Present ideas for 11 year old boy about to start secondary school

Spendless

theoretica wrote: »

Or these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobar-Mesh-Clip-Ball/dp/B003MG68LO/ref=pd_sim_k_h_b_cs_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0YXTJA4JXEC3GA4DGDYJ

Fab, my 11yo constantley asks me for a stress ball. I agree with the memory stick idea also, that was an item we were told to purchase with the stationery order for starting yr7. As it happens the yr6s were all given one from the PTA of their Primary school as a leaving present. A key ring is also useful, many childcare arrangements change when child goes into yr 7 and they may have to let themselves in if parents are working.


Or does he already have a wallet? That is something boys often need as they have to dinner money/tickets or bus fares/passes on them.

I've also googled secret compartment belts and teen will def be getting one of those as a stocking filler.


This thread is great.:D Better than the Christmas board. :rotfl:

*max*

Why focus on something school-related just because his birthday is near the start of school? A birthday present should ideally be "fun" at that age, not just practical. I'd have been miffed to receive school supplies for my 11th birthday really (including money belt and USB stick!). Unless that's what he wants of course. If you're really stuck, then a voucher for a store would be best IMO.

Georgiegirl256

*max* wrote: »

Why focus on something school-related just because his birthday is near the start of school? A birthday present should ideally be "fun" at that age, not just practical. I'd have been miffed to receive school supplies for my 11th birthday really (including money belt and USB stick!). Unless that's what he wants of course. If you're really stuck, then a voucher for a store would be best IMO.

That's exactly what I was thinking too.

It's his birthday and it so happens he's starting secondary school. The two shouldn't have to be connected should they?

Surely he'll be getting all his school things anyhow? IMO I don't think a pencil case or a school bag can really be classed as a birthday present.

I think vouchers for his favourite store are a good idea and then he can buy what he wants, or an iTunes voucher if he has an apple appliance maybe?

oystercatcher

I'm over 50 and can still remember the disappointment of being given a school bag for Christmas before I started secondary school.

Please don't give school stuff it's really boring. He needs something 'fun'. (I have no idea what though as my boys are much older now).

barbiedoll

oystercatcher wrote: »

I'm over 50 and can still remember the disappointment of being given a school bag for Christmas before I started secondary school.

Please don't give school stuff it's really boring. He needs something 'fun'. (I have no idea what though as my boys are much older now).

Or even worse...a Parker pen in a box! I can remember getting four Parker pens for the Christmas just after I started secondary school. Probably the most boring presents ever. (To be fair to Parker, I received a posh pen when I was 21 and even now, 28 years later, I still have it and it still works!)

If he's into trendy hair and stuff, what about toiletries? Some boys of that age are quite keen on hair gel, fragrance and so on. Can you ask one of his parents what he likes?

Quackers1

How about a "Cash Stash" so that it could go on a keyring, I've got one with my car keys attached and some money inside?

That way they have emergency cash without a belt and to someone who doesn't know what it is, it won't attract attention.

I bought my 28 year old brother one for Christmas and he loved the novelty gadget factor.

I also think vouchers eg amazon/i-tunes would be well received to spend as he pleases along with "something little to open".

sweaty_betty

Thanks all, some great ideas there

The reason I mentioned school was because I was stuck for ideas and wondered if I could get him something "cool" associated with this.