Christmas is pounding on our door, I want to decorate but my sweet hubby won't let me. I wouldn't forget Thanksgiving, just enjoy the Christmas decorations a little longer. He still tells me NO and to wait till Saturday when we are back from my parents and Black Friday shopping. (yes I am a 2am crazy shopper) Shopping is tough when you factor in budget, ages, likes/dislikes and many other things. I struggle with my boys, mostly Broden because he can't tell me what he likes. Neacel on the other hand says "I want that" to every commerical, even if a girl toy, he will point out that there is a blue one. Smart boy, but wow I didn't think the "I want that" would start so soon! I've made a list of gift ideas for boys, from babies till around age 5. Some are for a little older but I tried to keep it geared more towards preschool aged. These are in no particular order, just random and ones that I really like and think other moms and dudes would too! Also, check out the best
Black Friday website to see if something on your list is out there for cheap. I know Amazon has a lot of these items on sale right now...
Kre O Transofrmers, what more can a boy want? Transformers are big even my 3 year old claims he wants this. Daddy may have put that in his head though! Comes in 5 models
BumbleBee,
Optimus Prime,
Megatron,
Starscream and
Sentinal Prime. Perfect for ages 7-14
This is what Amazon says about this product:
This two-in-one KRE-O TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE construction set lets you bring the popular character to life like never before. You can build your BUMBLEBEE character in robot mode and then use the very same bricks to reassemble him in vehicle mode. Also included are three poseable KREON mini figures to accompany 7- to 14-year-olds on whatever adventures they can imagine.
You can bundle 3 models on Amazon for only $94.10! Not a bad deal if you ask me!
What boy doesn't love Toy Story?
Buzz Lightyear is a hero in our home. I think every boy who loves those movies (and yes the last one made me cry) should have a Buzz and Woody doll.
Amazon has the set for $128.99, not too bad if you ask me. They are interactive toys and
Buzz stands 12 inches tall and
Woody is 16 inches tall. Perfect pair for any Toy Story lover.
Amazon Product Description:
Buzz Lightyear and Woody are back from their owner Andy's toy box with our Toy Story Interactive Buddies Talking Action Figures - 12 inch Buzz Lightyear & 16 inch Woody Set, and just like in the movies, they banter and bicker just like real pals. Kids can choose between three different interactive modes to hear these buddies speak individually or with each other, using their actual voices from the movies. Between Buzz and Woody, the duo can say over 100 phrases, including lines from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, along with additional buddy interactions. 3 AA batteries and 3 AAA batteries required.
Cars, another big hit in our home.
Neacel loves
Mater and laughs at everything he says. I'll even admit that I find him funny and laugh at many things he says and does. This is a perfect toy for any
Mater lover in your home. With lights and sounds every child will fall in love with this
Mater. Mom might go nuts but thats ok if your son is having fun. Right? Of course there is other
Mater toys, I really think the
Bubble Mater is cute!
The manufacter says this:
Cars 2 Lights & Sounds Mater: Inspired by the new hit Disney/Pixar film, Cars 2. Fast-paced fun races into playtime with Lights & Sounds Mater. Bring Mater to life with this large scale 1:24 scale vehicle with realistic flashing LED lights and fun sounds & phrases straight from the film. Kids will love reenacting their favorite scenes from the movie with the Cars 2 1:24 Lights & Sounds Mater vehicle. Collect them all!
We can't forget the star though,
Lightning McQueen! Or as my son calls him Lightning DaQueen. Sorry Pixar, we will work on that one for you. This is the same exact thing as the Mater, of course there are a million
Lightning McQueen toys out there. Here is a
list of other Lightning McQueen toys, there is
wall stickers,
computers,
V-Tech Learn n Go,
Digital Camera,
Flashlight and many more!
Playskool toys are so nice to have for younger kids with growing minds. I think the
Alphie is a classic that every child needs. I'm thinking about getting it for Neacel this year. You know that you had one growing up, and its sooooo much fun to see your kids playing with the same toys that you did as a child.You can also purchase the
Letters and
Numbers Booster Packs for $8.01 each or bundle Alphie with both Boosters for only $46.01
Amazon says this about
Alphie:
Who better to explore the world with than someone who’s new to it? This ALPHIE robot figure is on a “field trip” from his home planet and, with a kooky grin and funny faces, it’s his “mission” to introduce your child to learning. There’s practically nothing this little dynamo doesn’t want to “talk about” — from letter sounds and shape sorting to patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and much more, your ALPHIE figure is a whole big classroom in one little portable robot buddy. As his buttons light up, and as he “sings” and plays music, your child’s brain is stretching, growing and helping turn him or her into a super-duper learner and problem-solver. Educational fun on-the-go is as easy as can be, too, with this little guy’s handled noggin and storage spot for his cards in his backpack.
