What to buy for DS- 8

[PandaChopChop]

DS has ADHD, traits of autism but not enough for a diagnosis. He isn't particularly interested in anything other than YouTube or anything that involves screen time.
I've recently split with DH and we have moved into another house where he doesn't have much "stuff" because of said non-interest in things. After school activities are difficult because he'll like them for the first few weeks and then doesn't want to go anymore (and our timetable with work etc makes after school activities a bit difficult).
I don't particularly want to get him anything more screen-based because his dad and I both feel he spends too much time on it (and limit appropriately).

So far I have on the list
Headphones
Xmas pj's

He enjoys reading but is generally behind and so they will need to be fairly simple books, and again, he doesn't have particular interests in anything so not really sure which books to get him.

He already has a subscription to unlimited Just Dance as that is one thing that he does enjoy. He also likes board games but again they can't be massively complicated because he gets frustrated and goes into meltdown. We already have snakes and ladders, scrabble, etc
He isn't a fan of lego because he can struggle with his fine motor skills and again gets frustrated.

Anyone in this situation- what would you get ?

Is he a fan of any specific youtubers? Lots of them have their own merchandise, or redbubble.com has some for ones that don't sell their own. You're able to get things like backpacks, hoodies, tshirts etc.

Digital watch - my DS likes this one
T shirt and/or pillow case from Illuminated Apparel
Galaxy room projector
National Geographic air rockets
Marvin’s magic glow art

My 8yo has asked for a fish tank.

Nerf blasters
P For Pizza card game
Exploding Kittens card game
Blokus
Top Trumps

Tickets for a day out to somewhere he would enjoy ie theme park, farm park, cinema, Harry Potter world, zoo, adventure playground etc

Decorations for his new bedroom ie themed new duvet cover, lamp, cushions, pictures etc

My DS(8) is behind in his reading and he is enjoying reading Dog Man, Investi Gators, the Treehouse books, and we are about to try Diary Of A Wimpy Kid. All these books have illustrations to break up the text which my DS finds less overwhelming.

Would he like a coding robot? Not screen time but still techy.
Other ideas - lava lamp, simple marble run, happy puzzle company type game

Another one here with an 8 year old way behind with reading. I’ve found the big Collins

Sorry posted too soon. Big Collins progress book are good. Better stories but easier text. Might be too easy for yours though.

How about one of the smart games? Mine has really enjoyed those.

the other surprise hit has been a giant squishmallow. He’s carting it around everywhere with him!

or scalextrix? Mine has loved this

A set of three decent kids rechargeable walkie talkies has gone down very well for our son’s 8th birthday.

Thanks for these suggestions they're all brilliant. Particularly the books- will have a look x

Yoto mini, I recommend them to everyone but they're brilliant Especially if he enjoys stories but is behind with reading; it might engage him to listen to audiobooks. There's other content too; podcasts (Yoto daily is fab), radio, music etc.

Also do you have one of those sensory swings, the stretchy kind that you can rig up indoors? My son is a bit younger than yours but awaiting assessment for ASD & ADHD, and he loves the swing we got him, uses it a lot.

Board game - Ticket to Ride junior is brilliant and not too difficult (my 6yo can play it), the adults enjoy it too!

How about Magnatiles? If he struggles with Lego he might find them easier?

13 Storey Treehouse or Tom Gates book set
Gravitrax
Lego Set
Pokemon cards? Would he interested in starting to get into that?
A jigsaw based on a character he likes?

(My DS is the same ADHD and some autistic traits, so 100% know where you're coming from re: screen time)

Has he got an Alexa? Mine uses his for audio books and listening to songs. My son is autistic and I hear you on the Lego. Funnily enough he loves Plus Plus, I think because there is no pressure to make something in particular, just whatever you fancy from your imagination. And you can do little bits on the table when you like rather than having to have some creation permanently out.

orher successes (he’s not allowed YouTube as it turned him into a monster): stomp rocket, hammock, magnetic dart board, magnatiles/magna qubix, dobble, I saw it first, Headbanz game, lava lamp, bean bag for comfy reading (until the cat had diarrhoea on it!), the various animal bingos - we’ve got Australian dangerous animals and ocean, cool pens (marvel’s magic) and paper, a Rubik’s cube, games/puzzles from a company called IQ or Smart Games (could check)….hmmm there is more but can’t remember!

