Choosing the right toys and gifts for 11 year old boys can be a challenging task. This task is made even more difficult as a child develops and grows. Each year of development brings changes in what kids find entertaining and stimulating. We will take a look at what makes the best toys and gifts for 11 year old boys and give you ten examples of some great choices
11 Year Old Boys
Age 11 is a precarious time for a child. They will start to become even more independent and interested in grown-up stuff. At the same time, it’s not unusual for them to revert back to child-like behavior in an instant. This age is a transitional period for your boy. At 11, personal space and opinions become more important to your child. They will need a lot of guidance but will also desire more freedom. Children at this stage often like to discuss more adult topics and concepts. Their minds are testing limits and exploring new things.
What Boys Need at Age 11
Exercise of both body and mind is important for boys in this age group. It’s vital that they get more freedom and independence too. It’s also important that they are still able to laugh, play and just enjoy being a kid. Balance is very important here. There should also be balance between guiding your child and providing him with enough privacy. Children at this developmental stage need a lot of support from their parents and extended families. They should be encouraged to explore new things. They need praise when they succeed and support when they fail.
Best Toys And Gifts For 11 Year Old Boys – Guide And Tips
What Are They In To?
The most important thing is to know your child. What is he in to? If your child shows artistic flair, pick a gift that can nurture his natural talents and inclinations. If he loves to draw or create, art supplies make a great gift. Introduce your child to new and different mediums, such as paints and modeling clay, so he can explore different types of artwork creation. If your child loves music, age 11 is a good time to consider a musical instrument.
Introvert Or Extrovert
If your child is shy and spends too much time alone, think of gifts that might foster interaction between him and other children. Sports equipment may spark an interest in joining a team sport. Games that require multiple players can be an excellent idea as well. If your child loves a certain movie or character, then look for creative gifts that incorporate these pop-culture references.
Traditional Or Edgy
Traditional toys, collectibles and games are still great for kids in this age range. This depends on your individual child, their maturity level and their interests. Model cars and action figures are still perfectly fine for a boy of this age if he’s still interested in them. It’s also possible that he will move on from these things and be more interested in tech gadgets, sports, video games and creating. This is where it becomes important to truly understand your child’s developmental stage and personal tastes.
The real trick to finding the perfect gift for an 11-year-old boy is to find something that will help him develop while also being fun. This can be a gift that helps stimulate the mind or a toy that will help your child to develop physically. It can even be something that inspires creativity or an interest in learning.
Ten Best Toys And Gifts For 11 Year Old Boys – Reviewed
Kano Computer Kit
Computers are a vital part of life now. Kids are learning to use them at younger ages all of the time. This toy allows your child to learn more about how computers work. The included instructions provide simple steps for building a working computer. The computer is based on the Raspberry Pi 3 processor. Everything needed is included with the kit. A keyboard, case, power chord, HDMI cable, software and memory comes in the package.
Once the finished computer is connected to an HD screen, it will be ready to use. This kit even includes apps and programs designed to teach your child about coding. At age 11, children love to explore adult technology and gadgets. This kit allows them to do so as they stimulate their minds and foster an interest in computers.
Lego Mindstorms EV3
Toys that stimulate creativity, imagination and a love of learning, always make great gifts. This set from Lego is a robotics kit suitable for boys in this age range. The kit allows children to design and build their own working robots. The set comes with over 600 pieces and is fully compatible with other Lego sets your child may already have. This can lead to some unique, creative builds.
Some of the unique pieces included in the set are three motors, an EV3 intelligence brick, and sensors that can detect color, touch and infrared light. This set makes a great gift for those who love science and robotics, or for parents who wish to introduce such things to their child. The options and creativity involved will be fun for any 11-year-old boy.
KLUTZ Lego Make Your Own Movie
This set allows your child to combine the creativity of Lego building with making movies. Stop-motion animation is made easy with this complete package. It comes with everything needed, including free apps and software for smart phones or tablets. Also included is a comprehensive, 80-page book with detailed instructions and unique ideas. Stop-motion animation is becoming increasingly popular on various social-media platforms.
This set will allow your child to explore creative ideas and to express themselves through the art of basic film making. As is the case with most Lego-based toy sets, this is compatible with all of the Lego sets your child already has. There is plenty here for endless hours of play and artistic expression. Sharing their creations will also be easy for your child, which is ultimately a big part of the fun.
