Christmas....AGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

one thought is money towards one of the electronics. Or an IOU for a certain amount. You may not like it, but electronics are what boys like! If it is truly important to him he will save up for it.

Footballs or sports items. Favorite DVD's. Buy a used guitar and find a student to offer lessons. CD player, CDs, posters, movie tickets. If an ipod shuffle is too expensive ($55 at target) then start asking around to buy a used one. Lots of people upgrade and then have no use for their old ipods.

I'm in the same boat - 13 and 4 year old boys and husband and I have been married for 13 years! Ironic...

I'm up in the air on my 13 year old too, so I will be checking back for more ideas. Here's what I have come up with so far: He loves axe body spray and I was thinking about getting him some "real" cologne. I was also thinking of fast food gift cards (places he could walk to after school or at the mall food court)and gift cards to Pacsun, American Eagle, and the movies. He rides dirtbikes and last year, I got him a camcorder that mounts to his helmet or handle bars. That's been really cool. Maybe that would work for your son since he's getting a new bike for his birthday.

How about an "experience." Maybe you or his dad take him and a friend (or a few) camping for a weekend. Or plan a special canoe or tubing trip - If you plan something within a few hours drive of DFW, it really shouldn't be very expensive - and it's sure to get them away from the electronics for a couple of days)! This can be adapted or include different activities, depending on your son's preferences (fishing, hiking/climbing, hunting, etc.).

Good luck!
www.familyeguide.com Free online guide to affordable family activities in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, and the surrounding communities.

I know you say you don't like games at your house, but a Wii really is lots of fun. My boys are 4 & 7 and my husband and I enjoy every bit as much as they do. It's a fun family toy and we have fun on the weekends having Wii bowling night and other games. I'd recommend that! The boys can play games together, and it's expensive enough to make a family gift even. Then, you can add games or accessories as their gifts. That would be my vote!

Other ideas, books (if he likes to read), magazine subscription. Maybe some personal "grown up" grooming products like a razor, deoderant, cologne, or something?

Wlll if you haven't purchased those items yet I asked that you take a look at ordering them online - compare prices.
We have shopping promotions, shipping promotions, and zero sales tax options.. Over 800 retailers - could save you some $$.

Boys LOVE games. I have a 14 yr old daughter.

We got a Wii when they first came out and we LOVE it as a family.

We have some great family fun with the sports games on Wii, competition with each other, NOT on the couch, and in general family fun.

We also have the Guitar Hero band set for Wii as well. When the boys are at my house (a lot) and also with girls this is a huge fun activity they all use.

Another thing used a lot at our house, especially for teens, is the pool table. They go to the game room and have FUN!

Good Luck.

I know how you feel about electronics but this is what they want at that age. My suggestion would be to perhaps purchase a cell phone that has some of the same perks of ipod touch. For example you could purchase a touch screen cell phone with MP3 that allows him to listen to music. He would also be able to play games on the phone. That solves what he wants and keeps the boys from fighting over a item.
I personally have a WII and it is great for kids. It keeps them off the couch and you can also have up to 4 controls which would help them all be able to interract in a healthy fun manner. Yes, a WII is expensive but they are now $199.00 and come with a sports game and that is all our family really plays.
This is what boys want at their age and something they can appreciate. If all else fails you can always purchase a board game !

Boys do have an instinctive obsession with video games, trust me I know. But as far as the game system goes (if you decide to purchase one) I would recommend you buy a Wii, I noticed that you said that your boys fight over the games, but with the Wii everyone can play and it's not like your J. sitting around all day your actually up and moving around. If you decide to go with a Nintendo handheld game system I would suggest that instead of getting the newer version you could purchase the regular DS (which comes in black and pink? maybe white) they only changed a few things anyhow and it is cheaper so that maybe each boy could have one. As far as an iPod touch for a 13 year old, that's sort of if-y, my first iPod was a iPod shuffle when I was 13. If you want to give him a iPod maybe an older version would better suit that want. And as far as finances, for Christmas my parents get us 2 or 3 MAJOR gifts like for instance a cell phone and a PS3 and two or three smaller gifts, so maybe you could get him to narrow it down a bit.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the best of luck!

<3
-AT