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Christmas

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Gift Ideas for a 17 year old boy please?

10 replies

SageRosemary · 28/11/2022 23:17

My teenagers and myself have signed up to buy Christmas gifts for 3 children in Direct Provision accommodation - ie asylum seekers. Two of the children we were assigned are young children so fairly easy to buy an age appropriate gift.

But I'd really appreciate some ideas for the 17 year old boy, please. Budget is 30 but I don't mind going a wee bit further if I get a great recommendation. So, this is his last year as a child so he probably won't get a present next year. He's lived here since 2019 so presumably he has reasonable English but maybe not fluent enough to appreciate a book. He has a younger brother and a father here with him.

I can blow all the money on one great idea - or split it multiple ways. I was thinking of a toiletries gift set and some sport socks but I want him to have something fun too. And, there will be chocolate to share with his family too. Not too physically big a present in case he gets notice to move accommodation and doesn't have room in his suitcase.

He's presumably in the local school. Do boys like stationery/art stuff much at this age? Board game? Jigsaw puzzle. But ideally something more fun! All ideas appreciated, thanks in advance.

OP posts:
pico1 · 29/11/2022 15:30

I’d get a toiletries set and a nice t-shirt from Adidas/North Face or similar if it’s within budget. Fitting in with peers is important at that age and he probably doesn’t get “nice” things usually.

Eleusa · 29/11/2022 15:35

pico1 · 29/11/2022 15:30

I’d get a toiletries set and a nice t-shirt from Adidas/North Face or similar if it’s within budget. Fitting in with peers is important at that age and he probably doesn’t get “nice” things usually.

Seconded. A decent water bottle eg Chillys is another idea. Avoid anything tech.

Eleusa · 29/11/2022 15:40

Sorry, posted too soon- I wouldn't go for arty stuff as most boys (except the ones who actually have some ability) will have dropped it by then. Stationery is a functional item (again generalising) rather than a fun one for this age and I'd assume he would be provided with the basics by the school. No to the jigsaw as well, I'm afraid. Board games are tricky as most games for this age are quite word-based which might be tricky if his English isn't good. A football and pump might be good, unless that's too big.

Blanketpolicy · 29/11/2022 15:54

17 is such a hard age to pick for when you don't know what they have or what they want. ds is 18 and, beyond gadgets, the last couple of years is all about clothes and money.

Toy remote control drone
Branded hat/gloves/socks/
Wallet
Bluetooth speaker

All things ds enjoyed at that age, but also somehow seem inadequate for this gift. Can you ask the organisation what types of gifts would be most appreciated?

MissyB1 · 29/11/2022 16:10

Portable phone charger
Branded beanie (Nike or similar) and sports socks.
Touch screen gloves
Nice mens Toiletries
T shirt (sizing could be tricky though)

SageRosemary · 29/11/2022 18:31

Thanks MumNetters - you are🌟 stars!

Seems like I was on the right track anyway with toiletries and trainer socks to start with. My DC are girls and are always in the market for a challenging jigsaw puzzle or stationery. My DNephews live in sportswear but at least I can guess their sizes.

I'll have a look in TKMaxx and see if I can find a sporty/trendy t-shirt.

@Blanketpolicy , not involved directly, this is being arranged by our parish, really wouldn't expect more information as privacy needs to be respected.

Buying for a 4 month old and a 5 year old is a doddle but the idea of a 17 year old really pulled on the heartstrings. My own DD1 is just a wee bit older and has started on her university journey, I just hope this boy will be afforded the same opportunity when he leave school, maybe he will get a Sanctuary scholarship if uni is what he wants.

Thanks again to all of you!

OP posts:
AlwaysFullOfQuestions22 · 29/11/2022 22:39

Nike beanie
Touch screen gloves
Edt

Echo dot is 25 in argos
Some hot choc stirrers

itscomplicatedagain · 29/11/2022 23:29

Such a nice idea. My son is 17 and really liked a head torch I bought him last year. Toiletries is a good one as well as nice socks, or maybe a hoodie? Chocolate?

mrsconradfisher · 30/11/2022 18:28

rucksack
wallet
hat (Nike!?)
Toiletries
socks
amazon gift card?

Sweetener12 · 01/12/2022 11:41

Clothes store gift card
Wall poster calendar
Steam gift card
Funny socks
Pop socket wallet (something like this)

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