What to get DS 17 who wants nothing and has no interests what so ever ?

[kissyfur90]

He is ND. No interest in clothes, shoes etc does not go out, doesn't read. He skies but has all the equipment for this. He only wants money. We are going on a £10k holiday for his 18th next year. His choice of activities/holiday. He said this is all he wants to do and he wants nothing for Christmas as there is nothing he wants. I want to get him something to unwrap.

Any ideas ?

Give him money and a nice box of chocolates.

Ah I have one of these except without the skiing 😆 Onesie , Oodie, blanket, new duvet cover? Stocking with favourite food/drink?

I'd just do a stocking of some bits - we have a similar DC to you, but 15. We've done novelty socks (pizza, hot dog etc. styles), Rubik's cube, Rubiks' snake, pocket watch, fiddle toy, squish toys etc. Oodie, maybe, or a weighted blanket?

@DadJoke he doesn't eat chocolate ! he has ARFID (an ND-related food disorder). he also doesn't eat any other goodies/treats/snacks/crisps. He already has a gaming PC and headphones/decent phone/drone/go pro. There is nothing for his room that he wants.

Ad he has got older, the ideas have got harder. But this is the hardest year of all so far !

I mean he sounds like a sensible chap who knows his own mind, but I would feel the same as you. I would probably get some chocolate, and then some practical or nicer versions of things he would use or wear anyway like pjs, dressing gown, shower gel etc. At least then you are not wasting your money.

Sorry cross posted - definitely not chocolate. Does he like fidgets or anything like that? If he does sensory direct have a good range.

If he genuinely doesn’t want anything, don’t get anything.

Premium bonds, a lottery ticket, a game or TV subscription (say youtube)?

Something for his room? Lamp, new mouse mat, bedding, poster, print of favourite ski destination or signed photo of favourite skier

or if he would really really prefer nothing but cash then just give cash.

i have teenage boys and neither of them really wants or needs anything. Last year we did a fabulous holiday over Christmas. I’d said no presents as the holiday was a joint present for all of us. I did cave and do a mini stocking for each with a couple of sweet treats and they each got a football shirt. It was a really chilled Christmas with no expectations of family gatherings or Christmas food and was one of the best christmases we’ve had.

Scratch cards are always fun

A colour changing light bulb for his room?
A nice mug (does he like tea?) or a nice water bottle / flask (could be good for skiing?)
does he like to cook - a toastie machine?
A nice neck pillow for flying (could be good if your holiday is long haul / he flies for skiing a lot)

What does he use the money for? Any ideas there? Self care stuff maybe?

Just give him money.
He sounds just like a typical teenager.
That's all they want.

Id get him money and a few gift sets/pjs to open on the day. I got my 19yo a reed diffuser, Gillette razor set and some snacks last year. His birthday is November so he wasn't fussed and didn't want anything.

I think you get to a certain age a rather mi way to buy what you want my mum always meant well but once I got to be a teenager I just hated everything other ppl bought me especially clothes

Aftershave, magazine subscription, video game, personal trainer sessions?

Driving lessons

Just give him money.
I normally would say get things like chocolate Santa, tree decoration, paperback book - but if he isn't interested in anything like that then just give him the money.
He doesn't need something to unwrap.
If he does question why he has nothing point out "I asked you what you wanted and you said you didn't want anything" and say the offer of a gift is still there if he does think of something.

Gaming magazine subscription
Experience voucher, my ds is nd and enjoyed escape rooms, archery and kayaking. Good way to try out a new sport that he might continue as a hobby
Tickets to a comedian or show
Fluffy socks are expected every year!

My oldest is autistic.

He LOVES the unwrapping and surprise part of xmas but is completely unmaterialistic so never looks at the stuff again. He takes zero initiative to use anything on his own so even 'useful' things are unuseful.

Experiences work well for him and his favorite thing is always some random novelty (like a squeaky chicken or funny fact book).

As he has got older I have started buying him cool household stuff (good sized mini fridge, house decor, cool chair, rug etc...) ready for when he moves out as I know it will be useful some day (almost a bit bottom draw-esq lol).

How about something for the big holiday? A bag for hand luggage or travel accessories? If it is a place that has a specific activity (ie. Snorkeling) you could get something to help prepare. As a last resort you could get some currency for the trip and put it in a box.

I have one of these but without the skiing hobby. I would be ok with not giving anything/money but I also have DD and DS2 who do want stuff so I don't like the unevenness of it. Plus DS1 birthday is 3 days before xmas which doesn't help!!! He doesn't even spend his pocket money on anything.

@Roseshavethorns you read my mind lol. I am going to get some currency for an experience DC wants to do on the trip. I will print out the experience provider etc and put it with the currency.

@BrieAndChilli I also have the same issue that my other DC will want/have a fair amount to unwrap (they are easier to buy for an always want stuff).

Thanks for all the ideas

Find a fun way to give him the money? Put a load of fivers in a load of balloons, or gift wrapped boxes

What about Apple tags for his luggage , ski pass , anything that could get misplaced

Things for the big holiday.

Luggage, specialist clothing, guidebook, camera if his phone isn’t enough.

A nice job lot of stuff for the shower?

My DS ( 25 in Dec) likes money not things .

We pay for his driving lessons (got his Provisional for his 17th but it took him a while to start) gym and travel
*Big TV for his room for his 18th (his choice)
*Electric guitar for his 21st (his choice )

*Birthday/Christmas combined as these were ££
He gets money transfered to his account
Dec 1st Box with socks/underwear/pyjames/loungwear/toiletries . Things he needs anyway , I buy him a years worth of new (and recycle the old ones)

We offered him an Apple watch this year , he declined
He has a nice computer (gaming) laptop for Uni ,and iPad

There's no point buying things he doesn't want , my DS wouldn't appreciate a box of chocolates , more a bar of Dairy Milk fella.