Gift Ideas - LittleOneMag https://littleonemag.com/category/gift-ideas/ Product Guides and Information for Parents Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:17:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.3 Just One Thing You Need: Best Christmas Gifts and Toys for Boys https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-boys/ https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-boys/#respond Sun, 13 Sep 2020 16:59:38 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=28997 Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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One Love: Best Toy and Gift Ideas for 1 Year Olds https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-1-year-olds/ https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-1-year-olds/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:12:25 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=28878 One-year-olds are notoriously hard to buy for. They are no longer infants but not yet toddlers, so it’s hard to know what gifts to get. The good news is many baby toys and gifts are appropriate for a range of ages, so you can get a one-year-old something that they can play with for several years.

There are so...

The post One Love: Best Toy and Gift Ideas for 1 Year Olds appeared first on LittleOneMag.

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Toy Stories: 15 Best Toy and Gift Ideas or 3-Year-Olds https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-3-year-olds/ https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-3-year-olds/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:53:16 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=28683 A 3-year-old can be harder to shop for than you think. They’re at that odd in-between stage where baby toys are too simple and boring but toys for older children are still too complicated or too much of a choking hazard.

How do you find something that will be stimulating and engaging but not too complicated for...

The post Toy Stories: 15 Best Toy and Gift Ideas or 3-Year-Olds appeared first on LittleOneMag.

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Two for Joy: Best Toy and Gift Ideas for 2-year-olds https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-2-year-olds/ https://littleonemag.com/best-toys-and-gift-ideas-for-2-year-olds/#respond Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:28:26 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=28552 Two-year-olds get a bad rap for the “terrible twos,” but in reality, they’re just learning so much it’s overwhelming to them! They learn the most through play, so toys are essential. Even though two-year-olds still have many sweet babyish qualities, they’re playing in more and more big-kid ways, like pretend...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Best Gifts for New Dads Feelings the Strain https://littleonemag.com/best-gifts-for-new-dads/ https://littleonemag.com/best-gifts-for-new-dads/#respond Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:27:46 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=28518 Becoming a new dad is a huge life event that can’t be overestimated. Not only do new fathers have to commit to long nights on top of keeping a day job running smoothly, but they also need to look out for their well-being just as much. A thoughtful gift can be just what the doctor ordered to combat some of the stress...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Keeping Them Sane: 15 Best Gifts for New Moms https://littleonemag.com/best-gifts-for-new-moms/ https://littleonemag.com/best-gifts-for-new-moms/#respond Sat, 22 Aug 2020 02:03:52 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=27551 Buying a gift for a new mom can be really hard. After all, this amazing...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Best Christmas Gifts and Toys for Babies https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-babies/ https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-babies/#respond Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:58:03 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=26895 For new parents, waking up with your new baby on Christmas morning is...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town: Best Christmas Gifts and Toys for Girls https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-girls/ https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-for-girls/#respond Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:52:39 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=26742 For parents, preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work. Most parents...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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It’s Christmas! The Best Christmas Gifts for Toys and Kids https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-kids/ https://littleonemag.com/best-christmas-gifts-toys-kids/#respond Sun, 12 Apr 2020 05:13:10 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=2069 There is nothing worse than going through the mall after mall looking for the perfect Christmas gift only to come up empty-handed after hours of effort. Of course, settling for a less than ideal gift is not a good solution, either. Fortunately, there is a better way, and we are here to help you find the best...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Happy Birthday! The Best Birthday Gifts and Toys for Kids https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gifts-toys-kids/ https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gifts-toys-kids/#respond Sun, 12 Apr 2020 02:10:12 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=3114 Giving gifts to a child on their special day isn’t always an easy task. There are plenty of choices out there that you quickly become overwhelmed. Sometimes, you don't even have an idea of what they want. If you have this dilemma, let us help you out. Here are some of the best gift birthday gift ideas for both boys...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Time They Got a Watch? 30 Best Watches for Kids https://littleonemag.com/best-watches-for-kids/ https://littleonemag.com/best-watches-for-kids/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:56:37 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=23634 Buying your kid a wristwatch is an essential step towards independence and an incursion into the world of adults. With the advent of smartphones, some might argue that wrist watches are slowly becoming obsolete. However, studies show that a first-time analog wrist watch is an essential tool in your child's learning...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Happy Birthday to Her: Best Birthday Gift Ideas for Girls https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gift-ideas-for-girls/ https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gift-ideas-for-girls/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:52:10 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=24009 When choosing a birthday gift for girls, you want something they’ll love and which has a personal touch. You want to make sure that you’re buying the best and most ingenious toy you can so that the girl you’re buying for will get loads of use out of it. So, whether she’s your daughter, other female relative...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Happy Birthday to Him: Best Birthday Gift Ideas for Boys https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gift-ideas-for-boys/ https://littleonemag.com/best-birthday-gift-ideas-for-boys/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:52:10 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=23898 When buying toys for boys, it’s not so simple as deciding between fancy boutique toys and literal wooden blocks. What you want are toys that will stimulate and surprise your child’s growing mind. Whether you want educational gifts or something he can play with, It can still be quite difficult finding the perfect...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Best Baby Gifts for Newborns and Infants https://littleonemag.com/best-baby-gifts-for-newborns-infants/ https://littleonemag.com/best-baby-gifts-for-newborns-infants/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:52:04 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=24513 Baby gifts come in various forms, they can be toys, baby wraps, bodysuits, toddler rockers, and many more. Most parents underestimate that babies are capable of understanding and learn from an item given to them. Children can see, listen, feel, and they want to learn and interact. Gifts that you give infants will...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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Boys to Men: Best Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys https://littleonemag.com/best-gift-ideas-for-teenage-boys/ https://littleonemag.com/best-gift-ideas-for-teenage-boys/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2019 23:08:11 +0000 https://littleonemag.com/?p=23421 If there’s a painfully hard group to shop for a gift, is teenage boys. Teenage boys are highly individualized with likes and dislikes. They also have varying interests in electronics, sports, and more mature items. The creative types who used to play Lego when they were younger would enjoy a whole new level of...