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy. Perfect for that little one. I bought this for Broden, our 1 year old. It has plenty of sounds and will help him learn. I love toys that help children learn!
Amazon says this: The Laugh and Learn Puppy is a cuddly play pal for your baby that combines two modes of play - learning mode and music games - with 10 delightful songs. In Learning Mode, 6 hot spots on the puppy teach your child A-Z, body parts and colors through fun phrases and songs. Then, switch to Game Mode for fun phrases and songs, including the Alphabet Song, a color song, a counting song and a song that teaches body parts. In Game Mode, kids can also enjoy six additional songs that encourage interaction: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone, Pat-a-Cake, This Little Piggy, This Old Man and Bingo. Provides hours of interactive enjoyment. Requires three "AA" batteries (included).
There is also the
Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy. Either one are a hit for younger boys(or girls). Perfect toy for growing baby minds.
Leap Frog Explorer comes in green and pink, but we are all about dudes here. Amazon carries it for $49.99, afforable plus if you have prime....free shipping! You little man will think he is getting away with playing video games, you will know that he is actually learning, and you can even check his progress! This is what Amazon says about the
Leap Frog Explorer :
The Leapster Explorer Learning Game System from LeapFrog is an exciting, handheld gaming device that includes preset games and videos, and boasts plenty of downloadable features and cartridges. This durable handheld device for kids aged 4 to 9 years plays Leapster Explorer e-books, games, videos, and more. With the Leapster Explorer, kids practice a range of skills--from reading and writing to math and sciences--through play and entertainment.
And this is what they say about being able to montior progress (which is a big deal in my book). Be active in your child's learning by tracking her progress in specific games and subjects. When you connect the Explorer to your computer the first time, you'll set up a parent account that shows your child's progress in different learning touchstones and how much time she spends playing certain games. The Explorer's tracking feature automatically updates your child's progress whenever you connect the Explorer to your computer. This feature shows your child's strongest and weakest subjects, and you'll get to know your child's passions and preferences. This information will aid you in helping them cultivate strengths and improve weaknesses. And because the Explorer can hold up to three profiles, it can be used by the whole family.
To read everything about what Amazon wrote about this product go
here. This is a perfect toy for any little man wanting to play video games. I know my 3 year old will be getting it this year from his Nana and Pops, my cell will be thankful!
Adapting the design of Mom and Dad's favorite touchpad devices, the VTech InnoTab Learning App Tablet helps your child take learning to the next level with one of today's most popular technologies. This multimedia tablet combines interactive reading, learning games, creative activities, and tools in a sleek and durable educational toy. Thanks to its 5-inch color touch screen and tilt sensor, kids ages four to nine can touch, flick, and drag their way to learning fun.
Matchbox Smokey the Talking Fire Truck! In my sons words "This toy is AWESOME!" Here is the product description: Get ready for hours of imaginative fun with Smokey the Fire Truck from Matchbox. With his ability to speak, sing, dance, and launch "water" balls, Smokey is a playmate that really interacts with your child during play. Whether putting out a fire together or learning a new song-and-dance routine, Smokey and your child will form a fun friendship and be ready for anything together.
And we can't forget his buddies,
Stinky the garbage Truck and
Rocky the Robot Truck. Any little dude would love one or all three of these. All of these would be a huge hit in my house, noise, singing, dance, and 3 of the sons favorites...dump truck, fire truck and garbage truck. They are around $50 each but you can bundle them on
Amazon for only $147. Think Christmas this year, birthday and a present for someone other little dude.
Lego Duplo is perfect for the little dude that wants legos but you aren't quite sure if they are ready or if dady just put that in their head. Amazon carries many
different sets. I love that they are for ages 18months-5 which means they are bigger and more sturdy for your little one. Less of a choking hazard compared to smaller Lego's....which we still love for older boys! Prices are between $20-$30 a set, affordable for any budget
We of course can't and won't forget about the
LEGO's for the older boys. I remember taking these from my brother growing up. I loved to build with them, they made nice Barbie homes. My brother would get so angry when I would loose some of them. Oops! How was I supposed to know that boys loved
LEGO's so much? I learned by marrying my husband, who loves
LEGO's. It doesn't matter that he is almost 30, he loves them, and gets a set/kit atleast once a year. It's truly an easy gift for boys, wether they are 5 or almost 30 it's a hit. When your toddler has graduated from the Duplo stage and is ready to take the next step in his, or her, Lego journey, the Lego Ultimate Building Set is the ideal graduation gift. With 405 pieces stored in a durable plastic box with a see-through top, this set is the perfect place to let children continue to explore their imagination and engineering skills. The Lego Ultimate Building Set contains many small pieces and is designed for kids ages four and older.
