Ideas for present for 9 year old boy

[sjs]

Never have problem chosing presents for the girls I buy presents for, or for younger boys, but I'm struggling to find an appropriate present for my 9 year old nephew. He's into rugby, football (Man U), gameboy, star wars. Not really into lego or that kind of thing.

Anyone help with inspiration. I'd thought of buying a gameboy game but when I checked amazon they are more expensive than I thought. Don't really want to pay more than 20 pounds.

Thanks in advance from all you Mums of boys

What about Star Wars Episode 2? Just out on DVD and video so he probably won't have it.

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Is there a ManU website where they sell their merchandise. What about a leather football they are about £10 and in constant need in our house for some reason.

Gap hooded fleeces are on offer at £22.50 at the moment, all boys seem to like them.

Top Trump cards (like playing cards) are good for older boys, they cost £2.99 a pack.

How about a magazine subscription to Smash Hits if he likes music or a boys mag. HTH. R

What about books? Phillip Pullman is very popular amongst that age group (think that's his first name!).

You can get gameboy games that cost a around ten to fifteen pounds - just go into a games exchange type of shop and look at their pre-owned range. They look as good as new.

Funny poem and joke books go down well - you may be able to get one with a rugby or man utd theme.

Like footballs, as rhiannon mentioned, my boys can never have enough torches. Perhaps a maglight - something extra special in the torch department?

Andy Griffiths does a collection of books. Mt DS was a reluctant reader but the "Just Stupid" collection went down really well.

DS ( aged 9 ) loves Nike Sweatshirts / T shirts and also branded baseball caps.

How about Beyblades - really popular - and therefore hard to come by. They cost £5-99. best get 2 and the arena is £10.

Monopoly or CLuedo ?

M&S do great range of clothes by David Beckham ...
HTH

There is a Man u web site - I bought several things for my god son when he was a similar age ( basically lots of little bits with the manU logo on!)

My almost 9 year old step son is absolutely mad about Hot Wheels (little souped up cars for the uninitiated) at the moment. I seem to remember my brother loving them too (30 years ago). They are 99p each.

My 8 year old loves football and loves anything with his team's logo (villa) on it. What about pyjamas, (popular with mum as well)! Harry Potter is also a good stand by.

If he really likes sport, then there is a series of books written by Bob Cattell about a boys football team, called "Glory gardens". It is a heady mix of technical football talk and boys-own adventure! ds and dh love reading these together. The whole series is available at Amazon.

Thanks everyone - some brilliant ideas here... might keep me going for birthday next year too...! In the end, opted for a video (Men in Black 2 out this week), which I'm sure he doesn't have...
Happy Xmas shopping!