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Christmas holds a special place in every child’s heart for many reasons, but the chief among them is new toys! We can all remember the simpler times in our lives when opening up that perfect Christmas gift brought about pure and ecstatic joy.

Eventually, we all grow up and life becomes a lot more complicated, but we get to experience that innocent joy by watching happiness spread across the face of a special child in our life as they open up the present they just received.

That moment is an incredible one — but getting to that moment isn’t always the easiest feat. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be a difficult task, but we’re here to lend a helping hand in your search for the most amazing Christmas gifts for the boys in your family.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Boy

The key to buying a gift for anyone is understanding the recipient’s personality and knowing what interests they have. While all the items on our list are perfectly adequate gifts for any young boy, the best gifts are ones that speak directly to the person’s interests.

Finding the right gift requires that you put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and apply all the information you have about them to decide what would make them the happiest. To help you find that perfect gift more easily, we structured our reviews with these ideas in mind.

Now, let’s talk about the criteria we used for creating our list of the top 20 Christmas toys for boys and how we organized it all so you can find the right gift without spending the whole day at it. When assessing each gift idea, we considered how the product fares in three separate categories: what it does, quality, and who would get the most out of it.

What It Does

In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and ease of use. This part of the review is dedicated to explaining what the toy is or does and how well it accomplishes serving that purpose.

Quality

Here we’ll discuss the various aspects of the gift’s quality such as what materials it’s made from, how well it’s built, and what interesting design choices and considerations were made by the creators.

Who It’s Best For

This section will outline the type of kid who we think would get the most enjoyment out of the gift. We’ll talk about the features and aspects of the gift we think are most relevant and we’ll discuss the types of personalities that are more likely to be attracted to that sort of present.

