Okay, my son turns 13 tomorrow... and we are having a party at a laser tag joint... unfortunately, we have already bought him all the cool teen things over the last few years... we have the xbox, the ps3, the Wii... and he already has an ipod. I googled gift ideas for 13 year old boy... and well.... the top responses were "stripper/whore" and "13 year old girl"... which I could probably work on for him... but my wife would not be as appreciative....
Anyhow... I would love some ideas... he plays video games... and is a typical boy... hopefully you can keep the ideas clean... but I am all for fun ideas... I just am not sure how I would be able to get him boobies and still be able to sleep in the same bed as my lovely lady. ;D
Budget?
More games for the existing systems is the easy way.
Job applications (he's old enough).
Dirtbike.
Some sort of project to keep him out of trouble. When I was 13, I got a broken down car. By the time I was ready to drive, it was ready to be driven.
+1 on dirtbike
Ruger 10/22. Lesson on responsibility. Some Father/Son time.
take him to a sports event (if he is into sports)
take him camping
take him on a trip somewhere cool
a blonde
a brunette
and
a redhead
Quote from: ato memphis on March 18, 2010, 07:34:20 AM
Ruger 10/22. Lesson on responsibility. Some Father/Son time.
OR
Quote from: herm (not herb) on March 18, 2010, 07:35:45 AM
take him camping
take him on a trip somewhere cool
Sound like great ideas to me. How about a 4 day adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area this summer?
mitt
Karting in shifter Karts!
Sounds like he has his face-time with the TV screen pretty well covered....something that gets him outside
.22 is a great idea, a Barrett light 50 might be a bit much.....maybe a 4x atv?...any musical aptitude or interest (no tuba's or accordions)
13 is tough...need to pick his brain on what has good cache among the kids in his age group...
something that gives him bragging rights when it comes to impressing the girls (not making them envious that would be a whole different dilemma)
get him to help you with an unrelated project and pick his brain conversationally while he isn't looking...you might have the answer handed to you
Outside stuff...
But budget is a good question
In general, I think ThinkGeek is a great source of gifts.
He into playing any sports? Or expressed an interest in learning one? IF so, perhaps some bit of gear or lessons related to that sport. For example if he's into Hockey, some skates and skate lessons.
The suggestions on things you could do together are great. My dad and I got started on WWII model air planes, and them later on model rockets and some robot kits. Fun for me, and good quality time with dad.
Quote from: mitt on March 18, 2010, 07:54:07 AM
Boundary Waters Canoe Area this summer?
Yes. This is a great idea. I did this a few times when I was younger through Cliff Wold. The Boundary Waters outside of Eli are phenomenal.
More clean gym socks. Trust me, he needs them.
sac
/actually, something that involves you guys spending some time together
//very important at that age
///trip, ball game, camping, go karting, as mentioned above
Quote from: ato memphis on March 18, 2010, 07:34:20 AM
Ruger 10/22. Lesson on responsibility. Some Father/Son time.
Excellent idea.
However, unless you live in the woods, a BB/pellet gun is a better idea. Less noise, and you can shoot it in your backyard.
A drumset and lessons. [thumbsup] It will also help out on the girl front when he's playing gigs in some shitty bar in college. [bacon]
I'd say a guitar...but guitar players are all flaming cocks. :-*
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=35832.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=35832.0)
I'd say singing lessons, but if he could sing you'd know by now...and singers are about the same as guitar players.
No one likes Bass players.
Mt Bike. Something you both can enjoy as much or as little as you want. Something cool, not a Huffy!
Get that boy off the couch! ;D
Quote from: Bun-bun on March 18, 2010, 09:48:15 AM
Excellent idea.
However, unless you live in the woods, a BB/pellet gun is a better idea. Less noise, and you can shoot it in your backyard.
(http://silverliningopticians.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/316355152_e19b815bcd3.jpg)
i remember model rockets at that age
golf clubs?
Quote from: r_ciao on March 18, 2010, 04:06:45 PM
i remember model rockets at that age
golf clubs?
Jesus you must be old.
No-no golf clubs-old man sport of indescribable lameness. You can claim there be groupies all you want-Tiger Woods is a statistical outlier. It's something you might do with the boy when you're older-at 13? He'll just whack his friends with a sand wedge (henceforth known amongst said adolescents as a "sandwedgie!") or stand out in a lighting storm with a 2 iron to see if it's really true. No no and more no.
If he's big into games, just see what his favorite games involve, and go do those things in real life-AKA cart racing, shootin' stuff, or what have you.
If he has a golf game-ignore it-it's probably just a coaster.
