<p>dd having trouble coming up with fun yet affordable presents for the boyfriend.
His interests? basketball, music, swim team, go pro video…
Jr. in HS, any suggestions??</p>
<p>How about making a “mix” cd?</p>
<p>How about tickets to see a band that he might like. Not a big name concert (expensive), but maybe a lesser known band at a smaller, more affordable venue.</p>
<p>Does he play video games at all? Those tend to be pretty safe bets IME.</p>
<p>Tickets are good- either to a musical event or a team (do you have a university basketball team nearby?)</p>
<p>You could also try looking on groupon for fun suggestions (local things like bowling, events, etc). </p>
<p>Unfortunately, EK, most teens don’t use CDs anymore…</p>
<p>I’ve encouraged my kids to go very, very cheap on gifts at this age. A love letter and a favorite candy bar. If she insists on spending money, how about a shirt for his favorite basketball team?</p>
<p>Lids, Game Stop. Best Buy and iTunes Gift cards are popular with boys teens around here. But, I agree with going “thrifty” and maybe like electronblue suggested a sports related shirt, hat, or poster? Marshalls usually has a good selection of shirts. How about passes to local movie place?</p>
<p>My 17yo d just made a no sew fleece blanket with his favorite team for her bf for Christmas. She’s also going to make him chocolate chip cookies.</p>
<p>The gift that has been best received over the years is a remote controlled helicopter. I get them for boys of all ages. My 30 yr old asked for another one for Christmas this year. I have given them to boys as young as 12 and they love it. They have them on sale all the time. You can get them as cheaply as $15 up to hundreds.</p>
<p>Just wanted to add some of us girls love remote controlled helicopters (and other remote controlled gadgets) too! I would love for someone to get me one, and I am in my 20’s and working in the ‘real’ world! Back in college, my boyfriend got me a lot of really thoughtful gifts, but one of the ones that I absolutely loved and still remember and have to this day was a really cool remote-controlled car that could do flips and all sorts of crazy things!</p>
<p>By the way, I don’t agree with not spending or spending very little on gifts. I am not suggesting blowing your budget or anything like that, but I really believe that part of getting a great gift is planning and saving up for it. Many 17 year olds spend lots of money on movies, eating out, clothes, music, video games, etc. for themselves. I think it’s great to make some sacrifices and use that money to get a thoughtful gift for someone special in your life (be it a boyfriend or a dear friend). IMHO gifts to special people in your life should not get last priority in your budget.</p>
<p>Thanks, all great ideas. She was talking about the fleece blanket, with a sports team on each side…that’s probably the ticket ;)</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Depending on the boy, he might like a nerf gun/rifle, or two, so your D or a friend can play, too.</p>
<p>My kids mostly ask for video games and board games. Sometimes they want things like fancier mice for their computers. My younger son likes getting hats.</p>
<p>I distinctly remember S1’s high school girlfriend giving him a pair of Homer Simpson slippers! He loved it. She also gave him a ball cap from the university they were planning to attend (which they both did but weren’t a couple any more by then). I think she gave him a CD too (this was eight years ago). </p>
<p>Does the BF have a car/truck? My boys both liked getting truck accessories. Maybe a nice keychain or pocketknife.</p>
<p>I like the no-sew throw idea, that’s great and it doesn’t cost a lot.
acollegesudent, my kids have to contribute the vast majority of their income towards college expenses, so to them it’s a big deal to spend say $50. My son felt bad breaking up with a girl who had given him very nice presents that he couldn’t reciprocate. I just think high school is too young to have to navigate expensive presents.</p>