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Boone Brux | Addicted to Giving
December 9, 2011
I’ve got a serious addiction, Angel Trees. Maybe you’ve seen one in your
favorite restaurant or coffee shop. The Salvation Army sets up the trees in
hopes of gathering gifts for underprivileged kids. That doesn’t sound like such
a bad addiction, you might say. It’s not—if I’d just take one or two and walk
away. But like Lays potato chips, I can’t take just one. This year I grabbed four tags off the Angel Tree in the Embassy Suite’s lobby.
That’s a far cry from last year when I de-angeled the tree at our local Denny’s,
so I’m doing better—addiction wise. Usually I look for kids ten and under. I know what this age group likes. But
wait, what about teenagers? You know they’re losing out to those sweet toddlers,
so I’ll grab a few 13 and 14 year olds. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that
I was a teenager. *cough-cough* I try to place myself in the shoes of a teen. What would I have liked to receive
if these were the only gifts I’d get? Personally, I’m all about comfort,
writing, reading, and art. I prefer to nurture their imagination, not their
physical appearance, so I stay away from make-up, glittery bobbles, and jangly
pretties when it comes to girls. I’ll admit, I’m at a loss what to get teenage
boys. I could use some suggestions from any you with experience. So here’s what I’ve come up with as my standard gift set. No matter the age, I
give the child a blanket. Many stores have the smaller polar fleece throws on
sale for $5-$10. If the child is eight or younger I give a coloring book,
crayons (appropriate for age), and a book. Sometimes I’ll include mittens and a
hat. For the teenage girl, I buy a blanket and add my newest favorite YA story
with a beaded bookmark, a journal, and a pretty pen. Teen boys get a blanket and
book, but like I said, I’m a little unsure on what else they’d like. 
I’m trying to keep my addiction in check, I really am. But this morning while
having coffee with my good friend Tielle, I noticed and Angel Tree behind her.
Let’s just say I need to end this post because I have a little more shopping to
do. I’d love to hear your ideas for gift giving or what YA books you recommend. And
please, somebody clue me in about the tastes of teenage boys. Merry Christmas!!! One person will will a copy of SHIELD OF FIRE, just leave
a suggestion for what boys want below.
Comments
27 comments posted.
Re: Boone Brux | Addicted to Giving
I know so many boys and grown men who are gamers. So many an active video game. Some can help them get active or exercise their mind with brain games.
(Na S 2:19am December 9, 2011)
Teenage boys have a tendency to like video games or electronics, like iPods or
new phones. To get them something healthy, though, sports-related items may
be better so they can actually get out instead of stay in all day. :)
(Hyunjin Jeon 8:39am December 9, 2011)
I love giving gifts to kids that are art related. I think they enjoy creating something so I have always bought drawing pads, drawing pens and pencils, etc. They have so much out there right now to keeps the minds active
(Julie Parrish 8:55am December 9, 2011)
I like Jennifer Estep's YA series... but I think most books make a good gift...
(May Pau 8:59am December 9, 2011)
What about a small brain teasing puzzle? My son loves these. You can find them made out of wood, metal or a favorite of ours are the clear plastic 3D puzzles found at B&N.
(Christine Stack 9:00am December 9, 2011)
I don't have any teenage boys in my family, so I'm at a loss. I normally knit hat and scarf sets for charity, so that would have been my first idea. A good pair of gloves to keep their hands warm is one idea I had. At that age, their hormones are kind of odd, if memory serves me correctly, and they're not exactly into reading, so the one thing I thought of was perhaps a small gift card to maybe Barnes and Noble if there's one in your area? This way they would have no choice but to get a book or perhaps more, and start reading. Maybe that would get them started either into the reading bug, or finding a book about a hobby that would launch them into a lucrative career down the road. Maybe even a wallet or a watch would be nice for them, too. I think boys are hard to buy for. Hope it helped you a little. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:53am December 9, 2011)
Teen boys like electronics! iPods, and definitely new earbuds! They're always
breaking them. Most of them are gamers as well, so any type of electronic
game or related items will usually work. You'd probably do well with some
kind of male body spray too, as they're always drowning themselves in that. ;)
Things like biking gloves for bicycle tricks, or cool baseball hats are good
gifts for this age too.
(Debbie Burdeen 11:14am December 9, 2011)
I have 3 boys, as far as what to get a teen-aged boy I'd say cologne. I know all my boys like Curve cologne and you can get that at a decent price at Walgreens. They also love getting McDonald's gift certificates. I think it's awesome that you do this BTW. I only took one tag off the tree at our church and it was to get an adult female a Barnes and Noble card because I felt a connection with her since I'm addicted to books! Have a great weekend and good luck with your book!