Quote from: RAT900 on March 18, 2010, 08:05:14 AM
Sounds like he has his face-time with the TV screen pretty well covered....something that gets him outside
We are at that same crossroad. +1 on anything that will include you in it. Im finding that "time spent" is the one thing he is remembering the most, not the gift, but the bond. Monday Im taking mine to his first Hockey game with just me. (Detroit/Pittsburg) Should be great game since its rematch and he likes "crybaby" (I dont always claim hes mine). Just my two cents. Heres another we plan on in the future, but with a car....Get him a used POS bike or car, dirt cheap...get the auto manual, and tell him that you two are going to fix it up together. That way its time spent and he will get a good lesson on how things work and a better apprieciation of things since he had to work for it himself to get it working. Just a thought.
Quote from: RAT900 on March 18, 2010, 08:05:14 AM
...something that gets him outside
Outside is the way to go. I like the MT Bike and rifle ideas
Quote from: RAT900 on March 18, 2010, 08:05:14 AM
something that gives him bragging rights when it comes to impressing the girls (not making them envious that would be a whole different dilemma)
Books, Start him young, not on that stupid crap they
have to read for school, but some interesting, and fun stuff. Every year since I was young my mom would get me a book for my birthday in addition to whatever else I got. Even if he doesnt like the idea at first, in the end, well read men get the girl
Quote from: Bun-bun on March 18, 2010, 09:48:15 AM
Excellent idea.
However, unless you live in the woods, a BB/pellet gun is a better idea. Less noise, and you can shoot it in your backyard.
I've seen where he lives, no backyard. Get hit a dirtbike or the 10/22.
When I was cleaning out my garage I had boxes and boxes of my kids toys I was sorting through. There was also a 10 yard dumpster waiting to be filled.
I sorted through all the different toys looking at them...recalling when and where I got them and which ones I thought were cool. doll houses, castles with hand-painted knights...I actually sat in the driveway almost contemplating setting up the castle and having a Monty Pythonesque Holy Grail siege re-eanactment.
Anyway I called the kids and told them to come home for a visit that coming weekend and sort through their childhoods. It was a real eye-opener for me when they did
The toys from their childhood that they chose to keep were nothing like the ones I had pre-sorted for them....they only wanted the ones that involved some memory of my direct involvement in their play...I was amazed as they explained with laser clarity their recollections... the whens and whys of what they wished to keep...... and what could be dumped or sold
It was a real education and reminder that the time you spend doing something fun with your children builds the memories and esteem that will get them through the darkest days of their future lives.
Gifts are gifts, toys are toys and there is always new shit to buy....crap comes and goes....sounds cheesy but it is true...
the greatest gift and the one they hold dearest is that time and attention that only a loving parent can give them
Well put RAT, well put.
You mean I have to spend time with him? Argh.... lol
I kid. I kid. he he he.
I am going to be fighting him in the laser tag arena... should be fun. Thanks for the ideas guys & gals. I got to do something tonight before his party at noon tomorrow... ;D
LAUGHING!!!
yeah some problems don't go away if you just throw money at them
You guys will have a blast...let him kill you a few times...
that way when he is 17 and you won't let him have the car
he won't be standing over you with a butcher knife while you sleep
I started playing guitar was I was 10, and just recently helped one of my coworkers pick one out for his 11 year son. If he has any musical interest that'd be my vote.
Quote from: MrIncredible on March 18, 2010, 05:00:08 PM
Jesus you must be old.
No-no golf clubs-old man sport of indescribable lameness. You can claim there be groupies all you want-Tiger Woods is a statistical outlier. It's something you might do with the boy when you're older-at 13? He'll just whack his friends with a sand wedge (henceforth known amongst said adolescents as a "sandwedgie!") or stand out in a lighting storm with a 2 iron to see if it's really true. No no and more no.
If he's big into games, just see what his favorite games involve, and go do those things in real life-AKA cart racing, shootin' stuff, or what have you.
If he has a golf game-ignore it-it's probably just a coaster.
I'm not THAT old, i think.
Golf is fun, but can get expensive.
Point is, get out of the house and do something together.
Any interest in wood work? You can always build a bird house that won't get used then you could blow it up for the fun of it. ;D
Cycling accomplishes: togetherness, exercise, and mechanical knowledge to fix things.
Quote from: r_ciao on March 19, 2010, 09:48:16 AM
I'm not THAT old, i think.
Golf is fun, but can get expensive.
Point is, get out of the house and do something together.
Any interest in wood work? You can always build a bird house that won't get used then you could blow it up for the fun of it. ;D
Cycling accomplishes: togetherness, exercise, and mechanical knowledge to fix things.
I think golf will have finally arrived in America when it evolves into a Full Body Contact Team Sport with armored carts and defensive gear
In the meantime Tannerite is a legally purchased fun media that can provide for life-long memories of Father-Son Bonding
Witness:
4 Pounds of Tannerite VS 1 Old Fridge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiEUMTT5TxY#normal)
Quote from: MrIncredible on March 18, 2010, 05:00:08 PM
.... or stand out in a lighting storm with a 2 iron to see if it's really true....
