Gift Ideas? (original) (raw)

Thought someone out there might have a relative of a similar age and have some insight...

I have a brother who turns 13 in January that I haven't been able to see in about 7 yrs due to family issues I have no control over.

Every year, I send him Hanukkah and a birthday gift and every year, I choose something either based on sports (which he liked as a kid and since I attend a huge sports school) or from some suggestion on a website based on his age/gender. While I was okay with this when he was younger and probably happy with "stuff," he's too old for that now and getting him the wrong gifts would make it even more painfully clear that I know absolutely nothing about him.

Any suggestions? Is there such thing as a universal gift at this age? His parents are super conservative, so video games, movies, or music might be risky since I don't know what he likes or what he'd be allowed to use, and of course, ideas have to be affordable since there'll be two being purchased and shipped at once time!

THANK YOU TONS!!!