Perhaps a couple of movie passes.

I am a lover of buying older children ‘experiences’ so they have something to look forward to and discuss with their friends. Think outside the square – cricket tickets, bridge climbs, kayaking, abseiling, high tea, golf lessons, orienteering, sailing, snorkeling.

Ask the parents what his interests are. Also, Lego is a great gift or a boardgame

A Rubik’s 4×4 cube or similar mind game is quite appealing in this age group, and technology free for parents’ peace of mind.

Do you know others that are attending the party also? If so, maybe you could pool the money together and buy a joint gift. Maybe something like a nerf gun or similar. Or if into summer sports a nice boogie board.

Aside from creative things to do, maybe a sport he plays or is associated with is a possible present idea as well.

I would go with some Lego or some Minecraft toy.

ask them or the parents what would be suitable? gift vouchers for places like cinemas might be an option, although I see you don’t want to do vouchers. Technology gets expensive very quickly but you might be able to find a ‘boyish’ game/toy that would be suitable. Puzzles and books maybe, depending on the child. You can browse for ideas on google and might find something suitable on-line that you can’t get in the shops, or will give you some ideas so you can search for similar products in the shops you have around.

Is he starting Year 7 high school ? If yes he could benefit from a backpack or some books/ stationary that could interest him . If he is good with his hands , there are a lot of activity creative packs that kids will love and ages are specified on the label.