I bought mine K`nex you can really build some good structures ,we both built self propelled cars ,I had as much fun as he did... 8)
Not a bad deal if your kids are into LEGO and Star Wars... http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal/The-Hut-Group/14081783?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_340&a=1664
An empty box as times are hard and it will stimulate the mind thinking of all the things it could be.
He hasn't written a list, think he's becoming a non believer . Lego campervans superb but really he has so many kits in a box that he has made then dismantled. Welder- no too clumsy Catapult - too many windows around here 14 year old girls- hell no not yet Cardboard box- job done, now just to run that by my wife.
He's probably a bit old for this but it looks ace. I've bought one for my seven year old. http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/turbospoke