>>>> I was going to send him up $40 in the mail tonight. Do 13 year old kids
>>>> like money? Or should I get him a present? Any dads or uncles out there
>>>> with some advice?
<<snip>>
>I think you should buy him someting he needs.
>Clothes,radio,basketball,computer, etc...
>He will only spend the money on candy...

Not at 13 -- more likely to be computer games <g>

If you'll extend your query to include responses from Mothers and Aunts....

I find that my son (age 7) will almost always put big chunks of money toward something worthwhile -- whereas his allowance goes on candy and junk toys (unless he's saving for something special) My niece (age 13) spends her money quite wisely. Yes, she'll spend a chunk on candy and stuff, but only after she's decided what she needs to put towards/spend on something specific.

Most kids I know (ages from 3 to 17) have things they want and most of them are fairly mature in terms of saving for things they *really* want. That might just be the climate my friends and I raise them in.

If you know what he's into then a gift certificate to a sports store, computer store, music store, book store, whatever, might work well (Hell, some kids would love a $40 gift certificate for a hardware store!!) That way they get what they want and no candy!

Jen

BTW -- kids HATE getting things they "need" for birthdays