Boys like toys! Well it seems simplistic, but boys do like toys. At a younger age there are models, cars, planes and trains.
Computer games are now the most popular item on the shopping list, but in addition to making sure you get the right game, sometimes as a major present they seem small physically. Hand held game consoles used to be very popular, but more recently the smart phones have taken over. This is because they are just as technically advanced and are much easier to download games with. They are also carried by habit and so the games are always on hand.
Smart phones have also taken a bite out of the portable music market, although the Apple iPod remains a favourite for many.
Music and DVDs are always a good gift to the older boy as long as you know they do not have them. Music vouchers are one way of avoiding mistakes
Books are a good idea and subjects could include football, other sports, music or computer games.
Other ideas that might excite a boy, depending on where you live might be a day out in a Theme park or other experience. Vouchers can be bought in advance without having to specify the day. Other experience days could include working as a Zoo keeper for the day, feeding the animals at London Zoo.