How about last years must have book for boys of that age in the UK. The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn & Hal Iggulden. It has it's own web-site here http://www.dangerousbookforboys.com/

There are some great book sugestions here, I could add a few but knowing nothing about said lads maturity or personallity, I won't. But any present is just an object and he has probably received so many by now that the novelty has worn off. It seems you really care, and judeging by your descriptions, what he could probably do with is new experiences. Show him "the other side" from your point of view. He'll probably work it all out for himself in the long run (how we worry about them), but seeing different or new perspectives will help him on his way. You could give him something that involves your participation, paint-ball or something hi-thrill.

Are you serious?

There is nothing material this kid needs. I liked the suggestion of 'I am David'; the others I'll investigate, thanks all for your thoughts.

I believe the parents asked my friend to have such a close relationship because they know how detatched he would be from the pointy end of life. The problem is compounded by attending one of Europe's most expensive, privileged schools, hanging out with Sultans and Princes and Magnates kids. Jeesh, what potential but what Dullards!

I won't preach against his background but want to add some grist to the mill. The attention span of wealthy children what's for lunch?

Yes, he has the internets

This isn't limited to just this kid, though. Where's Punk for Generation Y?

Why not? He could help wrap and distribute some gifts, or give away some of his toys and books.

It's not so much a "present" outing as a Christmas outing to see the other side of the tracks. He can play Santa Claus, if he wants to. See if he has it in him to chat with less-privileged children.

Sounds more like a trip to the zoo....

I think it would be best to present him a trip out of his own four walls! Since you asked for book titles it may not possible to present him a voucher for something like that but maybe you can use one of these ideas later.

• The Technorama in Winterthur presents physics and also chemistry in a lively way and 12 years old is a good age to go there.
• The EWZ offers a guided tour through their river power plant at the Limmat. It includes an explanation of the old (1913) machine and a fairly easy to digest presentation of electricity. I've been there with a group of kids of his age two years ago, here are some photos and a German text about the experience. A minimum of 3 persons is required for a tour but the EWZ will gladly join you with other visitors for a Wednesday/Friday afternoon tour (or on the first Saturday every month).
• The Zoological Museum of the University is entrance free and could be used to point at the changes in climate and fauna here.
• The observatory Urania opens at 8pm on certain days, a visit could also be combined with a book gift about astronomy...
• Or educate him about the history of labor movements and take him to the city center next 1. Mai...

if you made it so, it would be so...


Long time ago, one of my classmates would throw a party at an orphanage to celebrate her birthday (for a few years). You might think that's patronising but it could've been a pleasant change of routine for the children, besides having some party games and food they'd not normally get. (Well, I suppose an orphanage in a Third World country is a lot different from one in CH.)

Uncle Max, I think it's touching how much thought, consideration and absence of judgementalism (I am happy to concede judgementalism might not pass as a word in Scrabble!) you are putting into this.

I think Nathu's suggestion is excellent - how about an outing with just the two of you, capped by dinner somewhere edgy and fashionable like Reithalle, where he will rub elbows with people from lots of different walks of life? He is at the age where he'll want to explore going out on his own anyway, and would (hopefully) be honored to spend a day out with you exploring. Depending on how much initiative and creativity he has, you might even let him choose what to do.

I recently got through reading The Poisonwood Bible. It certainly might help open his eyes to a whole different world and way that people live.

Also, you could take him with you to volunteer at a soup kitchen or something similar. I know in the US there's Blue Santa/Brown Santa that are organizations (led by the police and fire stations, I think?) where you can volunteer to sort/wrap presents that will go to needy families for christmas. Maybe there's something similar here that you two could do together?

He probably wouldn't be very impressed with the idea, so it might be best to schedule some time to spend with him and "surprise" him by taking him to do one of these things. ; )

This one may have to wait a bit, but I also think a trip to a poorer country could be very educational.

may be a little late, however, I came across this & ite reminded me of this thread :

http://www.englishforum.ch/family-ma...html#post59315

Here is where I eventually sent him. It was a major success. It totally changed his outlook and attitudes. After this week it kick started his dormant brain into getting involved much more. They get to meet and play with players from Zurich FC in Letzigrund etc.

http://www.diefussballschule.ch/anmeldung08.htm
Here is the 2008 timetable. Not expensive either.
""
For all Junior boys and girls from 7-13 years old
Football-Camps 2008

Spring 2008
Anmelde-Schluss

Camp 1 07.04.08 – 11.04.08 Zürich 17.03.2008
Camp 2 14.04.08 – 18.04.08 Zürich 24.03.2008
Camp 3 21.04.08 – 25.04.08 Zürich 31.03.2008
Camp 2 28.04.08 – 02.05.08 Zürich 07.04.2008

Summer 2008
Camp 1 14.07.08 – 18.07.08 Zürich 23.06.2008
Camp 2 21.07.08 – 25.07.08 Zürich 30.06.2008
Camp 3 04.08.08 – 08.08.08 Zürich 07.07.2008
Camp 4 11.08.08 – 15.08.08 Zürich 14.07.2008

Autumn 2008
Camp 1 29.09.08 – 03.10.08 Zürich 08.09.2008
Camp 3 13.10.08 – 17.10.08 Zürich 22.09.2008

Homepage
www.diefussballschule.ch <http://www.diefussballschule.ch/anmeldung08.htm>

Need to book quickly - limited places:

diefussballschule.ch
Postfach 6348
CH-8050 Zürich
Telefon: +41 44 880 3333
Email: info@diefussballschule.ch
Internet: www.diefussballschule.ch
Eine Dienstleistung der orbiscom ag

""

Nothing would bring him closer to reality than me kidnapping him for ransom J/K

Who'd wanna be stuck with a young lad for more than a few hours? "Here's your boy back, Mister, sorry an' all, but he wouldn't shut up..."

So what did you end up getting him, Uncle Max?

A trip to the Zoo (on public transport, natch) and I'll fetch him 'I am David' from the UK. Make the lil' bugger read English

Thanks for all the suggestions...

This was a brilliant book too : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_One I studied both of these books at school.

For future gift ideas....

I would look to Princess Di, her examples of what she did to get her children involved in the world that surrounds everyone.

I am all for hands on activities. Kinesthetic learning is the best way for the child to learn. A trip to India, where they speak english and he could interact, and volunteer in some capacity is one example.

Hes lucky to have you in his life.

Well, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' won the day.

It's still in it's cellophane wrapper, four months on...

---


(He's just asked for participation in the following: Manchester United Soccer School. Where does it end..? )

Sigh... at least you tried. I hope you opt for a day out this year. Don't let him off the hook next time. Or he could bike around lake Zurich with me and learn something about human nature!