So...we adopted a child from a local homeless shelter for Christmas presents. I got the card today (it was through a work program), and aside from some rules (no cash, gift cards, DVDs, CDs, tapes, expensive electronics, anything that could potentially be used for drug abuse), got precious little information about him, so I was hoping some of you who know or have raised boys this age could help!
He's 12-15. He'd like a wallet, a watch, models, and building sets. (We also got his race, but since we won't be buying dolls, I'm not sure how it's relevant.)
The rules are that we give two unwrapped toys and a stuffed stocking. I'm pretty sure I can get a wallet and a watch appropriate for a 12-15 year old into a stocking, and can (I hope) find some non-glue-using models or building sets.
What else can I put in the stocking? I'm guessing he's a smart kid, since he asked for mechanical/technical things. If he were into sports, I suspect he would have said "Bucs stuff" or "Gator stuff" (as some others on the list did). Because he lives at the shelter, I'm guessing CDs/DVDs are provided for everyone in the rec area, as are things like basketballs, footballs, etc.
So what would a smart young man want in his stocking for Christmas? Thanks
Challenge Goals: *10 minutes of unplanned exercise five times a week *Gym time twice a week *Socialize at least once every two weeks.
my best friend's son started to really care about his appearance at this age. perhaps some hair moousse or gel. if he is Black, there are some fine Hair Styling Creams that are available at walmart or any drug store. Some aftershave so he can smell pretty, and he will feel really big for needing aftershave.
He may want to look really sharp for school--perhaps fill a new backpack instead of a stocking? fill with new school supplies, cool socks, new shoe laces, deck of cards or UNO cards, writing utensils. in terms of comic type of books, the japanese comics are popular with boys of this age, so maybe some Manga books (there are also "How to dram Manga" book which would go along with Jill's ideas for art supplies)
i gather he has had a rough start in life if he is at a shelter. perhaps a book about someone who had overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve success i life. I know there is that girl who was homeless and got herself into Harvard. I had heard they were making a movie about her, but i am pretty sure she wrote a book also. if this kid is black, there are certainly many Black role models of folks overcoming hardship. There is that surgeon from Detroit who grew up super super poor and became the top surgeon in the US for his specialty. I am sure you could google all these folks.
ok, that is all for now. diana, you are tops in my book, girlie!
Goals: 1. Stop thinking like a chronic dieter and start living to inspire. 2. HALT (hungry, anxious, lonely, tired) I will stop and tune in with myself should I experience these things, and respond with something healthy. 3. One word 2008: courage 4. Eat slow and mindfully.
No clothing size--the shelter provides clothes, we're supposed to be the indulgent aunt & uncle, who give them what they want, not what they need.
A baseball hat of some sort has definitely made the list, and the pencils/drawing paper idea, and we'll definitely go to a bookstore for a couple of books and puzzle books! I saw some of the snap-together models online, and some are pretty cool, so we're going to the Discovery Store tonight to pick out a couple of those.
Candy has been suggested several times by co-workers, too, so we'll fill the empty spaces with that, and I'd forgotten about remote-controlled things!
Y'all are great. Thank you so much!
Challenge Goals: *10 minutes of unplanned exercise five times a week *Gym time twice a week *Socialize at least once every two weeks.
Hey D....my son is 12. Like all ages and genders, it really depends on his interests.
My son happens to love sports. He is passionate about football and can't seem to play it enough. Did they give you a clothing size? Kids in shelters need clothes more than anything. They are so insecure at that age and when they go to school, if they look shabby, they are very self concious! Sneakers, shirts, socks, jeans or basketball shorts. Middle School boys wear basketball shorts.....even if it is cold out.
A nice football or basketball. If he likes to build, you don't have to get models. KNex makes models that click together. They have rollercoasters and ferris wheels etc. Mag Netix also has fun building stuff.
Middle school boys love baseball caps too. Bucs cap, jersey, Devil Rays? Also, boys this age love remote control planes or helicopters.
Posts: 1369 | Location: West Florida | Registered: March 12, 2004
My 14-year-old nephew really liked his birthday gift, Slam, by Nick Hornby. Pretty grown up subject matter, but he liked that it didn't talk down to him.
I think edible treats would probably go over well with boys in that age bracket, too. Sugarless gum, foil-wrapped chocolate balls, stuff like that maybe?
Hugs to you, Diana, not just for doing this, but for putting some real thought into it.
Here are a couple thoughts for you: 1. Puzzle book(s): Sudoku comes to mind but maybe a crossword puzzle book or something. 2. Food items: Target had an amazing selection of fun food stuff that might be a nice addition in all sorts of sizes, varieties.
I don't have a boy but I do have some ideas. How about a pack of colored pens/pencils (perhaps if he is into models and building he may have an interest in architecture and may enjoy drawing), warm socks-oh, wait you live in Florida(it is like 20 degrees outside so I am thinking warm stuff), post-it notes, a book and maybe a book light, a deck of cards, you could fit a t-shirt of some sort in a stocking-like a graphic tee-they have a bunch of them at Old Navy and Aeropostale and they are pretty inexpensive.
Jill
Summer Challenge Goals: 1) Walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week 2) Plan weekly menus