DOGFART!!
<:: insert picture of preist getting struck by lightning in rainstorm::>
Quote from: zooom on March 19, 2010, 11:20:19 AM
DOGFART!!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/hhcaps1/caddyshack/431.jpg)
thanks Sac!
Lasertag?!? Laserport at 6445 SW Fallbrook?
uh hello!!!! how about a monster 620 track bike everyone loves a motorcycle, including one you can ride on a track...
come on learn him right the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[moto] [moto] [moto] [moto] [thumbsup]
go to an unusual event to inspire the mind & realize that the really cool things involve science, math, calculations, trajectory, such as:
punkin chunkin - http://www.punkinchunkin.com/ (http://www.punkinchunkin.com/)
this is Delaware's site, but it's held in other areas.
Anvil Blast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMCFoBQwNf4#normal)
anvil tossing. google it to find it near you.
uslmra.org
lawn mower racing
http://www.flyingfishhovercraft.co.uk/ (http://www.flyingfishhovercraft.co.uk/)
hovercraft racing. this link is for the uk, but I know it's here in the us
You'll have to do some digging to find out what's in your area.
I'm sure some of the minds on this board came come up with more suggestions.
Paintball
it's outdoors
lots of excersize
you get to hunt your friends and family
and
shoot them
and
it hurts
How about surfing lessons? maybe both of you could give it a go.
Don
Quote from: Mother on March 21, 2010, 09:52:36 AM
Paintball
it's outdoors
lots of excersize
you get to hunt your friends and family
and
shoot them
and
it hurts
Lasertag was a hoot. He picked my gamer tag... named be Loser... of course I double everybody else's score... lol .... the problem with laser tag is the kids don't fear getting shot... they just stand there... I think we need to do paintball next time... throw the fear of pain at them.... and they will realize what its all about. ;D
Quote of the day from my son afterwards.... "No fair, you were in the army, you know how to kill." [thumbsup]
The two of you alone in the wilderness.
Repeat @ 13.5 and @ 14 then @ 14.5...etc. You get the picture.
Works wonders trust me. :) [thumbsup]
Quote from: ryandalling on March 22, 2010, 05:16:30 AM
Lasertag was a hoot. He picked my gamer tag... named be Loser... of course I double everybody else's score... lol .... the problem with laser tag is the kids don't fear getting shot... they just stand there... I think we need to do paintball next time... throw the fear of pain at them.... and they will realize what its all about. ;D
Quote of the day from my son afterwards.... "No fair, you were in the army, you know how to kill." [thumbsup]
oh yes
you start out thinking it will be like this:
(http://api.ning.com/files/pO25jURUuOjEs8*R-upAlqcgnMn8*YzJ3OjU8LUVthSLberlXAZUPVXxJWL5rrBm14AzCNBub4CZQM4Pb-NQeaiH2WWDbLR3/ExtremePaintball.jpg)
and by the end of the day realize it is actually:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/lolong_tan/avatars/paintballhit.jpg?t=1269270395)
I was pretty impressed... he invited 8 people... 6 girls and 2 boys... the boy has his priorities right. [thumbsup] [evil]
I liked the hooker idea, but paintball would be a decent alternative.
Quote from: ryandalling on March 22, 2010, 03:53:32 PM
I was pretty impressed... he invited 8 people... 6 girls and 2 boys... the boy has his priorities right. [thumbsup] [evil]
2 to 1 ratio, sweet! [thumbsup]
Quote from: Triple J on March 18, 2010, 10:18:48 AM
I'd say a guitar...but guitar players are all flaming cocks. :-*
???
Flaming Cocks - Pull the trigger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6fItFeYGTc#normal)
This past Christmas I gave my (12-yr-old) son a "discovery flight" private lesson in a small airplane. We took him to the little aviation museum next to the airport and surprised him with a gift certificate there.
At first he said I'd "gone too far this time, Mom," but then when he met his pilot and saw the plane up close he got more into it. Came back all grins and "cool." :D
Best part was telling his friends after vacation at school what he "got" for Christmas. "Yeah... I flew a plane, how about you?" 8) [laugh]
Now he wants to go sky-diving....
Dont they buy the thirteen year old boy a Hooker back in Cuba? Enter manhood!
Quote from: rgramjet on March 24, 2010, 12:47:49 PM
Dont they buy the thirteen year old boy a Hooker back in Cuba? Enter manhood!
Yeah, you're right, then it's married @ 14, 2 kids @ 15, buy a truck @16, buy the double-wide @ 18 etc... same as it is here in the U.S. [laugh]