Please Help with 12 year old boy inexpensive gift ideas

[Zydebearsmom]

I am completely done shopping. Or so I thought. My 12 year old stepson just came to visit (no one knew he was coming). I have no idea what to get him. We bought him an outfit and some shoes ($110.00). Compared to what I got my own kids I just don't feel like I got him enough. His mother is not getting him anything. She sent him here without telling us he was coming. We found out he was here from my mother n law (who didn't know until the last minute) anyways Christmas is in two days and I have no idea what to get a 12 year old boy. He likes video games but he doesn't have a television so no video games. He is from Texas so it has to be things that he can take back on the plane.

 

[Egdisney]

Um, does he have a tablet? What are his interests? If he already has an apple product you can get him iTunes cards. If he plays baseball you could get him a glove. You could get him a DS as they are handheld. Giftcards always work

 

[Zydebearsmom]

Don't really know his interest. We haven't had any communication with him in 5 years. We cant really get him anything of value because the mom will take it for example: his Iphone that we bout so he could call us. The mom took it and now he has a broken Samsung. Where is the Iphone (No one knows). Just not sure what the typical 12 year old is into

 

[java]

This makes me sad. How could he be shipped off without anyone being aware? What if you guys were out of town? That Mom sounds like a real prize. 12 year old boys are into different things. How could you have no communication in 5 years? My 11 year old son is into Mindcraft and his trumpet and lego. And video games. But his best friend is way into sports, and another is all about cars and motocross. I'm sad that his Dad doesn't know his son. I hope you have a nice visit.

 

[jenineh]

Give him some cash and a promise to take him shopping day after Christmas.

 

[v.t.]

I agree with giving him some money and taking him shopping. But if you need something under the tree..... a nice backpack for school, an axe gift set, nerf anything, sketch pad and colored pencils. That is what my 12 year old asked for.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Hmm, my first thought was a ds or an ipod, but I guess not. Nike elite socks, Axe products, wallet with some fast food gifts cards. It's really hard without knowing his interests and no video games, I see why you're having a hard time! How about a nice backpack for school with some supplies in it? Not very fun, but if he doesn't have much it may be important to him.

 

[NYCDiane]

The outfit and shoes sound great. Also, what the other poster said about a backpack, Axe, colored pencils, etc. and some money to take him shopping after Christmas.

As for what he can/can't take on the plane? Why not make it easy for him (and you) and just pack everything in a box and ship it to his home?


If you can, call his mother and ask HER what he would like. She should know because he's with her most of the time.

 

[goingtowdwwithkiddos]

hummm wondering why you spent so much less on him compared to "your" kids..... but anyways sounds like a bad situation on multiple levels. My son just turned 11 and is into video games also, does he have a ds? ,maybe a new working phone, I think the back pack is a good idea, a tablet, itunecards, xbox points, depends what he already has. I doubt he will be thrilled with more clothes. I did minecraft shirts from kohls though.

 

[NYCDiane]

hummm wondering why you spent so much less on him compared to "your" kids..... but anyways sounds like a bad situation on multiple levels. My son just turned 11 and is into video games also, does he have a ds? ,maybe a new working phone, I think the back pack is a good idea, a tablet, itunecards, xbox points, depends what he already has. I doubt he will be thrilled with more clothes. I did minecraft shirts from kohls though.

Did you read her post??? The kid was sent there without his mother bothering to tell anyone. She didn't find out until the mother in law told her. He JUST got there ---- two days before Christmas!

Did you stop to think that maybe the OP has done all her shopping already and doesn't have a ton of cash left to buy a bunch of expensive gifts for him??? Guess what? Not everyone has unlimited cash and credit cards. Some of us MUST work within a budget and when a surprise like this comes up, it throws everything off.

She's doing the best she can and trying to get ideas on what to do for him that's within her budget! She even said she feels she is not doing enough for him in comparison to what she got her children.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

I am completely done shopping. Or so I thought. My 12 year old stepson just came to visit (no one knew he was coming). I have no idea what to get him. We bought him an outfit and some shoes ($110.00). Compared to what I got my own kids I just don't feel like I got him enough. His mother is not getting him anything. She sent him here without telling us he was coming. We found out he was here from my mother n law (who didn't know until the last minute) anyways Christmas is in two days and I have no idea what to get a 12 year old boy. He likes video games but he doesn't have a television so no video games. He is from Texas so it has to be things that he can take back on the plane.

