2025 Gift Guide: For the Boys

Finding the perfect gift for boys can feel tricky — you want something they’ll actually use, but also something that feels special and fun. So we asked our Home & Kind audience to share their best, most memorable gift ideas for boys—and you delivered!

We received hundreds of thoughtful responses and rounded them up into easy-to-shop categories so you can find something for every type of kid. Whether you’re shopping for your son, nephew, grandson, or a friend’s child, these gifts are practical, memorable, and come in a variety of price points so there’s something for everyone.

For the Active Ones

For the kid who never sits still—these energy-burning favorites keep up with their endless enthusiasm and love for movement.

1. Over-the-Door Basketball Hoop ($44.99)
   Turns any bedroom or playroom into a mini court. The breakaway rim and realistic bounce make it perfect for endless trick shots.

2. Silent Basketball ($29.99)
   A game-changer for indoor play! It feels just like a real basketball but makes almost no noise—parents everywhere will thank you.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Basketball or Football ($24.99)
   Keep the fun going even after the sun sets. These light-up versions make nighttime play easy and exciting.

4. Foam Sword ($39.99)
   Perfect for imaginative duels or heroic adventures. Safe and extremely durable with mix-and-match parts to customize the swords for hours of pretend play.

5. Anything NERF ($9.99)
   From blasters to darts, NERF toys are always a hit. Great for group battles or solo target practice.

For the Builder

For the one who loves to build, stack, and create—these imaginative picks bring big ideas to life.

1. PicassoTiles or Magna-Tiles ($18.04+)
   Endless possibilities for building creativity. Kids can design towers, houses, and abstract shapes that spark imagination.

2. Marble Run ($49.96+)
   A hands-on way to explore physics while having fun. Build custom tracks and watch marbles race and spin their way to the finish.

3. LEGOs ($39.49)
   A forever favorite for creative minds. From classic bricks to themed sets, there’s something for every builder.

4. Snap Circuits ($22.99)
   Perfect for curious kids who love to see how things work. These sets teach the basics of electronics through fun, interactive projects.

5. Paper Airplane Kit ($16.41)
   Simple, screen-free fun! This kit combines crafting and competition as kids fold, decorate, and test their best designs.

For the Little Competitors

For the one who always wants to win—these action-packed finds keep the fun going round after round.

1. Dude Perfect Game ($19.89)
   Bring the viral trick shots home with this creative, high-energy board game that challenges skill and imagination.

2. Speed Stacking Cups ($16.99+)
   Fast, focused, and full of friendly competition. Kids love racing the timer (and each other!) to stack and unstack in record time.

3. Beyblades ($38.99+)
   High-speed battling tops that combine skill, customization, and excitement. Easy to learn, but endlessly fun to master.

4. Board Games ($12.99+)
   Family favorites like Guess Who? and other classics make for fun, face-to-face competition. Some our other favorites are at this link.

5. Yo-Yos ($15.34+)
   A nostalgic toy that’s back in style—great for learning tricks and improving coordination.

6. Rubik’s Cubes ($9.49+)
   A brain-boosting challenge for all ages. Perfect for kids who love problem-solving and friendly races.

For the Outdoor Kid

For the one who’d rather be outdoors—these exciting finds keep them active, curious, and full of energy.

1. Crazy Cart ($98)
   Drifting, spinning, and racing fun in one! This go-kart–style ride-on is a thrill for adventurous kids. It's our most-used Christmas gift of 2024.

2. Bike ($149.99+)
   A timeless favorite that never gets old. Perfect for exploring the neighborhood or riding with friends.

3. Gel Blasters ($21.99+)
   Outdoor fun meets friendly competition. These rechargeable blasters use water-based gel pellets for safe, mess-free play.

4. Segway, Electric, or Kick Scooters ($139.99+)
   Smooth, fast, and endlessly fun—great for getting around the neighborhood with style.

5. Stomp Rockets ($19.99)
   Launch rockets up to 200 feet using only the power of their jump! No batteries, no screens—just pure outdoor joy.

6. RC Car ($29.99+)
   Fast, durable, and full of excitement. Perfect for racing, exploring, and testing new tricks.

For the Creative Thinker

For the curious, creative mind—these open-ended toys inspire invention, exploration, and self-expression.

1. 3D Printer or Pen ($219.99)
   Bring their imagination to life, one layer at a time. Great for creating custom designs, figures, and small projects.

2. Gem Kit ($24.99)
   A mix of science and discovery! Kids dig, explore, and learn while uncovering real gems and minerals.

3. Perler Beads ($35.98)
   A fun, colorful way to create keychains, art pieces, or ornaments. It’s crafting that builds patience and creativity.

4. Kinetic Sand ($15.79)
   Soft, moldable, and endlessly satisfying to play with. Perfect for sensory play and creative building.

5. Drawing Projector ($28.93+)
   A fun tool that helps kids learn to trace, sketch, and create their own artwork with confidence.

6. Books ($8.91+)
   A timeless gift that sparks imagination and focus. Choose stories or graphic novels that match their interests.

7. Art Supplies ($22.09+)
   Every artist needs a good set of tools! Stock up on markers, colored pencils, sketchbooks, and paints.

Final Thoughts

Every kid has something that lights them up—and these gifts are designed to do just that. Whether they’re constantly moving, building, competing, or creating, this list makes it easy to find a gift that fits their personality perfectly.