Donation gift ideas 13-18 yr old boy

[Donnainnj]

Anyone have any ideas for donation gifts for a 13 - 18 year old in the foster care system? I usually pull tags that match my children's ages and gender so it is easy to find gifts, but his time these were the only tags left. Thanks for any ideas you can offer.
Donna

 

[HM]

Did they give you any details about the child at all? How much do you want to spend?

Not knowing sizes for clothing or whether he has a game system it's hard.

Without any details, I'd suggest a basketball (or other sports ball). An mp3 player, special water bottle, razor, or watch might be good choices as well.

 

[scottmel]

At our church they usually ask for a gift card to GAMESTOP for that age range figuring you can get a game for your system there and used maybe your dollar goes further? Football comes to mind to...

 

[java]

Do you have sizes? Sweatshirts are helpful. My son(17) has a friend in the foster care system (we knew him after he was in the system) Anything new is needed. He got excited when we got him some socks. It really broke my heart. He needs so much but is so grateful for so little.

 

[Darcy03231]

Baseball cap, winter hat (watch cap type), gloves, socks, cologne, earbuds, thumb drives (my kids always need these for school), personal care items, movie tickets, gift cards to fast food places (Subway, Taco Bell and Burger King are the big winners in my house). If you have clothing/shoe sizes: sneakers, fleece jackets, polo shirts, jeans, hooded sweatshirts.

 

[Marionnette]

I'm going to be watching this thread for ideas. My Angel Tree boy is 15. He asked for an Eagles sweatshirt and anything Eagles. Given their record this year, I'd say that this kid is a true fan!

 

[Sandi]

We try to choose the older children because I think they're often last picked because they're "harder." Fortunately, the organization gives sizes and an idea of what the child wants. I usually buy that (which tends to be clothing), but I also get a gift card to a store like Target or Walmart so s/he can choose something more fun.

 

[Juliah]

Could you get a basic digital camera or a prepaid cell phone on your budget? An iPod shuffle?

 

[HM]

You have to be careful about gift cards. I've heard of the parent taking them and using them for themselves. Downright despicable....and sad for the kid.

 

[2TxAgs]

Marionette...pls send me a PM. I have a new Eagle knit cap that is a few years old from when my son went thru an Eagles phase. Being from Tx, I have no idea where that phase came from, but I bought the hat and never ended up giving it to him. I would be more than happy to send it to you for this kid.

 

[Donnainnj]

These are great ideas everyone, I don't have sizes, just an age range. The gifts go to the county to distribute. I was unsure about gift cards because I had heard some of the stories previous poster had. Maybe movie ones would work. I think if I bought medium and or large shirts it should probably work for at least someone. The socks are good to. Years ago I worked at a child care center and the kids that didn't have much always needed new socks and underwear. (would kind of feel weird about the underwear, but the socks will work. The phone scares me, worried it might not get to the kid, or he would not have the money to maintain the service, but the i-pod shuffle or the camera might be doable. Also like the idea of basketball/football etc, and might risk the Gamestop gift card. Thanks to all your suggestions. Might make up a stocking with all the necessities (socks, razors, hat, gloves, etc) then get a few other things on the list.
Donna

 

[englishteacha]

My 7th graders at school (12-14 yo) live in hoodies. If it's a zip up hoodie, they will wear it. I'd get a fun hoodie, maybe a winter hat and gloves. My default "teen" gift is an iTunes card, but I'm not sure that's appropriate for a foster child. Since it's an age range, I'm guessing your items may be split up among different kids depending on their wants and needs. Oh, I have had some budding artists among my students, and they totally would like a new sketch pad and some good pencils. That might be a bit of a "niche" gift, but I'm sure there's some kid in the system who'd love it. (the one student I'm thinking of was actually a young man living in our local group home. He loved to draw, and really had talent.)

 

[shoney]

My 7th grader also loves hoodies...underarmor and nike to be specific....

The one thing that isn't a video game or electronic based thing (LOL) that he and his friends are asking for this year is Neocubes....magnetic balls....they are on Amazon for about $30. I can't wait to play with them!

 

[sbakersub]

One other suggestion...a backpack. I've had this requested before on a tag, so am donating one this year as well. I saw some on clearance at Kohls today, but had already got a $60 JanSport one for $10 at Penney's a couple of weeks ago.

 

[sksjasams]

My DS13 is in 7th grade. For their service project they are sponsoring a child for Christmas. They got a 12 yo boy from our area. One thing to mention is that at least in this case, the boy does not have computer at home - he goes to a homework club to use the computer. Keep this in mind if you are thinking of a digital camera or ipod shuffle.

I totally agree with the hoodie suggestions. Teen boys live in hoodies. If you could get a nice one for a good deal, that would be a great gift. Maybe a Nike one on sale at kohls with an extra coupon? Also a nice winter hat/gloves.

 

[Donnainnj]

Thank you all very much, lots more great ideas.