One thing that nobody tells you about having kids is that they can be so difficult to buy for! Whether you are buying toys for your little ones, or for your nephews or grandchildren, you may often find yourself wandering through the aisles of your local toy store looking lost and confused. Sometimes, shopping online isn’t any easier, and you may find yourself with 40 open tabs filled with toys you aren’t even sure the boy you are shopping for will like. There are just so many toys available in today’s world that it can be difficult to sift through what is junk and what will be a real treasure. To save time, money, and frustration here are some hacks on buying boy toys.
For boys under 4
Blocks may seem like a cop-out gift, but you will be amazed what the imagination of a young child can bring to life with a set of blocks. Little boys will love to build cities, airplanes, and spaceships out of different shapes and sizes of blocks. You can get hardy foam versions that can be thrown around without causing any injury, or more traditional wood blocks that have a nice heavy weight to them. The wooden blocks can even be painted as the child gets older and wants to explore more of his imagination.
For boys from 4-8
This is the age that boys begin to think about what they want to be when they grow up. They may admire their dad who is a fireman or wants to join the garbage truck on its daily route. They are easily impressionable by the people they meet every day and are always wanting to learn more about what makes the world spin. For this age, a kid’s toolbox and toolset is a perfect gift. Let them help out their parents on building projects, or build their pieces- like a birdhouse or a table! This allows them to step outside of their comfort zone and learn the value of hard work, while still feeling like a toy.
For boys from 8-12
As boys reach this age range they are beginning to know more about themselves, what they like and dislike, and the kind of person that they want to be. They are still curious and willing to learn about the world. This is a great age for a DIY kit- let them make a terrarium to keep on their desk, or a trebuchet to throw tennis balls in the backyard. They get to feel accomplished and get to keep something that they made forever, but it will also always make them think of you!
When buying toys and gifts for boys, you always have to take into account what the boy likes and how he likes to spend his time. However, if you are pressed for time or don’t want to spend hours wandering around a toy store looking for that perfect gift, these are a few gifts that are bound to please any growing boy.