I am going to piggy back this question.
I have 4 step-sons, and I have no problem buying for the 5 and 6 year olds, basically anything makes them happy, but I also have two that turn 14 and 15 in December plus Christmas gifts to get gifts for. I have no idea what to get these guys. If I had an unlimited budget, it would be simple(shoes ipods, cell phones, skateboards, paintball guns etc.), but I'm not spending more than $50 on gifts for the birthdays, or more than $70 per child for Christmas. We always have a special birthday dinner and birthday cake and they have relatives who send cards and give them money, so it isn't really necessary to spend more for their birthdays. Besides, with a daughter, a husband and all the other family members, the cost of Christmas adds up too quickly.
My husband is getting them an Xbox. I'm not too thrilled with the idea of the boys having one more reason to sit in front of the tv instead of interacting or playing outside, but I know they will love it, and it will be good for winter. I've thought of some gifts that will force them to be creative, but in a way that each of them will enjoy, like plain t-shirts and iron on letters for the 14 year old, a wood burning kit for the pyromaniac 15 year old, and they are each making a gift for one of their brothers, like a pollyanna. I bought "hot chocolate" mugs and ceramic paint markers for them to decorate. As both groups of boys are born so closetogether they aren't used to having anythign for very long that is just theirs, it doesn't matter waht it is, it is either broken, damaged, or just used by someone else very quickly after receipt.
So, while my husband is getting them the big expensive fun gift, I would like to get them multiple less expensive and more personalized gifts, but I have to stick within my budget.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.