Gift ideas for 14 year old boy

[cmosdes]

My son turns 14 soon and he hasn't given me any gift ideas. He likes to read, so books are one option, but I was hoping for something else as well. I'd like to keep it under $100. He really wants an iphone but I'm not ready to dive into a two year contract on a phone for him yet. He plays soccer but already has a decent soccer ball and good cleats and shin guards.

I was thinking about craft type stuff, maybe models or other building type activities, but not sure what would fit the bill. He does like tinkering. We gave him a "100 in 1" electronic set at one point but it wasn't used very much. An airsoft gun is an option, as he and his friends will occasionally have a battle with those.

Any ideas??

[Oakminster]

If you have broadband internet, you could get him a MMORG and several months of game time. World of Warcraft will be launching a major expansion sometime this fall, probably in November. City of Heroes/Villians also recently released a major expansion, and there are other games out there as well.

Another option may be one of those MP3 player things. I think kids buy downloads from a site like itunes, and then the machine will store/replay the music. As a bonus for parents, headphones are available.

It may stretch the budget, but how about a trip to a major sporting event--a MLB or NFL game, or even a college football game, if such is reasonably close to where you live?

If you're anywhere near a coast, you may be able to do a deep sea fishing charter for a half day for two people within your budget, or close to to it.

[C3]

Tickets for something? My nephews that age are really into music, so that's always a sure bet with them, but maybe he's interested in another sort of event.

[bibliophage]

I don't know what he wants, but I know what I would have wanted at that age (excluding the porn collection):

Table tennis (ping pong) table - the cheapest full-sized one I see is a bit out of your price range at about $130 (at Sears).

A nice chess set, assuming he plays or wants to learn.

Archery bow. I had one at that age and I still have both my eyes. Not sure how much these cost now. I got my two bows ridiculously cheap on eBay a few years ago.

Rocket kit.

Remote-controlled airplane.

Telescope or binoculars with tripod and star chart.

[Hello Again]

What are his interests? You seem like you're steering him towards "juvenile" pursuits, toy guns and craft kits -- and that's cool if that's what he really enjoys -- but he's at the age where maybe he would like something more "grown up" however he thinks of it and you as mom/dad wouldn't necessarily "see" that easily. Maybe some "trendy" type clothes, tickets to a band he likes, a trip somewhere with friends, an ipod or other technology doodad... these are just some ideas I'm throwing out.

[awldune]

If he wants an iPhone but you're worried about paying for service, you might consider an iPod Touch -- basically the exact same functionality as far as games/apps but no cell phone component. It can also do internet stuff if you have a wireless router.

[cmosdes]

I should have mentioned this earlier.

He already has an ipod touch. He is looking to get the newer version that just came out, but that is about $300.

When I mentioned crafts, I wasn't thinking little toy models. I was more thinking along the lines of a radio controlled airplane or helicopter. Something he can build and then use. He has a rocket launching kit which he did use once this summer. We fired off about 5 rockets but he hasn't shown much interest in that since.

A ping-pong table would be a great idea of we had the room, but unfortunately we don't. I'm considering upgrading our video system (PS2), but then it would be more of a family gift and not just his.

I'll checking into the MMORG idea.. I don't really know what that is but I'm sure he'd be interested in on-line gaming.

He really isn't into watching sports at all. He'd much rather play. If I could figure out how to do it, I'd get him something like a day of rock climbing or some other outdoor experience.

Please, keep the ideas coming.

[Dante]

Five pounds of veal. Unless you already gave him that for Christmas.

[Gruntled]

Personally, I'd skip any kind of video game or electronics that encourage a kid to sit on his ass for hours in a dark room by himself.

I'd give gifts that encourage him to have fun outdoors and with others. How about something like paintball gun and a gift certificate for a some paintball time at the local field?

How about a musical instrument?

[YogSosoth]

Porn

[Ellen Cherry]

Um, no, YogSosoth. Not funny.

I have a 13-year-old son and I will attest he loved kayaking last summer. He also likes his point-and-shoot camera he got last Christmas and always seems happy when I get him groovy shoes. (I can't help it. I buy everyone cool shoes.) He also loves his iPod Touch, but I see that's covered. You could throw in a headset with a mic and get him an internet phone number, and he can talk on the iPod at home if you have a wireless router.