Each product review will be wrapped up (get it?) with a final, brief pros and cons section so you can quickly scan through and find the most appealing items for you and your little tyke with ease.

Now let’s get to the list before Santa comes knocking.

Top 20 Best Christmas Toys & Gifts for Boys 2023

1. Best Overall Christmas Gift for Boys: Roblox Action Collection

Roblox Action Collection

Why we like it: Roblox is all the rage with kids these days and this officially licensed playset is a great way for you to get involved with your boy’s interests while bringing their virtual world to life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is an officially licensed playset for the immensely popular Roblox video game that kids can’t seem to get enough of lately. This particular set is made for the Jailbreak game-mode fans. The playset also comes with a bonus digital item in the form of a code that a Roblox player can enter in order to receive an in-game cosmetic item that they can show off to their friends next time they log on to the game.

Quality

The build quality on the truck and figurines is excellent. Both figures can be posed in various positions, and the SWAT vehicle includes doors that can be opened and closed as well as a removable rooftop for easier access to the inside of the vehicle.

There are little accessories that can be attached to the figures for playing out different imaginary scenarios. The lights on the roof are also functional thanks to the included batteries, but this toy doesn’t make any noises which may be considered a huge plus for the adults in the room.

Who It’s Best For

Clearly this is a gift meant for fans of Roblox (which is basically every kid these days, it seems.) The nature of this toy makes it ideal for younger kids between the ages of 3-10. If your kid is a Roblox fan, this is an easy buy thanks to its affordability and the overall quality of the product. The Roblox Action Collection has a ton of different playsets so big Roblox fans may enjoy collecting the various sets and having them interact with each other.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Figures and vehicle are interactive
  • Encourages imaginary play
  • Affordable
  • Functioning lights with included batteries

Cons

  • Not everyone likes their kids playing with toy weapons
  • Small parts pose a potential choking hazard

2. Best Budget Christmas Gift for Boys: Nerf Elite Disruptor

Nerf Elite Disruptor

Why we like it: Nerf guns are one of those classic toys that young boys will always be able to enjoy, and this Elite Disruptor is inexpensive while still packing a great punch.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Nerf toys are great because they encourage active and imaginative play while posing very little to zero risk of causing injury or damage to property. The nerf bullets are specially designed to fly across a room quickly without threatening to do any harm.

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is an entry-level nerf gun that has all the features your little tyke will love. The rotating drum allows up to six darts to be loaded at once with the drum automatically chambering the next round after each dart is fired.

Quality

Nerf has been making toy guns like these for a long time and they’ve really nailed the execution on most of them. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor is made from sturdy yet lightweight plastic that protects the moving parts from getting damaged without making the gun so heavy that it becomes awkward or dangerous to use.

This revolver-style Nerf gun is capable of firing darts up to 90 feet which makes these great for indoor or outdoor play alike.

Who It’s Best For

Firing a Nerf gun is its own brand of satisfying and we think you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that couldn’t get some enjoyment out of owning one of these Nerf Elite Disruptors. Having said that, we think this toy is a particularly great gift for children who are more active and energetic.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Sure to spark joy in the recipient
  • Encourages active and imaginative play

Cons

  • You’re going to find darts stuck between couch cushions on a regular basis

3. Best Premium Christmas Gift for Boys: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

Why we like it: This Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is an incredible way to combine active play and learning into one mighty fun activity for your young ones.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This stationary cycle is designed to connect to a smart TV or tablet device that translates the child’s pedaling and turning into the digital world inside the included app. Kids can pedal away to their heart’s content and combine learning and exercise into a single, stationary experience in any room of the house.

Quality

At this price, you should expect that this toy is equal parts fun and durable, and it is both of those things. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Nerf Elite Disruptor instead. This Think & Learn Smart Cycle is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 with a maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds.

With a steel construction and an adjustable seat, the Think & Learn Smart Cycle is built to last through the punishment preschoolers are known for dishing out.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift to get preschoolers active and learning while at home. This is a video game you’ll want your kids to get addicted to.

