What do you buy a 13 year old boy?

Question

My stepson is 13 & one of the hardest people to shop for! Hes intrested in reading, science & art. We though about getting him a Visa gift card, but it seems so impersonal for your own child. The problem is his mother buys him everything name brand & the more expensive the better. We just cant afford to keep up with her. For example, 2 years ago, him & his now 10 year old brother were over for Christmas & we didnt have alot of money then either. After they were done tearing through their lowly gifts, we heard them say, oh boy, now we can go home & open some real gifts. It was very hurtful to both of us! So I guess I have 2 questions. What to buy & what to do if they react in this manner again?

Answer 1

At 13, I'd say an iPod is your best bet. It's doesn't have to be the video iPod, and iPod Nano might be great (and more affordable). Or maybe you could get him a cell phone (if he doesn't already have one) and a text messaging plan.

If they act ungrateful, let them know in no uncertain terms that there are plenty of kids in your city who would love to have any gifts at all and that your feelings will not be hurt at all if they hand the gifts right back to you so you can give them to someone who will actually appreciate them/ Then, if they do that--run and find a foster child or angel tree and give the gifts away.

I remember one year, that song from the 80's came on, "Do they Know it's Christmas" and I asked my son to listen to it (he was about 8) and he laughed and I went off! I was told him there were kids in this world who didn't even know about Christmas and that he was lucky to live in this Country and to have a mom that could buy him things b./c many many kids go without in this country during this time of year.

Answer 2

Don't forget that the family doesn't have much or they wouldn't be on your list. I like the game boy idea, but that may be more than you want to spend. Try to think of what you liked in grade 8. He probably doesn't have an mp3, but you don't know if he has a computer. I would really try to find out something about the family. Maybe they like camping or he is a scout and could use a new sleeping bag. Then there is sports equipment. Street hockey might not be too young for him.

Answer 3

I have the same problem with my 15 yr old daughter. She recieves gift from me who has 4 children and her dad which she is the only child. Does he have a video game system? If so video games are your best bet. Talk to them and tell them you do the best you can and that they should appreciate everything for christmas is not about the presents anyway.

Answer 4

buy that ungrateful kid some Lego's like the miniature one that you can make into robots they shouldn't cause more than ten to fifth teen dollars go to walmart.com go to toys search Lego's don't be scared by the high price one remember he is ungrateful anyway sort by price then buy the cheapest one you think a science head would like and if he is grateful then next year think about getting the more high price one but other wise at least you didn't break the bank on this little monster

Answer 5

yeah I'd consider that hurtful too. maybe you and your husband could so the boys a different side of Xmas/take to help at a homeless shelter/ give toys to kids less fortunate just sounds like there spoiled and just need to understand the meaning of Xmas. you also have one hell of an obstacle and that's the moms try doing what ever you decied with the mother maybe she could learn a thing or 2....good luck

Answer 6

ipod nano- or if he has 1 itunes gift certificates

Answer 7

I will buy him a football ball