[cmosdes]

Um, no, YogSosoth. Not funny.

I have a 13-year-old son and I will attest he loved kayaking last summer. He also likes his point-and-shoot camera he got last Christmas and always seems happy when I get him groovy shoes. (I can't help it. I buy everyone cool shoes.) He also loves his iPod Touch, but I see that's covered. You could throw in a headset with a mic and get him an internet phone number, and he can talk on the iPod at home if you have a wireless router.

We don't have wireless, so one thought I had was to install that for him at home so he could use his ipod touch through it. But again, that didn't seem very personal.

Kayaking is an option, as is any other outdoor activity but I'm not sure how to pull it off. I'll have to check into it more. I think he would really enjoy that kind of thing.

[Oakminster]

Kayaking is an option, as is any other outdoor activity but I'm not sure how to pull it off. I'll have to check into it more. I think he would really enjoy that kind of thing.

Maybe check around with sporting goods stores. They may offer supervised trips themselves or know of someone who does.

Most paintball fields back in the day were able to accomodate walk up business. For a flat fee, you get equipment rental, a fairly small amount of ammo, gun and safety mask. You can, and probably would wish to, purchase extra ammo. You might call one to see what kind of deals they offer, determine start times, etc.

Maybe look for something you could do together. As I reflect back on childhood, I don't remember the things my dad gave me nearly as much as I remember the time he spent with me. Fishing, hunting, shooting, camping, golf, ball games...whatever activity Dad happened to be into was available to me if I wanted to go. Dad and I had a plan, where we were going to try to throw a hook under every bush in the swamps. As it turns out, there are a helluva lotta bushes in those swamps, and we didn't try em all....but we made a damn fine run at it, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

[YogSosoth]

Um, no, YogSosoth. Not funny.

I have a 13-year-old son and I will attest he loved kayaking last summer. He also likes his point-and-shoot camera he got last Christmas and always seems happy when I get him groovy shoes. (I can't help it. I buy everyone cool shoes.) He also loves his iPod Touch, but I see that's covered. You could throw in a headset with a mic and get him an internet phone number, and he can talk on the iPod at home if you have a wireless router.

Kid's gotta start sometime and it's usually adolescence. I started sneaking magazines in junior high around 12 so it's not completely unusual. I don't see how it's bad to get a 14 year old some magazines. Chances are, if he has ever gone online, he's seen it already

[Lynn Bodoni]

I've given a few Leatherman multitools to both males and females, and they've always been well-received. Seems to me that 14 is a good age to be given a good serious knife and tool set, assuming that he's mature enough to be trusted with sharp blades and such. I'm not committed to Leatherman as the brand, as long as it's a good brand. Now, he'll probably have to leave this thing at home when he goes to school, but that only increases the coolness factor.

I have a Leatherman micro or mini on my key ring, and I am the envy of just about every male that sees it.

[Lynn Bodoni]

Um, no, YogSosoth. Not funny.

I have a 13-year-old son and I will attest he loved kayaking last summer. He also likes his point-and-shoot camera he got last Christmas and always seems happy when I get him groovy shoes. (I can't help it. I buy everyone cool shoes.) He also loves his iPod Touch, but I see that's covered. You could throw in a headset with a mic and get him an internet phone number, and he can talk on the iPod at home if you have a wireless router.

Kid's gotta start sometime and it's usually adolescence. I started sneaking magazines in junior high around 12 so it's not completely unusual. I don't see how it's bad to get a 14 year old some magazines. Chances are, if he has ever gone online, he's seen it already I believe that in most states, it's illegal for a minor to possess porn. Yes, most of them have at least seen it, and a lot of them have it...but that doesn't mean that a parent can or should provide it for them.

Anyway, half of the fun of porn is the naughtiness factor.

[Shot From Guns]

Personally, I'd skip any kind of video game or electronics that encourage a kid to sit on his ass for hours in a dark room by himself.

