Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Christmas

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

Original poster

In despair, what to buy a nearly 15 year old who claims he doesn't want anything for Christmas?

74 replies

Dumbledoresgirl · 09/12/2017 19:48

He isn't my only problem child. I have an older son who never wants anything either, but he at least has a hobby we can occasionally buy things for.

Nearly 15 year old has no hobbies, no interest in music, fashion, sport, books, nothing.

He sits on his computer most of the time, playing games. He has a headset for the computer. His games are all online, not the sort you can buy.

He has a slight interest in his appearance, nothing exceptional, but I am just trying to think of anything to say about him in case it triggers any ideas.

I am sick to the back teeth of trying to wheedle ideas from him. TBH, I am sick to the back teeth of this whole present buying issue we get twice a year at Christmas and birthday, but I am trying to stay upbeat and pleasant when I speak to him. Why bother you might ask. Well, only because he has other siblings who do have things they want, and I can't give them presents but not give him (and his older brother) anything.

Any generic ideas?

OP posts:
babymouse · 09/12/2017 19:49

Cash ;)

FastandLoose · 09/12/2017 19:50

Nothing?

Redken24 · 09/12/2017 19:50

Buy him smelliez, aftershave, bag, clothing voucher, online game voucher, new trainers etc

FastandLoose · 09/12/2017 19:50

Online game voucher? (Slightly more helpfully)

MyBrilliantDisguise · 09/12/2017 19:50

I would wrap up some chocolates, a top, toiletries and then give hard cash.

Knittedfairies · 09/12/2017 19:55

Pound coins frozen in ice... cold, hard cash.

PrincessoftheSea · 09/12/2017 19:55

I have one of those and have bought him clothes, designer sun glasses, a family board game and theatre tickets.

LoveYouTimMinchin · 09/12/2017 19:55

Despair? Hmm

Give him £50 in tenners wrapped around 5 small stocking fillers and then wrapped in festive paper. No danger of the plastic notes ripping when he undoes the Christmas paper = 2017 bonus.

DancingLedge · 09/12/2017 19:56

Cash in savings account, towards the inevitable computer upgrade.

MirandaWest · 09/12/2017 19:58

I have a similar thing with 14 year old DS (who also had his birthday less than a month ago so does legimately feel he doesn't know anything he wants). Have thought of some ideas for him but extended family members also want ideas!

We're getting him a tassimo coffee maker (as he likes coffee and no one else here drinks it) and a driving experience thing.

Think I'll suggest money to other people asking for him Grin

Original poster
Dumbledoresgirl · 09/12/2017 20:12

Dictionary definition of despair: 'the complete loss or absence of hope'.

Yep, that describes how I feel.

About finding my son a suitable gift to match the gifts I have bought his siblings.

Not about anything else though, don't worry. Smile

Just to clarify, I need ideas not just for me to give, but for my parents, and the various siblings. I think I will see if I can find a suitable jumper for my parents to give him even if it does sit in the wardrobe forever

Re smellies, have anyone any recommendations for hair gel and maybe something for his spotty skin? He isn't really into smellies like shower gel, and he isn't quite ready for shaving, but he does seem a tad obsessed with his hair, and he does have awful skin at the mo

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 09/12/2017 20:19

I have an 18yo son like this (and no, I'm not going to get him an 18yo girl Xmas Grin )

Money , my DS saves.
He got a big TV (early) for his BDay.

DH got tickets for them to see a TV show they both like.

Money for his main gifts (he's as happy as Larry)

Few 'openable' things , clothes, smellies, sweets.

Council · 09/12/2017 20:29

I have a DS like this but I see it as a blessing and I sign of excellent parenting Grin It doesn't make me sick or cause anything close to despair.

DS1 is having:

  • his phone upgraded (which he didn't ask for but will be he gets a bit more data)
  • Some t-shirts and a hoodlie (which I'd have bought anyway as it's the only way he ever has anything presentable to wear)
  • Some toiletries (ditto)
-Some books needed for his school work (ditto)
  • Some "luxury" food and drink bits

When other people ask what he'd like I say "I know it's really boring but an Amazon voucher for his music and gaming downloads would be really appreciated, wrap it with a selection pack if you like!"

Council · 09/12/2017 20:32

Oh, Oh, Oh, I know about teenage spotty skin! As in pimples, not "acne".

The Neutrogena Grapefruit face wash. DS forgot to pack it when we went away at HT and within days his skin was awful. Within a couple of days of getting home, his skin was clear again. DS is having a new one in his stocking Grin

Scabbersley · 09/12/2017 20:36

An experience day?

It would drive me mad having a child with no interests except gaming, sorry. Isn't there any way you can push him a bit out of his comfort zone?

IrritatedUser1960 · 09/12/2017 20:38

Amazon voucher. I always get my son one as his interests change like the wind and he knows exactly what he wants.

oursofas · 09/12/2017 20:38

What about the merchandise that goes alongside whatever games he plays? Hoodies, mugs, board games, keyrings, posters etc.

Whishkeeey · 09/12/2017 20:42

I'm with you, OP. My teenage son (gaming addict with very few other interests) has said he 'has got all the tech/gaming stuff he wants right now and doesn't have any ideas for a main present.

I can't even give him cash, as he has zero money management skills and won't save it for something decent - it'll go on junk food and absolute rubbish (he has ASC and is still getting to grips with delaying gratification! Grin).

I'm at a loss...

NC4now · 09/12/2017 20:42

Both my boys are hard to buy for.
For other people I suggest vouchers - DS1 iTunes, DS2 Game. They add up.

From me they get things like:

Fatface pyjama bottoms (the best around!)
Hoody
Travel mug for school run coffee.
Fancy food stuff
Big chunky slipper socks
Wireless speakers
Alarm clock
Lamp

Those kind of things.

Whishkeeey · 09/12/2017 20:45

And for my DS, 'pushing him out of his comfort zone' is an ongoing project. Very tough. Gaming is his happy/safe place.

Amazon vouchers is a good idea, though. I might go with that.

hashtagelfie · 09/12/2017 20:46

Jumpers/t shirts related to the games he likes to play.

USB mug warmer/coaster

Mug - gaming themed one obviously

Kit30 · 09/12/2017 20:52

First world problems!Grin
Are there any cons he'd like to go to or how about a cheap city break as a family outing?

walnutwhip88 · 09/12/2017 20:53

It's a bit insensitive to get him spot cream :/ I'm sure he'll be happy with chocolates and cash, and things like jumpers/underwear

Original poster
Dumbledoresgirl · 09/12/2017 20:56

Yes, it drives me mad about the lack of interests too. He does play tennis, to be fair. He plays once a week. And he enjoys surfing when we can get to the coast. I didn't want to mention it though as I didn't want to give the impression he is sporty. Plus, whatever he needs for those sports, he has already.

You have my full sympathy and understanding Whishkeey. My son isn't really even the sort to wear hoodies, and things like trainers, well, he really doesn't care. He has a pair of trainers. He has no interest in another pair. He is that kind of kid.

Oh and the spots? I think they are acne really. I don't really think that kids should put anything on to their spots unless medically prescribed, but I don't mind giving ds something if it is recommended here as being the sort of thing teenage boys 'think' is making things better, iyswim?

OP posts:
LoveYouTimMinchin · 09/12/2017 21:53

Or if you are richer/posher than me, 5 x £20s wrapped around the stocking fillers.

Swipe left for the next trending thread