I've got 2 nephews, one aged 13, and the other 11. The 13 year old is crazy about hunting, and extremely smart (he does very well in school). He tends to idolize his dad (who is a major redneck asshole), so I'm always trying to think of unique gifts for him that will encourage his interest in learning about things he may not be familiar with. I'm at a total loss of what to get him for Christmas. I already know he's asked my mom for hunting clothes and a cd (don't know what artist, but probably country). I've tried books before, but I think they usually end up getting tossed aside. Aside from sending him a check, I'm at a loss of what to get him.

My 11 year old nephew is very quiet and shy, and tends to be more on the artistic/creative side (he doesn't get all excited about the hunting). Again, I try to encourage him in his creative abilities, and give him various art sets, as I know he loves to draw. Thing is, I've given him that sort of thing for a few years now, and need a new idea. I saw that I could "adopt a wolf" online, and thought that might be a good gift, as he's a sensitive kid and might appreciate it. What do you think? Any other ideas?

Fuck 'em. They're nephews.

ha, well, they're the only kids on my side of the family, so I feel the need to get them something. I've also given their mom (my sister) checks for their "college funds" in the past, but who knows if they're going where they're supposed to. Last I heard, she didn't even have a college fund set up for them (but my mom does).

I'm just saying that I can only think of one single gift that I have ever received from a secondary relative (aunts, uncles, cousins) that I enjoyed. I'd rather they save the cash and spend it on themselves than throwing it away on me.

For books, wouldn't Hemingway appeal to the older nephew (as it's literary, but masculine)?

For music, maybe Drive-by Truckers?

I've given gift certificates from Amazon and movie ticket vouchers -- both went over well.

when I was 13 all I really wanted was cash so I could buy baseball cards or something

when I was 11 I liked toys or sports stuff like a basketball or electronics like nintendo games

Get 'em a stack of old Playboys from the used book store so that they can learn that real women have curves and pubic hair.

But only if she proffers the gifts while wearing a McGruff suit... To capture the full flavor of a contributing to delinquency charge.

good point. w hat i really needed at 13 was a big supply of socks and jergens lotion

if you get that 13-year-old anything he didn't ask for, you're wasting your money.

My opposition to Christmas lists and gift card giving does not extend to kids. Haq is right, if you get them anything they didn't ask for or that you don't specifically know they want, it'll be a waste.

Get the older one:
a swiss army knife
Gift cert for Gander mountain or some sporting goods store
Fishing pole/tackle
Model rocket kit
Wrist rocket slingshot and a big bag of marbles
A bunch of pieces of pipe, fuses, and black powder (how redneck is he?)
12 ga double-barreled shotgun
UZI
Glock
S&W

Younger one:
A set of colored pencils, GOOD scissors, Brushes and watercolors,
Some colored art paper
An origami book with paper
A book on making kites or paper airplanes
a rock tumbler

She said she'd gotten him art supplies before, but has he gotten good stuff? Like nice colored pencils like Prismacolors or something, or maybe some acrylic paint and brushes or something. As he gets older his art interest, if he keeps it up, will get more specific so art supplies in general might not work. My aunt and uncle gave me art supplies for years, and after a certain age I never used most it, either because they weren't very good quality or weren't the right sort of thing.

A good book is always a good idea, and a good art book, whether it's an instructional one or one about art or art history, might be a good idea.

Give the older one a lifetime membership to the NRA...

Or, give him the adopt-a-wolf, so that he has something specific to track down and kill.

And, FYI: Rock tumblers are never a good idea...


Maybe you can get them pet lizards or something...

Sorry. Drinky, you're right. That's what I meant. REAL colored pencils from an art supply place. I would but some nice brushes there too but since he's so young, get the cheaper acryilic or polyester brushes.

Start your own account for these whippersnappers. Aside from your mom's savings, open accounts in their names and start a mini portfolio w/ low-risk securities (mutual funds, bonds, penny stocks). It sounds lame, but they'll appreciate it once their adults. And offset the $1-500 donation with a bitchin' DVD or mix.

Ha, now you're talking! Actually, everyone gave great ideas... I particularly chuckled at chowgurt's uzi suggestion... and Postmersh, you're so right on about the wolf adoption... the older one surely would be all like, "Damn, I'd LOVE a wolf rug on my floor! Right after I kill Osama bin Laden!" (say it in the proper down-home, Sharpsburg, GA accent to get the full gist). Oh, the stories I could tell you folks...

Well, as it turns out, the youngest has his birthday 2 days before Christmas (I always feel sorry for kids with that issue!). So what I'll probably end up doing is writing them all checks for Christmas, and maybe using one of chowgurt's art ideas for his birthday gift.

As far as the sock/lotion/old Playboy ideas, I don't see my nephew enough to know if he's "into that" yet. Their family is very into their church, so don't think that would go over very well. I'm sure he's making do with whatever he currently has.

Thanks everybody!

Actually, that's close to a good idea for the 13-year-old -- a prostitute.

Nah, they ain't Cat-lic... they're God-fearing southern Baptists. Which is worse?

Dana,

How about getting them some fire and brimstone then? Baptists talk about that a lot don't they?

my son is 13 and i have no idea what to get him and he has no idea what he wants. except a laptop. which ain't gonna happen yet. not even interested in a new xbox. this is gonna be tricky.

my sister's are getting him gift certificates from amazon.
my 16 year old daughter is much easier to buy for,

One word: Puppy...

Then again, I think Wal Mart is going to have some stock laptops @ under $500 this coming weekend. If you think it's expensive now, just think of him making the big computer $ when he gets older...

they have a dog and 2 cats and a foster baby they adore at their other mother's house.
there is no...way...in...hell...i am getting a dog. i might get one if i was blind. i love them but do not want the responsibility at all.

when i get him a laptop it will be an apple but seeing as how he's down to doing no schoolwork at all right now i just can't see "rewarding" him with something that cool right now.

thanks for the suggestions though.