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Original poster

DS. Almost 14 won't tell me a single thing he wants for Christmas. Help me

62 replies

WishingIDidnot · 08/12/2018 09:21

His birthday is December too.

He likes gaming so for his birthday have got him a gaming chair, headphones, 2 games he wants (gonna look crap wrapped up but they were 50 quid each Shock ) and some small bits.

Now for Christmas he won't tell me a thing.

He says he doesn't want anything as he has everything he needs

Which is lovely and sweet and unexpected from a teenager but also incredibly frustrating as a present buyer.

He used to read but he just cares about gaming now Sad

He isn't into clothes.
Not into music

He says he doesn't want money as that's sad at Christmas.

I'm pulling my hair out.

I need suggestions please

OP posts:
OneStepMoreFun · 08/12/2018 11:53

My two were the same at that age. they are just crossing over from children to teens and not sure what they like yet.

You could get him:
a remote controlled massage mat for the gaming chair.
popcorn machine
toastie maker (I got one for DC at that age and they loved it. made toasties every morning for two years until it died.)
Tickets to a gaming convention or live gaming performance (they actually exist!)
A onesie
Light aftershave (Hollister Socal is nice for that age group)
Abook about the history of gaming or how to code and design a game or storyline it (if he's interested in the behind the scenes stuff)

KnightlyMyMan · 08/12/2018 11:54

OP - give him money - put what you would have spent into an account for him.

I’m in my mid twenties now but when I was a teen 13-18 - money from birthdays and Christmas gave me some independence. It was much more appreciated than stuff I didn’t really want or need. I personally think that 13-18 window is totally acceptable to give cash - even if you have a Saturday job you earn next to nothing xx

junebirthdaygirl · 08/12/2018 12:05

Keep back one of the games for Christmas. He will have something to get excited about. Then just clothes he needs but isn't thinking about but will suddenly panic at the last minute if there is a party and he has nothing new to wear. And vouchers for where he hangs out with his friends.
Or gym membership.

BeanBagLady · 08/12/2018 12:07

That’s a huge amount for his birthday.

I would hold back one of the games for Christmas, and maybe get him an item of cool clothing.

I bulk out teen presents with things like a box of favourite cereal that I normally ban (e.g Reeeces Puffs), bottles of pop etc.

n0ne · 08/12/2018 12:43

This is what Firebox.com is for (no, I don't work for them!)

blackcat86 · 08/12/2018 12:51

DSS is similar. I've got him a hoodie, some t shirts, selection boxes, tin of oreos, cash in a card.

Skyejuly · 08/12/2018 12:53

Mines got a Costa voucher
Poster for room
Wallet
Popcorn maker

Clutterfreeintraining · 08/12/2018 12:54

Tickets for a comedian?

Bumbumtaloo · 08/12/2018 12:57

My two are younger but my eldest has a Christmas birthday. This year my mum is getting them a few bits to open - socks, pants etc my two love getting underwear for some reason and then they are getting an IOU foe a present/day out or money towards a big ticket item. Could you do something like that for him?

Dumbledoresgirl · 08/12/2018 12:59

I have / have had 3 teenage boys, exactly the same. Every year, for years.

In your case, I would split the birthday presents between Christmas and birthday. Or at least, split the games.

Then give him clothes he needs as other gifts. I get he isn't in to fashion, neither are mine, but he still needs to wear things. Successful clothes for mine have been fluffy dressing gowns, sheepskin slippers, novelty Christmas slipper socks, basically anything cosy they can hunker into while in front of the computer.

And, if really desperate, Steam vouchers.

Penguinsetpandas · 08/12/2018 13:02

I give both mine cash as its what they prefer as well as a few presents.

OnGoldenPond · 08/12/2018 17:09

Action Man deserter

Serin · 08/12/2018 17:29

I hear you. Things that have gone down well with mine;
Risk board game.
Diablo toasty maker thing.
Magic the gathering cards/events.
Ski dome lessons.
Climbing wall lessons.
Hoodies (nasa)
A massive pannettone.
Cool rucksack.

ihearttc · 08/12/2018 18:39

DS1 is 13(nearly 14) and is equally as difficult to buy for.

He is getting:
Steering Wheel for his xbox
Drone
Forza for xbox
Echo Dot

Plus some aftershave (he actually does have to shave already!) so he asked for some nice stuff.

In his stocking he's got 2 cans of drink which he loves but is from the US, American Sweets, Deodarant, Body Wash and some more boxer shorts plus a Costa voucher and some Fifa Points

Cachailleacha · 08/12/2018 18:44

You've bought loads for his birthday - can't you save some of it back?
This. One £50 game would be a main present here.

Snog · 08/12/2018 18:51

Micro loan gift voucher seems like a fun take on a charity gift because the recipient can choose who to make the loan to 😊

lendwithcare.org/gift-vouchers

Snog · 08/12/2018 18:52

Or an escape game voucher?

FluffyMcCloud · 08/12/2018 18:53

Ive bought my 14 year old a mini fridge for his room. My brother has bought him a Bluetooth speaker to connect his phone to and my sister has bought him an enormous hamper of chocolate.

thesockgap · 08/12/2018 23:11

My 14yo really didn't ask for much either but is getting:
A game for his Xbox
Control freek buttons for Xbox controller
3 DVDs of films that were out this year and one latest box set of a series he likes
New trainers
4 X Pop vinyls of various things he likes
Mug and annual of his favourite football team
Aftershave
Branded polo shirt

Think I may still get him one or two more bits but that's the bulk of his presents 🎁

Zoflorabore · 09/12/2018 06:51

My ds is 15. His list was tiny. A pair of new Turtle beach headphones for his Xbox one, tickets to two away games ( Premier league football team ) a book for school! And two Under Armour tops.

He's also got-
A mini fridge for his room
A wet and dry shaver ( he's been shaving since 14 )
Aftershave
Fortnite T shirt with dance moves on
Fortnite cushion
Fortnite sign for door- personalised
Fortnite book
Football Astro boots
Gym clothes
North Face man bag
Everton skin for Xbox one and remotes
Everton 3rd kit
Everton hoodie
Nando's voucher
Skincare products

That's what I can remember off the top of my head. Such a hard age to buy for!
He's 16 not long after Christmas and wants a parrot Grin

hmmwhatatodo · 09/12/2018 08:29

You’ve bought him how much for his birthday?! I imagine this is part of the problem. If you are buying like this every year no wonder he can’t think of anything. Why do you buy more than one birthday gift? One of the games would have been fine and then the rest could have been for Christmas.

Hopefullyberidingsoon · 09/12/2018 08:42

My son aged 12 is the same.
I got two tickets to ‘insomnia’ faming frstival at the NEC for him and a friend. Some LED light strips (£8 each off amazon) to go round his gaming desk. Also a ‘fortnight’ monopoly game!!!!! Its hard isnt it!!

FiveStoryFire · 09/12/2018 08:51

VR headset?

TeeBee · 09/12/2018 09:11

Tickets for Insomnia for him and a mate?
My 13-year old said he wants a baby brother for Christmas...count yourself lucky.

FranKubelik · 09/12/2018 09:16

For those of you who have bought a mini fridge - could you say which one please? I'd like to get one for teen DS but the one I saw (in Argos) has a few comments in the reviews about it being too noisy for a bedroom.