I think I started one of these a few years ago. It became fun and interesting!
Here’s the gifts I need help with.
Nephew enjoys buckyballs. His mom says he likes to fidget with them and create while sitting and watching tv. I looked bucky balls up - is there some type of item that functions like BuckyBalls - but is not BuckyBalls to provide him with fidgety variety?
Same nephew is an accomplished composer. Like SERIOUS. He is collecting various rhythm instruments to help play with sound. His mom says he could use some egg shakers. For musical people, are all egg shakers created equal?? The ones on Amazon range from colored little kid shakers to wood shakers. Any recommendations for a legit pair?
Different nephew, Age 14 but a really literature smart 14. He loves animals, the natural world, etc. Loves non-fiction related to this. Would really want/need a book that would be adult level in nature. Something newer if possible since he may have read anything popular out there that is not new.
For nephew 14 years old:
Look into subscriptions to Anthropocene which has a conservation bent but is rigorous yet accessible (http://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/membership/) or American Scientist (https://www.americanscientist.org/.) We started getting American Scientist when the oldest kid was in high school. We still get it even though the kids are out of the nest. I get the weekly email dispatches of Anthropocene.
Both kids were nominated to Sigma Xi (scientific honor society that publishes American Scientist)while in college. I felt like they had come full circle.
One the books by Jane Goodall might be an option too.
I did find “egg shakers” - a set of 4 that are not primary colors and actually seem to have four different pitch volumes. Finally a set where the reviews didn’t focus on how everyone’s toddler loved the product!
For the nephew who likes Bucky Balls, what about Speks Blocks? They are also magnetic, but are block-shaped instead of small balls. There are different types and colors of sets. Here’s an example I found on Amazon:
For number three, I have some suggestions, but they aren’t new books. Cry of the Kalihari, Into the Wild, Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide (humor), Never Cry Wolf, and the James Herriot books.
If you just search Amazon for “magnetic balls” those are the same as the old Bucky balls. There are usually 216 in a cube I think 3mm. I’ve bought many of these. There so much fun!!
Chicken (egg) shakers can be found in a music store like “Guitar Center”. Many colors including black.
You can also look for shakers that are a bit more high class (but still inexpensive) like the one below.
If you’re a serious doodler, what are some great doodling supplies?? Pens? Pencils? Preferences in brand? I’ve heard that Faber Castell is a great brand - though pricey.
For the 14 yo nature-loving nephew a classic book is Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. He may have already read this however. I was also going to suggest The Hidden Life of Trees.
I think I’m going with the “The Rhino with Glue-On Shoes: And Other Surprising True Stories of Zoo Vets and their Patients” for the book option - thanks SO much for that!
If anyone else has animal lovers in their home of any age it sure looks like a good one!
I read the Rhino with the Glue on Shoes. It was fine but I didn’t have any trouble putting it in our Little Free Library. I peg it as more of a middle school read but we are zoo nerds.
Regarding nature books, nothing is finer IMHO, than the writings of Farley Mowat beyond Never Cry Wolf. The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be is one of the funniest books ever. A Whale for the Killing is another, if more for a mature audience. Alex & Me is the story of a parrot that I found fascinating. Also look at the writings of Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist who specializes in dogs.