He already plays soccer. Nothing wrong with playing some video games, too. (I'll also note that you didn't have any similar objection to books, which pretty much by definition require you to sit in a room by yourself to use them.) Also, you may note that Oakminster suggested an MMO. If you weren't aware, the first two letters stand for Massively Multiplayer--you're playing in a game world that contains thousands of other people, and regularly teaming up with them in combinations of anything from two people to forty.

Um, no, YogSosoth. Not funny.

I disagree. It was quite funny.

I've given a few Leatherman multitools to both males and females, and they've always been well-received.

I think this would be a cool idea. I've always loved these. My little brother bought his first one when he was about 14 and wore the hell out of it.

[jz78817]

cash.

I'm serious.

[jz78817]

Kid's gotta start sometime and it's usually adolescence. I started sneaking magazines in junior high around 12 so it's not completely unusual. I don't see how it's bad to get a 14 year old some magazines.

in most states, it could land you on a very public registry if certain people find out about it.

[Taomist]

As far as small electronics go, the ones out there now are quite cool, and have plenty of things besides 'just mindless timewasters' on them. I'm thinking along the lines of the DS and such; might want to check them out and see what programs each type carries.

I'd even recommend a Kindle or some such, though one still has to download books to it, and I don't know how much that will run in general. (I personally prefer paperbacks, but again, the coolness factor is...well, kinda cool)

[sisu]

take him rock climbing, horse riding or bushwalking for the weekend, do it with a tour company and it will help cement the father/son bond that will be severly tested over the next 4 years!

This will be a memory the kid will have forever. My kids have iphones, laptops, ps3 etc etc but when asked what their best presents were these weekends are on top of the list. Oh excpet the 19 year old who said his car was the best present!

[jz78817]

take him rock climbing, horse riding or bushwalking for the weekend, do it with a tour company and it will help cement the father/son bond that will be severly tested over the next 4 years!

This will be a memory the kid will have forever. My kids have iphones, laptops, ps3 etc etc but when asked what their best presents were these weekends are on top of the list. Oh excpet the 19 year old who said his car was the best present!

we're talking about a 14-year-old. he might think that is the lamest thing ever.

[lindsaybluth]

I've got a 15 year old brother, and for his last birthday, he got an ipod touch and loves it. You can find a bunch of them for under $100 on ebay, brand new, because a lot of people get them free with their Mac purchases for going back to school or college, but have no use for them.

It's an iphone without the plan. Genius.

And get wireless installed in your house. Either he or one of his friends can figure it out, and if it's a friend, you can throw him $10.

[TriPolar]

I use to give younger teenage boys (13-14) subscriptions to Sports Illustrated. It has a big legal porn issue every year. And they get something in the mail regularly with their name on it. But kids are different now that we have the internet tubes, so it may be a dated concept.

[OpalCat]

My son turned 15 yesterday. I got him a Flip Video camera and he LOVES it. $109.

[Shirley Ujest]

Digitial camera to document his world and this time in his life.

iTunes card for music.

A deck of cards and show him how to play a variety of card games.

[Zoe]

Punching bag and boxing gloves

[Justin_Bailey]

If he's only got a PS2, I definitely suggest a new video game system. The Xbox 360 is $199 now.

If he likes Airsoft guns, a new gun or a day of paintball sounds like his thing. Although how this can be classified as childish (post #5) is beyond me.

If you've got no ideas beyond that, go with cash and let the kid buy something himself. People that look down on cash as a present usually don't realize that what they give as a gift is often not something the receiver would ever want.

[Red Skeezix]

An activity based gift. Like whitewater rafting for the day, or rock climbing lessons maybe a high ropes course. Usually if you go the one day lesson route, the equipment cost is included, and if he decides he doesn't want to continue it's no big deal.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Where are you located? If you're near a coast, consider a one day surf school. My kids loved it (10 and 13)

[sisu]

take him rock climbing, horse riding or bushwalking for the weekend, do it with a tour company and it will help cement the father/son bond that will be severly tested over the next 4 years!

This will be a memory the kid will have forever. My kids have iphones, laptops, ps3 etc etc but when asked what their best presents were these weekends are on top of the list. Oh excpet the 19 year old who said his car was the best present!

we're talking about a 14-year-old. he might think that is the lamest thing ever.

