Gift Ideas for Young Boys

Great gift ideas for the boys on your shopping list.

GiBoard Kids

GiBoards recently introduced a fun new collection: GiBoard Kids! These aren’t just any GiBoards - these are GiBoards sprinkled with heaps of creativity and a whole lot of playfulness—perfect for our tiniest adventure lovers. GiBoards is a fun, challenging, and safe-balance trainer. This modern take on a balance board is eye-catching and never boring! Strengthen your posture, fitness, and creativity - all while looking pretty cool doing so. The never-ending freestyle tricks and movements you can do are great for confined spaces, rain or shine. Made of high-grade, durable maple from sustainable cultivation in America, see why we people everywhere are adding Giboard to our wish list. Picture this: your little ones soaring through the galaxy on our Astronaut GiBoard. And for those energetic kiddos, they've got the cutest Monkeys GiBoard or a Play GiBoard for endless giggles and silliness! Or no matter the age, catch the wave of excitement with our Waves GiBoard! Available online at GiBoardUS.com.

Turbo Edge Riders™ Raptor Racers Track Set

Rev those creative engines with Turbo Edge Riders™ Rally Track Set, an action-paced way to race and recycle! This thrilling set has over nine feet of starter track pieces and two daring stunts. Show off daredevil skills by placing the motorized rally car on the cardboard track. This innovative vehicle thrives on thrills as it rides along the top edge. Add some high-stakes action by splitting through a sign and crushing a car. Live life on the turbo edge! Repurpose shipping boxes and everyday objects to create even more epic builds. Use the included ruler to measure, then cut and design the raceway using the building guide, or invent your own. Push the limits of your imagination! Combine with other Turbo Edge Riders™ sets (each sold separately) to create an extreme playset. Find more building ideas at the VTech Kids website. Available now at Amazon

Koosh Comet

Take your Koosh game up a level with the Koosh Comet! The long tail is perfect for swinging around and sending flying through the sky! This addition to the Koosh lineup is perfect for anyone ages 3 and up—throw it around solo are get all your friends and family in on the action!  Available at Koosh Comet

GO-FIND Series by Minelab

Most kids dream of a great treasure hunt. Discover the thrill of treasure hunting with Minelab’s advanced yet easy-to-use technology at your fingertips! As a legacy brand for over three decades, Minelab has made the leading metal detectors for the core consumer for years, with innovations for a generation that’s starting to discover the joys of metal detecting. Minelab’s broad range of metal detectors finds metal materials on all kinds of terrain and through magnetic minerals, iron-rich soil, deep water, and snow. As the pandemic inspires more people to get outdoors and find fun socially distant activities, Minelab’s broad range of metal detectors provides a great motivator to start exploring. You never know what treasures you’ll find.

Minelab’s GO-FIND detector series has action, innovation, and passion locked into every model, ranging from $99 to $249. The Minelab GO-FIND 11 is the entry-level machine in Minelab’s GO-FIND metal detectors. The GO-FIND 22 packs in all the fun and excitement of finding treasure and is perfect for passionate beginners of all ages. The GO-FIND 44 offers an enhanced advantage, searching even deeper so it can discover treasure others have missed. The GO-FIND 66 steps up the power and performance. With precision control and maximum depth, it will have you hunting like a pro in no time. The GO-FIND series also includes an app that keeps you connected when you’re detecting miles from anywhere. There is the Standard App, which is free for GO-FIND 44 users. And the Pro App, which is free for GO-FIND 66 users. Available at https://www.minelab.com/

Spirograph

Spirograph is one of my favorite childhood toys. This year, your child can enjoy brand-new Disney-themed products from Spirograph, licensed by Hasbro and produced by PlayMonster: Disney’s Cyclex Studios and Spirograph Cyclex clips! Perfect for creative minds, Spirograph combines the principles of art, math, and play through their timeless designs made for all ages. Kids will love creating designs inspired by their favorite films like Disney's Frozen and Disney and Pixar's Toy Story! Available at Spirograph.

