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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

I need urgent advice on a main present for a 12 year old boy, £150 budget.

29 replies

TheDetective · 19/12/2014 00:01

I'm going through a really traumatic period in my life. Christmas is hardly on my radar, but my 12 year old deserves not to be let down.

His main present hasn't worked out for various reasons, and I need to find him something else tomorrow or saturday.

I'm struggling to even think what I could get him as my mind is just overloaded.

He's got a 32 in TV, xbox, phone, laptop and tablet already. He said to me earlier that he thinks he has too much sometimes. But I want to get him something he will love. I just can't even think.

I've got him turtle beach headphones and xbox live, plus other smaller items. But I'd like something that will cheer him up after the misery we are going through right now.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Mrsgrumble · 19/12/2014 00:03

Good jacket (whatever brand he's into)

Tickets to something ?

MarjorieMelon · 19/12/2014 00:04

A day out?

Original poster
TheDetective · 19/12/2014 00:11

He's just got a new coat, but as most his age, barely wears one!

Tickets would be possible, but not sure what is out there? I'm due a baby in June, have a 2 year old, and just been left by my cheating husband. So tickets for something might be tricky as only me to take him and no childcare available.

A day out would give the same problems as above. My 2 year old isn't old enough to do what the 12 year old would like to do, and there isn't much suitable for them both.

Please keep ideas coming!

OP posts:
PurpleSwift · 19/12/2014 00:13

A guitar?

SaidFlorence · 19/12/2014 00:16

My 12yo ds is getting a go pro camera.

Original poster
TheDetective · 19/12/2014 00:17

He gave up guitar lessons a couple of years ago. Though it might be something he'd like to try. That's a possibility!

Although with 2 young children and neighbours who go mental when I hoover, I'm not sure the noise will go down well!

OP posts:
ClimbingFramePlanningEnquiry · 19/12/2014 00:17

what does he like doing? Is he musical? Arty? Like reading? Sporty?

pinpoint an area of interest, and think outside the box a bit. A first edition, if he is into reading. a signed item/memorabilia if sporty (or into film)?

A decent sketchbook, and a set of quality pencils/pastels/paint if arty?

jimmycrackcornbutidontcare · 19/12/2014 00:18

A camera?
A bike?
Membership to something?
Tickets to a football match?
Sky sports?

ArcheryAnnie · 19/12/2014 00:19

Keyboard with headphones! Quietest instrument ever.

ClimbingFramePlanningEnquiry · 19/12/2014 00:19

a camera id a good one - maybe with editing software, if he would like to make films? Stop motion stuff is endlessly absorbing, and might take his mind off things?

steppeupunderthemisletoe · 19/12/2014 00:21

driving experience (like lessons for teens)

skateboard/stunt scooter etc

remote control helicopter, or even a drone with a web cam (all the rage apparently)

Fathertedismyuncle · 19/12/2014 00:22

A giant beanbag or special chair for him to go on his Xbox on.
Skateboard
Engined go kart (can pick them up on eBay)
Watch
Trainers

Sorry you are having a tough time x

ZeroSomeGameThingy · 19/12/2014 00:28

I rushed past some signed football team memorabilia (photos, players shirts) somewhere in town yesterday. (Possibly Harvey Nichols but poster shops often have them.)

If there are any bands he likes could you pay for tickets for him, a friend and friend's parent?

WildFlowersAttractBees · 19/12/2014 08:35

Driving experience for kids... you go but can take other DC's.
Go Pro Camera's have great deals.
New bike or stunt scooter [my 12yr old has a JD BUG fixed frame].
Electronic drums? (Silent with headphones).

LoveVintage · 19/12/2014 08:58

Would he like to make his abominations? We've got this for ds13

www.amazon.co.uk/HUE-Animation-Studio-Windows-Apple/dp/B0049TQQ1A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1418979410&sr=8-4&keywords=animations

What about a microscope, science kit?

LoveVintage · 19/12/2014 08:59

Argh, animations, not abominations - though might describe them well!

MmeLindor · 19/12/2014 09:05

I am going to be really honest and say 'nothing'.

My feeling is that you are trying to hold everything together, and make everything better, and hoping that by buying him the perfect present that you can make up for your bastard cheating ex.

You can't and you shouldn't try. Your DS said he thinks he has too much sometimes. He doesn't want more stuff. He sounds lovely, btw!

Would you manage a weekend away with them both? Maybe to someplace like Crieff Hydro. No idea whereabout in the country you are, but a nice hotel with pool and kids club, where you can spend time with both DC.

marne2 · 19/12/2014 09:16

Ipod?
Camera?

I do agree with the post above though, I don't think buying a gift is going to change what has happened or make anything better, I'm sure what he would love the most is spending quality time with you and his sibling, to see you smile, have a laugh and enjoy christmas ( although it may be hard ), treat the family to some nice food, maybe a trip to Panto or the cinema, maybe make new traditions to show that you are moving on from the bad times.

ClarkGriswoldschristmastree · 19/12/2014 10:51

As someone up thread said I think really good trainers or really good boots. Nike's or Timberland boots.

I'm really sorry you're having a rubbish time. Try and take care, I hope you manage to have a nice Christmas.

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 19/12/2014 11:50

Absolutely agree with mmelindor - down to the Crieff Hydro point!

I would suggest something around the £25 mark. Tell him you have saved the rest for him and once things have settled down, he and you can agree what it is soent on it he can keep saving it

WinterGloves · 19/12/2014 11:59

An Elgato

I'm not 100% what it actually is or does to be honest, but my 12 year old boy was desperate for one. It's something to do with the xbox, they can record themselves playing a game and watch it back or upload to go youtube or do minecraft worlds or something like that.

9Bluedolphins · 19/12/2014 12:05

This would pay for a day out for him and best mate at a theme park, and give him something to look forward to?

UniS · 19/12/2014 12:45

My lad would want to get rollers ( indoor bike trainer) if he had a choice with that sort of budget.
Is there any sport you lad is keen on , that a bit of kit or tickets for an event might be a good present for him?

ArcheryAnnie · 19/12/2014 12:46

I find, haveing read MMeLindor's post, I agree with her. You already have some lovely things for him to unwrap, and if he already thinks he has too much stuff, use the money to book a day and night away at a hotel for the New Year before he goes back to school (both the 12 year old and the 2 year old will find this exciting) and go to a park and then for a pizza.

(Go on TripAdvisor for a hotel, or look at Premier Inn, DeVere, etc. A twin room will usually put in a z-bed for your 2 yr old.)

momb · 19/12/2014 12:51

He's told you that he thinks he has too much stuff. Do not spend 150 on something he neither wants nor needs just for the sake of it. If you are all going through a tough time then what he really needs is to be noticed: so ask him: tell him that for his present you would like to have a day for just him and you and what woudl he like to do. Spend some of that 150 on a childminder for one day, and do whatever it is in the nect 3 months before you are too uncomfortable.