First off let me start by saying
Imaginex toys are wonderful! We bought Neacel a
dragon last year, it has yet to break, get a scratch or anything. These things are built for your little guy to try and destroy. With that being said, I think an
Imaginex Pirate Ship is perfect! Boys love pirates, it's a known fact! There is something about digging for treasure and finding gold that they can't resist. We will definitely be grabbing an Imaginex toy this year. Built to last without breaking the bank. I love that it's a toy that hasn't been trashed, the batteries have never been replaced and even my 1 year old likes it. Our Imaginex toy has been thrown down the stairs, into the toy box, hit with a gold club ( a kids one, but still impressive) and many other ways of a boy tourturing his toy, it hasn't broke. Thank you
Imaginex!
Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo, is one I thought should go on my list. All kids love Elmo, he is a big hit in any home. Each year it seems a new Elmo comes out around Christmas, so of course every kid wants him. Nothing like a singing Elmo on Christmas morning.
Amazon Product Desciption says it best though:
Elmo is a big hit with little ones everywhere. The LET'S ROCK! Elmo toy is a rockin' singing' delight. Dressed in his own concert-style t-shirt, you choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he magically recognizes which one you give him. He even interacts with the other LET'S ROCK! Instruments (each sold separately). Elmo can tell when you are playing the LET'S ROCK! Guitar, Keyboard or Microphone--and he plays along with you! This toy set is ideal for kids from 18-months to 4-years old.
Don't forget that the Let's rock instruments are sold separately. There is a
Let's Rock Elmo guitar,
Let's Rock Cookie Monster Keyboard and a
Let's Rock Elmo Microphone!
Matell Sing-a- majig, I don't know whether I like this, or hate it. My husband thinks its awesome, my kids laugh like crazy, I can't help to think that its annoying but in a silly way. So I had to put it on the list for this year. I think I'll grab one for a stocking stuffer, or maybe for neices and nephews to drive their parents nuts.
It was named Toy of the Year 2011 and Time Magazine Top 10 Toys of 2010, so I guess it's not that bad! They are about $20 and come in many different colors and styles. Product description:
They’re cute, they’re zany, they’re the latest singing sensation for kids and adults. Introducing The Sing-a-ma-jigs! Sure to put a smile on your face with 3 different ways to play: Chatter (they speak their own language full of jibber and jabbers), Sing a Song (you control the pace of the song), and Harmonize where each Sing-a-ma-jig sings a scale in a pitch specific to that character (some high, some low). Squeeze their left hands to change modes then squeeze their tummies to see their mouths open and hear them sing and chatter! But the Sing-a-ma-jigs' favorite thing to do is harmonize! Start with 2, now 3, now 4, now add more! Start your own Sing-a-ma-jigs group today! Includes 2 “AAA” (R03) batteries. 2010 Winner of the following: Good Housekeeping Magazine "Best Toy Awards", Time Magazine "Top Ten Toys of 2010", Parenting Magazine "Toys of the Year", Parents Magazine "Top Toys of the Year". Additional Sing-a-ma-jigs sold separately, each with it's own unique look and song.
In the valley of the rainbows the Singamajigs live and play and their special magic when they start to sing each day. They sing to make us happy and bring bright and sunny weather but their magic is the strongest when they all sing together! Each different color SingAMaJig sings a different song!
I'll finish my list with a must have for every boy. Action figures, I couldn't find a set of Batman, Superman and Spiderman...we all know those are the must haves. So I thought this is the next best thing when you factor in price and durability, the
Marvel Superhero Squad Mini Figure 7pack. You get Dr. Doom Volcana, Reptil, Falcon, Spiderman, Hulk, Iron Man and Dr. Doom. Although you and I don't know who most of these are, your little dude probably does, and if he doesn't, Im sure daddy will let him know.
Of course there are a million other things to put on the list:
Anything by
Crayola
Books
Movies
Video games
remote controlled cars and
helicopters
skateboard
bike
drums
guitar
the list can go on and on and on and on and on :-)
This is just a list that I put together, thinking of price and durability. Every person is going to have a different opion of what should or shouldn't be on the list. I know there was plenty that I forgot, but I think for ages 5 and under, it's a pretty awesome list!
Our Elf on the Shelf, Gum Drop, is such a hit in my home. Every morning Neacel comes running down the stairs reminding me that we have to find Gum Drop. Moods have been better, listening has been amazing, and I will be extremely sad to see him leave. One thing I do is move him around the area the kids found him that morning...he might be found hanging on a picture, a couple of hrs later when kids are playing upstairs, I move him to the lamp. It helps that my oldest thinks he is moving around when we aren't looking. Neacel no longer thinks he is fake...thank goodness for the movie Toy Story! I will admit, when 11pm rolls around and I haven't thought about what Gum Drop will do that night I want to throw a fit. It's late and I'm tired, I don't want to think of something clever at that point. Gum Drop showed up on the 1st of Dec during naps and has been a family friend since and I have been able to come up with some fun thing for him to do. Here is a little list of 15 simple ideas that we have done, or that I plan on doing:
