presents for a 9 year old

kingfisherblue

I wouldn't get the Ipod touch - instead, if you want to spend quite a lot on him, why not have a trip to Legoland in Windsor? My eleven year old loves Lego and we have been twice - once at age 5 and the second time last year at age 10. Neither of my boys are keen on theme parks, but they love Legoland. There are often BOGOF offers on the tickets as well - Fanta had an offer on the back of their labels recently, and newspapers often have the same offer. Your son could also choose his own Lego in the shop if you want him to. Just a tip if you decide to go - go into the shop early, when it isn't busy. Once you have paid for your goods, they will keep hold of them for the rest of the day for you, so you don't have to carry it round. Just go back before you leave and show them your receipt. It's so much easier than trying to shop when everyone else is in there.

Also, lego have a free club. Membership lasts two years and you get a magazine through the post every quarter. Most children enjoy receiving post, and it sounds like it is something he will be interested in.

Kimberley82

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I wouldn't get the Ipod touch - instead, if you want to spend quite a lot on him, why not have a trip to Legoland in Windsor? My eleven year old loves Lego and we have been twice - once at age 5 and the second time last year at age 10. Neither of my boys are keen on theme parks, but they love Legoland. There are often BOGOF offers on the tickets as well - Fanta had an offer on the back of their labels recently, and newspapers often have the same offer. Your son could also choose his own Lego in the shop if you want him to. Just a tip if you decide to go - go into the shop early, when it isn't busy. Once you have paid for your goods, they will keep hold of them for the rest of the day for you, so you don't have to carry it round. Just go back before you leave and show them your receipt. It's so much easier than trying to shop when everyone else is in there.

Also, lego have a free club. Membership lasts two years and you get a magazine through the post every quarter. Most children enjoy receiving post, and it sounds like it is something he will be interested in.

He has been several times already and is a member already but thank you.

Alikay

If you want to give him more than the Lego, why don't you give him some cash? Not "stash away until uni" type money which he can't get at for years, but some money he can spend towards the iPod Touch if he wants one later in the year, or more Lego if he wants another set in a few months. My children always enjoyed pondering on how to spend their money, and choosing how to spend wisely (different to saving for long-term goals) is good financial experience.

pebbles88

Kimberley82 wrote: »

He gets £1000 each birthday and xmas, but it goes into a savings account for when he is 21, he doesnt really get money apart from that.

£1000:eek::eek:£2000 into savings each year

I hope he appreciates what a lucky & priviliged boy he is. Most families couldn't even dream to spend that amount over several years, never mind twice a year, even if it is going into savings.

I seriously don't think that I have had that amount spent on all my birthdays & christmas's together from my parents, and I'm 31!

it makes sense though you saying you wanted to get him an ipod touch, every family has different amounts in mind on what they think is suitable for those occasions. hope he appreciates it still.

off thread but: my best ever christmas present as a kid (9yr old) from my parents was a microscope set (complete with a slide with a wing of a dragonfly in the set that I still have safely tucked away as its a reminder of my Dad) and a junior chemsistry set... i was shocked as it was a lot of money at the time for them (£35) and i know my Dad worked his socks off to be able to get them, he wasn't there that christmas, as he worked away, and sadly died 2 years later, i can still recall how excited I was that morning. great memory.

victory

Off thread again but my absolute best birthday present as a 10/11 year old was a wooden desk with a flip up lid that my dad built himself, week after week in his secret garage, no one was allowed in and woke up that morning, it was there, a beautiful piece of wood work, I Loved it and did my homework on it every night, priceless.

pebbles88

victory wrote: »

Off thread again but my absolute best birthday present as a 10/11 year old was a wooden desk with a flip up lid that my dad built himself, week after week in his secret garage, no one was allowed in and woke up that morning, it was there, a beautiful piece of wood work, I Loved it and did my homework on it every night, priceless.

aah thats so nice, what a brilliant present. :T

Emmarillo

What my 10 year old wants, and what seems very popular around here are JD bug scooters. I think they start at about £50. The children do all sorts of tricks and stunts on them and they look great fun.

I do think Lego is fantastic, but a scooter or bike gets them outside and socialising with friends which is important too.

jamespir

Kimberley82 wrote: »

I am getting lego, I was more looking for other things too.

He has a shuffle, but its limited to just music.

what else does he need it for at 9 ?

has he got a ds how bout one of them

somethingsgottogive

Is he into animals at all? Most zoos have 'animal experiences' available now, like these http://www.chesterzoo.org/support-us/gifts-and-experiences/experience-days

pennypusher

How about some books, something he can play with outside ie football, cricket set, skates etc, something musical, something to build or construct, something arty (paints etc) Try to get things that will develop all his senses. You don't need to spend a fortune but that way you can encourage him to try different things and can still save for him if you want to.