gift for a skaterboi?

February 21, 2008 7:39 PM

My bf's birthday is in two weeks and well I have no idea what to get him. He has been skateboarding for a long time in the NYC area (his spot is the Globe and some parks in the city) and very much into the culture, which I don't know too much about. I would like to get him something skate related but don't know what exactly where to look or for what. I'm thinking of possibly dvds (he likes watching skateboarding videos) or clothing. He has his own board so I won't be getting him another unless he is there to pick it out, but I want to surprise him so.....any suggestions?
posted by anonymous to health & fitness (10 comments total)

Tattoo.
posted by Ironmouth at 7:46 PM on February 21, 2008

Lakai Fully Flared DVD. Here's why. Skating, explosions, and a great soundtrack. I quit skateboarding about 5 or 6 years ago and this filled me with a ridiculous amount of regret. It's epic.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 7:54 PM on February 21, 2008 [3 favorites has favorites]

My mind instantly went to that dvd too gadget, so i'll just suggest another classic.

Shorty's : Fulfill the Dream

Kind of hard to find on DVD, so could be worth it?
posted by Wanderlust88 at 8:07 PM on February 21, 2008

I know you said no boards, but this is pretty freakin' cool... (and it's unique)

Board: http://popdeck.com/catalog/show/9
Backstory: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2008/02/popdeck_x_cool_1.php
posted by wmeredith at 8:58 PM on February 21, 2008

Second the DVD option. Skate video is a big part of the culture. I would go to a Skate shop and ask for something recent and buzz-worthy.
posted by dendrite at 10:14 PM on February 21, 2008

Not exactly part of the culture, but you could get him a Skate tool, wax, and maybe a set of new bearings. (Plus you could get him a first aid kit and a helmet to show him you'd like him to come home in one piece).
posted by JimmyJames at 10:52 PM on February 21, 2008

I know lots of skaterboys. If your guy doesn't have one, he probably needs a Shorty's First Aid Kit. That's first aid for his board, not his bod.

I don't know your budget but most skate shops carry skaterboy beanies. More expensive, but something he'd probably never buy for himself is a backpack that'll tote his board. Here are wallets and tees, always a hit with the boys on wheels.

I agree with JimmyJames, wax is good, but it's hella cheap. If he doesn't already own a skate tool, definitely get him one. New bearings, wheels, helmets, etc are such a personal choice I don't advise you to buy those. He's probably particular about what he prefers. Good luck!
posted by toastedbeagle at 7:50 AM on February 22, 2008

How about some art? I was very happy with a recent purchase from a saltwater surfer up in Wisconsin. He takes old motel paintings and decopage/paints additional (and incredibly detailed) skaters and surfers into the scene. The results are impressive and hilarious.

Here are a few that might work for you and your man: Fountainaire, Terrazzo Tail Slide and Skate Crime.

Good luck!
posted by cior at 9:02 AM on February 22, 2008

If you are thinking of an item of skate related clothing, perhaps head on over to Supreme on Lafayette St, where everything is expensive but awesome.

If you are thinking of shoes, maybe consider something from Nike SB. They seem to have some SBs in stock at Dave's Quality Meat, which is good for t-shirts too.
posted by roofus at 10:21 AM on February 22, 2008

Skaters are usually pretty loyal to skate companies or pro skaters. You will probably strike out if you just walk into a skate shop and buy the featured dvd or nice looking shoes.

You need to find out what company or pro skater your boyfriend prefers and use that to get the right video, etc. Your best bet would be to ask one of his buddies shoe company he prefers or what new video he is stoked about.

Skateboards can always use what bearings, so if you can find out the make and model of bearing he usually buys, you can get him a new set. Again, you'd probably need to ask his friends for this.

Tattoo is a good idea too.
posted by The Wig at 1:04 PM on February 22, 2008