Nintendo Switch
Video games have been a big part of childhood for decades now. While gaming should be limited and mixed with physical activity, there are a number of benefits to children who play video games. Studies have shown that video games can improve hand-eye coordination. They also improve memory and enhance a child’s problem-solving skills. A game system can be fun for the whole family and give your child a “toy,” that he can play with his parents and siblings. Playing with friends on or offline makes video games a way to foster social interaction.
Nintendo is known for its stable of high-quality, family-friendly games. Their online network is also monitored and more kid-friendly than some alternatives. Nintendo even provides parental controls to help you monitor and limit your child’s gaming activities. The Switch works as a classic style console that connects to your TV or as a portable gaming system with its own built-in screen. This is a great feature that allows your 11-year old son to play games on the go during vacations or long car rides.
AMSCOPE-KIDS Compound Microscope Kit + Book
Make learning fun for your 11-year-old boy with this microscope kit from AmScope. The set contains over 40 pieces and a sturdy case for your child to keep everything organized in. The microscope features a solid construction with a metal arm, metal slide clips and rack-and-pinion focusing. Illumination is achieved electrically with an LED light source or naturally with a standard reflecting mirror. The turret can be rotated and features a power-indication light and a color-filter wheel.
This set includes two AA batteries so it can be used right out of the box. Slides, specimen jars, handling tools and more are all included as well. The set comes with a book titled “The World of The Microscope.” This is both an instruction manual as well as a book designed to spark your child’s imagination and to foster the desire for learning. This set is not only fun for your child, but also a good way to spark their interest in science and learning.
Silicone Chess Set with Tournament Pieces, Mat and Portable Case from At Mouse
Chess is one of the world’s oldest board games and perhaps the one most associated with intelligent thinkers. The army-like pieces and fun game play have captivated kids for centuries. Many experts say you can start teaching children Chess as early as age 5, but many of the deeper strategies and subtleties of the game are only understood at ages 10-14. A Chess set makes the perfect gift for boys of around age 11.
Chess is a great game to play casually or to get deeper involved with by joining leagues or school teams. This set features silicone pieces and a fold-up game mat. The silicone pieces are almost impossible to damage and can easily be cleaned. The parts are even suitable for play in outdoor locations. Everything can be neatly stored and transported in the included carrying case.
Diamondback Cobra 24 Complete Youth Bike
At age 11, boys will crave more freedom and independence. This makes a bike the perfect gift. Very few things bring about the feelings of responsibility and freedom that a bike can. They’re also a great way to encourage exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Getting your kids outside can be challenging in today’s world. A bike can be an excellent way to do it.
This bike model is made of durable steel, but is still light in weight. It is suitable for road and off-road trail riding. This bike is 24″ in size and perfect for most boys in this age range. The travel fork is 44mm. It does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and debris. A Shimano drive train provides 21 gears to help your boy conquer any incline or rough terrain.
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Most 11-year-old boys love adventure, exploring and discovery. This makes a metal detector a wonderful gift for this age range. This is another good gift idea that will inspire your child to spend more time outdoors. It can be used in your own backyard or almost anywhere to discover treasures. Finding old coins and other artifacts may even lead to some learning about local history.
This model is a great detector for kids and beginners. The frame is rugged which makes it great for younger users or anyone operating it over rough terrain and conditions. Operation is very basic and simple. It features disc and notch controls to help weed out the junk model from real potential treasures. Preset modes also week out any mineral content that naturally occurs in the ground.
Silverback 54” In-Ground Basketball System
By age 11, many boys will begin to take sports more seriously. Basketball is a great sport to get into, as it can be enjoyed by a single player, a small group of friends or in a league with teams. All it takes is a ball and a basket system. A hoop system is a wonderful gift that can provide years of fun for boys of any age. It can even be a great way for a boy to have some bonding time with parents or siblings.
This system from Silverback can be adjusted in height from 7.5′ to 10′. The pole is well padded to provide safety. The backboard is made of tempered glass that is nearly shatter proof. The system is meant for in-ground installation for stability.
Shakespeare Catch More Fish Spinning Fishing Combo
Fishing is yet another great outdoor activity that an 11-year-old boy is sure to love. It can be great fun for family outings, for bonding time between one child and a single parent, or for some alone time for your growing child.
This kit provides everything needed for a beginning angler. The spinning reel is good enough to provide years of use, but also easy enough for beginners to work. A variety of sets are available for fishing of specific games. This allows you to select the right gear for the fish in your area. A tackle box, line and lures are provided so your child can get right into the sport.
