I usually struggle with this gift guide each year because Bodie doesn’t ask for much. This year, however, his list is quite lengthy. If you’re shopping for teen and tween boys, I hope this is of some help. A little bit of background: Bodie is eleven, in sixth grade and loves sports.
To the surprise of no one, the first item on his list is yet another football. He likes the genuine leather Wilson balls, not the composite. He’s still using the Junior size, but is getting close to Youth. Reference the size chart on the Wilson web site to be sure you’re getting the correct size. Purchase here: https://www.wilson.com/en-us/product/gst-game-football-wf10033#colorsteamname=55181
Wilson GST Game Football
Bodie’s been talking a lot lately about “mudding” his footballs. He wants a mudding kit and brush. I did some research and this Gridiron kit seems to be the best option. Order it here: https://gridironfootballprep.com/products/football-mud-and-leather-balm-kit
Mudding Kit
The Gridiron kit does not include a brush, so I’ll add this to the gift. It’s on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/45vjXU5
Football Brush
We were in the Trek bicycle store last week and Bodie saw these Oakleys and told me he is putting them on his Christmas list. I guess he’s out of his Pit Viper era. Bodie thinks these are great for sports and cycling. Heads up: these are $40 cheaper on Amazon! Buy them today if you think a gent in your life would like a pair. Bodie likes the matte navy, but I think all of the colors are good. Snag them here: https://amzn.to/3M2Ntd3
Oakley Sutro Lite
Both of my kids have expressed an interest in some weights for the basement. Emery dabbled in weights some with basketball training this summer and fall, which she really enjoyed. I think she’s of an appropriate age for that. Bodie will require supervision, but he was excited about the idea when Emery mentioned a weight set. Should Santa bring this for Chez Slagel, it will be for both kids. However, I am including it on Bodie’s gift guide. This bench on Amazon has great reviews: https://amzn.to/46y4VhQ
Bench
We’ll need weights to go with the bench. Admittedly, I do not know much about home gym equipment, but this dumbbell rack is highly rated and seems as though it would serve our needs. Santa and his reindeer are going to have a tough time delivering this gift. Amazon can help here: https://amzn.to/3QlZqx5
Dumbbells
I reckon a bar is necessary as well. Again, I have no experience with a purchase like this, but the reviews for this are very good. Add to cart here: https://amzn.to/45zbLlQ
Barbell
Shoes are always popular with my kids. Bodie is jumping on the Ugg Tasman trend this season. He’s actually had several pair of these, but he’s always worn them as slippers. Now they’re apparently acceptable for going out. Same for Emery. I give up. Pick your battles, right? Bodie likes the Forest Night color. Available here: https://amzn.to/3tze4YW
UGG Tasman
Bodie wants another pair of Dunks, but he’s having a hard time deciding on a colorway. My nephew, however, is locked in on this pair of retro Dunks in Polar. I actually really like this color. https://www.nike.com/t/dunk-low-retro-mens-shoes-M0t9Sv/DV0833-400
Retro Dunks
Spoiler: everyone in my family, not just Bodie, is getting one of these in their stocking. I never knew something like this existed, although I’ve wondered about it for years. Amanda at Dixie Delights shared this Twelve South blue tooth device the other day as one of her travel must haves and I immediately ordered. We fly a lot and although Delta always has a great selection of movies, shows and live television, the cheap headsets with cords are annoying. Wouldn’t it be nice to use your comfy wireless buds or headphones instead? PROBLEM SOLVED! Enhance your flying experience here: https://amzn.to/3s4lDGp
Bodie wears a uniform to school this year, so clothes aren’t really his focus at the moment. However, I’ve heard rumors that these Nike Tech pants are a must have. I’m not totally sure what makes them different from the other Nike joggers he owns, but here’s a link for youth: https://amzn.to/3S3ILPT and the mens: https://amzn.to/407mvqr
Nike Tech
Not a very exciting gift, but socks disappear at my house at an alarming rate. Bodie’s favorite are Nike crew socks. Emery wears them, too. Add to cart here: https://amzn.to/3PYUuN9
Nike Socks
Bodie LOVES food. He wakes up every morning and asks, “Mama, what are we having for dinner tonight?” If it’s one of his favorites, he is in a great mood all day. Not only does he love eating, he also loves embellishing his vittles. Air fryer nuggets? He adds garlic powder and red pepper. French fries? He loads them up with truffle salt. Don’t even get me started on the rubs and spices he adds to Ben’s smoker meats. He’s gotten quite good with his proportions and combinations. I know he will love these additions to the pantry: pickle rub and elote seasoning. Mexican street corn is something he’s tried to perfect for a while. Ben will also enjoy these. Pickle your stuff here: https://amzn.to/3SdNqPA and elevate your elote game here: https://amzn.to/3rXmokO. They are the perfect size and price point for stocking stuffers.
Spices
My kids really don’t need “things,” so another stocking stuffer I try to incorporate each year is tickets to an experience of some sort: lift tickets, NFL or NBA tickets, college basketball tickets, a gift certificate to go snow tubing, etc. This is fun for them to receive on Christmas morning and then they still have something to look forward to!
I know it’s only October, but I like to get all of my shopping and wrapping done early so I can focus on all of the festivities that come with the holidays. Happy shopping!