Yeah all the more reason to do it, get kids out and about and stretching themselves.

Don't let your limits become your kids.

[Shot From Guns]

I'd even recommend a Kindle or some such, though one still has to download books to it, and I don't know how much that will run in general.

The Kindle itself will be $139 or $189. Most books will be $8-$13. There will be a lot of free ones, but most of them won't be the kind of thing a typical 14 year old boy would be interested in (i.e., classics that are no longer covered under copyright). A reasonably tech-smart kid could probably find plenty of resources to get his hands on free pirated ebooks, but that's the sort of thing we're not supposed to encourage here.

[missred]

To expand on the Leatherman concept, how about a starter tool box?

You can pick up one for your budget and add to it later. Have a project in mind that the two of you can work on together and you get time well spent with your son (and maybe some home improvement to boot :) ).

[OpalCat]

I'd even recommend a Kindle or some such, though one still has to download books to it, and I don't know how much that will run in general.

The Kindle itself will be $139 or $189. Most books will be $8-$13. There will be a lot of free ones, but most of them won't be the kind of thing a typical 14 year old boy would be interested in (i.e., classics that are no longer covered under copyright). A reasonably tech-smart kid could probably find plenty of resources to get his hands on free pirated ebooks, but that's the sort of thing we're not supposed to encourage here.

We got my son (age 14 at the time) a Kindle for Christmas last year and he loves it. I have one too, and he's on the same account as I am so we can share books.

[Hello Again]

If he likes Airsoft guns, a new gun or a day of paintball sounds like his thing. Although how this can be classified as childish (post #5) is beyond me.

Sorry, I had to look up Airsoft guns - I was thinking (incorrectly) of something a bit more... um... "nerf-y." Anyway, I just meant that the OP's suggestions read a bit like some 1950s idea of Wholesome Boyhood, vs. most 14-year old boys, who kind of want to be considered cool.

Paintball or rock climbing would probably be a hit (most locales have indoor rock gyms, which give lessons, rent equipment, etc). They're good exercise too.

[Anonymous Coward]

A leatherman or even a plain old swiss army knife is a great idea. My grandfather gave one to me when I was around 13.

Just be sure he's taught how to use it safely. Mine was confiscated by the school when my dumb-ass friend tried to stab something with it and the knife folded back and cut off the ball of his thumb.

The moral of the story is to always buy a knife with a locking blade and don't lend your knife to dumb-ass friends.

[Shot From Guns]

The moral of the story is to always buy a knife with a locking blade and don't lend your knife to dumb-ass friends.

And, these days, be very careful to research school regulations before you bring a knife of any kind, even a pocketknife. A lot of schools have deeply stupid Zero Tolerance policies where getting caught with anything that can be remotely construed as a weapon equals a suspension.

[Justin_Bailey]

If he likes Airsoft guns, a new gun or a day of paintball sounds like his thing. Although how this can be classified as childish (post #5) is beyond me.

Sorry, I had to look up Airsoft guns - I was thinking (incorrectly) of something a bit more... um... "nerf-y." Anyway, I just meant that the OP's suggestions read a bit like some 1950s idea of Wholesome Boyhood, vs. most 14-year old boys, who kind of want to be considered cool.


I guess. But I'm supervisor to a bunch of teenagers and Airsoft guns are considered ridiculously cool. When were guns ever not cool for that matter?

[Hello Again]

Sorry, I had to look up Airsoft guns - I was thinking (incorrectly) of something a bit more... um... "nerf-y." Anyway, I just meant that the OP's suggestions read a bit like some 1950s idea of Wholesome Boyhood, vs. most 14-year old boys, who kind of want to be considered cool.

I guess. But I'm supervisor to a bunch of teenagers and Airsoft guns are considered ridiculously cool. When were guns ever not cool for that matter?
I tried to explain this. I was picturing something like a nerf gun. I was wrong about that particular item. The rest of the suggestions in the post sounded kind of -- almost stereotypically -- kiddy and lame. (and, as noted, the child had limited interest in them).

