My son’s birthday is in a couple days, turning 15, and I’m looking for ideas. There isn’t anything he’s asking for (“money”). He has a laptop (ostensibly for school, but he plays Mine-Craft on it a lot), an ipod, a bicycle, and a skateboard (last years present).
He’s not that much into video games, but plays them sometimes. He did like Shaun White’s skateboarding, so we’re getting him the new SSX. My wife was thinking a first person shooter, but felt that Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 and the new Battlefield were too violent, based on videos online.
jewelry perhaps? When I was a boy (in the US) it was considered girly for a boy to wear necklaces and whatnot, but this is pretty much no longer the case.
A multitool, if he’s responsible enough. He needs a talk about how he can’t take it to school with him, but I have always had good results with giving a Leatherman or Gerber multitool as a gift.
My son’s big present from us for his 15th birthday this year was Skyrim, which inspired him to hug us both in appreciation. Physical affection! From a 15-year-old boy! I’m still basking.
BuckyBalls. My mid-teens-to-early-twenties nephews have a blast playing with them whenever they visit. Not suitable if there are young children in the house.
What every 15 year-old boy wants. A 15 year-old girl!
In all seriousness, silk sheets are big, soft, adult swaddling blankets of orgasmic awesome. He may initially be skeptic, but they’re simply delightful.
My own laddie is turning 15 in July and I’m getting him speakers for his iPod(s). Yes he has three. No I didn’t buy them all. On the subject of silky sheets, he also likes his big fluffy robe I got him for Christmas. He also likes funky retro T-shirts.
If he hasn’t already, he is nearing the age where it isn’t cool to do things with parents anymore.
If financially possible I would suggest the last of the great family trips to someplace fun - an amusement park, a vacation in the woods by the lake or near the beach or someplace that you have gone in the past that would be fun. Take lots of pictures…time flies and it will be great to have some family photos of the good times.
A ticket to one of those indoor sky diving places.
An introductory flying lesson (as previously mentioned).
Bungee Jumping.
Indoor rock climbing.
Jet Skiing.
A day at a shooting range. Especially if fully automatic weapons are legal in your state.
A trip to DragonCon, ComicCon, etc.
A helicopter ride.
Regarding the shooting range suggestion: I’m as liberal as the next guy on this board, but I was very surprised at how much fun shooting was. Contrary to the stereotypes, almost all of the ranges I’ve shot at are run by hyper-responsible, respectful, safety-conscious people. Consider signing up for introductory lessons. And if you’re in a state where fully automatic weapons are legal, I’d recommend signing up for shooting one of those, just for the experience. Going to a shooting range will also give your son a taste for the reality of weapons, compared to the fantasy of weapons in his FPS games.