Pros

  • Encourages active play
  • Uses educational games to teach early preschool basics
  • Seat is adjustable for growing kids
  • Solidly built

Cons

  • It isn’t cheap
  • Requires a compatible device to connect to

4. Best Board Game Christmas Gift: Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Plan B Games Azul Board Game

Why we like it: A beautiful board game that has earned praise all over the world, Azul is an excellent Christmas gift for young artists to be and their parents to play together.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Azul has earned its place among the all-time greats since its release in 2017 with board gaming communities praising it with excellent scores. Intended for children age 8+, this strategy game for 2-4 players takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a play session. Learning and playing games with your children is a fantastic way to bond while broadening their horizons.

Quality

Azul is an approachable and fun game filled with beautiful artwork. The pieces and components are all beautifully illustrated and built to stand against the test of time. Azul has won a long list of awards since its release and it continues to top lists of the best board games on the market.

Who It’s Best For

This game is simple enough for quick pick up and play sessions while still having enough complexity to remain interesting after hundreds of games. Azul is particularly great for young children due to its colorful art and engaging visuals. If you’re looking for a board game that’s great for older children, consider the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game. Board games have been surging back into popularity over the past few years because they are such a fun and wholesome way to interact with your family.

Pros

  • Beautiful and fun board game
  • Highly rated
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to learn

Cons

  • Small pieces can get lost
  • Intended for children age 8+

5. Best Plush Christmas Toy: Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy

Why we like it: These adorable and durable plush toys are great for kids of all ages thanks to their soft, huggable material and the comforting presence they provide.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for kids of any age, these plush toys are built to provide long-lasting comfort and joy. Most kids have a favorite stuffed animal and these Winnie the Pooh friend plush toys are perfect for just that thanks to their adorable design and cozy materials. Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are classic favorites of children and Disney fans all across the world.

Quality

Made from plush with embroidered detailing for the eyes and snout, this is baby-safe with no buttons or other choking hazards. The Eeyore and Piglet versions are particularly adorable, but Tigger could be nicer. It’s unfortunate that Tigger’s stripes are painted on as it negatively impacts the soft texture of the plush, but Eeyore and Piglet don’t have that issue and are simply adorable.

Who It’s Best For

This is a perfect gift for adding to a young child’s collection of stuffed animals or for getting them started. These guys are soft and cuddly and make excellent bedmates and travel companions for the little ones to carry around with them wherever they go.

Pros

  • Adorable and inexpensive
  • Soft and cuddly
  • Classic, well-loved characters
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Tigger’s stripes are unfortunately painted on

6. Best Fortnite Christmas Gift: Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata

Why we like it: A piñata inspired by Fortnite’s Jumbo Llama that is as much fun to open as it is to play with.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite by now. Kids can’t seem to get enough of the action-packed video game, which the success of their merchandising efforts can attest to.

Intended for ages 6+, this set includes 100 separate pieces packaged inside of the famous Llama Loot Piñata from the Fortnite video game. Unboxing this cleverly designed set is a treat all on its own as the Jumbo Llama Piñata is filled with confetti that you get to dig through to find your prizes.

Quality

With its clever packaging, this Fortnite Jumbo Llama Loot Piñata offers an experience sure to be remembered by young ones for some time to come. Aside from the fun that comes with unboxing this, the figures and toys within are very well-made and surprisingly detailed with lots of great accents and colors.

Who It’s Best For

This is another gift that is best for people who are fans of the game the toy is based off of—and Fortnite seems to have an endless supply of fans. Young fans of Fortnite will get a kick out of this, but we think this is an especially great present for those kids who can’t get enough of the “unboxing” fad sweeping the internet lately.

Thanks to the literal 100 separate pieces and the confetti stuffed inside of the clever Llama pinata packaging, opening this up is a joyful experience unto itself.

