Attn HS Freshmen (Christmas)

[Beth Sweet]

Hi guys,

Ok, so I was sitting here trying to think of an idea, and realized that this would be the perfect place! I have a 14 year old cousin who is really into building stuff. I'm trying to figure out Christmas presents. What types of things (preferably that won't cost an arm and a leg) are topping your Holiday Wish Lists this year?

Thanks guys!

[Schnabel]

Simply put, LEGOS! Get him a NXT . . . o wait, Cost Efficient. Get him a computer with CAD . . . wait, Cost Efficient. You could always buy him a vex kit . . . o wait, Cost Efficient. Well there you go, my entire wish list, and now you know why it is a wish list and not a have list.

[vivek16]

well, what level of building is he into? and what kind? like mechanical/robot type stuff? metal working? woodworking?

-vivek

[Beth Sweet]

He isn't on a team or anything, just enjoys building stuff etc.

[Kim Masi]

There's a cool robot building kit sold at Joann Fabrics (why there? I have no idea, I just work there) Its for ages 12+ I think

[DonRotolo]

$15 worth of assorted balsa wood and a bottle of elmer's glue.

And maybe a book on bridge or building design.

[Cooley744]

Yah. In 7th grade, we made towers that held metal plates in it at floors. We could use balsa wood sticks and toothpics. Then we shook them on an earthquake simulator and saw how long it could withstand the earthquake, and at what measure on the richter scale. Building one of those is really fun.

[Elgin Clock]

Beth, the pieces to an Erector set work nicely with a VEX kit. The hole spacing in the plates work perfectly with the spacing of a VEX kit.
Maybe get him an Erector set kit with parts and drop a hint to another relative about a VEX starter kit.

Or, if not this year, then the pieces will be there when he decides to upgrade to an electronically controlled kit later on if that peaks his interests in the future. (Namely a VEX kit)