Present for unknown 11yr old

[gingernutrichtea]

In Starbucks they have this lovely idea. A Xmas tree is filled of names and ages of children either in care or whose families can't afford presents. You pick a name and drop a present off. I have an 11yr old boy. I was firstly thinking of a skateboard but now I don't know! Are they still cool? Please give any ideas! Would probably be looking to spend around £40/£50 but will pay more if it's awesome.

Thank you*xx

What does your son like ? Personally I think £50 is far too much money it is supposed to be a token gift isn't it

At 11 my ds liked lego. Or tech, which wouldn’t work in this situation. My dd11 would like clothes/ trainers/ books/ cinema vouchers etc

It's not my son I don't have children. It's for children who won't be getting anything/much for Christmas

That’s a lovely idea. I think that’s quite a lot of money as well, but if you’re willing to spend it! Can’t give any ideas although, it’s all football and tech for my 10 yo, but not all boys are such a stereotype as him 😆

My DS is 10. He is getting games for the Xbox (as requested), sports branded clothes (really into addidas), a basketball hoop for outside, the Guiness Book of World Records (standard edition and gamers addition). I have lemon clock, saltwater robot and telescope down as ideas too.

What about a pass or voucher for something like the local cinema?

Just thought I'd add that if you are going for something like a basketball hoop get a freestanding one, not a screw into the wall type one that their parent/guardian might not want to put up.

I would probably go cinema voucher and Guinness Book of World Records,because I think most 11 year olds would be happy with that, it's quite tricky when you don't know what the child is interested in.

I think it's a lonely thing that you're doing , so kind.

Dearie me i totally misread you have a boy from the list not a boy of your own sorry

As a pp said, I think Lego is a good option.

A wallet.?
You can put a little cash in it. Cinema voucher, food place voucher as well. Plus a little note wishing him a lovely Christmas.

I don’t have a son but from my knowledge I’d recommend laser guns, science kits for older children/teenagers, dvd or book collections, hamper of treats/cinema voucher/gift card for shops, Lego, school bag with nice stationary, board game. What a lovely thing to do I’m sure he’ll be very grateful whatever you choose.

A hoodie from Hype or Nike would go down a treat with my 12 year old.

Have a look at iwoot, loads of things you have never heard of.

www.iwantoneofthose.com/gifts/gifts-for-kids.list?pageNumber=6

Maybe go for something practical like a back pack that can be used for school and then add a few propper presents inside.

I'm going to say something horrible now, but it is something I have seen happen. Consider not get anything that can be sold in the pub or cash converters.

I like doing these too and always opt for teens as think they can be forgotten. I wish theyd put I like (( insert whatever )) onnthe back tho. It must be awful being in that situation as a child or adult bwing given a bagful of stuff you arent interested in.

What I do always do op is tuck the gift reciept in somewhere so there is an option to change it just in case.

Cinema vouchers and a nandos card ?

Tough because most 11 year old boys would prefer a present over vouchers. But vouchers are safer. I think Lego is a pretty safe bet. Skateboard is a nice idea though.

What about an Amazon Fire tablet? Bargain price at the moment.

I thought it said 15 for some reason

Lego is probably best. With gift reciept inside.

What a lovely thing to do.

If you did want to get a skate board, SportsDirect do them really cheaply.
Lovely thing to do

I'm surprised by all of the LEGO answers. An 11 year old at primary is very different to an 11 year old at secondary and I subconsciously assumed that he was in secondary based on my kids having Spring/Summer birthdays.

Shame that there aren't any hints to the boy's dislikes and likes.

I suspect that the gifts don't go directly to the child on the card. That's to make it seem more personal, but in reality the gifts probably go to a central place and then are given out by people who know the children and know what each child would like.

So if you give Lego, it'll go to a child who likes Lego. It would be a bit too hit or miss otherwise, unless the child's likes and dislikes were listed on the card.

I agree with another poster a in fashion back pack nike ,adidas,the northface ,hype or like another said a hoodie the same as the back pack.if u get on offer then u could put little gifts in the back pack like someone else said.x

@gingernutrichtea I think this is an absolutely wonderful thing to do. It’s a shame it is necessary in this country but glad there are people like you who are so thoughtful. I too think a nice backpack for school.

To be honest, with that kind of budget, I'd get a kindle fire. They are £30 on amazon atm, and its unlikely these kids have a tablet, and the fire is a good one. A tablet will help them with homework, and stay in with all their friends who have tech with youtube vids and games.

I have an 11 year old boy, and they are all so different. Mine wouldnt enjoy much of what is listed above, but he loves his kindle!