Pros

  • Super fun to open for the first time
  • Comes with a ton of figures and pieces
  • Sturdy construction and great art

Cons

  • Small pieces are a choking hazard

7. Best Retro Christmas Gift: Lite Brite

Lite Brite

Why we like it: Lite Brite is a classic toy that has delighted children for generations.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Designed for children age 3 and up, the classic Lite Brite toy is a fantastic tool with which kids can express their creative side. The light up pegboard and translucent, colored pegs are a great, mess-free way to introduce your young one to their artistic and creative side.

Quality

Lite Brites are built from solid plastic that is virtually indestructible. The small pegs can be a pain if they get scattered everywhere and it would be nice if it included a storage solution for them, but a plastic bag or container does the trick just fine. The backlighting offers just the right amount of light to create vibrant colors with the use of 2 AA batteries.

Who It’s Best For

This classic toy is great for children that are old enough to have mastered the manual dexterity necessary for using a Lite Brite without too much frustration. We love that this toy teaches creative thinking and the mastery of manual dexterity at the same time, but clumsier fingered kids might become too frustrated with the small pegs to get much out of this present.

Pros

  • Encourages creative thinking and manual dexterity
  • Makes for a great bedtime activity
  • Is a fun way to spend time with your young ones

Cons

  • The tiny pegs are likely to get lost over time
  • Can be hard for kids who haven’t mastered dexterity

8. Best Coding Christmas Gift: Sphero BOLT

Sphero BOLT

Why we like it: Coding games and toys are all the rage in the modern age and this Sphero BOLT toy is one of the best coding toys on the market that can help instill excitement for programming in children at a young age.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Intended for children aged 8 or older, the Sphero BOLT is a super fun and engaging way to learn how much fun programming and robotics can be at an early age. This little robot ball can be controlled and coded to achieve various tasks via the included Sphero EDU app that teaches early coding techniques and ideas. It can also be used with the Sphero PLAY app that allows users to control the robot remotely via their mobile devices.

Quality

The app is intelligently designed for fun and learning to come together and the little Sphere BOLT robot ball is built to last. The ball itself is durable and even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

The Sphero BOLT sports sensors such as a compass, a gyroscope, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used by the person coding the little robot to do different things based on the data received by the sensors.

Who It’s Best For

The Sphere BOLT is the perfect gift for young kids who have begun to express an interest in coding or robotics. It’s also a fantastic way to spark that interest in young and old minds alike. One of the awesome benefits of the Sphero toys is they can even interact with each other so you can slowly add more devices to your collection over time.

Pros

  • One of the best ways to introduce coding in an actually fun way
  • Sturdy and waterproof construction
  • Designed to be easy to approach while still offering advanced training
  • A great way to learn alongside your child

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Best Classic Christmas Gift: Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Plushland Original Sock Monkey

Why we like it: The original Sock Monkey is a tried and true companion for children all over the world and it makes for an excellent Christmas gift for young children.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This super adorable and safe-for–all-ages knitted Sock Monkey toy makes for a fantastic companion for the little ones and is sure to delight on Christmas morning.

Quality

The knitted fabric is soft, and its filling is squeezably huggable. The seams are solid and hold up well to the constant dragging and pulling this guy is sure to experience. The polyester material is soft, lightweight, and machine washable so you can keep your little buddy’s little buddy soft and cuddly for a long time to come.

Who It’s Best For

This is a fantastic gift for young boys of all ages who like some gentle companionship. The Plushland Sock Monkey also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best suits your little tyke. If your little boy would prefer a Disney character plush, check out the Disney Baby Classic Eeyore Stuffed Animal Plush Toy.

