My grandson 13th birthday

I love to bake and decorate my GCs surprise birthday cakes. One GS was keen on badgers so I made a "badger"cake. The previous birthday his "taekondo jacket" gave me the idea for his cake.
I find presents for teenage boys difficult so I opt for an outing somewhere.
eg a visit to an owl sanctuary where GS adopted a rescued owl was a success.
Another idea was a voucher for a take-out joint near school so he and a friend could choose something for their lunch.
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I'm another who asks the parents.
Sometimes I get it right
Money direct into bank account never goes amiss and a nice card.

What did his parents and he say?

I am a real spoilsport. I ask people, including children, to provide me with a wish list of what they would like and choose from that, Sometimes I have very good reason to know that there is something not on the list that they would really like and I buy it, but if I spend the money I want to know I haven't wasted it buying something that isn't wanted.

A voucher for games if he does those (or ask parents which one), voucher for favourite sports shop/clothes shop or book voucher. Parents usually know about books, clothes he might like. DGS1 is getting a playstation for birthday/Christmas and everyone is contributing to it as it is very expensive.

Hoodie? Lego? Football team strip? These were on my grandson’s list, together with both cheaper and dearer items.

Even 13 year olds like cash.

Waste of money giving them ‘stuff’ you think they will like, unless of course their parents have informed you of something specific.

I hate giving gifts that are never used or appreciated.

Money and or if he has a game play system (ask your son or daughter) - maybe a game for that system. They have vouchers too.

I have daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters and a grandson. He is consistently the very hardest of all of them to buy for. He dislikes clothing, toys, sweets - money works, wrapped in a bigger box than he'd guess

I would ask his parents for ideas

At that age, they do often want money. But I’d try to get something little/inexpensive to open anyway - I’d probably ask his parents for suggestions - favourite sweets/chocs etc., or perhaps e.g. toiletries, if he’s started to be hygiene conscious!