10 year old grandson's Christmas

Coprolites! Fossilsed animal poo, that should suit any 10 yr old.

I remember my sister having some in her handbag and handing them to our mum . Mum really didn't like them.

I've managed to find them a prehistoric shark's tooth online. They love dinosaurs!

Is he at all musical? How about a ukelele. Very popular just now and easy to learn. Cost around £20

I've jjust Googled geode +hammer and found some at www.psychicgifts.co.uk/shop/ The photo makes it look much bigger than the one I bought, but the price is almost exactly the same, so it will be the same size - about 2 or 3 inches across.

Make sure that it is kept in its strong bag, and wear goggles if possible - and it might take a strong hand to smash it!

Elegran Thanks. I'll look into it.

From the shop at Edinburgh Zoo, just along from me. You could try emailing phoning them to see whether they would send you one. Their details are at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/visiting/facilities/shops.html. Asking at the switchboard should put you through to the shop.

There is also an online gift shop at https://www.store.rzss.org.uk/en.aspx but I could not find the geodes there. Lots of panda-related stuff, though, and other goodies.

If you are stuck, PM me and I will get one and post it to you.

I've just bought 2 copies of the River Singers - one for each set of grandchildren. Lovely book!

The geode for £2 is a good idea. Where did you get it, Elegran?

I must remember that, Elegran, thanks.

Brilliant idea Elegran.

I bought a small geode for £2 in a strong plastic bag with the instructions "Hit this with a hammer" It went down very well. When you break it open you see the crystals inside, which no-one else has ever seen before you, for millions of years.

Yes, £2 !

Two years ago, my then 6-year-old GS asked for an amethyst crystal. I have no idea why, but apparently he had seen one and liked the look of it. There's a shop in Stockport where I found just what he wanted. Sorry, that's probably irrelevant, but you never know what is going through their minds!

Pyjamas (Dr Who, Star Wars, etc etc) and an Amazon voucher or book token. If you need something to open you could add a selection box.

I Have just bought a young person a fossil, an ammonite actually. They are totally amazed to think they are holding something that lived on the earth millions of years ago. I bought it on ebay and you can get an interesting collection or starter kit as well as the individual fossils .They also have trilobites and fossil bones of things like dinosaurs. It could be the start of a life long interest.

yourusername123 I like the way you're thinking; my children would have absolutely loved that.

If he has a garden, and mum or dad are willing to supervise, one of these will help to distract him from the dreaded screens.

My 12 year old asked for a pair of earphones for his phone... stocking filler I thought.... wrong... they were £80 for the brand he wanted

I always ask the parents what would be best. It means that, for one thing, you can avoid duplication and, for another, that you can get him something he really wants; or the means for him to buy something he really wants

If he has a favourite football team what about tickets for a game? Big grounds like Old Trafford have good tours to see behind the scenes. If he likes theme parks and attractions Merlin annual passes usually go to half price at the end of the year and give admission to Alton Towers, Tussauds,Legoland and lots of other places

I tunes voucher if he has an I pad/pod At Home base there was £5 off a £25 voucher.

Just had a look at The River Singers. That's a definite yes. Thanks

This book River Singers has just won a prize and was written by Broomstick's son.

Thanks for the ideas. Real Madrid kit had been suggested but have you seen the price for just the top? I'm loathe to get him a voucher or give him cash but can see that being the only solution. What happened to childhood?

EVERTON ! For my lads

As he's obviously very familiar with on-line stuff why not get him an Amazon voucher? That's what I've done for my DGS for the second year running. he loves to browse and choose what he wants - including books which he loves.

Football kit ?