Pros

  • Soft knitted polyester
  • Machine washable
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Super cute

Cons

  • Not all kids are into stuffed animals

10. Best Christmas Gift for Fantasy Fans: DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

DreamWorks Dragons Hatching Toothless

Why we like it: This Hatching Toothless toy from the popular DreamWorks Dragons series is a lot of fun and guaranteed to be a big hit with the Toothless fan in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Great for kids aged 5 and older, this interactive toy is fun from the start as the child can poke and prod it and hear the tiny baby dragon inside tap back. This interactive dragon toy can be used to play a variety of games, and he also responds to questions and physical interactions with movement and sound.

Quality

The build quality on this little guy is great and the small detailing on him is adorable. The toy has a lot of different interactions that are sure to keep the interest of the little guy in your life for some time. The novel process of interacting with the dragon as he hatches is likely to form a deep bond in a short amount of time.

Who It’s Best For

As this is another licensed product on our list, this Hatching Toothless Interactive Toy will be especially well-liked by fans of the DreamWorks Dragons franchise. We think this toy is novel and interactive enough to be enjoyed by young ones who aren’t fans of DreamWorks Dragons yet too and it is likely going to make them want to watch the series if they haven’t seen them already.

Pros

  • Diverse set of interactions
  • Adorable
  • Responds to touch, motion, and voice
  • Encourages empathy and acts as a great training device for taking care of pets later on

Cons

  • Has small parts that pose a choking hazard to kids 3 years and younger
  • A tad too expensive when not on sale

11. Best Chemistry Set for Kids: Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Crayola Color Chemistry Set

Why we like it: Developed and approved by Crayola scientists, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your young one to the wonders of science.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

A fun and colorful tool for performing various science experiments with your child, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a perfect hands-on toy for the curious tykes in your life. The vibrant colors make the experiments more engaging and entertaining.

Quality

Packed with 16 different experiments and instructions for a boatload more, this Crayola Color Chemistry Set is perfect for exploring the world of science with your kids. The experiments provided are a ton of fun; Crayola put their spin on a lot of classic experiments by adding a splash of color to each one. This makes sure that each experiment will delight your boy.

Who It’s Best For

This is the perfect gift for children of parents who want to take a hands-on approach to combining playtime and learning into unforgettable experiences. Designed for parents to do alongside their child of 7 or older, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set is a great way to get your kids an early start on their STEAM career.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Vibrantly colorful
  • A great way to teach and learn with your kids

Cons

  • May not immediately spark excitement
  • Will require parental aid

12. Best Card Game for Boys: Not Parent Approved

Not Parent Approved

Why we like it: Not Parent Approved is a fun family party game that packs humor and ingenuity into one convenient and portable container.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Getting the kids to unplug and spend quality time with the family can be difficult for a lot of parents, but having the right tools for the job makes it that much easier. Not Parent Approved does a great job of appealing to the younger generation while still being fun for the entire family to enjoy. Not Parent Approved is basically a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.

Quality

Not Parent Approved has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the clever design of the game and the intelligent packaging decisions that make it easy to bring on the go. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of space. If your family enjoys it a lot, Not Parent Approved has multiple expansion packs to increase the staying power of this game for some time to come.

Who It’s Best For

Board game and card game fans love adding to their collection, and this is the perfect family game for people who like to laugh (which is everyone, last time we checked.) This is a great way to start doing weekly family game nights that add enrichment and joy to everyone’s life.

Pros

  • Tons of fun
  • Great way to encourage reading
  • Humorous and inoffensive
  • Easy to bring on the go
  • Has multiple expansions

Cons

  • Not enough depth for serious board game enthusiasts

13. Best Interactive Christmas Gift: Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Crate Creatures Surprise - Sizzle

Why we like it: Interactive and tons of fun, the Crate Creatures Surprise toys offer hours of entertainment and companionship.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is another toy that understands the current “unboxing” trend and uses that to its full advantage by making the container and the process of revealing the toy inside an event unto itself. The entire presentation is great and the interactivity from this toy is sure to dazzle the little tyke in your life.

Quality

The attention to detail on the Sizzle Crate Creature is great as all the details and vibrant colors really pop. This cute little monster has loads of interactivity: it reacts to being touched in certain ways, knocked over, or held upside down, and it can record your child speaking and repeat their words back in a monster voice. It even comes with a little mini crowbar that is used to pry open the crate he’s stored in.

