^ funny you bring that up. They actually did that in school this year. When I went for Father/Son day I got to see how it worked. Pretty neat they have this in his school.

 

Mike take him to Wisconsin Dells - water parks, go kart racing ...

 

maybe an ipad?

 

I say watch. My dad gave me my first watch when I was in 8th grade. Nice little $100 Fossil Blue watch. I still have it to this day (I don't wear it, but I keep it as a precious memento).

I think 8th grade is a fine time to graduate to wearing a nice watch. I loved wearing my fossil blue watch back in 8th grade (through high school and most of college also, actually). It made me feel like a "man" instead of a "boy," like I was a big shot of some sort.

I think a watch would be a nice idea. Something like this:





These watches look nice and can be had for ~$75-$100


Truthfully, they are almost certainly a little bit too "rich looking" for an 8th grader or freshman, but that's part of the charm I think.

In hindsight, I think wearing such a watch motivated me to work hard in school. I told myself "If I'm going to look like a big shot I better put forth the work ethic of a big shot" or something like that.

 

^ That is exactly what I was thinking! I think this is what I'm going to do and take a chance.

Thanks for all the suggestions All great ideas and many we have already done for him.

 

Watch is very nice, maybe you can engrave it also?

 

This:

 

Thanks again!

I ended up with a watch from my friends Jewelry shop. I got called many times thanking me for it and how much he liked it.

So proud of my son

 

Funny you say that b/c I also got a blue choronograph fossil watch when I was in 8th grade and still have it as a memento.
And yes, I felt so blinging rich back when I was a new freshmen with my new fossil watch my parents got me...oh the good ol' days.

 

My son also graduated from 8th grade, and i got him a savings bond. I also did think of a watch but he still isnt as careful as i would like. One game of soccer or football and that watch would be history. Stocks would also be a good idea if your kid is interested.

 

Congrats to your son haha just think soon its going to be I need the keys to the Lexus

I actually got him 2 watches. One to wear when playing sports or just running around with the boys and if anything happens no worries. Got him a nice watch that he can wear to school and for nice occasions. I was fearful of him not liking it (boring watch) and that it would get broken also.