Preteen boys can be more challenging to find the right gift for, which is where our list of the 10 best gifts for boys ages 8-11 comes in. Most boys at this age are still too young for cell phones and other electronics, but they are reaching the age where they are too cool for certain toys too. At this stage, they have begun to develop their own tastes and styles, and you will want to “wow” them without embarrassing them. Our list considers these factors, and we have come up with some of the best ideas for gifts for preteen boys. Read on to check out our top picks.

1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set

This magic set by Melissa and Doug includes everything your 8 to 11-year-old boy needs to put on a stunning performance. It features 10 classic magic tricks, including the disappearing ball, magic number prediction, secret silks, magic coin box, great escape, moneymaker, Egyptian prediction, cylinder squeeze, vanishing coin, and, and vanishing zone. Step-by-step instructions are included to give your child all the tools they need for success. All packaged up in an artfully designed storage box, this kit makes an ideal gift for a preteen boy.

2. Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser-Guided Real Wall Climbing Remote Control Race Car

A top priority on every boy’s gift list, this zero-gravity wall climbing RC car by Air Hogs is super-fun. Using patented technology, it will zoom across floors, up the wall, and even on the ceiling. An included USB charging cable makes it easy to power, and it comes with an instruction guide. You will need three AAA batteries for the laser gun-style controller. The car comes in your choice of blue or red.

3. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Two-Piece Set

8 to 11-year-old boys can’t get enough of all things gooey, weird, and creepy, and Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is the perfect gift for a young man this age. The set includes two 3.2-ounce tins, one in “Super Scarab” featuring a mix of purple, red, and blue, and one in “Wizards Wand,” which is purple with dark blue metallic flecks that glow in the dark. You can bounce it, tear it, sculpt it, and pop it. It is made from non-toxic silicone that won’t dry out. This stuff is fun even if you aren’t a kid!

4. ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Blasters and Vests – Laser Battle Mega Pack Set of Four

This awesome laser tag game by ArmoGear turns your home or yard into an authentic laser tag arena. The set features 100 percent child-safe infrared technology and can accommodate up to four teams for multiplayer fun. Clear, voice-guided directions guide the players through the game; the blasters also act as receivers and have a 150-foot range. Included with the set are four target vests that can receive hits just like regular laser tag and four blasters with night vision technology. The game is ergonomically designed for hours of fun.

5. Disgusting n’ Gross Zombie Farts, Boogers, & Bloody Slime Science Activity & Experiment Set

As was previously stated, you really can’t go wrong when you gift an 8 to 11-year-old boy with something slimy and weird, and this 34-piece set from Playz definitely fits the bill. It’s actually a cool science kit that helps kids learn about cross-linked polymers and gels using creepy special effects and biology. A colorful lab guide is filled with pictures, information, and instructions. Your mad scientist will be able to create things like gizzards, fart putty, levitating eyeballs, and more.

6. Interactive Glow in The Dark T-Shirt

This magical T-shirt by Illuminated Apparel is the perfect gift for boys ages 9 to 11 years old. Just like the one seen on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, it glows in the dark, and they can draw their own stuff on the white canvas over and over. Use the included blue laser pen, UV keyring, or mobile phone torch to create inspiring designs that disappear in five to ten minutes. 100 percent cotton and machine washable, this is one cool gift your favorite young man will wear again and again.

7. NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster

Nerf’s newest motorized AR L blaster is inspired by the one used in the popular video game Fortnite and is equipped to blast 10 darts at your opponent. An acceleration button powers up the motor and two flip-up sites help you align your best shot. The set includes 20 nerf darts and a 10-dart clip. Nerf Elite darts are approved for quality and are made of foam with hollow flexible tips for safety. It is recommended only to use Nerf brand darts in this blaster to avoid injury.

8. LEGO City Space Lunar Space Station Building Set

When it comes to boys (and girls) of all ages, you can’t go wrong with a gift from LEGO. The epic lunar space station features 412 pieces for building a space station and detachable shuttle. There are several different configurations to work on, so the set can be used over and over. It includes four mini-figures and a robot figure, a geode analysis station with a light brick, two geodes, and a central airlock compartment. Intuitive instructions are enclosed to help guide kids through the building process so they can gain self-confidence at mastering the challenge.

9. Razor E100 Glow Electric Scooter

Razor’s E100 Glow Electric Scooter is an exciting gift for boys over eight years old. Constructed from an all-steel frame, it features a 200 mm pneumatic front tire, a high-torque, chain-driven motor, a kickstart, a hand-operated front brake, and twist-grip acceleration control. It travels at speeds of up to 10 mph and can go 40 minutes on a single charge. It runs off a 24-volt sealed battery system and includes a battery charger. Keep in mind that you will want to charge this for 12 hours before the first use, so if you have an impatient boy, plan ahead! Oh, and don’t forget the safety helmet up next.

10. Krash Black Gator Youth Mohawk Helmet

All 8-11-year-old boys know that Krash Helmets are the coolest, and this Black Gator mohawk helmet provides one of the greatest gifts of all—the gift of safety. It’s a given at this age that if they don’t think it’s cool, they won’t wear it. Krash Helmets are not only super-cool, but they feature a shock-absorbing EPS inner shell to protect the noggin and an aerodynamic cooling vent, so the head stays dry. Adjustable nylon straps ensure that it fits properly.

Related:

• Top 10 Best Gifts for Boys Ages Two to Four
• Top 10 Best Gifts for College Students
• Top 10 Best Gifts for Girls Aged 8-11
• Top 10 Best Gifts for Teenage Boys
• Top 10 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls

By BCR Staff

November 2019