BEST & WORST GIFTS FOR BOYS

A friend texted me asking for gift ideas for young boys. As a boy mom to a 5 and 7 year old, I thought I should know! But it did make me ponder...and decide, what great idea for a blog post. Intentional, heartfelt gifts always leave a great impression. I'm sharing 5 ideas that would be well loved and enjoyed by boys 5-10  years old. Aaaaand 5 worst ideas.

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This might be a little touchy but I'm gonna say it. In thinking of great gifts, I want to mention some worst gifts. As a mom of boys, I can attest from personal experiec. Now this is my opinion, but if you get something out of it, yay!
Bad news before good news...

WORST

Hear me out...
1. Cheap plastic toys - Y'all they just break too easily and end up in the trash within a week. Don't do it.
2. Toys that are way messy - Unless the kiddo's parents have a love of the creative and hands on, anything that oozes, sprinkles, or just gets messy might not be best appreciated. (I'm guilty of gifting slime. I'm SORRY!)
3. Toys that are obnoxiously loud - Again, if little man's parents are music enthusiasts, or have a big house to avoid the noise, an uber noisy, loud gift might end up being hidden away haha. 
4. Nerf guns - I'm going to catch flack for this. It's probably a very personal preference but I am NOT a fan, and I'd venture to say, I'm not the only one. Besides the whole gun thing, foam bullets everywhere are just annoying.
5. Clothes/Shoes that are too small - Obvi this doesn't need an explanation. Just, please know your lil dude's size before buying so it doesn't become a chore for the family to return or worse, end up being tossed/donated.

BEST

1. EXPERIENCES!!!
Toys and clothes are outgrown quickly. an experience to enjoy is so special! Ideas can include: movie tickets, zoo/museum memberships, admission to a play zone or activity. As a mama who loves these things, I would squeal if my sons got something like this. I think my boys would be stoked too. They love going out on adventures.

Fandango Movie Tickets

Park Admission

2. A TOY THAT TEACHES
Gah! It's probably the teacher in me, but toys that help a child to learn a skill is an excellent idea. Things like building sets, puzzles, board games, box activities like science kits. I'll share a few here. 

Click to visit Fat Brain Toys

Click to visit Target's Educational Toy Selection

3. WHACKY FUN CLOTHING ITEM
I'll be honest, the kid might be questioning the gift, but I'd bet he will never forget it, or you! Some wacky socks, a colorful hat, a unique sweater; they'll think it's silly. But gifts like that leave an impression and are so memorable. Check out these ideas.

Kids Crazy Socks on Amazon

Silly Blue Hair Headband

4. A WILD ANIMAL
We received a gift like this, and it was so amazing. There are websites that allow you to "adopt" a wild animal (like a Jaguar) and you receive a photo of the animal plus information about it. If your small guy has a favorite animal, see if you can do a distance adopt and give him the paperwork along with a stuffed animal to match or book on the species. We still have our black Jaguar!

Adopt an animal with the World Wildlife Federation

Stuffed Animal to go with!

5. SOMETHING OFF THEIR LIST!
This one is a no brainer, but sometimes we won't know unless we ask. If your child is under 10, he is likely writing lists for Santa. Go ahead and grant his wish with something he specifically asked for. Bonus if YOU actually get the credit for the gift instead of the big guy in a red suit. 

HOLIDAYS & BEYOND

I'm writing this in December, so naturally, I'm thinking of Christmas gifts. But these gift ideas could work for any occasion! I hope I didn't step on any toes. Believe me, I'm not always the best gift giver myself. But I bet most of these will be so well received, enjoyed, appreciated, and remembered! 
I hope you share this with a friend who has sons, nephews, and other young fellas in their life. Share your ideas with me below or on Instagram at happilyhomemom!

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