Teens that don’t want/need anything?

[Lovemusic33]

DD’s are 14 and 16, neither of them need or want anything.

Both have ASD (youngest more severe), dd1 has a phone, laptop, tablet and switch.

Dd2 has a ipad, doesn’t need a phone or any other electrical gadget, she breaks everything due to her ASD so I only really buy her lego, she has so much lego and we don’t really have space for anymore.

Neither of them like sports, both have dyspraxia and can’t ride bikes.

I’m tempted to just cancel Christmas, neither would be that bothered 🤣.

Was considering just booking a holiday but with Covid it’s a bit tricky.

What does everyone else do when their dc’s don’t really want anything?

I know what you mean. DS gets super stressed by Christmas decorations and things so we've said this year we wont have decorations and he can choose and wrap/ not wrap his own present... it feels so unnatural to me, but it's what he needs at the moment. :-(

My 15 year doesn’t really need or want anything and it is tricky. Oddly his favourite present each year is the food hamper I make him filled with his favourite treats and sweets and silly things like a 1kg box of honey nut cornflakes that no one else is allowed to touch and ridiculously priced m&s sugar coated cashew nuts.

Annual zoo pass if one nearby
Lego technic
Weighted blankets
Trip to Harry Potter experience
Art supplies

My dd is 14 and has ASD. She is glued to her iPad most of the time but she wants some noise cancelling headphones as she likes to zone out by listening to music or watching her favourite programmes online.
I completely get how difficult it is for you, they just aren’t interested in very much at all and yet, as a mum, it’s our natural instinct to want to buy special things at Christmas.

Don't buy them much. If they don't need or want it, why bother? You aren't being harsh on them, they genuinely don't want stuff.

Explain to them that they can ask for stuff through the year perhaps?

If dd2 likes opening stuff, get lots of small stuff and wrap individually.

Are they into any crafts at all?

Magazine subscription? Or a subscription box service? There's loads of different ones now.

My DSes are similar - they will be 11 and 13 this year. Neither has asked for a 'big' present for years, they have all the tech they need and no more room for Lego. Not into expensive clothes yet (thank god). I hate the waste of buying things they won't use eg gimmicky gadgets.

They love their stockings which always contain Beano / Dandy annuals, sweets, chocolate cereal, novelty socks etc.

Under the tree they will each have a onesie, selection box, and lots of books, maybe an Xbox or Switch game. Might look at some new bedding for them as their bedrooms are being redecorated this year.

It's tough though! I miss looking in toy shops and seeing hundreds of things they'd love!

Favourite present for my ASD teen was a Sarcastic 9 ball - like a magic 8 ball but with sarcastic answers!

It sure if they like things to fiddle with- my friend’s son with ASC has this and Finds it really soothing - LIFENTECH Silver Magic Toys - Sculpture Toys Magic Blocks Sculpture Toys for Intelligence Learning, Stress Relief (216pcs, 5MM) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WSN5GRV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oXFsFbEYPHK03?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Can I ask @KipperSlippers where did you get mini fridges from? Any particular makes that are decent?