Who It’s Best For

While some of this toy’s features might be more appreciated by a slightly older child, we think this is a great toy for boys aged 4 and older. This might not be the best gift for kids who are easily scared as the monster design might intimidate them.

Pros

  • Provides many hours of fun interactivity
  • Makes for a great companion and playmate
  • Has lots of cute detailing

Cons

  • Might be scary for some young children

14. Best Figurine Playset for Boys: Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

Why we like it: Bring the Fortnite video game to life and help your kid unplug with this great Fortnite Turbo Builder figurine set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The Fortnite Turbo Builder Set encourages creative play and is a great way for you to connect with your son over his hobbies and interests. Bringing the digital world of Fortnite to life is sure to delight and entertain the little tyke in your life for some time to come.

Quality

This figurine and wall set is a great gift set with lots of detailing and quality construction. With a total of 89 pieces, this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set will allow your little one to #WallUpIRL. This set offers hours of fun with enough building materials to erect all kinds of creative and fun structures for the figurines to battle over.

Who It’s Best For

Young Fortnite fans are sure to get a real kick out of this Fortnite Turbo Builder Set. This is also a great toy for engaging in cooperative play with your child and to help you express an interest in their life. Bridging the digital and physical world gap is a great way to connect with your little ones.

Pros

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps you bond with your child over their interests
  • Solid construction and lots of detailing

Cons

  • Small pieces are liable to get lost

15. Best Fun Experiments Book: Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Everything Kids’ Science Experiments

Why we like it: The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book is an inexpensive gift that is a great way to get involved with your kids and teach them how much fun science can be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This book includes a ton of different science experiments you and your child can easily conduct at home. This is a great way to spend quality time with your kids while instilling an early love for science and encouraging their natural curiosity at a young age.

Quality

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments book doesn’t come with any materials or supplies, but the experiment ideas within are all fantastic ways to interact with your child and get them interested in science early on.

Who It’s Best For

Great for children aged 4 and up, this is another hands-on gift that will require parental assistance. Some of the experiments take time and may require materials you don’t have on hand, but most of them use everyday household items. You may need to read ahead a bit and pick ones that seem particularly fun or that you know you have all the necessary supplies for.

Pros

  • Lots of fun experiments
  • Inexpensive
  • Great way to instill a love of science
  • Provides opportunities for spending quality time with the family

Cons

  • Will require parental supervision
  • May require some preparation beforehand for some experiments

16. Best Superhero Christmas Gift: Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Funkoverse DC Comics Strategy Board Game

Why we like it: When you smash two great franchises together, you’re sure to get something that will make fans rabid.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

The DC Comics universe might be playing second fiddle to Marvel when it comes to the silver screen, but it’s a powerhouse of a brand that attracts die-hard fans, young and old alike. This board game is designed for children aged 10 and older due to its complexity and depth.

Quality

Featuring fan-favorites like Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn, this board game offers a lot of depth and replayability thanks to its clever design. This game is sure to be a big hit with young board game fans that are into the DC Universe characters.

Who It’s Best For

Intended for children aged 10 and up with 2-4 players and a total play sessions time of 20-60 minutes, the Funkoverse: DC Comics Strategy Board Game is a strategic and exciting game for board and card game enthusiasts. The small pieces and complexity of the game make it unsuitable for younger children.

Pros

  • Combines two popular franchises into one game
  • Offers deep strategy gameplay
  • Features super cute figures and great artwork

Cons

  • Not suitable for younger children due to small parts and game complexity

17. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Programmers: Learning Resources Coding Critters

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Why we like it: The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset offers a great way to teach early coding skills to little programmers-to-be.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This interactive coding toy is awesome for getting kids interested in programming ideas at a young age. It’s also just super adorable and fun to play with, offering hours of educational fun for your little ones.

