11 year old boys

[Selja]

Does anyone know what 11 year old boys are into. We don't know what to buy our nephew. His mother says action men and gi joes but that's what his nine year old brother wants (sil tends to only see what the youngest wants - he's her favourite). Isn't 11 a little old for these? Would appreciate some help here. Thanks.

Does he read many books? My grandma bought my cousin (aged 10) the first two Harry Potter books for Christmas last year. It's unbelievable but he had not been bought any books since he was a toddler and he absolutely loved them. Chances are your nephew has probably already read Harry Potter but there are loads of great children's fiction books about. I think 10/11 is about the age when children re-discover reading when they can enjoy more 'grown-up' books without pictures.

Selja, there's a new section in Toys R Us with educational toys for older children. There's toys like a microscope, wormery, globe and lots more.

How much do you want to spend, my little boy had a magazine subscription for his birthday which he looks forward to every month. I think the popular one for boys is something like FBX, my little boy has Robot Wars but that has now been discontinued. They also have lots of Robot Wars toys in Tesco and Toys R Us, these tend to be very popular with boys.

I don't know any 11 year old boy who still play with Action Men. The older boys I know are heavily into music and computers. It's likely your 11 year old has a very specific (and expensive) wish list. So why not give him money? You probably won't be the only one doing this. Alternatively, a music token.

Also, aren't 11 year old boys getting into that deodorant/hair gel/breath freshener/shower gel phase? If so, that might generate a gift idea - though how on earth you give a boy deodorant as a present is beyond me!

Skates or skateboarding is the in thing right now, they wear all those baggy jeans, hoodies (sweatshirts with hoods on) and those belts that have abit hanging down. Music is always a good bet. Does he like football or support a team? perhaps a membership to a supporters club for a year.

Problem I have is that nephew lives in Japan so its got to be something to put in the post. He's not into reading, he's not into baths (ugh), he's still quite a young 11 year old as until last year they lived in Belgium where the kids don't tend to have the fashion pressures ours have and they stay children a lot younger. He is into gameboy and pokemon but they live in the electronic capital of the world so we're a little reluctant to buy games here (especially as we're so far behind Tokyo that he's already been and got it before it even reaches here). Thanks for all the suggestions we'll look into them.

been looking at this to get ideas for 8 year old nephew. He does have deodorant on his wish list so either a bit advanced for his age or his sister is insulting him a lot. Anyone know if 8 is too old for K'nex?

Rhiannon, we are still getting Robot Wars magazine through our newsagent, as we were having problems finding it anywhere else. It doesnt say anywhere on it that it is stopping. Hope it doesnt!!!

Wendym, I think k'nex is perfect for an 8 year old boy, as long as he's into constrcting things. You'll find that lots of the kits are aimed at older boys - just check on the box for the recommended age range.

We had K'Nex earlier than 8 and it was too difficult - loves it now he is older and can do it all without any help

Selja, Lego have some more interesting stuff now than they used to - and it's not Japanese! Until recently they had some figures called Bionicles (known as barnacles in our house) but unfortunately Lego "borrowed" names from the Maoris and the Maoris have sued and won, they are not being issued but are still in some shops (like Woolworths.)

They also do some little cars called racers which come with a sort of cheese-wedge shaped thing to launch them with. And there is that Steven Spielberg set? Make your own films or something? (Lego isn't terribly heavy either - easier to post.)

Does he have a Playstation? There is a new Harry Potter game which he may not have...

Wendym, my son is 8 and he and his friends all love the new Lego. You could also look for Digimon and Dragonball Z figures. (Did your nephew actually ask for deodorant or did he say bodyspray? This seems to be an acceptable euphemism.!)

Anything from Gap is usually appreciated by the 11 year olds I know.

Selja if his parents have internet access, what about a gift certificte for Amazon?

Just a word or warning on electronic games - the playstations are apparently "region" specific - ie a UK game won't work in a Japanese playstation (or US for that matter.) I believe that it is done to protect prices and prevent piracy, but as we live overseas, we just find it extremely annoying. (Don't have playstation, but same goes for DVDs - so we can't buy them outside of Asia.)
There are lots of craft and science type gifts around at the moment which look like fun - and I'm not sure that they would be available so easily in Japan.
Good luck

Talking of craft- and science-type sets, I bought a make-it-yourself Chrystal Radio kit for one of my sons's 8 year old friends. The recommeded age range for this toy was 8+.

A make-your-own-lightening kit also caught my eye. Must be pretty exciting, because the recommended age was 11+. A visit to the Science Museum shop - they have a mail order catalogue, too - might offer more inspiration.

Selja, just thought, is the new Pompey goalie from Japan or China. I know he has quite a following and if hes from Japen perhaps a Pompey shirt, he'll be the envy of all of Japan.

Joe1 wash your mouth out - he's a Sunderland supporter and has no choice in the matter!!!!

Yeah yeah I have the same thing with Liverpool but neither teams have a goalie from Japan.