Gift Ideas for Boys & Kids

• A great gift sparks the imagination. Juan Silva/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Gift giving for boys and kids can be fraught with peril--boys are usually not fond of anything they deem "too babyish," and parents often eschew toy guns or other violent, "too grown up" toys. To hit the sweet spot between baby and adult takes a little imagination and consideration. A gift that challenges the boy or child while being fun to play will be a hit with parent and child alike.

Gifts That Inspire Creativity

• The most useful toy any child has is their own imagination. Gifts that require them to use their mind and get in touch with their artistic self include playdough, paint sets, craft kits, easels, markers and crayons (look for washable markers and crayons for small boys and kids). Playhouses and play kitchens allow boys to pretend- boys can play at being "Top Chef" or be a pirate in their playhouse. Toy doctor's kits or dress up clothes (firemen or policemen's outfits are popular with boys) inspire hours of make believe. Toy pianos or recorders help them tap into their musical side.

Gifts That Get Kids Moving

• Boys and kids love any kind of gross motor activity. Gifts that enable them to run, jump, bike or move will keep them active and fit. Tricycles are a good gift for boys or kids aged two to three. Older kids will enjoy a scooter or bicycle (with training wheels if the boy does not yet know how to ride on his own). Outdoor basketball hoops in a kid's height, small footballs, soccer nets and balls or t-ball sets help young boys learn the rudiments of team sports. A new swimmer may appreciate a set of floaties or his own swim goggles.

Gifts That Educate

• Parents may prefer gifts that teach, but educational gifts often inspire a groan from kids. To get something that helps them learn that they actually enjoy, think beyond flash cards. A magazine subscription to a children's magazine is always welcome- kids enjoy receiving their own mail and magazines such as Highlights intersperse educational articles with plenty of cartoons and jokes. A board game seems like a fun game, but if you give a memory game like Concentration or a math game like Math Tracksyou are also helping them learn. And for the boy with a specific interest, whether it be trains, trucks, or dinosaurs, a book on that topic will encourage him to read and learn more.