nature girl Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 My EG (especially in math) nephew will be turning 13 in Oct, and I'm at a loss, I'm worried that every gift recommendation I've been able to find for adolescent boys would leave him bored or rolling his eyes. Can any of you recommend something fun that your gifted children enjoyed at that age? Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 What is he interested in? That's the age when ds started taking computers apart and programming from scratch (as opposed to with Scratch lol I kill myself). Maybe a raspberry pi? Or something cool from Maker Shed? One of the Make books (there are a zillion interesting titles--I see the new ones at the library all the time :))? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Does he have a charity or organization he supports? I'm thinking that my suggestion for people who want to get DD something for her birthday/CHristmas this year will be donations to PARC. It's either that or hand them the SSAR publications catalog.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndOfOrdinary Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 What about a membership somewhere? Science center, museum, musical interest? Thames and Kosmos have some cool science kits. They are durable and can have some cool stuff. Most can be done over and over. They aren't crazy high level, but they are interesting and fun. You could always take him to a concert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raptor_dad Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I wouldn't worry if he is bored or rolls his eyes... I would give him a book that has the potential to be transformative. I would choose George Gamow's "One, Two, Three... Infinity"[1] and then give him an iTunes gift card, a cell phone top up card, or cash as appropriate. [1] http://www.amazon.com/One-Two-Three-Infinity-Speculations/dp/0486256642/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staceyshoe Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 An arduino kit? http://www.arduino.cc/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 We bought the origami book in my siggy for DS at age 13. It explains the *math* behind origami, and is written by the guy who actually uncovered it. Very very cool. It teaches you how advanced designs are put together and then how to make your own. It is a bit :blink: for me, but ds loves it! Ruth in NZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in SA Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 An arduino kit? http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino is awesome. Lego Mindstorms for the novice, Arduino for the serious hack. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nature girl Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 So many unique and wonderful suggestions, most of which I've never heard of! Thank you all so much, I knew asking here would be a good idea. I'm going to have some fun Googling and deciding!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nature girl Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 If I were to buy Raspberry Pi or Arduino, are they standalone? Or should I buy components to go with them? (I see Raspberry Pi will need a power cord and SD card, but other than that is there anything else that would facilitate their use?) Thank you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkateLeft Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 If I were to buy Raspberry Pi or Arduino, are they standalone? Or should I buy components to go with them? (I see Raspberry Pi will need a power cord and SD card, but other than that is there anything else that would facilitate their use?) Thank you!! For the Arduino, your best bet is to buy one of the starter kits. Adafruit carries some very nice kits that include pretty much everything you'd need to get started. The only other thing the child needs is access to a computer. Raspberry Pi is a little more involved. The current model is the B+. It's a fantastic gift, but it's a credit card sized computer. You'll also need a USB mouse, a USB keyboard, and a monitor or TV with an HDMI jack. You can also use an HDMI converter cable on an existing monitor. I think it's best to buy a starter kit, because it'll include the microSD card with the software pre-loaded and wifi dongle. Amazon carries the Canakit starter packs, and those are usually what I recommend. The B+ is a major improvement over the model B in a lot of ways, and the cost is pretty much the same. Note that the model B uses an SD card, while the B+ uses a microSD card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Can any of you recommend something fun that your gifted children enjoyed at that age? Thanks so much! The Mathematics Calendar 2015 by Theoni Pappas He might also enjoy books by Theoni Pappas. Some are for young children, many are not. You might also browse this older thread: Gift for Math Nut? Weapons Of Math Destruction Mug Some fun clothing: Find X t-shirt Pi in the Sky T-Shirt I'm Right t-shirt Is he a MASH fan? M*A*T*H t-shirt Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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