Rim Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 I need to buy presents for two male cousins that are 10-13 yrs. old and I have no clue what boys are into now. I don't want to be uncool and buy them clothes. ;) They are coming from the Philippines (where I'm from originally) with my Aunt so I really don't know their interests. I'm not looking for musical things - at least I have no idea whether they're into music. I've seen those really small remote control cars about the size of a Matchbox car, RC Racers (?), that go for about $20 apiece. Would those be cool or are they too old for them? Any ideas? Thanks for any advice. aka riffing Double Post music: Strip Down http://rimspeed.com http://loadedtheband.com
linwood Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 Be the cool Uncle and go with a play station II. If they have one already, get a new game.
patrick_dont_fret Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 Ritalin. That's all they'll need. Ritalin...hey, get me some too.
Bob Keelan Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 walkman type CD players are pretty inexpensive these days.
Rog Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 A Playboy subscription? "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards.
where02190 Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 A gift certificate, and an afternoon at the mall for them to spend it, will probably be quite an appreciated gift for these overseas visiters. Hope this is helpful. NP Recording Studios Analog approach to digital recording.
Anifa Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 My 12 year old boy has been begging for a computer video game called Age of Mythology... I just ordered it online at Amazon for $34.99. That's his top request... depends on how much you want to spend and to what equipment they have at their dispose. As one suggested, if they have a PlayStation, games are ALWAYS a welcome gift... If you know that they have access to a computer, but are not sure which games they have... Amazon gift certificates are always a good choice. That way you can spend exactly what you wish. Also, Harry Potter nostalgia is big right now with pre-teens. You can take the man away from his music, but you can't take the music out of the man. Books by Craig Anderton through Amazon Sweetwater: Bruce Swedien\'s "Make Mine Music"
henrysb3 Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 I cringe when I think that we got our son his first Nintendo at that age. I realize that not all who play video games become addicted, but he and his friends have. It's a game called Everquest by Sony, which some now call Evercrack for its addictive power. My son and all but one of his friends flunked out of college before their sophomore years because of this game. They appear to have little other interest than The Game. On top of that, it's a subscription game, which means that Sony gets Evercash from the players. "Sweet Melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of doom. She speaks good English and she invites you up into her room. And you're so kind and careful not to go to her too soon. Then she steals your voice and leaves you howling at the moon." "I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff. Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough. But the joke was on me there wasn't nobody left to bluff I'm goin' back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough." - Dylan Sorry for the doom and gloom, but like I said, my personal experience would steer me away from video games, at least until you know the kids. The most valuable thing you can give a kid is time. I like the idea of gift certs. and a trip to the mall. good luck, Henry He not busy being born Is busy dyin'. ...Bob Dylan
deanmass Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 I have a 12 year old son, and all his friends and he are diggin the Yu Gi Oh Cards. They start at $4.00 per pack...Most comic shops and Meijers/Target etc have them
Rim Posted December 11, 2002 Author Posted December 11, 2002 Yeah, now that I thought about it more, those RC Racers are for younger kids, though I may buy one for myself! :) I looked at the PS2 and at $200, it's a bit steep. I don't know if they already have one and if they do, that they'd bring it here. I also doubt they'd bring a computer here so PC games are out, too. BTW, my aunt and her kids are planning on staying here in the US and getting citizenship so hopefully, is not just a visit. My mom's petition for them finally came through. Portable CD players are a possibility. I really can't go wrong with gift certs from Best Buy. Thanks all! aka riffing Double Post music: Strip Down http://rimspeed.com http://loadedtheband.com
patrick_dont_fret Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Rog: [b]A Playboy subscription?[/b][/quote]Copping a Rip Torn-esque voicing: "Well son, now you're a man." henrysb3, I feel your pain. I played video games for a while, but I never made it past Goldeneye and Turok 2. After that, I quit getting into them. I took up bass and crack, and started hitting the streets slangin' tha phat groove. After that, I got busted for making someone's day, and got sent to rehab. Now I'm a standup comedian for late-night TV on the Weather Channel. I still play that bass, but not like I did when I was with that sweet Mary Jane. Actually, 99% of that is untrue. I still play Goldeneye, but rarely. Multiplayer is most often the choice, and I rarely lose.
Felix_dup1 Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 If a game console is too steep, would they maybe be interested in a Game Boy Advance? Seems at that age, it's all about video games or Yu-Gi-Oh.
Philip OKeefe Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 A good M16A2. :eek: :D Seriously, RC cars are fun for all ages, IF they're into that sort of thing. Or the playstation games. Or maybe a good book? Naah, no one (besides me) really seems to read anymore... ;) CD's are good for some kids... then again, maybe the Best Buy gift certificate idea is the best bet - let them make their own choice.
