Gift giving can be tough, right? Especially when the recipient falls outside the norm of our typical gift giving. The mom of three girls, for example, might have a tough time picking out a birthday present for her eight-year-old nephew. I’ve been there. But then my son came along and opened my eyes to a whole new world of boy things. I gotta tell you. Boys have it pretty good these days; from technology toys to ride-ons to games and gadgets, young boys have a lot to choose from. Hopefully, I can help narrow that down some with these gift ideas for boys ages 8-10. My son owns everything on this list and finds hours of entertainment with these fun things.
Here’s the thing about my list of gift ideas for boys 8-10 years-old: my son owns and has played with each of these things. These are the toys that he goes back to again and again and again. You can be assured that most any boy in this age range will enjoy something on this list. That’ll help you shop with confidence, right?
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
– $30
This is the perfect age to get the little guy in your life a magic set and Melissa & Doug have a great (solid wood) one at a great price point. It includes ten classic tricks which will keep young illusionists busy for a long time (I know this from experience). Just be prepared to sit through a magic show or twelve.
Sbyke – $150
Is it a skateboard, a scooter or a bike? It’s all three rolled into one! This riding toy has been a huge hit with my son. It takes some practice to master riding it; there is definitely coordination and balance involved. My son picked it up very quickly and now considers this one of the best toys he’s ever had.
Perplexus – $25
As a mom, I love this game because there are no batteries or loud, obnoxious noises involved. It’s a marble/maze game that is “easy to play but hard to master.” It’s super affordable and transportable. When it comes to gift ideas for boys birthday parties, this one is a go-to for me.
Ed Emberley’s Drawing Books – $5
If you know a boy who shows interest or talent in art, these books are a great outlet for some of that creative energy. They use basic shapes to teach kids how to draw some pretty impressive things. There’s a variety of teaching books available, from animals to faces, trucks to monsters, towns and beyond. They’re cheap, too, so they make excellent stocking stuffers.
Percy Jackson Series – $20
My eight-year-old is a voracious reader. He has nearly completed the Harry Potter books, whizzing through each book in three days or so. My sister-in-law bought him this series for his birthday. He read all the books in a matter of days and loved the story. It actually inspired him to delve more into Greek mythology in other books. This makes a great gift for a young reader.
Magic Science – $15
Given his affinity for both magic tricks and the Harry Potter books, my mother-in-law thought my son would enjoy this magic science kit (for wizards only!) and she was right. The kit includes nine science-based experiments that have a bit of a magical feel to them. Totally worth the $15.
Bluetooth Speaker with lamp – $30
He begged for a Bluetooth speaker for months. As it turns out, he loves the ability to play his own music (semi) loud in his room while he makes his bed or cleans up his toys.
Zing Air Hunter Z Curve Bow – $20
Think archery, but safer. This bow and “arrow” kit has been a lot of fun for our son. Some of the “arrows” have suction cups so that he can shoot them to the window and they stick while others bounce off of the target. It’s mostly harmless (no aiming at the dog!) but reminiscent of archery and equals big fun for little guys.
LEGO City set – $20
Budding engineers will appreciate any of the LEGO city sets that allow them to expand their little empires across the living room and as far as their imaginations can take them. LEGO toys are kind of a no-brainer when it comes to gift ideas for boys, but my son is especially fond of the city sets.
I hope that one of my gift ideas for boys has inspired a winning gift idea for the little man in your life. I’d love to hear any suggestions for gifts that have been popular with your sons, grandsons or nephews.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links I will be minimally compensated at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Such the Spot.
You might also enjoy:
I have a strong suspicion my 20 year old son in college will also enjoy the Perplexus for study breaks after he finds one hidden away in one of his care packages. :)
Luke loves Perplexus! He also has a suction bow and arrow that he won from Bass Pro Shop. It is a big hit, especially with a target.
Having an almost 7 year old and almost 6 year old boy I enjoyed this post very much! Thank you for the recommendations! (My youngest loves doing “magic”!) please keep us updated on the new trends your little one likes ;)
I think Annabelle might enjoy a Perplexus as well. :)
Ha! When you mentioned the mom of three girls, I totally thought of myself. We recently attended a birthday party for a 9-year-old boy and I was a bit perplexed while birthday gift shopping. ;) Your list would have come in handy.