Saturday, March 19, 2022

Birthday boy

 Little P. and I have a birthday coming up next week! He's going to be nine years old. I adore that boy, and it's fun that we share a birthday. This year I have no idea what to buy him for a gift, though. A couple of weeks ago I asked him what he wanted, and you know what he said? "I don't know, I really already have everything I want." I thought that was rather mature, given how he usually has a big list of expensive items in mind when holidays and birthdays roll around!

I pressed the issue a bit the next day, since I'm going to get him something and need ideas. After giving it some thought he mentioned that he went to a birthday party at a skating rink a while ago and didn't have his own pair of skates. Since I know nothing about kids' sizing, or how fast his feet grow, I didn't feel comfortable with that suggestion. It's a specific enough request that it's likely someone in his family has already bought the skates, anyway. When I asked him what else he might like instead, he just shrugged. 

So, dear blogger friends, what would you buy for a nine year old as a birthday gift? I love to buy books for kids, but only if they like to read and will appreciate them. I'm sorry to say that even though P. reads really well (and well above his grade level), he's not turning out to be a real reader. What he does like is building things with Legos, and projects that involve electronics and robotics and even math. He recently qualified to begin the advanced/gifted academic track in school, so he's a really smart kid. And he likes active outdoor play and sports, typical boy stuff. Any suggestions will be welcome (not too expensive, though).

I have two more Little P. updates for his fans. Remember I told you he had a crush on a little girl in his class? Everything was going well until the day the teacher asked the class who had been whispering when her back was turned and the girl ratted P. out. He showed up at my desk that afternoon in a state of high dudgeon, a betrayed young man! From that day on, Love was Dead. 

At the end of January Little P. had his "Vocal Star" audition. He had picked I'm Still Standing by Elton John to sing. His mom said that when he first got up on the stage and saw the people looking at him, he froze, and then his bottom lip started to tremble. She thought, "Oh, no...." but then he pulled himself together, managed to smile (although she knew he was on the verge of crying) and then sang his song all the way through. His voice shook but he finished it! She told him afterwards how proud she was of him, even if he didn't win. I was pretty proud of him, too. That took guts!

 And look how handsome he looked in the new jacket she bought him for the audition:


(This picture makes him look so grown up for an eight year old! He doesn't really look quite this grown up in person).


25 comments:

  1. A very handsome young man. I usually give gift cards since I'm not a good gift giver. (not creative at all)

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  2. Little P. looks great all dressed up for the audition! I was going to suggest a Lego kit because even if he has Legos you can always use more. Both of my sons were Lego crazy for many years. If he likes electronics you could take a look at the many electronics kits available. You might have to go to a toy store or hobby shop to find them unless you buy them online. There are robotic kits too but those can get pricey. Good luck and Happy Early Birthday to you and Little P.!

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    1. I've bought him Lego kits for the last couple of occasions, and they've gone over well. I'd kind of like to get him something a bit different this time, but it's a great fall back if I can't come up with anything!

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  3. Little P. looks handsome and quite older than 9. Would he like a Lego robotics kit? I imagine fabulous books about Legos or about robotics exist if you could tempt him to read that way. I think Lego kits are expensive, don't know for sure. You two are great friends.

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    1. We really are great friends! It's been fun watching him navigate early childhood--without the responsibility for him!

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  4. Lego has something called Gear Bots that could be a good option. Most of the robotics stuff I’ve researched for kids is hugely expensive, but this is I think around $20. Another good choice could be Kidz Robotix Smart Robot (under $20). Both are the perfect age range (and too old for Luke, whom I was buying for). Little P is looking great! He has my admiration for getting up on stage and performing.

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    1. Great idea! Thanks Mitchell! I admire his courage, too. It almost failed him when he first got up on stage. His mom said he looked like a deer in the headlights! LOL! I hope he'll continue to be bold in going after what he wants.

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  5. Little P. might love going with you to an ice cream place and ordering whatever he wanted! Y'all could sit and chat and eat ice cream. I imagine that lots of laughs would be involved.
    He sure is a good-looking young man and obviously brave. I am so sorry that he's had his heart broken but it's good to get that first one out of the way.

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    1. I absolutely love that idea, about going for ice cream. It won't work out this week though. I'm going out to eat with friends and then to book club on Wednesday night, then on Saturday Marla and Martina are coming over for wine and cake and binge-watching season 2 of Bridgerton! :)

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  6. Alas I have no idea other than perhaps a blank book or journal and see if he would enjoy writing things down like a journal or his thoughts.

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    1. That might be a nice gift in addition to a something else a little more exciting. I'd love to help him start a journal. If he did start one at his age, it would be so valuable to him in 30 or 40 years!

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  7. Lego are always bringing out new additions. Is there anything there that is a possibility? Perhaps his mum wuld know.

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  8. He is one handsome fella. I have no idea what would be a good gift.

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  9. I have no idea what would make a good gift, that's why I always gave gift cards.

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  10. How about a grouchy old parrot called Marco with a bag of seed and a cage?

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  11. Just look at how smart he looks; a really nice looking boy. I agree with Ms Moon; a big Ice Cream in a swanky parlour sounds great.

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  12. There is a website in UK called " wickeduncle.co.uk". I use it a lot for the grandkids.....you could have a look and it might give you some ideas that you could order from a US based site. It splits up into different age and boys/girls ranges.

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  13. Little P looks not so little in this picture! The girl who ratted him out should be ashamed of herself.
    You could always ask his mother about what would make a good birthday present.

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  14. He does look all grown up in that image! That's a really tricky age to shop for. When I used to shop for my friend's son when he was that old, I always tried to figure out what hobbies or pastimes were favoured at that time. If there's nothing really of interest, perhaps an outing would be fun. Going to the movies, for example. Or some place he'd enjoy spending the day.

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  15. Before I read your picture caption I was going to say, "Wow! He's grown so much!" I'd get him something flexible like a gift card. That way he can get anything he wants. I know it seems like it lacks imagination but there will be no disappointment.

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  16. I like the idea of sharing a fun experience with him. Do you have go-karts or mini-golf near you? Could be something you both can enjoy! Happy Birthday to you and Little P!

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  17. Olivia will be 10 In April..I asked her what she wanted...clothes, books, games money...money won out..Abby will be 10 in Sept and she wants a black leather jacket..

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