The T Dot Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Chestnuts riffing on an open fire: [b]I need to buy presents for two male cousins that are 10-13 yrs. old and I have no clue what boys are into now.[/b][/quote]The rack thread might be a good place to start. ;)
Alndln Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Chestnuts riffing on an open fire: [b]I have no clue what boys are into now. [/b][/quote]I guess something like this would really throw'em for a curve [img]http://www.the-collections.com/Hess/hess77_small1.jpg[/img] "A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
Skip_dup1 Posted December 11, 2002 Posted December 11, 2002 tell ya what, CROAOF, I`ve been to the Phillipines twice-EVERYBODY there is into music. That`s a good reason not to go that route. They`re too used to it. Go for the gift certs-at a place with the widest possible variety of cool stuff-either a catalog outlet center, or big dept. store.
george costanza Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 You mention they're from the Phillipines...are they Catholic? Maybe they could use some chastity belts or defensive weaponry...
Twilight Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 Chestnuts--small remote control cars are really great for boys of any age, especially if you're limited on funds. Otherwise I'd recommend an xbox, a few games, and a second controller... "In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer." - Albert Camus
Gtoledo3 Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Rog: [b]A Playboy subscription?[/b][/quote]That's funny! Yeah, my pop got me a subscription when I was 12, I think. Want mix/tracking feedback? Checkout "The Fade"- www.grand-designs.cc/mmforum/index.php The soon-to-be home of the "12 Bar-Blues Project"
GypsyTiger Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 Most 10-year-old boys HERE are into Playstation, Gameboy, and Yu Gi Oh cards...but who knows what is IN at the moment in their neck of the woods? I agree with all those who suggested Gift Certificates, and if they're staying long enough, a shopping trip to spend them (preferably away from moms, grandmothers, and everyone else who boys that age are bored to death with-especially when stuck on a trip with her/them!)You'll be the hero then for sure-an afternoon out, just the guys. Even if they don't have time to0 shop during the visit, nearly every store has online shopping availible now, so they can use the gift certs even after they go home.
wraub Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 Surprised that no one has yet mentioned this: The perfect gift for boys 10 to 13, obviously, would be girls 12 to 15. Maybe try the mail order bride route... :) ;) Barring that, gift certifs are almost always appreciated. That way they get what they want, and all you have to do is be the cool cousin... Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here.
Anifa Posted December 12, 2002 Posted December 12, 2002 I vote with the gift certificates route... I suggested Amazon, but everyone seems to relate Amazon to strictly books; although it is much, much more. I'm not sure how Best Buy's online gift certificates work, but as one mentioned in this thread, gift certificates are redeemable online. Amazon (not to shove it down your throat, but using as an example) provides and entry code box for coupons or gift certificates during the check process. At that time, the recipient of the gift certificate would then enter the code given on the certificate for processing. Amazon delivers the gifts directly to their door... even if YOU should place an order yourself selecting a specific item to have delivered; they even provide gift wrap for a fee. :D If Amazon does all this, I'm sure that Best Buy probably has something comparible... maybe ... You can take the man away from his music, but you can't take the music out of the man. Books by Craig Anderton through Amazon Sweetwater: Bruce Swedien\'s "Make Mine Music"
Veracohr Posted December 13, 2002 Posted December 13, 2002 It is my opinion that experiences are always better presents than things. Do something fun with them. "And then you have these thoughts in the back of your mind like 'Why am I doing this? Or is this a figment of my imagination?'" http://www.veracohr.com
Rim Posted December 13, 2002 Author Posted December 13, 2002 Thanks all for the suggestions! My mom suggested what may be the best present of all - CASH! The Filipino peso does not exchange well to US $. It's probably 20 pesos to $1 US. aka riffing Double Post music: Strip Down http://rimspeed.com http://loadedtheband.com
Skip_dup1 Posted December 13, 2002 Posted December 13, 2002 [quote]Originally posted by Chestnuts riffing on an open fire: [b]Thanks all for the suggestions! My mom suggested what may be the best present of all - CASH! The Filipino peso does not exchange well to US $. It's probably 20 pesos to $1 US.[/b][/quote]generally around 25, give or take a few centavos.
patrick_dont_fret Posted December 13, 2002 Posted December 13, 2002 [quote] Yu Gi Oh cards [/quote]What're those? I've really never heard of them. Are they one of those Lord or the Rings/Harry Potter/Pokemon etc. ripoffs? Magic? I've really never heard of them.
Tedster Posted December 13, 2002 Posted December 13, 2002 Geeeeesh...keyboard locked up. Those "Magic" cards used to be a fortune. I hate video games. My kids have a playstation 2. Wasn't my idea. But, I'd be careful about buying games. 60 bucks or more for a game that is all the rage this week will gather dust next week. Or they'll trade it to their friends for something even more stupid. Gift certificates aren't a bad idea. Or, ya know, clothes...some cool threads that they can wear back in the Phillipines and impress the la-deeze. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
T. Ehl Posted December 13, 2002 Posted December 13, 2002 hey i know what about a skateboard or bike oh wait they would have to go outside and might scrape their elbows or get arrested for not wearing a helmet oh wait skateboarding is against the law i forgot never mind how about a tamiya panzer tank model, with glue and paint oh no wait you now can not buy that with the nazi insignia anymore oh wait you have to be 18 to buy model glue now oh wait it requires patience and effort to put together screw it just get him a playstation 2
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