Very stuck for ideas for (young) DS12

[ToriTheStoryteller]

I thought starting at secondary would lead to requests for Lynx, branded clothes and tech.

Instead, he hasn't got a clue what he wants. I think he knows he doesn't want younger things that he'd have loved a year ago, but at the same time, a lot of the things listed on the teenage ideas threads would go straight over his head as he hasn't moved into a kind of teenage mode yet.

He has one geeky interest so I can get him things for that, but otherwise I'm stuck.

Any ideas for your 11/12 year old boys that might inspire me?

He does also have ASD, and presents like pants, socks and pj's are not received well because they are boring and can be bought at Tesco when I buy food.😂(but still get put under the tree anyway!)

Edited to say I have bought an H&M voucher, chocolate and a few things for his specific hobby, so far.

Rubik’s cube, one of the more interesting ones?
Lovely chess set
New watch?
Logic puzzle games
Keyboard/drum set/guitar (and lessons)
Basketball hoop for garden
Heated blanket
Lego technic

My 12 DS has asked for a fish tank in his bedroom

GoCube Edge
Air hockey table

Mini fridge for his room
Cool desk mat (a giant mouse mat)
A cassette player and recorder (!)
A bean bag for his room
Cool poster
An oodie

Are all things my just turned 12 yo wanted for his birthday.

Check out Firefox for cool stocking fillers.

My ds has asked for a football top and fc25.
He's also getting a tv for bedroom, some wall art for bedroom (newly decorated).
Stocking will be usual lynx (he doesn't need yet), chocolates, new pens etc.

I got DS a Lynx shower gel at that age, but no other smellies. He thought it was pretty fancy! But not too grown up.
He's had things such as framed posters for his room, Bluetooth speakers, LED light strip that we stuck up round his ceiling - he still loves it, and it can flash to music. Silly flavoured coke/soft drinks, weird sweets, magazine subscription, Simon Says game, nice hoody, fleece onesie, nice wallet .

Wicked Uncle website is good for offbeat gifts. And Red bubble, too, we've got posters and t-shirts off there over the years.

I always liked the Guinness book of records or Ripleys believe it or not around that age. Facts were just cool. They’re nice big books that make good gifts & provide a lot of quiet entertainment over the holidays.

additionally slightly more grown up versions of the things my nephews liked at that age were good - so instead of small modelling lots got more complex robot building kits and more advanced LEGO etc?

Thanks all, lots of good ideas that could suit him. 🙂

Headphones or earpods
Does he do gaming?
Lava lamp for bedroom
Books

My DS is older, but I always found Menkind quite good for that age for some fun, quirky gifts. For example, I previously bought...
Hydraulic robot arm
V8 model engine
Air hockey table top game
Lava lamp
Plasma ball

There are other fun gadgets, lighting or robot building kits. Worth a browse.

I used to stare at my gran's lava lamp for hours, even though it scared me as I was convinced it contained radioactive 'stuff' inside!

Nice idea though, could be hypnotic/calming if he's needing some peace and quiet.