Bixbee's Sleeping Bags and Nap Mats

Level up your child’s naps and sleepovers with Bixbee’s Sleeping Bags/Nap Mats. Choose from the Butterflyer, Rocketflyer, Shark, Unicorn, Dinosaur or Alpaca. Each one is made from high-quality velvety fabrics in bold colors that kids will love. Available at Bixbee’s Sleeping Bags/Nap Mats.

Bakugan Special Attack

Spin your Bakugan like never before with the all-new customizable Special Attack Bakugan. Combine your Bakugan and get ready to battle. Use the rip cord to spin your Bakugan on the metal Gate Card to watch it transform with the iconic pop open transformation. Combine the character with the Special Attack Card for new stats to level up your gameplay.  Available on Amazon or Target.

My kids LOVE strategy games but sometimes things can get a little "too competitive" among siblings. We've found cooperative strategy games to be a great solution!

We recently tried the award-winning Castle Panic ($34.95) and the expansion of The Dark Titan ($19.95, second edition). This game took about an hour to play with fabulous artwork and easy-to-learn rules (referenced in a clear instruction manual as needed), we fought monsters as a family defending the castle. My teens loved it so much that they've invited friends over to play as well.

For fans of RPG games, Catan, and other strategy games, this blends the story-telling and excitement of an RPG with a much simpler framework for a great afternoon game. 

In addition to Agranok, the expansion of The Dark Titan introduces the Dark Sorceress, Elite Monsters, and a Boom Troll, which can be conquered with the new Cavalier, Boiling Oil, and Support Tokens, such as the Supply Wagon!

The games come with variations so you can easily play them over and over with a brand new experience each time. Our family gives this game two thumbs up! Available at Firesidegames.com.

The Lord of the Rings: Adventure to Mount Doom from Thames & Kosmos

For LOTR fans, the newest game from Thames & Kosmos is a must-have. Frodo’s journey to Mount Doom is fraught with peril. Luckily, his loyal friends protect him on his way. With a clever choice of dice, players work together to move the figures across the gameboard. Will Frodo reach Mount Doom? This is a cooperative (perfect for family time when you want it to be strategic but less competitive) fantasy board game, players will win — or lose — together. Available in Early August 2023 at thamesandkosmos.com

Legends of Andor: Eternal Frost from Thames & Kosmos

Another exciting strategy game, perfect for families to play together - Thames & Kosmos brings Legends of Andor: Eternal Frost. An unnatural cold is spreading across the land of Andor. Pick your hero and work together in search of the source of this dark magic. Your path leads you to a land you have never seen before, far away in the East. Here, too, a vast snowy landscape awaits you. Your adventures draw you closer and closer to the secret of the “Eternal Frost” until finally, you face an incredibly strong adversary! Only by working together will you be brave enough to face this dark menace. Available in Late July/Early August 2023 at thamesandkosmos.com

Taco Vs. Burrito

Our family LOVES to play games together and we LOVE to try new games. Taco Vs. Burrito is our FAVORITE new game to try this year by far (for all of my kids ages 11-17)! This fun card game was designed by a 7-year-old, which you'll quickly see when you discover the rather funny (and disgusting) combinations you create in this game. The goal is to build the "most valuable" taco or burrito before the game ends. Cards help you to gain or lose points. This fast, easy-to-learn game, is tons of fun and simple to play. Each game lasts about 15 minutes, making it a favorite "before bedtime" game in our house. If you love games like Sushi-Go or Moose in the House, you'll love this. Purchase online here.

