Birthday Present (9 years old)

Blue_Elephant

Sorry if I'm out of order, but as you and his mum are getting separate presents, I'm assuming you're separated? Could you both club together to buy the Dell that he does want?

Or to be fair, promise him a day out with both of you at the same time?

Lunar_Eclipse

Lego every time! Most 9 year olds I know also love Nerf guns.

A trip to the cinema or theatre, a day out somewhere he might like, swimming with a friend, bowling, indoor climbing, go-karting, ice-skating.

Or how about an overnight trip to Paris by Eurostar? 'Trains, snails & (Eiffel) tower' birthday trip!

Johnny_Barnes10

Maybe he is spoilt, but he doesn't ask for much and isn't spoilt to the fact he goes off on when if I say no. His Mum doesn't have a lot of money (not working) so wouldn't be able to go halves. Doesn't want to go Go-Karting as went the other week with his friends from school.

He spends plenty time with me doing all sorts when I've got him on the weekend. I'm very mindful of not just sitting in watching tv/playing games so we're always going the park, cinema, bowling, football matches etc. Got him tomorrow after work so will mention a train trip overnight somewhere, seems like a good idea. If it can be done for £200 all in? Can't be abroad as he doesn't have a passport (long story).

Not worried about him asking for all sorts either, as if I haven't got it to give he doesn't get. Luckily he understands the value of money, and the fact I'm not rich so no worries on that front!

emsywoo123

Bufger wrote: »

How about getting him some appreciation of family rather than items. He's already spoilt so dont be suprised when he doesnt want to spend any time with his family through his teen years and expects high value items rather than things that actually mean something.

Calm down! Bit judgemental!

Sezzagirl

Hiya

Just wanted to say if you do go for the trip to London idea, I would very highly recommend the Thames RIB Experience - Racing up the Thames in a rigid inflatable boat just like James Bond :cool:with the music to match!:j
(was going to put a link but can't as I'm a newbie! Search as above and you should find it)

Our friends bought this for my husband and I for his birthday and it was fab. If you go on the trip that takes you down to the Thames barrier, they can really get the speed up when they get past the O2 Arena:T

They give out lovely warm coats and children HAVE to be accompanied by an adult so you would have to join him on the boat!;)

Have fun, whatever you do!

FBaby

I have to say that I do find it shocking too that a 9yo could have such material things already and is turning down a laptop/notebook because he wants something better. This boy is not even 10 and already blaze about things. What will he have to look forward to if he already receives things that a vast majority of adults dream off because they can't afford it.

I too earn a good salary and could afford to offer this to my boy but no way would I ever. My 12yo has asked for a I-phone and I told her she was dreaming, same with i-pod. I've only just got myself a Samsung Galaxy (had a very very basic phone before) and i feel that was a real luxury at... 41 yo!!!

My 8yo is turning 9 in a few weeks and his big present is going to watch is favourite football team for the first time. He will be absolutely over the moon, a very big present on the scale of his expectations.

Spendless

By 9 years old my son had outgrown lego. He never was into kits preferring to make his own stuff and books were quite hard because until he got a bit older he preferred non-fiction. My son liked k'nex though. I feel it lends itself to more building ideas as you can put motors and wheels with it. What does your son like doing? That might give us more scope for answers. Mine likes anything science based, so a microsope, telescope, science experiement games, metal detector are all things he received around your DS's age.

Flora_Poste

My DS had a bow and arrow when he was 9 and he started archery with DH. Maybe you could do a taster day together on a dry ski slope or learn snowboarding or one of those scary treetop go-ape things. Otherwise it's just more of the same game stuff and he won't remember it any more than any other birthday.

Johnny_Barnes10

To be honest with the laptop I got/am getting the impression his Mum was pushing him for the bigger one. I contacted his school who said net book would be fine, but once I told him I never had the £369 he was fine. She even said last night he "needs" one, which I know he doesn't.

He loves football, wrestling, anything to do with army (I don't allow him play guns. I take him with me to games hen I can afford it. But thinking about it an adventure day etc might be a good idea.

More than likely an outing he'll like as don't often get to take him places just us 2 as I've a little girl (not with his Mum) as well nowadays.

Johnny_Barnes10

Flora great idea, crossed posts!