# Help: Christmas presents for teen-ish boys, no electronics **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 11, 2009, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910 "2009-12-11T20:55:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![miamouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@miamouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miamouse)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/1 "2009-12-11T20:55:12Z")
Number 1 (age 14) and Number 2 (age 10) are on academic ‘no electronics for Christmas’ punishment. (They were forewarned in September and reminded often.) But now it seems I’ve punished myself because I’m not sure what to tell my mom and dad to pick up for them. I can get them clothes, or a science-y crafty type thing, but my ex-es mom will probably ignore anything I say and give them the most expensive techy thing possible. So I’m kinda in the dilemma of what to suggest for my parents to get for them that won’t seem like “Gee, thanks”, while other Grandma is the hero. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/2 "2009-12-11T21:05:05Z")
If they don’t already have any of these: bike skateboard football, soccer ball, basebal and gloves, other sports gear guitar or other instrument and make them learn to play and will also help occupy their time books/comics Thats all I can think of that I had as a young teen that was not electronics. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/3 "2009-12-11T21:08:20Z")
If the boys are geeky, there’s a _ton_ of non-electronic-but-still-geeky stuff on [thinkgeek.com](http://thinkgeek.com) to fill the bill! ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/4 "2009-12-11T21:17:54Z")
The 10 year old is ready for his first shotgun. I’d suggest a single shot .410 for him, and maybe a 20 gauge pump for the 14 year old. Or maybe get them both a .22 rifle for plinking cans, etc. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/5 "2009-12-11T21:43:43Z")
Do movie theater gift certificates count as “electronics”? (since it’s sort of like buying a DVD but not really…) Hmm come to think of it, 10 might be too young for going to the movies by yourself. 14 too. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/6 "2009-12-11T21:46:20Z")
Lots of cool projects and ideas at American science and surplus. Anything from rockets to roman coins. > **[American Science & Surplus](https://sciplus.com/)** > > American Science and Surplus offers tools, toys, science kits, educational toys, school supplies, arts and crafts items, hobby tools, scales, lab glass, housewares, electronics and much more all at discount incredible prices ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/7 "2009-12-11T21:47:29Z")
Get them iTunes gift certificates so you can rub their noses in their ‘no electronics’ restrictions and give them an incentive to earn back their e-toys (which I assume include iPods). Or, give them electronic toys, but lock them away until they complete their probation. IMO, never give a child a gun while they are mad at you. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/8 "2009-12-11T21:47:47Z")
What are they into? Obviously, that’s kind of important in making suggestions. 😉 I thought this looked pretty sweet, if one or the other are into Batman: > **[Amazon.com: The Batman Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book Featuring Rare Collectibles...](https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Vault-Museum-Book-Collectibles/dp/0762436638)** > > Amazon.com: The Batman Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book Featuring Rare Collectibles from the Batcave: 9780762436637: Matthew Manning, Robert Greenberger: Books Does the 14 year old care about clothes? There was always some expensive thingamadoo item of clothing my brother was wanting growing up. (he is still the clotheshorse in the family!) If that is the case, maybe a GC to a favorite store so he can pick out his own stuff? ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/9 "2009-12-11T21:48:08Z")
Books, board games, cool clothes, camping gear, art supplies. I also second outdoor play equipment like skateboards, Razor scooters or Ripstick or other sports equipment. ---
**Author:** ![Translucent\_Daydream](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/translucent_daydream/32/16170_2.png) [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/10 "2009-12-11T23:22:31Z")
Here’s to you for sticking to your guns on this. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/11 "2009-12-12T00:05:17Z")
Hand and power tools. Then if they ever claim they are bored, you can point out the fence that needs repair, the door that needs adjusting, a new sunroom off the back porch… ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/12 "2009-12-12T00:11:51Z")
Etsy’s [Geekery section](http://www.etsy.com/category/geekery) is full of neat, one-of-a-kind stuff including old skeletons, graphic tees and toys, though it does take a bit of searching. ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/13 "2009-12-12T00:31:17Z")
This is what I told my wife to get me, I’m sure your kids would love it as well N-Strike Raider CS-35 Nerf Gun [http://nerfguns.org/](http://nerfguns.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/14 "2009-12-12T00:32:38Z")
Sometime in my teens I received the toolbox and basic needed tools in it for Christmas. Different screwdrivers, a socket set, a hammer, a set of adjustable wrenches, a utility knife allen wrenches, those hex star tools for automobiles and a few other specialty tips would be a good start. The tool box and most of the tools are still with me. It’s always been great to have and you’ll remember the giver every time you fix something. ---
**Author:** ![J-P\_L](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/j-p_l/32/3156_2.png) [@J-P\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J-P_L)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/15 "2009-12-12T01:27:36Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > The 10 year old is ready for his first shotgun. I’d suggest a single shot .410 for him, and maybe a 20 gauge pump for the 14 year old. Or maybe get them both a .22 rifle for plinking cans, etc. Maybe a shotgun is not such a good idea, but it made me think, what about a “paintball gun” if there is a playing field closeby, my grand-sons, 12 and 15 like it. ---
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/16 "2009-12-12T02:19:41Z")
I saw an Erector set for $40 at Costco. I loved that shit when I was a kid, hell, I still do! But I’m a nerd, and it’ll help his budding mechanical engineering instincts. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/17 "2009-12-12T04:31:03Z")
> [@J-P\_L](#): > > Maybe a shotgun is not such a good idea, but it made me In today’s world, maybe not. Back in the day, getting a .410 was a coming of age ritual in my part of the world. Hunting was a lot more common, and most boys couldn’t wait for that first trip with their dad. December 26 was often a bad day to be a varmit back then… ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/18 "2009-12-12T04:33:50Z")
Depends on the area. Where I grew up in rural Ohio, it was pretty common for kids to get a hunting rifle at a relatively young age, and I assume that’s still true today, 'cause I’m not that old. My 14-year-old brother really likes board games. This year we’re thinking of getting him Galaxy Trucker, or possibly Dominion. You could go with something like that, e.g. Settlers of Catan, or whatever. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/19 "2009-12-12T05:18:19Z")
plastic models they can build. [Start here](http://www.megahobby.com/), go nuts. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910/20 "2009-12-12T07:38:07Z")
> [@G0sp3l](#): > > This is what I told my wife to get me, I’m sure your kids would love it as well > > N-Strike Raider CS-35 Nerf Gun [http://nerfguns.org/](http://nerfguns.org/) THANK YOU!!! I’ve been trying to decide what to get my boyfriend for Christmas (he’s 36). Since Diablo 3 isn’t coming out any time soon and I’m on worker’s comp, I was kinda at a loss as to what to get that wasn’t expensive. This is PERFECT!!! Oh, and we got his nephew a Nerf big bad bow. I can’t wait to play with it. We got my nephews (and my niece) Snuggies. Normally I wouldn’t have but all three are always complaining that my sister needs to turn the heat up and all have asked for their own lap blanket for Christmas (my sister keeps the house at 67° - little wimps). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-christmas-presents-for-teen-ish-boys-no-electronics/520910.md?page=2)