Help with angel tree gift for 13 yo boy

[Tinkermommy]

My DH picked a 13 year old boy off of the angel tree at his work. It doesn't list any gift preferences/sizes/etc just that he is a 13 year old boy. He is in a shelter for battered women/kids.

I am struggling with what to get him. I would love to get him an iPod shuffle or some kind of mp3 player with a gift card but not sure if he has access to a computer to download. I don't think we can swing the cost of him an iPod Touch though. I wouldn't even mind getting him one and loading it up with music, but not sure what kind he likes!

I love that my husband picked a teen. They are often overlooked since most people buy for little kids. It just have limited knowledge about what would be a good gift for this age group.

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Maybe a Paper Jamz Guitar or Drum and amplifier?

The Phiten necklaces are also supposed to be a hot item.

A kandama is a somewhat popular toy at my son's school (you can google it).

Department store gc's (JcPenney, Aeropostale, etc.) are always good so the child can pick out "in style" clothes. And the token fast food and Walmart gc's are always good too.

My son is currently 13, will be 14 next month, so I am trying to give ideas from what he is getting.

 

[kristina87]

an iPod would be great, or a DS. Sometimes you can find them for cheap on amazon, that would keep him occupied especially if you can't swing it for an iTouch. If you're not sure if he has access to the internet or a computer I wouldn't reccommend the iPod and iTunes card though. Maybe also a small stocking with some candies and playing cards with a book of card tricks?

I agree that picking a teen is wonderful, I'm sure he'll like whatever you decide to get

 

[Hannathy]

13 yr old boys can be so different. My DS isn't the least bit interested in music! but almost universally they are interested in video games, or "killing things" of some sort.
If you want to spend a lot how about a DS and a game, you could even get a few games if you get used games.

If you are on a much limited budget you can't go wrong buying Nerf Guns I haven't met a boy from 6 to 36 who doesn't like nerf guns.

Or how about roller blades if a size was given. Again don't know how much you want to spend

 

[HappyCamper519]

an iPod would be great, or a DS. Sometimes you can find them for cheap on amazon, that would keep him occupied especially if you can't swing it for an iTouch. If you're not sure if he has access to the internet or a computer I wouldn't reccommend the iPod and iTunes card though. Maybe also a small stocking with some candies and playing cards with a book of card tricks?

I agree that picking a teen is wonderful, I'm sure he'll like whatever you decide to get

Teens ARE often overlooked. I also agree - a teen a a great pick! I'd go with an Ipod too. (whether it's a shuffle, touch, or other) I'd also get an Itunes gift card for him to load it up with his own music/app choices.

Happy Shopping!

 

[Cindy B]

I work in an inner city school. Most of my students do get Angel Tree gifts. I also volunteered in an angel tree drop off recently as well.

First, thank you for picking an older child. My students are that age, and while they may be difficult to buy for, it is great.

First, I appreciate your thought of an electronic item. If he is in a shelter DON"T do it! Electronics are hot commodities for exchange for drugs, other favors, food stamp debit cards, etc. It may also be stolen--that happens a lot in shelters. There is limited room in a shelterso anything big or large may be forbidden in the shelter. When I was teaching 3rd grade, one of my girls said to me that a shelter is also grandmoms car...

Since I have 13 year old male students, my son was also 13 at one time, I would say the following:

Aeropostale T-shirts. (most of my students wear them)
Graphic design T-shirts - but not Ed Hardy-
Graphic design or Aeropostale hoodies
male jewelry- chains or graphic design . One of my students favors what I would call fiber jewelry.
ankle socks -no see them variety
Axe or any other type body spray for teens -- Old Spice has a nice ones now called Fiji, Matterhorn and such for the teen market.
Music- most of my students do not have Ipods but they do have phones. They put songs on their phones.

Most of the boys have PSPs. They also like digital cameras.

My boys are always brushing their hair.. I kid you not! If it is an African American teen, it is a different hair brush than non African American kids.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

iTouch with an iTunes giftcard. My son's favorite gift to date. He is 13.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

First, I appreciate your thought of an electronic item. If he is in a shelter DON"T do it! Electronics are hot commodities for exchange for drugs, other favors, food stamp debit cards, etc. It may also be stolen--that happens a lot in shelters. There is limited room in a shelterso anything big or large may be forbidden in the shelter. When I was teaching 3rd grade, one of my girls said to me that a shelter is also grandmoms car...

MTE
I volunteered at a women and children’s shelter recently and I can guarantee that several of the expensive items people have mentioned would be stolen really really fast! You also need to take into consideration that he might not have much space to keep his belongings.

Someone mentioned gift cards. I think that's a good idea. I know that oftentimes children in shelters only have the clothes on their backs and not much else. Gift cards would be a great way to allow the kid to buy himself some goodies. Plus, I know the teens I saw would have loved something like a movie theatre gift card (with extra for popcorn or something) so that they could have some fun perhaps even with a new friend.

 

[Agri]

Truthfully, I would definitely *not* get him an ipod - especially since he is in a shelter. He likely does not have regular access to a computer and ipods are easily resold for near-retail value. Also, most families fleeing abusers are not able to take a lot of things with them, so even the most mundane things would make good gifts.

I would give him a gift card to a restaurant or grocery store first of all. At his age, he is probably feeling somewhat depressed and powerless to really help his mom out. A gift card so he could do something nice for her would probably go along way. If you have something nice like a necklace you hardly wear, that would be nice to include to - make clear that these are for his mother.