How about some Manga books? He might enjoy the more comic nature of them and there might be a series related to some of the computer games he enjoys. My DSs both enjoyed series such as Naruto and One piece.

Usborne reading libraries are great, lots available, never pay full price - you can always get a set for £20 - 30. For his age I would recommend the 2nd reading library (about year 1 - 2 level; preschool and reception would be the 1st reading library), if more advanced the classics is a natural progression.

https://www.books4people.co.uk/products/usborne-reading-library-50bksbxst?variant=31618927460467&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6-0vd3PggMVldXtCh2qjgDxEAQYASABEgKmMPD_BwE

https://www.axelbooks.com/products/usborne-my-reading-library-classics-30-books-box-children-collection-set?variant=41743402238127&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6-0vd3PggMVldXtCh2qjgDxEAQYBiABEgJaZfD_BwE

I would second what others have said regarding getting stuff for his room to make him feel more at home and ease the transition.

Decorate it as a present from you. Then Santa can bring beanbag, lava lamp, other sensory stuff. Along with a book library, and things related to his fave switch games - think Mario, sonic, minecraft toys or themed items (stationary set, mug, big toy set and smaller toy, sticker album starter set that sort of thing).

Stocking filler ideas - bubble bath, bath bombs or toiletry set (lush bath bombs big hit here), pyjamas/slippers/slipper socks, sweets, chocolate, top trumps game, annual, dvd or cd, temporary tattoo pack, slime, sensory toys

Just checked last yrs Santa list for you

Main present: Big lego set

Medium presents: board game, dress up costume

Stocking: uno, socks, book, space themed rubbers, wind up teeth, chocolate, slinky, pjs, lego mini figure, slippers, Schleich figure, whoopee cushion, goggles for swimming, bath bombs, HP water bottle.

Also got trainers and HP hoodie/tracksuit bottoms from us

(always remember to give the kid a present from parent/s as otherwise they feel you’ve forgotten them!)

Finally - and I promise this will be my last!!

Amazon echo dot for kids is down to £26.99 (from £65.00) for Black Friday.

You get an Amazon kids membership with it for a year and they are brilliant for playing music, telling stories and helping with homework. Entertaining without a screen!! Buy buy buy!

Subscription to The Phoenix? My reluctant reader really devours it.

Barrington Stoke books? Age appropriate but simpler language choices alongside specially chosen paper and font.

Microbit plus a robot for it? A 'proper' use of 'screen time' with real life application and world of work skills.

Gravtrax marble run?

Snap circuits? Real electrical circuit building.

I would also try Scouts OP. The range of badges is immense and keeps my autistic child going in face of can't be bothered tonight.

Thanks everyone for the continued suggestions!!! You've all been really helpful xx

My 8 year old is similar - we really enjoy the Mario kart live set, it’s still screens but he’s controlling real cars that drive around the house, he sets up tracks and obstacles for them so it’s a bit more active
https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart-live-home-circuit-mario-set-000000000010004630?utm%20_content=Comparison%20Engine&awc=12777_1700482413_f1905410d3cd3fb8d09d99a4d268fef8&sv1=affiliate&utm_medium=GamingDeals.com&gbraid=0AAAAAD3A6l0t27aUA9Sv_XCcHHvfwtDSK&sv_campaign_id=88269&affil=awin&utm_source=AWIN&utm_campaign=fm_18970955

A Astro Light for his bedroom? Creates a fab sensory space. My daughter loves hers and the company gave me a referral code for 10% off. I think there's a sale on too at the moment.

astrollight.co/discount/BASKETCAT?ref=Ffi4abxA