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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Teenage DS doesn't want or need anything!

74 replies

MissDollyMix · 10/11/2023 11:55

Apologies because I know this gets asked a lot but I'm at a loss for what to get my 13yo DS for Christmas. I think I know what I'll get him for his main present but I'm completely stuck on smaller presents both to pad out his stocking and to suggest to well-meaning relatives who inevitably will ask me for present suggestions for him.
His birthday was in July and half his presents are still unopened in their boxes. He doesn't usually spend his allowance. He literally doesn't want or need anything! He's a very geeky boy, not into fashion or smellies at all (we're still at the pinning him down and forcing him to wear deodorant stage) He doesn't have any hobbies (we've tried so many things!) He loves retro gaming but he has all the games/consoles he currently wants and has plenty of money in his bank account to buy more should he want to. He's been on every trip/outing I can think of. He has every football shirt he wants (not that he actually plays football!) Lego remains unopened. He likes non-fiction books (geography, politics, gaming etc) so any suggestions for those would be good! Last year I ended up buying a load of sausage dog related gifts because he loves them but I've slightly exhausted that angle now! I'm utterly stumped. I don't want to buy presents just for the sake of buying stuff but he has a younger sister with a list as long as my arm and he will notice if there's a big discrepancy in the gifts they receive. He's a lovely boy and he works hard at school so I'd love to put a smile on his face but how??! Anyone else with a similar DS?

OP posts:
PinkyDinkyDoodle · 10/11/2023 21:49

@BrieAndChilli I so want that Transit Map book...

TadpolesInPool · 10/11/2023 23:41

My DS is 12 and similar in that he has everything he wants and doesn't ever spend his money. He's still spending his birthday money from September which is earmarked for books (he loves reading).

I wouldn't be afraid to redo experiences he enjoyed.

This year mine is having 2 days out as a family (so counts as presents for everyone) plus:
Some books
Nice shower gel and bodyspray. Earphones.
Small messenger bag as he's started to go out with friends at the weekend.
Silly putty and stretchy fidget things for the stocking.
New radio alarm clock
Set of Bottom DVDS
Ps4 controller grips

His fave things recently have been a kindle (he devours books), an ipad and a star wars nightlight.

TadpolesInPool · 10/11/2023 23:44

Oh and a couple of years ago he got the youtuber merch (Jelly). The quality was amazing and he wore them all loads (literally lived in the hoody). DS2 is nearly big enough for them as hand me downs and can't wait!

Nat6999 · 11/11/2023 01:41

Mini fridge for his room
Ring light if he makes videos or video calls
Posh phone case
Nice bag either for school or out
Heated blanket
Gaming chair
Hoodie
T shirts
Gaming related items like mugs, models etc
Coat
Dressing gown

Joebloggs12 · 11/11/2023 03:34

We bought all the components for him to build his own gaming pc. He spent hours researching how to connect them all up and proudly managed to create a fully working pc. Over the years he has saved up and upgraded parts and sold on the ones he removes. It's a great little hobby. As they move on with buying upgrade bits, it becomes more expensive. But that gives them something to save towards.

Other things that have been a hit

Foreign foods from the little International supermarkets in town- noodles, Asian sweets, bubble teas etc

Trainer cleaning kit.

Trainer stretchers. Those metal bendy things that go inside shoes.

Toolkit. Mini screwdriver sets etc

Venus fly trap 🎍

Edit: I also try and think of things they might need that I'll have to buy anyway. Gum shield for school, water bottles, pens etc... he LOVES a fancy fountain pen.

WandaWonder · 11/11/2023 03:49

We mainly get a gift bag with small things we know our teenager likes in them, small science 'toys', Lindt chocolates type thing

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 11/11/2023 06:50

Young Driver Lesson

sashh · 11/11/2023 10:08

Lock picking kit?

A pension? If he doesn't spend his allowance he / you might want to pay some in to a pension.

Build your own robot or maybe a drone?

reluctantbrit · 11/11/2023 10:26

Depending on his reading age and understanding, this is a good mix of geography, politics and history
https://www.waterstones.com/book/homelands/timothy-garton-ash/9781847926616

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 11/11/2023 10:30

Just totally random and totally not suggesting a dog for Christmas but does DS want a dachshund?

