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Original poster

£30 gift for a 15 year old boy that I know nothing about. Help?!

48 replies

YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 12:33

Our town does a "giving tree" every year for children who are cared for/in care/supported by social services department.

DS picked a 15yo boy to buy for, we know absolutely nothing about him or his circumstances except his age and have a maximum budget of £30.

DS would like to buy him a cool Hot Wheels car but eventually took in when I explained that a lot of 15 year olds wouldn't be into those so now he's at a loss as am I!

My thinking was something practical and something fun but I'm struggling with the fun part. I've seen a boxed Bench (plain black) hat and scarf set, maybe the big Lynx tin that's half price in Tesco which would leave me with £15.

Also considered a Kindle Fire but that requires WiFi and an account which may not be readily available.
Shopping vouchers are out because they might need to travel which may not be practical.
Chocolate is out incase of allergies etc etc.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 02/12/2018 12:44

I would go with a pair of nice headphones.

Mobile charger - Primark or Amazon do shaped and novelty ones.

A backpack/pencil case? Maybe hype or converse lots of teenagers round here wear those brands.

A game like exploding kittens? There's more by the same company too.

Maybe as a compromise for you ds a small collectible car? You can get fancy small sports cars etc. Should only cost a few pounds.

SleepySofa · 02/12/2018 12:48

Just got our 14 year old nephew a Tommy Hilfiger t shirt from amazon for £25.

dancemom · 02/12/2018 12:49

Can you explain why vouchers aren't suitable?

HollowTalk · 02/12/2018 12:49

I agree with a backpack. Some boys are sporty and some not, so you'd have to decide which you went with, but hopefully those deciding who gets what will know their interests. Headphones would be good, too. I think something they can take to school as their Christmas presents would be good.

Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 12:52

Hmm. You're basically rhyming off the things I'd already though of and discounted for various reasons. Maybe I'm overthinking this?

Headphones, might not have a gadget to use with.
Charger - as above.
Backpack/pencil case - too boring and practical as most likely already have.
T-Shirt - no idea on sizing.

Exploding kittens was one I've seen mentioned but haven't played, is it actually worth £20?

OP posts:
Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 12:55

@dancemom - my logic is that they can live in any part of our county which is basically the Highlands so there aren't many large shopping areas that don't require a pricey train/bus trip.

I have absolutely no idea, I guess I keep thinking worst case scenario when actually it's probably a kid with everything who has fallen on rough times!

OP posts:
dancemom · 02/12/2018 12:56

How about an Amazon voucher then? Even if they don't have WiFi / laptop / any online facility they would at school / friends / library?

HollowTalk · 02/12/2018 12:59

I would assume they have Wi-Fi. Even my 88 year old mum has it!

Desmondo2016 · 02/12/2018 13:02

I'm not sure if you're picturing this poor boy living in some kind of Victorian orphanage!

Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 13:04

Well no, I'm thinking more a family having a tough time paying bills and WiFi may not be a priority right now.

I know we've been there but thankfully kids were too small to ask for it then!

OP posts:
Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 13:07

It's just hard when I've no comparison I guess, my DS is also a teen but he has ASD so I've no comparison really.

He won't use a smartphone because he likes the physical click of buttons and only plays with/collects Hot Wheels cars, has zero interest in what he wears and doesn't socialise so I'm clueless about "cool" brands etc.

OP posts:
Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 13:08

Oops, thought I deleted that first sentence Blush

OP posts:
VioletCharlotte · 02/12/2018 13:10

I've got teenage boys. If you don't want to give vouchers, I'd go for -
A set of Lynx spray, shower gel, etc
Men's 'lounge wear'/pjs
Socks - my DS likes the white nike ones, about £10 for 3 pairs

Are you allowed to just give cash? 17 year old DS said if it was him, that's what he'd prefer!

countrybunny · 02/12/2018 13:17

I like the kindle fire Id. Clothes you won't know his size so that's out

bookmum08 · 02/12/2018 13:24

Do you know if he is likely to be living in a foster home or care home or hostel? If you are unsure I would go for items that don't need tech or large amount of batteries. He may not have access to tech (wifi etc) or have the means to get more batteries. He could be frequently moved around so nothing big or has lots of pieces that could get easily lost or left behind. I would maybe go for something like a nice notebook/sketchbook and stationary - even boys like these and it would be used for school as well. Maybe a novel. 15 is tough because some are still into Wimpy Kid and others onto 'grown up' stuff. Maybe go for one of the easy to read adult books like Da Vinci Code sort of stuff. Lynx etc yes. What 15 year old boy doesn't want lynx. Nice Chocolates. Get a nice gift box (Card Factory does loads)to put it all in. Are you allowed to put a note in? If so maybe get a little Hot Wheel car (they are only £1) too with a note saying this is what your son especially wanted to get him. The personal touch may really make a difference to the boy.

MrDonut · 02/12/2018 13:31

How about winter accessories like a scarf and hat? Obviously some cool brand or something.

Geepee71 · 02/12/2018 13:34

A hoodie, zip up or over head, in medium or large size. Branded if possible.

Original poster
YerAuntFanny · 02/12/2018 13:38

Those were my worries about tech also worried about multi-player games aspect when care can be quite isolating @bookmom08.

I have no idea about his situation, just that he is somehow supported by Social Work and is 15. I don't even know his name or which part of the county he resides.

I had thought about the Lynx tin (it's quite a large rectangular tin which I thought could be useful for a foster kid moving around or for some little private things, photos etc), maybe a deck of cards and game book which can be played alone or with others.

Also like the idea of sketch pad/stationary :)

OP posts:
TwoBlueFish · 02/12/2018 13:40

Black over head hoodie in small men’s size, Nike, Adidas or something similar. I’m getting exploding kittens for my 14 year old this year.

frogsbreath · 02/12/2018 13:41

There's a lot to be said for having a bag or hoodie, beanie or other normal accessory from a good brand as opposed to the cheapest around which is all some parents can afford.

A good backpack for £20 filled with pens/highlighters/paper from the works or similar perhaps?

A toiletry bag filled with antiperspirants and hair wax etc?

Things as a teenage girl I never had were the every day things for other people

CovenofMiLsfromHades · 02/12/2018 13:41

I'd go for a couple of small things, chocs, lynx and a voucher. Agree the hotwheels plus note would be nice if you are allowed to do that.

MyDcAreMarvel · 02/12/2018 13:42

I would get the kindle it’s uncdinly unlikely he won’t have WiFi.

Becles · 02/12/2018 13:43

Getting my nephew of the same age £20 Nando's voucher as requested.

MrDonut · 02/12/2018 13:46

Kindles are kind of crap though if you don't have Amazon Prime. My kids had one but were frustrated by the lack of apps and Youtube didn't work very well on it.

I'd get him a bunch of smaller things and hopefully he will like some, if not all. There's no way of knowing what he'd like so just get what you think and try not to worry about it too much.

justme28 · 02/12/2018 13:46

What about a drone?

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