This guide is a lot shorter than my girl version. Emery’s list gets longer everyday, whereas Bodie tends to pick just a few things. He knows what he likes. For the little gents, I’m breaking items into three categories: tech, sports and fashion.
Tech
I’ll start with Tech. Other than his Ipad and television, Bodie is not super into technology. He has a gaming PC, a Nintendo Switch and several consoles. He enjoys them from time to time, but watching sports on TV and sports highlights on YouTube are his main forms of entertainment. Thankfully, his favorite activity of all is spending time outside. I’ll continue to indulge his tech requests as long as they don’t start to dominate his free time.
Bodie has a pair of kid Beats that have served him well for years. However, he borrowed Ben’s Bose noise cancelling headphones on a flight over the summer and was blown away by the quality. If Santa doesn’t bring him a pair, Ben may never get his back. The reviews are excellent. Hubs has never had an issue with his…they always connect and the charge lasts a long time.
Bose Headphones
White, navy, gray and black are all solid choices. I have no idea which Bodie would prefer. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled with any! Get a pair here: https://amzn.to/3CzPusI
Emery prefers Airpods to headphones. Grab those here: https://amzn.to/3yjL5I2
I debated including this under “tech” or “fashion,” but since Bodie doesn’t really think of a watch as an accessory to an outfit, I decided to put his Shark Watch here. These watches are incredibly fun. I’m going to have a hard time choosing which watch looks most like Bodie. I think he’ll like all of them! These are some of my favorites on Amazon.
Shark Watches
Unfortunately, I cannot find one link for all options on Amazon, but I’ll link these individually.
Blue/green strap: https://amzn.to/3rzjsqC
Pink/aqua face: https://amzn.to/3RJb96a
Palm tree/waves: https://amzn.to/3rzhK8y
Blue/lime strap: https://amzn.to/3CAXF8o
Sports
I’ll tackle sports and activities next. This is not technically an item on Bodie’s wish list because he received it last year from my parents. Emery did as well. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the Jetson electric bike in the year’s gift guide because it’s hands down their favorite gift from last year. Not going to lie, I’ve been known to take it for a spin on occasion. Emery and Bodie rode these to the pool and tennis courts non-stop over the summer. Emery rides her bike to all of her pet sitting and baby sitting jobs in the neighborhood. They stay charged for days! Easy to assemble and small enough to store easily in the garage, they’re ideal for teens/tweens.
Jetson Electric Bike
Since we’ve had these almost a year, I want to offer a few tips. First of all, save your box and receipt. We had a problem with Bodie’s bike after several months and getting a replacement from Jetson was difficult. However, the situation was finally resolved and we are happy with the outcome. You can order from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3fMz4V5. Many of our neighborhood friends are asking for these this Christmas after watching Emery and Bodie zip around on them.
Every year, without fail, Santa brings a little pump for Bodie’s stocking. He is constantly blowing up footballs and basketballs and our pumps somehow disappear. Emery uses them frequently, too for volleyballs and soccer balls. We don’t use anything fancy, just a small hand pump for topping things off. I’m sure many of you have the need for something like this.
Pump
This pump is a repeat purchase. The pin holder is especially handy. Available in three colors here: https://amzn.to/3T2rTXh
In case you can’t tell, Bodie is obsessed with football. He loves all sports, but football is definitely his passion. Each new season calls for a new set of football gloves. The make and model we always seem to come back to are the Nike Youth Vaporjet gloves. They’re grippy, flexible and come in cool colors.
Nike Vaporjet Football Gloves
I have a hard time finding these in stores, but Dicks Sporting Goods usually has a great selection online. If you strike out at the store, order here: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-youth-vaporjet-7-0-football-gloves-22nikyyvprjt70fgcfta/22nikyyvprjt70fgcfta?color=Bright%20Crimson
A new football pairs well with new gloves, no? Good news: Bodie’s all time favorite football is super affordable. He reaches for his Wilson Reaction from Wal-Mart more than any others, including his Nike Vapor from Dick’s that costs twice as much.
Wilson Reaction Football (Junior)
Because Bodie never leaves home without a football, we frequently have to replace them. Pro tip: take a sharpie to the ball IMMEDIATELY and write your child’s name. Get one (or several) here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wilson-NCAA-Reaction-Football-Junior-Size-Ages-9-12/612697432
Basketball season dominates our winter with both kids playing church ball. I think a basketball backpack is a good way to keep gear organized. I actually tried to get this item for Bodie last Christmas, but it was impossible to find. So, I shopped early this year and already found the perfect bag at Dick’s. Interestingly, this same bag is available on Amazon, but it’s significantly more expensive.
