Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Toys For Boys

Last updated on November 5, 2021
Best Toys For Boys

Why Trust The DWYM Score?

DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Toys For Boys

Show Contents
Our Take
  Best for Outdoors

Motoworx Kids’ Toy Rocket Launcher, 8-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Motoworx

Kids' Toy Rocket Launcher, 8-Piece

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

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

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.

  We Also Like

FAUX BOW Archery Set With Foam Bow & Arrow

FAUX BOW

Archery Set With Foam Bow & Arrow

Overall Take

Great for GroupsThis set includes a bow and foam-tipped arrows to allow your little ones to practice archery without worries about safety.

Guide written by Stephanie Faris
Last updated on November 5, 2021

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.

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.

The Best Toys For Boys

1
  Best for Outdoors

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.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Motoworx
Model
2
  Great for Learning

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.

Features


Specifications

Brand
ThinkFun
Model
3
  Great for the Sandbox

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.

Features


Specifications

Brand
TOMY
Model
4
  We Also Like

FAUX BOW Archery Set With Foam Bow & Arrow

This set includes one 18.2-by-13-by-2.5-inch bow and six durable foam-tipped arrows in a lightweight design. The set doesn't include phthalates or latex. This set is recommended for children ages 8 and up.

Features


Specifications

Brand
FAUX BOW
Model

Our Toy For Boys Buying Guide

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.

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.

DWYM Fun Fact

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.

The Toy For Boys Tips and Advice

  • 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.

About The Author

Stephanie Faris 

Stephanie Faris is a novelist and business writer whose work has appeared on numerous blogs. She worked for the State of Tennessee for 19 years, the latter six of which were spent as a supervisor. She has written content for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2011. In addition to her online content, she is also the author of eight novels for Simon & Schuster, including the Piper Morgan chapter book series.