ChrisKH said:
Another popular one with kids is Warhammer. Type of war board game but you collect the figures and paint them (and battle with them). Popular at our local senior schools where they have Warhammer clubs. Bit expensive and probably a geek type pastime, but hey I'm a geek!
Collected this from the age of 9ish till early 13ish...very addictive, very expensive, very geeky, very uncool..... be careful what you are starting here if you buy them some of this!...but although it did cost me ALL my money over these years, it was good fun.
mini pool table, mini table tennis table are great ideas. Their own TV could also be a good one. A ticket to something as a main present would be good...but at that age you want something more permenant I reckon. I used to hate it when people get me educational stuff....used to get enough education at school, nevermind while playing with toys!