Help a childless Mumsnetter! Are Science Museum presents good for a 12 / 13 year old boy?

[SkaterGrrrrl]

I am spending Christmas with a distant nephew who lives abroad, have never met him so can't comment on likes/ dislikes.

All I know is he's male and 12 or 13. Dont want to get him anything that's trendy in the UK but he may never have heard of it in the colonies.

Was thinking Science Museum type gifts like this and this.

Any good or are these too dull/young for a 13 year old?

Thanks for your help!

the colonies?
maybe you should get him a pith helmet.

The sand might be OK but a 12-13 year old will probably be too old for a secret message kit nowadays.
At that age they are getting to the "Only give me money" stage - if he is abroad it is probably best to ask his parents what he might like.

Well they would be to young for my (nearly)12yo girl - I would say more 8-10

But I could be totally wrong

13yo boys are a nightmare to buy for - sorry

This is brilliant, you have saved me from giving him a rubbish present.

So money, maybe?

shallishanti - you know: Australia and stuff!

I think the sand might be OK, esp as it has no age written on it.

Lovely thought but money all the way!

Mind you, I want one of these now.

What about rush hour it's suitable for all ages including adults.

Think the sand is probably a bit young, it's the same as the moon sand.

i can confidently say that his parents will hate you for ever if you buy that sand! its the same as magic sand....its hellishly messy. gets everywhere, (think multicoloured sand in the sandwiches.)

id ask his parents what he is into. play it safe with a voucher or money.

if you do want to buy him a 'thing' to open, you could have a look here
and here

I saw some funky waterproof watches advertised rcently, can't remember where, they were under £10.

my 12/13 yr old nephew likes Warhammer, Star Wars, books, manga comics, skateboarding, music,

and my other 13yr old nephew likes his Wii, his PS, swimming, and that's all.

Thanks dusty, that is helpful!

Are these the watches dusty? Breo. I was tempted to get one for DS but I've already blown the budget!

yes those are the ones!

(btw something maybe wrong with the link - it brought up CDs instead - but I just clicked on the search box and it was fine)

I notice on Amazon though that some people have found the thinner strap ones haven't been very strong

Ah, thanks. Just search on Play.com for Breo, all those who are interested!