Teen and pre-teen boys

[Realist2022]

Help! Each year I get a tag or two from the tree in my local shopping centre with a child’s name and age on and buy them a gift. Most years I gravitate towards the young kids/babies and they’re super easy to buy for. However, in my infinite wisdom I decided I was probably doing what most people did and the teenagers or preteens would be left behind. So I took tags for a 9 year old and a 13 year old boy and I am clueless.

I thought my 11 nearly 12 yr old DS would be able to help but all he wants is a waffle iron which feels a bit niche ….. Any thoughts, suggestions or pointers gratefully received. Budget up to £20 each.

Guinness World Records Football Edition 2026 https://amzn.eu/d/7i8yJRV

Mattel Games Blokus, Family Board Game for Kids and Adults for Party Game Night, Strategy Game, Engaging Gift for Kids, 2 to 4 Players, Ages 7 and Up, BJV44 https://amzn.eu/d/c2Ik47x

Upgraded Boxing Training Ball with Headband Perfect for Reaction, Punching Speed, Fight Skill, Fitness, Boxing Equipment for Man Women and Kids https://amzn.eu/d/cjEucHo

Nerf DinoSquad Stegosmash Dart Blaster, 4-Dart Storage, 5 Official Nerf Darts, Dinosaur Design, Stegosaurus Spikes 5010993800186 https://amzn.eu/d/hsF36M1

these are what I put in the gift bags I did for our local shops Christmas appeal for similar age boys.

My son age 9 loves puzzle games -check out kanoodle or the IQ smart games range?
They are pocket games that can be played by yourself or with someone else,

Thank you, have gone nerf gun for the 9 year old but I am still not sure about the 13 yr old.

I have a teen boy similar age, he’s really difficult to buy for but him and DD’s slightly older boyfriend both still like Lego… there are Formula 1 Lego cars on Amazon for around £15 (check prices, they may have gone up) add in a Lynx set on offer for £4 and some chocolate then you’re at £20.

DS is 12 and a bit and some things he’s asked for are books - Ripley’s believe it or not or Guinness book of records/ gaming records could be good, a metal water bottle, uno spin, OK Play, Nike sports socks, Lynx deodorant and shower gel, hot chocolate marshmallows and a mug, sweets and chocolate, Nike beanie hat, Nike gloves

DS is 11 in January but mature for his age. A few ideas from his list this year:-

a mini fridge for his room
a kickerball curve ball - it swerves the ball better than a normal ball
a goal catcher target that you can attach to goal posts
Hex LED lights
a mini projector
power bank
a charging dock alarm clock

DS is 11 in January but mature for his age. A few ideas from his list this year:-

a mini fridge for his room
a kickerball curve ball - it swerves the ball better than a normal ball
a goal catcher target that you can attach to goal posts
Hex LED lights
a mini projector
power bank
a charging dock alarm clock

I’ve just bought for a 14 year old boy for a charity. I got Nike sports socks, uno and sweets.

You guys are brilliant, some great ideas (and for my own DS!) thank you!