Star Wars Toys

Kids of all ages love Star Wars. There are tons of new, unique products inspired by your favorite characters from The Mandalorian from Koosh and Spirograph, licensed by Hasbro and produced by PlayMonster. Koosh Cameos - Grogu: Experience your favorite little green foundling like never before as a tactile Koosh ball, perfect for collectors! Koosh Cameos - The Mandalorian: Combine your favorite galactic bounty hunter with the fun rubber strands of a classic Koosh ball! Spirograph Cyclex Clip - Grogu: This Grogu-inspired Spirograph Cyclex Clip is the perfect way for kids of all ages to create intricate and beautiful spiral art designs and patterns inspired by The Mandalorian wherever they go! Spirograph Cyclex Studio - Grogu: Perfect for creative minds, this Spirograph Cyclex Studio, inspired by a fan-favorite character from The Mandalorian, combines the principles of art, math, and creativity through their timeless designs made for all ages. Available on Amazon.

Spoof

Spoof is a fun bluffing board game where payers make up answers to questions such as "_______ is the national bird of Japan." The key is that each answer must be only one word. Players then guess which answer is correct and points are awarded both for correct guesses and for fooling friends. This game takes about thirty minutes to play making it a nice simple game for family night. Purchase online here.

Across the Board: Baseball Game

America’s Favorite Pastime! Hit a home run with this patriotic version of our handcrafted baseball game! Fun for rookies and major league players alike, this game is easy to learn and fun for hours! Available on Amazon

Don't Go Boom

Don't Go Boom is a creative card game where players attempt to earn the lowest score by totaling up the points on each player's minefield cards. Each card is worth a set point value and accomplishes different goals - look out for the Big Bad Bomb!  This game moves quickly and holds attention well. Designed for ages 7_ and 2-6 players, this game can be played in about 25 minutes. This excellent game from Inspiration Play is available online here or on Amazon.

Playfinity's Backyard League Gaming Baseball

Playfinity’s Backyard League Gaming Baseball combines the game of catch with technology. The ball is connected to iOS and Android devices through a mobile app via Bluetooth. The Backyard League Gaming Baseball is the same size and weight as a regulation MLB baseball. It allows players to track different stats about each throw they toss and catch, such as speed, airtime, height, and transfer speed. Once players have tried all six games at least once, they’ll unlock the application’s League Mode, which allows them to compete against other players around the world by playing games and comparing stats.  The Backyard League Gaming Baseball is designed for kids 6-14, and it offers 70 hours of playtime on a single-cell battery. Available at https://backyard-league.com/ and Amazon.

Spy Labs

Spy Labs Incorporated sells super fun detective gear for kids. This line of forensic science activity kits and equipment includes everything you need to become an effective detective, from a tracking device that helps you mark treasures and secret hiding places, to essential spy walkie-talkies that keep you in contact with your fellow detectives, and even a fully-fledged investigation lab, complete with all the tools and equipment to analyze evidence and solve makebelieve mysteries and crimes. Explore the science behind detective work as you become a first-class secret agent, unraveling mysteries one tough case at a time. We tried the SECRET MESSAGE TOOLS KIT a fun way to exchange confidential messages with your fellow agent using disappearing and reappearing ink that only the two of you can read! Using either of the two secret pens, you can write a message that, once dry, becomes invisible. The other pen will not only reveal the information, but you can also use it to send your reply. Available with Thames & Kosmos.

PaddleSmash

Our family LOVES pickleball and now we can enjoy a version of it right in our backyard. PaddleSmash is the perfect mix of Pickleball and spikeball. Play anywhere, any time of year (think portable Pickleball) - All you need is a flat surface. Enjoy in your backyard, at the park, at the beach, or while waiting for a pickleball court to free up! PaddleSmash is best for adults and teens (ages 12+). Available at paddlesmash.com 

My husband had a blast (pun intended) enjoying a friendly game of family warfare with Gel Blasters. More gentle than paintball, and without the water of a water pistol, this is a fun game that can be enjoyed outside even in the winter months. We tried both regular gels and glow-in-the-dark blasters. These toys fire non-toxic, eco-friendly Gellets® (beads disintegrate on contact and leave no stain, no mess, and no cleanup). Each kit includes protective eyewear and a starter set of Gellets®. The Surge Gel Blaster comes with semi-- and fully automatic blaster modes,  10,000 eco-friendly Gellets®, and up to 4 hours of play on a single charge via USB-C.  The Surge XL comes with a velocity dial that adjusts blaster power from 170 to an astonishing 250 feet per second. Gel Blasters are a great idea for family night fun the entire crew will love!

