ipod and DSi etc that he rarely touches, doesn't want an ipad, doesn't want a ps4, xbox1 or psvita.

He isn't into sport or fashion, loves the scouts and camping - he ended up with a lightweight 1 man tent and bits for his birthday, got his room done up and a double bed etc the year before and is still happy with it.

He loves to swim but pretty much has what he needs.

Experience days are out really as there are very few available within a reasonable distance that he would be interested in or is old enough for.

Books and pjs are still fine and I can usually find a few stocking fillers, but I am loath to just hand him cash as he will simply bank it and whilst that is an admirable quality, i'd like him to get some pleasure from a gift or from spending!

Anyone else in the same boat or have any inspirational ideas?

thanks mum to one - got that last year :(

Educated, the cheaper versions that my two have are pretty comfortable - i've had a go lying on one on a wooden floor and it was still comfy - they are a bit bulkier and weightier I think but they haven't had to carry them too far yet. Younger son has a 3/4 length one as we got it when he was a lot smaller, but it still does the job. They tend to be in a tend with a few others so I don't think heat in general is too much of an issue given the hot hair from their chat and the inevitable farting!

Thanks mumtoone I now know what ds2 is getting for xmas :)

Just a few ideas-

Outdoor beanbags for in the garden
The Sims 4 for pc?
a new camera- (could be good for taking pics at scouts stuff etc)
magazine subscription
a bbq - could be good for him to cook everyone burgers in the garden in the summer
wreck this journal if you think he will do it
does he have a really good coat etc- north face ones are brilliant
PGL holidays are really good if he likes his scouts camps- they do an indiana jones type one but they also do a gaming/programming type one
some diving lessons or even scuba could be good if he likes swimming
I know you said no to experience days but how about swimming with sharks- most aquariums do it for around £200 and I know some boys his age who did it and bragged about it for ages
a big pack of grey/black t-shirts is a winner with some teens as although you say he doesn't like fashion, quality t-shirts from american apparel are really nice and soft
trainers
steel toe boot things for hiking
waterproof silver watch
expensive fountain pen or luxury rollerball- something like mont blanc but not as pricey for doing homework etc
I guess he has a back pack for scouts but what about a leather satchel for school?
really expensive head torch
swiss army/penknife kit like this one - shop.topboats.com/tienda/accesorios/navajas_cuchillos/navajas-victorinox/multiherramientas-oficial/multiusos-victorinox-tipo-oficial-grande/victorinox-expedicion-kit?gclid=Cj0KEQjw1s-gBRCKwOKQ1sWonvsBEiQA8qALFTFycw_LcE-2F8HnfjsurLb9ccMVfaD0Vz2EG_l8mAcaArY98P8HAQ
what food does he like, a hamper of food such as nandos sauces and marinades could please a chicken lover, american and retro candy and oreos for a sweet tooth and coffee beans and syrups for a coffee lover?
have you looked on i want one of those - something like this could work-
www.iwantoneofthose.com/gift-home-office/led-showerhead/10767965.html or even this www.iwantoneofthose.com/gift-novelty/nothing-for-the-person-who-has-everything/30000870.html

Wow! Thanks for that list MARGUERITE18 that was a lot of work!

I'm not against experience days, it's just that there are rarely any that are within a reasonable travelling distance of where we live. he would love scuba or something like that- I will look into whether there are any facilities to do that near enough.

He already gets a few magazines and uses his phone for pictures but he has played some Sims games before so i'll suss that out.

That journal thing looks interesting - not sure if he'd do it but i'll definitely look at it.

The only PGL nearby just does the more basic courses and he has been with school.

I think a nice watch might go on the list - thanks! and maybe a better head torch too. :)

He has a decent Jacket and boots and a drawer full of t-shirts and a good knife and multi tool.

A food hamper would be nice - he has some food issues but I'm sure I could come up with a good one- he would kill for crisps :)

Thanks again.

I've got 2 lads aged 14 & 15, neither of them has anything that they really want or need as a main present this year. We've just booked a Centre Parcs break for Feb half term as a big family present. The boys can choose a couple of activities to do and I can laze about in a spa. We normally have one sunshine holiday a year, so an extra holiday in half term is something they both seem really chuffed with.