I would also get him a new book. Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon is a book about a teenage boy who is very protective of his mom. During the course of the book, he becomes empowered and fights zombies. Other general recommendations are: Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things and The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

If you want to get him a video game system and some games, I would recommend getting him a used DS Lite and some used games. The dsi is newer, but there are no games specific to its technology and the DS Lite also has a slot for Gameboy Advance games. You would be able to get more games for it with less money than you would just the dsi.

Maybe a giftcard to a popular teen clothing store? It is hard to come up with something more personal when there is so little detail.

 

[Wishing on a star]

My son (will be 13...) is getting an iTouch.

But, I have to agree that, most likely, in his situation...
Just some really nice basics... good leather shoes... new socks... and a cool new hoodie... That type of thing may ultimately be the most appreciated.

Many kids are still into 'toys', electonics, collectibles/models, etc... at that age. But, if he currently does not have a home/room of his own... Those things might not work out well.

 

[luvmy3]

I would get him a gift certificate to the local mall that way he could pick out what he wanted from what store he likes. I would also fill a stocking with small amount GCs to places like McDs, and 7-11, and candy and snacks.

 

[Tinkermommy]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful posts!

Several of you brought up the fact since he is in a shelter that electronic gifts may be stolen so I am now leaning away from that.

I wish I knew more about him (his sizes and what he's into) but I think I may make him up a stocking of cologne/grooming type stuff and gift cards.

 

[tinytreasures]

what about a skateboard the razor sole skate is suppose to fit in your backpack

 

[browneyes106]

I agree with suggestions on not giving electronic gifts. A former co-worker of mine and his wife volunteered at a women and children's shelter and they said the shelter used to keep any electronic item brought in offsite storage units.

I agree with the suggestions about gift cards, colonge etc.

 

[marcyinPA]

We have a "giving tree" at our church. I picked a 12 year old boy, but there were gift suggestions on the tag. He wanted the newest Harry Potter book, a CD player, and a twin sized comforter/sheet set.

Many of the tags for the teen boys asked for Walmart gift cards, winter coats, and bedding (sheets/comforters). These kids have NOTHING, so the basics are desired and appreciated. If you live in a cold climate, gloves and a hat might be a good idea too.

I would also stay away from electronics, for the same reasons that have already been posted.

 

[december]

I have a ds13. He has never liked toys, and only likes country music. He loves anything to do with hunting, fishing, or sports (baseball, basketball, or football. Since you don't know any details about this child, I would get a nice neutral backpack and fill it with personal care items (shampoo, body wash, deoderant, acne wash, etc.), maybe some Christmas candies, gloves, knit cap, and include some gift cards to local stores.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

13 yr old boys can be so different. My DS isn't the least bit interested in music! but almost universally they are interested in video games, or "killing things" of some sort.
If you want to spend a lot how about a DS and a game, you could even get a few games if you get used games.

If you are on a much limited budget you can't go wrong buying Nerf Guns I haven't met a boy from 6 to 36 who doesn't like nerf guns.

Or how about roller blades if a size was given. Again don't know how much you want to spend

Honestly, I wouldn't give anything that involves "killing" such as a nerf gun to a child living in a battered woman's shelter. The poor kid has probably seen way too much violence in real life. I also think that while the majority of 13 year olds can handle fantasy violence and not have it bleed over into their real life, a shelter is a pretty crowded environment and there's often no way to protect younger kids from images aimed at older one -- it's really not the place for something like this.

I think a shuffle and some itunes cards is actually a pretty good idea. At that age, most kids will have computer access at school at least. It's not perfect but they'll probably be able to load it up. Get them a charger so they don't need constant computer access. If you get a kid who really isn't into music (I have one) there will be plenty of people willing to trade.

 

[r1lissa]

I work with children in foster care, who are placed in regular homes and shelters. As others have pointed out, electronics are not a good idea.
The gift card may not be such a good idea either, since you don't know if the child even has the means to get to a store. Plus, parents in desperate situations sometimes take the gift cards from the children to buy what they want/need, or they sell it for cash. I hate to be a downer, but I see these things happen all the time.

Something we like to suggest for the older kids, are tight-roll sleeping bags. This ensures they always have their own personal sleeping item instead of "icky" shelter sheets and pillows. The personal care items and socks are also good ideas.
Other things that are not too bulky and are good for shelter situations are: card games, drawing pads and pencils, a sturdy backpack, a watch, a baseball cap (whatever NFL or collegiate team is popular around you.)

Thanks for sharing your blessings this year.

 

[Agri]

I think a shuffle and some itunes cards is actually a pretty good idea. At that age, most kids will have computer access at school at least. It's not perfect but they'll probably be able to load it up. Get them a charger so they don't need constant computer access. If you get a kid who really isn't into music (I have one) there will be plenty of people willing to trade.

A large percentage of schools do not allow personal electronics or free internet access. Most schools have filters on their internet access and I am pretty sure that itunes would be blocked. Of course, I would not dream of taking something like that to a public school at all.

 

[Cinderella94]

I think a shuffle and some itunes cards is actually a pretty good idea. At that age, most kids will have computer access at school at least. It's not perfect but they'll probably be able to load it up. Get them a charger so they don't need constant computer access. If you get a kid who really isn't into music (I have one) there will be plenty of people willing to trade.

A large percentage of schools do not allow personal electronics or free internet access. Most schools have filters on their internet access and I am pretty sure that itunes would be blocked. Of course, I would not dream of taking something like that to a public school at all.

Definitely agree with Agri.