Big Dill Pickleball Co.

My girls LOVE pickleball. These new pickleball paddles from the Big Dill Pickleball Co. are hilarious and fun! Our family loves the grip, and the kids love the fun design. Purchase at bigdillpickleballcompany.com. Tip: Chicken N Pickle is our favorite local hangout for pickleball - learn more about this amazing local attraction where you can play pickleball, ice skate, enjoy shuffleboard and bocce, and delicious food!

Popdarts 

I grew up with lawn darts. For modern parents looking for a safe option full of fun, try Popdarts. Popdarts brings a modern twist on traditional darts, with suction darts that stick to smooth surfaces. The viral game has more than 1 million TikTok followers and more than 5,500+ five-star reviews on Amazon. Stick the orange target marker on a smooth surface and take turns throwing towards the marker. Earn three points for the Popdart that’s closest to the marker, one point for each that sticks, and 10 points for landing on the marker! The first team to 21 points wins. This is a great outdoor game and an easy alternative to cornhole. Available on Amazon.

Slackers Ninjaline

If you're looking for less screen time and more time enjoying exercise the great outdoors and imagination, consider a gift for the entire family. My kids love Slackers Ninjaline. The 36’ Ninjaline Intro Kit helps increase your child’s balance, strength, and capacity, while also enabling them to try hard things that encourage them to rise to new levels. Simply install the kits between 2 healthy trees or posts and store them in our handy drawstring backpack to protect them from the weather. With the storage back, you can take the kit and set it up in your backyard, at a nearby park, or even while camping in the great outdoors. The Ninjaline Intro Kit includes Two (2) Grip Clips, One (1) traverse ring, and Six (6) hanging obstacles: Two (2) 10" x 2.5" Ninja Fists, Two (2) 16" steel Monkey Bars, Two (2) steel gym rings with ABS textured finish, Max weight: 250 lbs and a drawstring backpack for storage. All obstacles include 6,000-pound steel hanging delta safety clips and use either, UV-resistant nylon rope with safety buckle attachment, or UV-resistant webbing straps. Available at Bolderplay.com.

Stomp & Pass by Stomp Rocket®

Just in time for football season (what better way to spend half time?!), Stomp Rocket® introduces the new Stomp & Pass by exclusively at Target and Target.com.  Stomp on the launcher and watch as the football soars through the air, ready to be caught in an exhilarating pass, thrown for the perfect long shot, or make that field goal. The kids (and the adults!) will be exploring STEM concepts of physics, trajectory, and aerodynamics in a hands-on, engaging manner. Stomp & Pass includes an Aerodynamic Football and Launch Pad, the specially designed football is built for optimal flight, ensuring each pass and throw is a masterpiece of aerodynamics, an Inflatable Jumbo Goal Post, like having your very own football field in your backyard, and the option for Team Play or Solo Fun. Whether you want a friendly match with a partner or practice your skills solo, Stomp & Pass is versatile enough for any scenario.

Ollyball

If your kids love to play ball, and always want to play in the house - then Ollyball is the answer. My girls love the texture of the ball that is almost balloon-like (without the threat of popping) and they loved personalizing the design. This fun, indoor play ball keeps kids moving and having fun indoors and outdoors. The ball is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and guaranteed not to break windows. Ollyball's Patented KrunchCOR was designed for full-speed, full-force indoor play. The ball weighs less than an ounce, so kids can safely play ball in the house in any weather, day or night. Waterproof and perfect for outdoor pool play, too! One of my girls' favorite features of the Ollyball was the ability to customize their ball and decorate it with non-toxic markers. They offer Glow Party, Girl Power, Twilight, and additional designs. Ollyball.com