Tween boys are very confusing beings. One day, they have decided they think they’re old enough to be treated like a man, but the next day they are watching cartoons. How do you have any idea what to buy for these mysterious gift recipients? Hopefully, these 10 ideas will help you decide on just what stocking stuffers are right for the tween boy in your life.
Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss Army Knife is a great gift for a tween boy. If the boy is interested in hunting and camping, this gift can be very useful. He will probably need the knife to get into the packaging of some of his gifts anyway. As a responsible adult, you will need to let him know the rules about owning such a knife because it is not a toy.
Personalized iPod or MP3 Player
This is a great stocking stuffer item for two reasons. First, you will not have to listen to whatever is popular with the boys this year that isn't popular with you. Second, if it is personalized, you will not have to worry so much about it being stolen. It fits into a stocking just right, and it sure will knock the socks of your son.
Nintendo DS Lite
Of course, boys love to play video games. This is a great idea for the kid that is always looking for something to do. A nice bonus to this video system is that you can purchase educational games as well as popular character-themed games and sports games, too.
Prepaid Cell Phone
Your tween may have already started in on you to get him a cell phone. If you have one of your old phones lying around, see if you can activate it as a prepaid phone. This is a great idea for your older tweens, as it can help teach responsibility. Have them work to earn more minutes, whether it is by chores, or through good grades.
Cologne
Okay, so maybe they still only want to take a shower once a week, but that one time a week, they will smell good. This is great for the older tweens as well. Just be sure to teach them that less is more when it comes to cologne. Your tween boy is sure to puff up a little when he realizes you know he is growing up.
Play-Doh Cologne Spray
This is a cute gag gift, especially if the real stuff is hidden farther down in the stocking. It will probably put a smile on child's face and give you all a good laugh.
Movie Passes
These are some of the best stocking stuffers for kids of almost any age. What kid doesn't like going to the movies? Your tween will thank you for understanding what he likes.
Gift Cards or Cash
Gift cards are one of the most popular stocking stuffers today. While some people feel this is impersonal to give as a gift, many kids prefer to pick out their own present. Others will save their gift cards to make a large purchase. Be sure you are aware of the costs associated with the card. Some cards begin charging a fee if the card is not used within a certain amount of time. Of course, cash is always accepted.
Tweens Favorite Food
Try adding cookies, gum, or favorite candies to your son's stocking. You might even put in a gift certificate to his favorite pizza parlor or restaurant. Places like Burger King and McDonald's make gift certificate books just for this occasion, and your tween can choose different food items off the menu using the gift certificates.
A New Pair of Gloves
Kids can never seem to have enough gloves or mittens. Many times, they only have one left, or none, from the year before. A nice pair of really warm gloves will be appreciated at the first snowball fight.
Choosing stocking stuffers for your tween son can be just as fun as choosing the gifts he will get under the tree on Christmas morning. Put a little thought into what your son's personality is, and what he really likes to do, and you should have no problem coming up with some more great ideas for stocking stuffers.
Find more Parenting Tweens articles on Suite101.
 |
