Me soon to be a Junior in High School I find it useful to have access to a computer or laptop at certain times, a lot actually. Computers can be a bit pricey though but it would go a long ways and will always be useful. Is your child a girl or boy, that can make a difference also. A lot of people like to change in high school weather it be their appearance or what not. A girl might enjoy a simple shopping trip. I think the best thing you can do though is find what they're interested in and go from there. I like photography and Music, so I was given a new camera.