Quality

Sporting an included storybook that is sure to get the little ones interested right off the bat, this playset offers a lot of fun and educational interactivity. This playset even won the Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Association.

Who It’s Best For

This set does include some small parts making it less than ideal for children ages 3 and younger; however, it tackles coding ideas in such a simple and approachable way that it’s great for kids 4+. Kids at this age are sure to enjoy the adorable puppies and cute playset pieces. The Learning Resources Coding Critters playset is the perfect way to introduce coding concepts at a young age.

Pros

  • Educational and adorable
  • Teaches low-level coding concepts approachably
  • Award-winning toy design

Cons

  • Small pieces are choking hazard

18. Best Christmas Gift for Budding Scientists: Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit

Why we like it: Experiment kits are a great way to get kids interested in science at a young age and this Crystal Growing kit is a fun way to get excited about science right along with them.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

Crystals are amazing natural structures that seem to defy logic. Inexpensive and super fun, this Crystal Growing Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the wonders of science.

Quality

This experiment kit starts working right away and the crystals reach their full size after about a week or so. The colors of the crystals are vibrant and watching them grow is a real treat. Kids are sure to love their tiny, beautiful creations. This kit even comes with little display cases for the fully-grown crystals.

Who It’s Best For

Due to the chemicals involved in this kit, this gift is recommended for children aged 10 and older. Parental supervision is necessary throughout the process.

Pros

  • Fun and educational
  • Great experiment to bond with your child over
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Chemicals need to be handled with care

19. Most Exciting Christmas Gift: Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket LED

Why we like it: Rockets are exciting and tons of fun. Chuck on some LED lights and a launch pad you stomp onto and you’ve got yourself a fun and active toy in this toy rocket set.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

This is a great way to get kids jumping up and down—literally! The Stomp Rocket Ultra LED offers hours of fun, active outdoor play. This toy is more of a novelty and doesn’t offer a ton of interactivity, but it can make for fun games of catch with everyone running around trying to catch the rocket as it hurtles out of the sky on its way back down.

Quality

These stomp rockets use kid-powered propulsion in the form of compressed air that is capable of sending the light-up rockets upwards of 150 feet into the air. These make for a great night-time activity in the yard.

Who It’s Best For

Children of all ages can get a kick out of jumping on top of the launch pad that shoots the rocket off into the sky. It’s great for kids who enjoy frenetic and energetic play sessions, but its novelty might wear off after some time.

Pros

  • Lots of fun
  • Lights up and flies up to 150 feet high
  • Encourages active play
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Kids may get bored of this one after a few sessions with it

20. Best Musical Christmas Gift: WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll

Why we like it: The Baby Shark song has completely swept the nation and captured the hearts of an entire generation of kiddies.

Editor’s Rating:

What It Does

If one thing is for certain, the little ones love the Baby Shark Dance. This adorable Singing Baby Shark doll is the perfect gift for the toddler in your life who just can’t get enough of Baby Shark.

Quality

Crafted carefully from a beautifully soft plush that is adorable and cuddly, the WowWee Singing Baby Shark doll is sure to delight. Batteries are included and replaceable should your child squeeze the life out of this little guy’s tummy to hear it belt out his song on endless repeat.

Who It’s Best For

This WowWee Singing Baby Shark Doll is guaranteed to be a hit with Baby Shark fans, but it could also be the final nail in the coffin of your sanity so tread carefully with this gift.

Pros

  • Adorable
  • Super soft and cuddly
  • Comes with replaceable batteries

Cons

  • If you’re tired of the Baby Shark song, you may regret buying this for a kid in your home

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best gift to get your kid started on his career path or just a fun time-sink, we’ve got you covered. Hopefully you’ve already found the perfect gift and didn’t even bother to read to the end, but if you’re still here, give our list one last scan before you leave to see if you missed anything.

We hope you find the perfect gift that will light up your son’s eyes. Merry Christmas!

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