my son's "softer" side

[ProudGrandma]

My son (who is have a birthday in a month...his 9th), is usually all rough and tumble...totally all boy...but he also has a softer, gentler side to him. I would love to get him a birthday gift that would take that into consideration. My first thought (and maybe yours' too) is a pet...but since we live in a house that belongs to the church (my husband is a pastor) we can't have a pet that would destroy property. Plus, we go on vacations for sometime close to 3 weeks, so that could be an issue plus my husband has allergy problems...I thought about a smaller, caged animal, but with 3 kids, I would want to buy them all one...but this is our son's birthday....so can anyone help me think of another idea? thanks.

[NanceXToo]

How about a bearded dragon or a blue tongue skink? They make pretty good pets, and allergies/destruction of property won't be an issue at all. :)

 

ETA: this site talks about good beginner reptiles (as well as unsuitable ones), care, needs, and so on, if you decide to consider going that route:

 

http://www.anapsid.org/parent.html

[Aunty Social]

Well, my rough and tumble but secretly soft hearted 9 yo loves stuffed animals. He has a rather large Teddy bear that is his constant companion (think Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes) and several puppies and penguins that get used for everything from snuggles to big game hunting targets (nerf only, no stuffed animals are harmed in the making of this game ;))

 

It might be a way to satisfy and nurture his softer side without worrying about allergies or property destruction.

[alpidarkomama]

Reptiles are great! Or a parakeet?? Both are pretty easy to take care of, and I know we're always excited to birdsit for a friend when they go on vacation. :)