I'm interested in suggestions for an Easter present for my grandson who is almost 11. He says he's too old for an Easter Basket (doesn't eat much candy anyway) and already has way too many toys, video games, etc. I would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you.

Wishing you enough.

-- Trevilians (Trevilians@attbi.net), March 25, 2002

Answers

Does he like baseball? Opening day is this week, so maybe tickets to a game, or a new mitt, or a team T-shirt. How about a game of putt- putt golf or driving go-carts if you have them in your area. Does he like to fish? There are all sorts of fishing gadgets and doo-dads. Boys like wearing caps. Maybe a new cap.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), March 25, 2002.

Gee, some of the stuff I mentioned is kind of pricey. How about yo- yo's, squirt guns, trading cards, or the little NASCAR hot wheels. My son loves junk food, because he gets it so seldom. Doritoes, cheese curls, that sort of thing.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), March 25, 2002.

When did people start giving presents at easter? Aside from a eggs and jelly beans, I dont ever remember getting anything.

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), March 25, 2002.

One year my grandmother insisted that the teenagers join in the Easter basket hunt. We considered ourselves too old for that, but she said she had hidden plastic eggs for us. When we found them, each egg contained a 5-dollar bill.

-- Cathy N. (eastern Ontario) (homekeeper86@sympatico.ca), March 25, 2002.

Between age 8 and 13 the best "toy" for a boy is a 30 foot piece of rope about 1/2 inch diameter. With it he can be Tarzan, Cowboy Bob, a mountain climber, a commando, what ever is appropate. Its an "adult" item that he is trusted with; it adds skills, reconigeration and responsibility. If his voice has changed or is changing - forget it.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), March 25, 2002.

I have two grandsons that are age 8 & age 10 I fixed for them a card that has "a cupon" for one day with Grandma----their choice of activities!!!! And then I had bought books at auctions & put up for when I needed gifts-- so I hunted out a couple of books for them---I might get them some flavored toothpaste--or something like that/ which is useful & their parents don't buy---always when I give them books I make book marks with bible verses--or something that I know will be special to them---always add how much I love them to the book mark---so they are reminded all the time---one can never be told too many times they are loved!!!

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), March 25, 2002.

a goat or better yet a pair if goats. Bob se,ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@kans.com), March 25, 2002.

A new pocket knife?

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), March 25, 2002.

A new pocket knife is a great idea! My son is twelve but he still likes it when I hide plastic eggs with money and "homemade coupons" for special outings in them.

-- Jodie in TX (stanchnmotion@yahoo.com), March 26, 2002.

I agree that some sort of "experience" would be great. Tickets to an event, movie etc... Or how about a gift certificate to some place to eat, or if he has a hobby like fishing some supplies for that.

Gary, I have always put some little gift(s) in my children's basket, especially things like kites, bubbles, bouncy balls. Little things I might not otherwise buy. I don't buy much for my kids at any other time of the year, so I like to make these celebrations special/ One year I made them all a himemade basket, and gave them a new Bible. They are only kids once, and don't act in the least spoiled, so I enjoy doing nice things for them.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 26, 2002.

I like the ideas of movie tickets or outings. I always put a veggie tales video in my kids baskets or Barbie for Jalynn. I give them a little candy but not much because they really just don't need it. Maybe basketball cards or a gift certificate to a store so he can pick out something special.

-- Melinda (speciallady104@hotmail.com), March 26, 2002.

One year while still a teenager, I got a basket of fruit - here in New England, back then, to enjoy peaches, melon, and strawberries while there's still snow on the ground was a real treat!

However, Mom failed to tell me the result of consuming all that fruit within a 48 hour period...I found out the hard way! ;-)

-- Judi (ddecaro@snet.net), March 26, 2002.

Thanks for all the great ideas. Even though he is "too cool" for an Easter Basket, thank goodness he isn't "too cool" yet for a special day with Grammy. I think I'll stick a coupon in his Easter Card that gives him a day of fun with me for whatever he chooses (within reason; I'm not sky-diving or anything!) Hopefully, he'll choose a movie or something like that.

We have promised him a pocket knife for his 12th birthday, so I'm saving that for then. Loved the idea of the rope, too. I don't think his mother would allow one goat much less two, but it was a good suggestion. Maybe I'll get the goats!

I just knew I could count on ya'll to come up with some great ideas. Thanks again.

Wishing you enough.

-- Trevilians (Trevilians@attbi.net), March 26, 2002.