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The Best Toys For Boys

Last updated on December 12, 2023
Best Toys For Boys

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Keeping boys occupied can be a challenge. All children like to keep their minds engaged, and those little bodies can have plenty of extra energy to expend. With the right toy, you can keep them both safe and entertained throughout the day.

The first thing to look at when you’re buying toys for young boys is the label. You’ll notice most toys have a recommended minimum age on them. Often this relates to the safety of the product, so it’s important to pay close attention to the minimum. But buying a toy that’s recommended for children much younger than yours can lead to bringing home a toy that isn’t challenging enough.

MORE: The Best Toys For Toddlers

In addition to age range, it’s also important to look at a toy’s warning label. Some toys contain small parts or sharp edges, which means you might have to exercise more caution if you choose that item. For example, foam is often used to keep projectiles safe, whether it’s an archery set or a rocket launcher.

Noise level is also important when it comes to toys for young children. A toy that constantly emits sounds can start to wear on everyone nearby after a while, so one that’s relatively silent will pay off in the long term. You should also take a look at the build of the toy and make sure it’s not going to break on you the first time your little one uses it.

Our Picks For The Top Toys For Boys

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Our Top Pick

Amazon 7-Inch Fire 7 Tablet For Kids, 16GB

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Amazon

7-Inch Fire 7 Tablet For Kids, 16GB

This Fire 7 tablet is designed for children, with a protective case and bright colors. Your tablet purchase includes a one-year membership to Amazon Kids+, which offers more than 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, audiobooks and educational content coming from big brands like PBS and Disney. This tablet has 16 GB of internal storage to let you stor...

Overall Take

Durable OptionThis 7-inch tablet comes in a case to help protect it against drops and sticky fingers.

 Best for Outdoors

Motoworx Kids’ Toy Rocket Launcher, 8-Piece

Motoworx

Kids' Toy Rocket Launcher, 8-Piece

Made of foam, you'll get eight toy rockets that can be shot up to 100 feet without having to worry about damage. It's durable enough to survive stress, giving kids hours of playtime. No electricity or batteries are required, and the rockets can be assembled quickly.

Overall Take

Fun for EveryoneShoot the rocket up to 100 feet with this foam toy that's designed for children ages 3 and up.

 Great for Learning

ThinkFun STEM Falling Marble Gravity Maze Game

ThinkFun

STEM Falling Marble Gravity Maze Game

This fun maze combines gravity with the player's logic to create a fun yet educational game. With 60 challenges ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, this game is recommended for children ages 8 and up. It comes with an easy-to-read user manual to help players get started.

Overall Take

Educational JoyIf you're looking for a way to encourage STEM learning in your little ones, this maze game is worth considering.

 Great for the Sandbox

TOMY John Deere Dump Truck & Tractor Sandbox Toys

TOMY

John Deere Dump Truck & Tractor Sandbox Toys

Although these miniature John Deere vehicles are great for sand, you can also use these with a pile of dirt. Each vehicle has moving parts, including a functional dump bed and front loader. Each vehicle measures 6 inches and is made with durable construction.

Overall Take

Fun Pretend PlayIn this set, you'll get a miniature John Deere dump truck and a miniature John Deere tractor, ideal for playing with outdoors.

What to Look For

  • Electronics are popular with young boys, but keep in mind that high-tech toys bring their own challenges. Some toys will need batteries or to be able to connect to Wi-Fi. If you purchase a pricy item like a tablet, make sure you also buy a case to protect it from drops and spills.
  • Look for a notification on a toy’s packaging that says it’s been “UL certified.” That mark indicates a product has been tested to ensure it meets safety and sustainability standards.
  • If you’re purchasing an item that shoots a sizable distance, be prepared to lose the item. You might find you end up with projectiles all around your yard — as well as in a neighbor’s yard.
  • Before buying, take a look to see if your toy requires assembly. You might find that you need some extra tools and hardware to put an item together before your little one can use it.
  • STEM education is important to many parents. Toys that also promote learning and critical thinking can serve a dual purpose.
  • Make sure your chosen toy comes with an instruction manual if one is required. You can often look up directions online, but it helps to make sure it’s available before you buy.

More to Explore

Throughout history, children have sought out playthings. In ancient Egypt, toys were made of wood, including dolls. Inflated pig’s bladders were made into toys in ancient Greece, and kids during that time also played with knucklebones. But the fun wasn’t always so gruesome. Children during that time also got into toys we now know as classics, like rocking horses and spinning tops.

Toys remained stagnant until the Industrial Revolution, when they could be mass-produced, which dropped the market price for them substantially. This era ushered in toys like jigsaw puzzles and the kaleidoscope. In Victorian times, wealthy children had more high-tech clockwork toys, including moving animals and trains.

More to explore