Nike Elite Basketball Backpack
The colors are great…Bodie can’t decide. Get one here: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-elite-pro-basketball-backpack-19nikunkhpsltprbktrv/19nikunkhpsltprbktrv?color=Gme%20Ryl%2FBlk%2FMtlc%20Cool%20Gry
Indoor basketballs are quite expensive, so Christmas is a great time to gift one to your favorite ballers. Bodie actually got this for his birthday last year and I’m very impressed with its durability. He’s taken good care of it, but it’s gotten plenty of use and still looks new. It’s worth the money, in my opinion.
Wilson Evolution Basketball
I find that Dick’s is the most reliable sporting goods store, both online and in person. Double check the size information before ordering! Shop here: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/wilson-official-evolution-basketball-16wilujtvltnxxxxxbkb/16wilujtvltnxxxxxbkb?Product=ProductSuggest
Thankfully, outdoor basketballs are much more affordable than indoor balls! Our outdoor basketballs have a tendency to roll down the driveway and disappear. We have a rack in the garage with several options, but at this price point, it’s always fun to add another to our collection. I’ve got my eye on this one. Bodie likes the color options.
Wilson DRV Outdoor Basketball
Again, check the size before you buy! https://amzn.to/3EmUORI
Fashion
Boys these days seem to wear athletic wear 24/7, so this “fashion” segment is a bit of a hodgepodge. When the occasion calls for something other than shorts and a tee shirt, Bodie’s go-to is Southern Tide. He gets a little excited about dressing up when he has a ST belt to add a little flair to his ensemble. Thanks to his new golf obsession, Bodie is actually wearing belts quite a bit lately. This will be a fun addition to his golf/church wardrobe.
Southern Tide Belt
Both colors match almost everything in his wardrobe. Shop here: https://southerntide.com/collections/boys-accessories/products/boys-skipjack-ribbon-belt
Another ST must have is this shirt…I’ve never felt a softer dress shirt in my life. I got this during the big ST sale several months ago and Bodie was actually excited to wear this. It washes and dries beautifully. Truly the perfect dress shirt for active boys. One of these new colors will be under the tree with Bodie’s name on it.
ST Carson Plaid Intercoastal Shirt
This is the description on the Southern Tide web site:
Picture perfect for the boy in your life, the Carson plaid shirt is just begging for a photo op. He’ll look dapper and feel fresh with built-in moisture-wicking technology, added stretch for comfort, and UV protection.
See for yourself here: https://southerntide.com/collections/boys-sport-shirts/products/youth-carson-plaid-intercoastal-sport-shirt
Totally switching gears…to shark slides! I actually want a pair of these for myself. Bodie used his own money to buy a pair of shark slides several weeks ago and he loves them. I’ve noticed quite a few kids (boys and girls) wearing these at the soccer fields prior to switching to cleats. They’re great for summer and pool days, obviously, but will come in handy during sports seasons as well. Keep your sports footwear in optimal condition by slipping on a pair of shark slides before and after games and practices.
Shark Slides
So many fun colors and a great price point! Find your pair here: https://amzn.to/3yNZ9tJ
Teen/tween boys are so funny…it can be freezing outside and they refuse to wear pants. However, they’ll happily wear a beanie with their shorts and hoodies. Bodie and my nephew love beanies! They’re a great way to keep warm and support your favorite team. We have Notre Dame, Colorado State and Atlanta Braves beanies…time to add an NFL team to our collection. (I say “our” because I frequently borrow Bodie’s beanies. They’re a great cold weather option for dirty hair days).
NFL Beanie
Look for your team here: https://amzn.to/3CIk83h
Another repeat purchase around here is Stance socks. The only socks Bodie will wear. He’s got Ben on the Stance train as well. Stance offers fun prints as well as classic solids. The OG is Bodie’s favorite.
Stance OG Crew Socks
For the fastest shipping, get them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EAdxJo
Since Bodie asks for fewer “things” than Emery, he usually gets tickets to a sporting event in his stocking. This year I’m looking at some Hornets tickets for a fun surprise. It’s a win-win…we get a night out with our favorite boy and he gets to watch a live sporting event! Last year he got tickets to a Notre Dame basketball game at Georgia Tech. He was over the moon.
Happy shopping!
