When it comes time to shop for gifts for kids, boys can be something of a mystery. That's why put together testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Parenting Lab tests, checked bestsellers on Amazon, rounded up the editors' picks and came up with a list of the best gifts for boys, no matter where his interests lie.
Here's what to look for when shopping for gifts for boys.
When the Parenting Lab evaluates toys, it looks for items that are safe to use and well constructed. It also looks for toys that offer some kind of developmental value, be it through fostering imaginative play, helping with fine or gross motor coordination, teaching things like STEM concepts or inspiring creativity. Then, there's the all-important fun factor, since no toy is worth the money if kids won't want to play with it.
What are some of the trends for gifts for boys this year?
Looking over the hottest toys coming out this year, STEM and STEM-related toys still are a huge winner, as are sensory toys and fidget toys that give kids with busy hands something to do. Families are still gathering around the table for family game night, so board games and other party games are a trend. And toys that help kids unlock their creativity — especially when it comes to TikTok — are on the rise.
What are the best gifts for boys of different ages?
Of course, things that toddlers are into are much different than gifts for tweens and teens. If you're looking to go deeper on a specific age of boy, we have gift ideas for your 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, 4-year-old, 5-year-old, 6-year-old, 7-year-old, 8-year-old, 9-year-old, 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, 13-year-old and teen boys, too.
Our top gifts for boys: