Gift for 9.5-yo nephew

[AuntNi]

So I've asked my nephew a few times, and he refuses to tell anyone what he wants for Christmas. He keeps saying he doesn't need anything. Technically, true. But I want to get him something he'll like. The bummer is that what he'd like most is an outing with me, but my brother doesn't allow him to go places with other adults.

Anyway, my nephew loves his iPod shuffle and playing video games. He's got several accessories for his iPod already. I'm thinking an iTunes card and something else. Any ideas?

Thanks so much!

[EnviroBecca]

Since he says he doesn't need anything, make a charitable donation in his name and give him a card that tells about how someone who DOES need is getting help. For example, Heifer International is an organization that lets you buy an animal to give to people in a developing country who will benefit from its milk, eggs, meat, fur, etc. If you or your nephew are vegan, that wouldn't be appropriate, but there are many similar charities.

Or you could give him one of the cool games from Looney Labs! Treehouse, Aquarius, and Fluxx are great for kids his age.

[Twocoolboys]

How about a science kit or a magic kit?

[fivi2]

Would your brother allow you to meet up with him and your nephew at a fun toy or science store and then "disappear" while you and your nephew pick out a gift together?

[lightheart]

a how to make paper airplane book, and a pack of fun paper, maybe look in the scrapbbok sections for some really cool cardstock, okay it's not techinical or computerized but.... an idea

[Rev1053]

DS loves video games and anything electronic. I am thinking of getting him another game boy game from Target they have them fairly cheap. We have an older version of the game boy so I usually find them on sale.
Otherwise my DS loves Legos! They are expensive as well but he loves all the little special pieces so I can get him a small set and he is happy.
Oh and K'nex. We are starting buying him K'nex this year.
Otherwise a Target gift card. Kids LOVE buying things for themselves.

HTH!

[AuntNi]

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions! I really appreciate it!