What do you buy your 14 year old son for his birthday?
Even he himself told me the other day that he has everything he wants. Yes, we have Sky TV (previous joint birthdays with brother, or some deal or other, I can't quite remember). Yes, we have an Xbox, but he only likes playing FIFA and NBA and has those, and doesn't want any other games. Yes, I've told friends and family to get iTunes cards, so won't be buying one myself. Yes, I've looked on the website of the football team he supports, and have considered mugs, calendars and the like. No, he doesn't read many books or play many board games any more (waaah). No, he doesn't even use his Nintendo DS these days. No, I'm not getting another dog.
So apart from a trip to buy trainers of some description (what is it with boys and trainers?), I am at a loss. I'm not a believer in spending money for the sake of it, but you have to mark your off-spring's birthdays.
Does anyone have any experience of slacklines? They seem to be the in thing. Could be fun?
And for those of you with a younger boy, relish the birthdays, is all I can say. Enjoy looking on Amazon and agonising over the myriad of options, all of which you know would be a hit. Enjoy diverting your trolley into the toys aisle when you're at Sainsbury's, and having to resist piling into it more and still more things you know he'd love. Enjoy going into your local toy shop for a few little extras, and finding those hidden treasures at pocket money prices: fake dog poo, key rings, wind-up figures, plastic things that have no purpose other than to light up and look interesting. Enjoy it all, because a Sky TV subscription is ruinously expensive (after that oh-so-tempting introductory offer for the first year), and you can't wrap it up and watch his face when he opens it.
Alas. The passing of time...
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