Christmas and birthday ideas for 12 year old boy

[GentlySnoring]

My DS’s birthday is close to Christmas and I’m struggling for ideas as I also have relatives asking what he would like for both occasions. So far on the list from us is a watch, an Xbox game and a football shirt from his football team. He likes techie and science-y things but not really construction things like Lego. He already has an Alexa.

Any ideas much appreciated! Is the gravitrax marble run too young for him?

Tickets to see either his local, or national, team play in real life, if that is something he doesn't do already. Stadium tour, again if he hasn't already done it.
A metal detector.
Driving experience.

Just marking my place to come back in the morning when I have my present list so I can tell you what ds is getting

Chemistry set
Telescope
Cambridge Brainbox Explorer 2 electronics kit
ThinkFun lazer maze
Radio control helicopter
Sphero robot

Thanks Leeds2, I think he’d love both of those! And thanks also Rice, your suggestions look really good and I’m off to look up the ones I haven’t come across!

So ideas from ds' list
Annual of football team
New Star Wars console game
Keepy uppy ball
Foldable frisbee
Guinness book of record
Samsung phone
Earbuds
Wireless charger
Illustrated Harry Potter book
Hollister top
Shoot / match of the day and match annuals

Thanks thaegumathteth, I like the keepy uppy ball, frisbee and wireless charger ideas and DD would love the illustrated HP book!

He says he wants a beat pad. Anyone with any experience of these? I think he’d lose interest if too complicated to learn to use.

I'm in a similar position. The only thing my son has asked for is a punch bag! So I'll get him a free standing one and some gloves... My DD did one of those Young Driver sessions, last year. I was really impressed. Sadly DS is adamant he doesn't want something like that!
What's a beat pad? Is it a drumming thing?

sunography paper is great fun for artistic kids (or adults).

Also I forgot a match of the day magazine subscription

A beat pad is a sort of music thing where you can mix beats and make sounds. Now I’ve looked into it, it’s totally not suitable for DS. It’s a properly professional piece of DJ kit which connects into other software! So that’s off the list!

Costco have got these great cameras that connect to your phone. They are like a cheap version of a go pro (about £15).
Also my 12 year old has outgrown match of the day and is reading the 4 4 2 magazines. Much more to read if that makes sense.