My 12 year old is into sports, video games and cooking. I know broad spectrum. One thing we have been doing more and more with the kids is experiences. Since you haven't seen him or had contact with him is there something he would like to do with you? Like a basketball game or a hockey game? Maybe go to a laser tag place or day pass at an indoor waterpark. Something he will remember doing with you instead of getting things? I know you were not expecting him so these things might not be in the budget but he might enjoy them.

 

[goingtowdwwithkiddos]

Did you read her post??? The kid was sent there without his mother bothering to tell anyone. She didn't find out until the mother in law told her. He JUST got there ---- two days before Christmas!

Did you stop to think that maybe the OP has done all her shopping already and doesn't have a ton of cash left to buy a bunch of expensive gifts for him??? Guess what? Not everyone has unlimited cash and credit cards. Some of us MUST work within a budget and when a surprise like this comes up, it throws everything off.

She's doing the best she can and trying to get ideas on what to do for him that's within her budget! She even said she feels she is not doing enough for him in comparison to what she got her children.

Oh wait I did read and I understand he was not expected to be there but if I have 4,5,6 etc kids step or not I would shop equally rather they were with me or my ex or my dh ex etc. Why would the dad only buy a small gift for his son but more for the kids that are there?? My budget would be divided equally.

 

[Disneymom83]

Oh wait I did read and I understand he was not expected to be there but if I have 4,5,6 etc kids step or not I would shop equally rather they were with me or my ex or my dh ex etc. Why would the dad only buy a small gift for his son but more for the kids that are there?? My budget would be divided equally.

You're not being helpful AT ALL! This thread is meant for advice and not your opinion.

 

[goingtowdwwithkiddos]

You're not being helpful AT ALL! This thread is meant for advice and not your opinion.

My original reply did have lots of ideas for her son of multiple price points.

OP sorry for the stress you must be feeling, I was only stating not understanding not buying equally I did say there appeared to be many issues and did NOT intend to sound as judgmental as it came across.

 

[dminnie]

It sounds like there is a lot of catching up to do if you haven't had communication in 5 years. I think I'd go with the suggestions someone had about providing some kind of experience with him...basketball game, ice skating, roller skating, museum...whatever the fun thing to do in your area is. Just spending time with him will be invaluable, especially time his Dad spends with him. I'd be sure they have some time on their own to create some happy memories. If you want more physical gifts for him to open...legos are always great at that age, or a remote control helicopter, or a camera (assuming he has a computer he could load pictures onto).

You could also ask him. I'm thinking he's aware of how last minute this visit is...maybe just talking with him about that and asking what he'd like. Would he prefer to open some gifts on Christmas morning or to go shopping after the holiday since there is little time to get him stuff? I don't think I'd bother to ask his Mom for ideas...she doesn't sound so helpful from your description.

Whatever you do, just help him to feel that he is important and special to you. I hope he has happy memories of his visit and you all have a good time.

 

[sweet maxine]

I feel so terribly sorry for this boy that he is in this situation at all. Imagine if you can how he must feel, and at Christmas, no less. Something just cries out for some TLC for this little guy.

OP, here are some of my thoughts:

* book to read---Carry on Mr. Bowditch is a great one, and in paperback should be cheap

* tin of homemade goodies just for him----actually maybe one for Christmas, and one for the road to enjoy back home

* any kind of themed t-shirt he might enjoy (Legos, Minecraft, Super Heroes, Scooby Doo, etc.) --- I've seen these marked down at Walmart recently

* special bath product---Dollar Tree actually carries Brut which is pretty good

* gift card to Subway or Wendy's---hopefully he could use this back home

* his very own stocking filled with some goodies for Christmas morning

* a cheap tablet---there could be last-minute deals around

* movie passes like Regal or United Artists

* sketch pad or notebook for drawing cartoons

* wallet to keep the gift cards in if he doesn't have one---cheap at Walmart of some other store

* box or two of a favorite cookie---you'd be surprised how much kids like having their own stash of cookies

* warm, fleecy blanket in boy colors or theme---those should be cheap today

* fleece or sweat jacket with a hoodie

* silly fleece hat for winter

* gift basket with some boxes of movie-type snacks (micro-popcorn, Dollar Tree boxed candy, Pringles, giant candy bar, etc.)

* some kind of fun pajamas and warm slippers or slipper socks---should be on sale today anywhere

* cheap digital camera with movie feature (we've used one of the cheapie ones from Walmart and Big Lots---surprisingly, they work well and are fun for those silly movies kids make)

* anything spy-oriented----flashlight, finger-printing kit, invisible inks, voice-changer items, etc.

