Small gift for 12-year-old burn victim; more info added

[MercyA]

The grandson of a couple at my church was badly burned several weeks ago. He sustained burns over 70% of his body. As I understand it, the burns are mostly on the lower part of his body.

He is still in the hospital and will likely be there for some time. The church has asked that cards and small gifts be sent to him. I'd like to order something from Amazon to help relieve his boredom. I'm looking for something under $20. He's 12, soon to be 13. I know absolutely nothing about what boys that age might like.

Help???

ETA: More info below.

Edited March 20, 2020 by MercyA

[Junie]

My first thought was Legos.

[katilac]

The church should probably ask so they can give out that info!  Like treats or fast food gift certificates might be great, but not if he's on a restricted diet. Gift cards for games and movies would be great, but you need to know if his phone/tablet is Android or Apple. I he doesn't have either, a tablet would be a fabulous thing for a few families to put in for. I can't imagine he's going to be able to do much with burns as severe as that, poor child. Knowing if he can use his hands if really important info; my other suggestions mostly assume he can.  

Puzzle, activity, coloring books (the 'fancy' coloring books, not kiddie ones) 

Rubik's cube or other small puzzles 

Amazon gift card (Kindle, Audible) 

Fidget spinners and stress balls 

Slime 

Magnets, magnetic building kits - these are fun to fiddle with even if you don't have the energy to actually build something 

Instant snow

Marble run 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MercyA]

4 minutes ago, katilac said:

The church should probably ask so they can give out that info!  Like treats or fast food gift certificates might be great, but not if he's on a restricted diet. Gift cards for games and movies would be great, but you need to know if his phone/tablet is Android or Apple. I he doesn't have either, a tablet would be a fabulous thing for a few families to put in for. I can't imagine he's going to be able to do much with burns as severe as that, poor child. Knowing if he can use his hands if really important info; my other suggestions mostly assume he can.  

Thanks for the great ideas! Thanks to you, too, @Junie!

If I'm able to speak to his grandmother, I'll be sure to ask about his hands. I asked a few people at church the same question and they weren't sure.

Poor child indeed. 😞 He was standing by a campfire when another child or teen threw fuel on it. 

[MercyA]

Okay! More info. Grandma is not sure if he could do puzzles yet. He's not much of a reader, but would enjoy fast car / sporty car magazines and truck magazines. Are there magazines like that that would be appropriate for a tween, I wonder? He likes word searches. He likes beagles. 

[MercyA]

I ended up sending a car and truck themed word search book, a NeeDoh stress ball, and an old-school Tomy water toy. Prayers for him are appreciated! Thanks, all. 

[MercyA]

20 minutes ago, WendyAndMilo said:

I think those are fantastic choices 🙂  Prayers for him and his family!

Thank you so much.

Please don't quote: the boy and his sister lived with their grandparents for a long time but both grandparents now have very severe, permanent, debilitating health problems. Grandpa has dementia and is continually in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. Perhaps six months ago he and his sister were removed from the care of a parent and step-parent due to abuse. As I understand it, Grandma was trying to get back custody. Now this. 😞 

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

This is terribly sad, all around.  

I think you chose well.  If a new request is made, I would ask grandma if he has a tablet/smartphone, and if so, what type.  Gift certificates for apple store or google play or netflix or spotify would all probably be appreciated.  An audible gift certificate/subscription may also be a way to get books into a reluctant reader.  

Edited March 20, 2020 by Monica_in_Switzerland