Present for my boyfriend's 8-year-old?

Question

My boyfriend's 8-yr-old lives with his mom primarily but spends weekends with us. I am kept squarely out of the relationship as a "stepmom"-type figure (not allowed to discipline, but we do hang out). I like to buy the 8-yr-old a Christmas present every year.
Trouble is, he gets a LOT of presents from a lot of people, and never plays with the toys anyone buys him (he may be spoiled materially, but he doesn't act that way). He also doesn't send thank you notes and has never thanked me for any of the gifts. I realize that this is the norm for a lot of families, not to do thank-yous, but since he doesn't seem to like anything I've bought him, I was just going to get him cash this year (or maybe an American Express gift card) - for like $100. Is that appropriate for an 8-year-old? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I do not think an American Express gift card is appropriate for a gift for an 8 year old. I suggest a savings bond.

Answer 2

I don't think $100 is too much to spend on a kid, but I think a gift card is very impersonal. If you are really worried about him liking the gifts you get him take him to the store yourself and tell him what his limit is and let him pick out his own stuff. It is possible he wants to have a "cool" item that no one will get for him like $100 sunglasses, or $80 jeans. Make sure he knows that it is HIS choice, and give helpful guidance about how much more he could get if he stuck to items under $10.

Answer 3

I think the AE gift card is a great idea. That way he can go pick out what he wants...maybe you can take him to do that. My 8 year old gets visa gift cards all the time, and she loves them. She gets what she wants and loves what she gets. She can even get online and pick out things and I help her order them. I think its a great idea. Most 8 year olds are wanted to act more grown up anyway and that would help with him a lot with that, while teaching him that 100 bucks doesnt go that far and to appreciate what he does get.

Answer 4

$100 on an American Express gift card is a bit much. I like the savings bond idea that the first person posted on here.

Answer 5

You're not related to this child other than his father's favorite phuck and you want to give him an American Express gift card? I suggest you find out what it is he DOES like and get him a gift card of no more than $25 to a store that sells what he likes...or a $25 gift card for a bookstore. Sounds to me as if you're attempting to buy the child's acceptance.

Answer 6

Do a savings bond or start a college fund account. An 8 year old kid doesn't understand the meaning of a credit card or the cost of things. I say this because I have an 8-year old myself.

Answer 7

Why don't you do a little more looking and see what he really likes. Could be that he doesn't play with the toys because he is into books. Maybe he collects something that would be special to him. I think 100$ would just be too impersonal, and inappropriate for his age.

Answer 8

Get him a gift certificate for the movies or some other outing that you can go to as a "family". He gets to pick the movie.

Answer 9

i would not do a gift card. if the child has to many toys and doesnt play with them then i would have him go threw them and give the ones he doesn't want to toys for tots. as for a present i would get him thngs he needs or could use for school.

some things we are tting my nephew are

Boys' 2-Piece Set of Track Jacket & Athletic Pants

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5934195

Faded Glory - Boys' Layered Graphic Polo Shirt

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5693230

Rustler - Boys' Loose Fit Jeans

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5774521

Snow Dogs dvd

Snow Day dvd

Answer 10

a video game will be less im sure the kid has a game system