Honestly, today could be a bonanza for shopping considering how poorly sales have gone this holiday season. My local Walmart is stuffed with all kinds of gifts which haven't sold. I can imagine that many things will be very discounted today as they have a last-minute push to sell. Target and many other merchandisers will most likely do the same.

When you think about it, anything you give him---including your time, will be special to him. A gift card to Walmart with a promise of after-Christmas shopping could be great, as others have suggested---or even better, cash. I would definitely have some things for him to open Christmas morning. You might actually enjoy the last-minute shopping for him. Think of how it will bless him, and it may give back to you as well.

Best of luck, OP. Let us know how it goes.

 

[McKelly]

If he likes video games, how about a handheld gaming system? That might be too much over budget though...when you start adding games in. But this late in the game, I might just say #$%#@%@ and get him one in the interest of time! It would be small enough to take home on the plane as well.

Make sure he opens EVERYTHING and uses it so the mom can't take it back for the money. I have a sis-in-law like that..........grrrrrr.

 

[laughinplace199]

I agree with the other posters who suggested a DS.

I have a DS12 and this year he asked for:

* A Red Sox shirt and a Celtics shirt

* Xbox games

* Books (he loves the Alex Rider series and the HIVE series)

* Under Armour hoodie

* Gift cards (iTunes and fast food)

Good luck OP. I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!

 

[dminnie]

I feel so terribly sorry for this boy that he is in this situation at all. Imagine if you can how he must feel, and at Christmas, no less. Something just cries out for some TLC for this little guy.

OP, here are some of my thoughts:

* book to read---Carry on Mr. Bowditch is a great one, and in paperback should be cheap

* tin of homemade goodies just for him----actually maybe one for Christmas, and one for the road to enjoy back home

* any kind of themed t-shirt he might enjoy (Legos, Minecraft, Super Heroes, Scooby Doo, etc.) --- I've seen these marked down at Walmart recently

* special bath product---Dollar Tree actually carries Brut which is pretty good

* gift card to Subway or Wendy's---hopefully he could use this back home

* his very own stocking filled with some goodies for Christmas morning

* a cheap tablet---there could be last-minute deals around

* movie passes like Regal or United Artists

* sketch pad or notebook for drawing cartoons

* wallet to keep the gift cards in if he doesn't have one---cheap at Walmart of some other store

* box or two of a favorite cookie---you'd be surprised how much kids like having their own stash of cookies

* warm, fleecy blanket in boy colors or theme---those should be cheap today

* fleece or sweat jacket with a hoodie

* silly fleece hat for winter

* gift basket with some boxes of movie-type snacks (micro-popcorn, Dollar Tree boxed candy, Pringles, giant candy bar, etc.)

* some kind of fun pajamas and warm slippers or slipper socks---should be on sale today anywhere

* cheap digital camera with movie feature (we've used one of the cheapie ones from Walmart and Big Lots---surprisingly, they work well and are fun for those silly movies kids make)

* anything spy-oriented----flashlight, finger-printing kit, invisible inks, voice-changer items, etc.

Honestly, today could be a bonanza for shopping considering how poorly sales have gone this holiday season. My local Walmart is stuffed with all kinds of gifts which haven't sold. I can imagine that many things will be very discounted today as they have a last-minute push to sell. Target and many other merchandisers will most likely do the same.

When you think about it, anything you give him---including your time, will be special to him. A gift card to Walmart with a promise of after-Christmas shopping could be great, as others have suggested---or even better, cash. I would definitely have some things for him to open Christmas morning. You might actually enjoy the last-minute shopping for him. Think of how it will bless him, and it may give back to you as well.

Best of luck, OP. Let us know how it goes.

There are lots of good ideas in this post.

Another idea is to take lots of pictures during his visit. Surprise him after his visit with a late Christmas gift... A photo book from snapfish or whoever is running a great special. Better yet, make two copies of the book... One for him and one for his dad so they can look at it together over the phone. When you make extra copies of the same book, it's usually not to much more for the extra copies.

 

[MSSANDRA]

What a sad story. You are kind to be sure he does not feel left out. I would do my very best to mirror your other children's gifts if he will be there to open gifts when you all open. I would be sure he has something to "play" with, even if it means taking a chance of his mom taking it. Knowing little about the child makes it hard but you have gotten a few ideas. Maybe a lego set for older kids? Some type of electric device? Some type of music device and ear buds? I would not worry about your Christmas budget even if it means using credit cards. Children's feeling are sometimes more important than being debt free.

What are your DH's legal rights? I would so be looking at how a mother could put a child on an airplane and not be concerned whether you guys are even at home.
Maybe reestablishing a relationship with his dad will be the best gift ever.