Gift dilemma

How about an I Tunes voucher or Sport Direct

If he uses an x box, you can get gift cards for the Xbox so they can buy items for the games they play or put towards another game. Always goes down well with my 13 years old Grandson.

I think money is the best option - I think of it as the voucher that you can redeem anywhere.

Thank you for your suggestions. Money would probably be the best idea. Then he can choose his own gift.

I've stopped giving vouchers because so many places go bust! I would probably gift cash and a small wrap up to to with, just something silly for the wrap up like a joke pencil or mug or something like that.

As long as the accompanying card says how much he's appreciated and how proud his parents must be of him, or some other positive remarks, I'm sure he'd love some money to spend how he chooses.

It's only impersonal if we let it be so.

Yes BradfordLass72 - I like that

Yes I give money, but I do expect to be told eventually what it was used for or put towards. My grandchildren needed money for Christmas & birthdays this year, the oldest wants driving lessons and the younger needs equipment to go skiing with the school

I give money if I haven't been advised as to what to get, it is a minefield out there.

I have similar dilemmas whenever the birthdays come around.
I put a £10 note inside the card. (or whatever you can afford)
Unless I'm told what they want well in advance.

Once they are past 10 years old it seems money, cash or cheque if in the post, is the most wanted gift. It's very difficult to know which gift card to give as their tastes change so often.

I've never come across a teenager or pre-teen that isn't in need of funds!

I don't give regular presents to my many young great niece's and nephews but I slip them a note when I see them in person and they are always highly delighted with that.

Amazon voucher then he can by whatever he wants

My grand children are still young and when it comes to toys they already have everything. I have decided, and told the parents that I am giving them " nothing" on their actual birthdays, but I have opened up a savings fund for each one of them and when they are 18 they can get the lump sum of money towards something they need or want to do. With the birthday card I give something silly that does not cost much , just for the idea.

You can get a voucher at the Post Office that covers many shops. However I think the boy would prefer cash.

I would suggest money too

I have a 12 year old grandson and he says money is the best present ever! Children of that age love going round the shops and choosing something they really want rather than something someone else THINKS they would like. I used to feel it was a bit of a cop out as it’s so easy, but I don’t any more!

My teenage grandsons now have their own bank/savings accounts. So each Christmas and birthday I just do a bank transfer to their respective accounts.
It’s so much easier. I also ask them later on what they might be putting it towards. They always seem to be saving up for something, so I really don’t mind doing that,

My daughter's auntie gave her money, but she used to enclose a scratchcard too -- DD always enjoyed that even though she never won anything - and it hasn't encouraged her to become a compulsive gambler!

Our 12 yr old GS lives overseas and while money is always welcomed, he loves to get a birthday parcel of small gifts. (Through the post.) I pick up odd bits and pieces throughout the year, such as mini construction toys, Star Wars type toys/stationery, & the occasional clothing item. (A popular gift was a toy Tardis from a charity shop!). He also loves Lego, so I check (via DS) what he'd like & we pay for it - as a "big" gift.

In my experience I think at that age money would be appreciated.

My DGS1 is almost 9, he loves money & choosing what to spend it, with my DD's guidance, he is very good though & doesn't buy "rubbish" . It's so difficult to know what to buy although I always give my DGSs 1 or 2 books as well.

Definitely cash, with a tiny gift, eg key ring with latest popular character on it.

I've always given my grandson cash at birthdays and Christmases. When I asked him, at seven, what he had bought for himself, he told me he was saving up for his own house because he wanted somewhere quiet, away from his three sisters! He actually carried on with this saving, and at 21 he's halfway there.