At the age of 14 some people will do almost anything to appear "grown-up" as they perceive it. And parents, at the same time, sometime have a hard time recognizing that their children are no longer interested in things they (the children) consider "childish." This was my original point, and I don't think it is an invalid one. I'm sorry I got a detail wrong, causing you to discount my whole post. *sigh*.

[Hello Again]

The moral of the story is to always buy a knife with a locking blade and don't lend your knife to dumb-ass friends.

And, these days, be very careful to research school regulations before you bring a knife of any kind, even a pocketknife. A lot of schools have deeply stupid Zero Tolerance policies where getting caught with anything that can be remotely construed as a weapon equals a suspension.

Yeah, I have a Swiss Army Knife I got -- er, maybe for my 13th birthday? -- which I carried and treasured and used, and even sent back for resharpening! for years. However, there are now so many places you can't take a knife, that I haven't carried it on my person in forever. The last known sighting was in my horse show gear bag, and my horse died in 2006.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

We have an ongoing deal with the Attackkids that we'll teach them 'spy skills'. This has resulted in them taking archery and riding classes, as well as surf camp. Consider a camp that teaches a cool skill, like rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding- something it's good to know, but tough to learn.

[Justin_Bailey]

At the age of 14 some people will do almost anything to appear "grown-up" as they perceive it. And parents, at the same time, sometime have a hard time recognizing that their children are no longer interested in things they (the children) consider "childish." This was my original point, and I don't think it is an invalid one. I'm sorry I got a detail wrong, causing you to discount my whole post. *sigh*.

I'm going to take a guess and say that you either don't know any 14 year olds or your owns kids are long past the age of teenagerhood. Kids that age are not shy about asking for what they want. And if he doesn't want trendy clothes, giving them to him is a huge waste of money.

And you didn't get a detail wrong, you told the OP they were treating their 14 year old like a child because they wanted to give him a gun that is very popular with teenagers right now. So you were just plain wrong.

[Shot From Guns]

And if he doesn't want trendy clothes, giving them to him is a huge waste of money.

Or, worse, you miss the mark of the style he wants.

[kimapplegoz]

I have a 14 year old boy. What he loves most at this age is excercising new found independance. Anything he can do on his own with his friends. Gift cards to movies, paintball, sports etc. (Don't know where you live, my boys are into Hockey and up here NHL tickets are a fortune, so we give AHL tickets...closer to drive, and I find them discounted on Kijiji for $15 each) At this age the boys eat like crazy and food is big in their lives. I got him gift cards for a popular sub shop across from his school, and called some of his friends' moms to do the same so they can go out for lunch as a group. (did same with movie passes...if his friends get them too, they can go together during the school break) Ski or snowboard passes. Remember, with the school break they need stuff to do.
My son is also into airsoft and I found a cool target for airsoft at Walmart. Parts collapse when you hit it. He likes to go online and play "Mind Craft" and there is a download version for about $20. I presume you don't want just giftcards and want something more visual, tactile to open as a gift...X-box or PSP games...new headphones, oh- for his birthday, I got him a locking cabinet for his room...we have little ones, and they often get into his stuff...he loved having a way to lock it away from them. I did have a rule that we had to keep the spare key. Amusingly, he used it to lock his Halloween Candy away from the little kids, and I insist his airsoft and paintball guns go in it too. My son went thru a stage where he was crazy about weapons...then he started making his own "longboard" skateboards, and now all he wants is tools! whew...sorry that was so long! :smack:

[akay99]

My son turns 14 soon and he hasn't given me any gift ideas. He likes to read, so books are one option, but I was hoping for something else as well. I'd like to keep it under $100. He really wants an iphone but I'm not ready to dive into a two year contract on a phone for him yet. He plays soccer but already has a decent soccer ball and good cleats and shin guards.

I was thinking about craft type stuff, maybe models or other building type activities, but not sure what would fit the bill. He does like tinkering. We gave him a "100 in 1" electronic set at one point but it wasn't used very much. An airsoft gun is an option, as he and his friends will occasionally have a battle with those.

Any ideas??
I'm turning 14 soon as well. I already have one but I would consider either BMX or skate. My birthday I'm asking for more parts for my bike cause I'm really into Bmx and dirt jumps. But i always need new parts cause I sometimes crash and need new replacements.