(Renee Pajda 11:22am December 9, 2011)
teenage boys - computer games usually involving guns, blood and gore and smellies believe it or not!
(Barbara Hanson 11:36am December 9, 2011)
My mother always choose children 8-11. She thinks that people choose children and toddlers or teens and the 8-11 years olds get less attentiom. I'm not sure that's true, but it's the thought that counts and someone will be happy.
The youngest in our family is 38, so I can't help you with gift suggestions. I think Renee's suggestion of gift certificates to a multi chain fast food restaurant is good.
(Anne Muller 11:40am December 9, 2011)
my boys like cars and trucks (motorcycles, etc anything with
a motor and wheels whether it's a model to put together, a
remote control or even hot wheels cars to collect), fishing
stuff, hunting stuff and of course video games and
electronics
I think its great what you do, it'd be wonderful if more
people were like that
(Roxanne Rhoads 11:50am December 9, 2011)
Teenage boys... I have no clue... my nephews are 10 & 3. The oldest one wants a pogo stick this year...
(Colleen Conklin 12:48pm December 9, 2011)
Four year old boys like trains!
(Cynthia Netherton 12:53pm December 9, 2011)
Teenage boys want teenage girls.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 2:30pm December 9, 2011)
I have to agree with Marjorie "Teenage boys want teenage
girls" so I suggest Axe deodorant as most teenage boys thinks
baths are an every other day or so occurrence. :)
(Lisa Richards 2:59pm December 9, 2011)
I think you have a wonderful addiction. My son is in college and I would say that sports, music and video games are popular. The blanket is a great idea and the Nike black athletic socks are very poplular. Didn't you know that you wear your shorts with black socks now?
(Maureen Emmons 3:36pm December 9, 2011)
Hope to win, sounds like a good book
(Debbie Ellis 5:01pm December 9, 2011)
Since our family only has boys, I've never gotten to buy girl presents for Christmas. Every year I give Barbie Dolls to the Brown Santa and Toys for Tots. My nephew finally had a little girl and I'm now waiting not so patiently for her to turn 3 so I can give her firts Barbie.
(Maude Allen 5:55pm December 9, 2011)
Boys want computer games and sports equipment
(Shirley Younger 7:29pm December 9, 2011)
Yup, electronics. Sums it up for about 99% of teenage boys. Love the blanket
idea, always good. The only other YA books I can think of would be Hunger
Games. And then there is awlays chocolate/candy! Always a crowd pleaser.
(Lexi Hansen 8:57pm December 9, 2011)
cd"s or dvd's. p.c.cast has some great ya books.the house of night series..merry christmas!!!
(Jennifer Beck 9:26pm December 9, 2011)
You can't go past T-Shirts for teen boys. I find there are some great shirts around.
(Mary Preston 9:51pm December 9, 2011)
When my four boys were teens we used to buy them T-shirts with
their current interests (games or goth etc.)or stuff like
puzzles (the really challenging mental type),male interest
pendants and also toiletries (the kind that appeals to teen
girls). Hope this helps :D
(Ilona Fenton 12:58pm December 10, 2011)
Books come to mind in a sport or theme with cars or computer games. My boys who are older now still love those winter hats with the snow flaps or nordic ones.
(Alyson Widen 1:34pm December 10, 2011)
A gift card to Best Buy or anything electronic
(Shirley Nienkark 4:46pm December 10, 2011)
I never was at a loss for coming up with gifts for my three boys when they were teenagers. They loved anything sports-related, because they played various sports, computer games, gift certificates for the roller-skating rink, McDonald's or pizzas, winter gloves, caps, heavy winter socks, art supplies (for my artist son), and starter tool sets for tinkering on their bicycles, etc. Always fun to buy for and never a problem--even tho everyone says that girls are so much easier to buy for.
(Linda Luinstra 5:39pm December 10, 2011)
Thank God for people like you. When I was
seperated and divorced, working two jobs to
keep things going, not knowing what to do for
Christmas, I got a call to pick up something for
my children..someone had put my children and
myself on a list, and I later found out it was the
peditricans secretary, for gifts. I cried the
moment I saw the packages. Humbling and truly
grateful, I can recall that moment and the look
on my children's faces Christmas morning. Over
the years when I have extra I find myself
choosing a boy and girl from a tree, hoping to
give a chance to another family that I was given.
Many blessings to you this Holiday and always.
(Carla Carlson 1:17pm December 11, 2011)
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