Help! I need to find a birthday gift for my nephew asap! He’s very into his photography so I thought I’d get him something camera-related but I’m not quite sure what he’s got and what he wants. How can I get him something awesome that he will actually want without directly asking him questions about his camera brand and equipment? I want it to be a complete surprise.

Anxious (Essex)

Dear Anxious,

That is a tricky question! I know that photographers are very picky about their equipment, and they probably have a very particular idea in mind about what they want or what they’re looking for. I have a novel idea for you: instead of getting your nephew camera equipment and worrying about whether it will be appreciated (or in fact, wanted) why don’t you get him a unique photograph opportunity?

Let me explain what I mean.

Photographers love the opportunity to capture beautiful shots, and these can be anywhere but trust me when I say they’ll really appreciate the unique opportunity to capture something from a whole new angle! One of my dearest friends is always looking for unusual angles, new colour filters and other things that will give him the cutting edge in his favourite hobby. SO, with this in mind, send your nephew up in a hot air balloon or on a helicopter ride over some of the most beautiful views in the UK and he’ll have ample opportunity to capture the magnificent landscape from an aerial perspective!

Not only will you be giving him a phenomenal experience, you’ll be giving him the rare opportunity to get some amazing shots that’ll look great in his personal portfolio!

I hope that this idea has inspired you for your nephew’s birthday!

x Stacey

Dear Stacey,

Please assist. My nephew is car-crazy and it’s his birthday soon so I thought I’d get him a car-driving experience. Now I know you wrote in an earlier post that kids as young as 12 are allowed to drive around certain tracks … but my nephew is only 11! Is there any way we can get around this?? This would make it the best birthday EVER!

From Paul

Dear Paul,

You are quite right – many race tracks will allow 12 year olds to drive their vehicles under the supervision of a professional instructor. I did a little bit of hunting and I may have some good news for you and your nephew!

Your nephew will be able to attend a Kids Rally Experience which is appropriate for children as young as 10, provided they are tall enough – the minimum height is 4ft6″.

He’ll be able to drive a Ford Ka which has been fully kitted out with dual controls so that a professional instructor can guide him through car basics like clutch control and braking… then he’ll learn all about rallying on a special purpose-built course! That sounds like a lot of fun! Best of all, you can also book birthday parties for up to six people – imagine being able to talk about that at school!

I must say, I know a lot of adults who would love to experience some rally fun so your nephew is one lucky boy to have an uncle like you!  Best of luck,

x Stacey