If so and yes I know it’s a huge commitment maybe put money towards it and plan on researching for next year. Or family pet.

MissDollyMix · 11/11/2023 11:19

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 11/11/2023 10:30

Just totally random and totally not suggesting a dog for Christmas but does DS want a dachshund?

If so and yes I know it’s a huge commitment maybe put money towards it and plan on researching for next year. Or family pet.

We (sort of) bought the DC a dachshund for Christmas in 2020! (I say sort of because it was a long planned thing- it was just a happy coincidence that we picked her up just before Christmas) It was a complete surprise for the DC and he burst into happy tears when he walked in and saw her waiting under the Christmas tree- lovely memory. He totally adores her! We also have another dog- I’ve said no more pets! He’s asked for a pair of rats a few times but I don’t want the responsibility of cleaning them out! I think he’d also quite like a snake but I’m terrified of them and it might eat the dachshund… 😂

OP posts:
MissDollyMix · 11/11/2023 11:22

Thank you all again for so many thoughtful suggestions!

OP posts:
AltheaVestr1t · 11/11/2023 11:52

Your son sounds very similar to mine, mine is 19 now, it doesn't get any easier! A very fluffy dressing gown was the most appreciated present last year, and a nice wallet. I'm stumped.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 11/11/2023 13:59

MissDollyMix · 11/11/2023 11:19

We (sort of) bought the DC a dachshund for Christmas in 2020! (I say sort of because it was a long planned thing- it was just a happy coincidence that we picked her up just before Christmas) It was a complete surprise for the DC and he burst into happy tears when he walked in and saw her waiting under the Christmas tree- lovely memory. He totally adores her! We also have another dog- I’ve said no more pets! He’s asked for a pair of rats a few times but I don’t want the responsibility of cleaning them out! I think he’d also quite like a snake but I’m terrified of them and it might eat the dachshund… 😂

Aww that’s so nice re the dog!

I’ve had mice and hamsters as a child/young teen and they do require cleaning out. DB had a tarantula, slow worm and minded a friends iguana and honestly if you’re not keen on snakes I’d say no, his friends have had them and whilst I’m sure they’re lovely they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 11/11/2023 14:02

Would he like a trip to eg House of Commons or another political trip? Or geographic themed trip? Does National geographic museum have nice gifts?

As he loves his dachshund probably dachshund themed T-shirts, hoodies, socks.

Commonhousewitch · 27/11/2023 04:59

Mine is similar- i've been buying bits as I've seen them- anime posters/books/popfunk figures, duvet cover Pjs etc-he's not interested in clothes so seems unfair to get him them as presents
he has just discovered an electronic shock Jenga i got him for his birthday and it is now very popular. He has said he wants a new keyboard and i may get him a new computer desk as well.
Mainly he wants money to use on Roblox - so we will renew his subscription ..

LaurieStrode · 27/11/2023 06:25

Cosmos by Carl Sagan is an important classic.

medianewbie · 27/11/2023 08:32

Same here.

LuckySantangelo35 · 27/11/2023 08:46

Don’t buy for the sake of it

LondonLass91 · 27/11/2023 09:34

Weirdly, my geeky kid has also asked for cros..sonic the hedgehog ones...£45!! Although just searched now and reducd to £25 in jd

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 27/11/2023 10:03

DS has hue strip lights behind his gaming monitor which can sync with the game and change colour. He loves them.

We've bought an oodie this year, to snuggle up for gaming/tv watching. And he needs a new phone so that's an easy option.

He's not really into fashion or anything yet, but I do tend to get him some trainers, hoody, nicer joggers than I'd normally buy, to pad things out. He needs clothes anyway.

meatyryvita · 27/11/2023 10:20

You may not appreciate the language in this one but there's a brilliant history book by James Fell called 'On this day in history, shit went down' - a fantastic, irreverent take on historical events. I think he's just released part 2.

Gingerbreadhorse · 27/11/2023 10:38

What about an LED map for his room, they are quite expensive so may be out of budget. My teen wants one but gas other things on her list and I can't find one cheap enough!

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