Help w/Gift for Boys

[CuckooMamma]

I have two daughters and have very little idea of what is fun for boys. My dear friend has been so wonderful and sends wonderful gifts to my girls all the time. I'd like to send something to her boys, 7 and 3.5.

In the past I've sent the butterfly and ant kits which they loved. Just got a set of gears for my 5 yo, which she loves and think they'd enjoy, but would prefer something more outdoorsy. I'm not looking to spend much more than $30. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Alyantavid]

Binoculars, plant growing kits, anything they can play with outside.

[shishkeberry]

Kid sized fishing rods? My DS loves his.

[musikat]

bug collecting kit? I am trying to think of outdoor toys that would work for both their ages. I have 8,6 and 3 YO boys and they like their bikes/skateboards/scooters. Balls are good. But that doesn't really fit the criteria. binoculars would be cool for both probably.

[hollytheteacher]

My son is going to be 3 this summer and some of his favorite things are : anything musical instrument related, paint (for painting pictures but also things like rocks that he collects), photography--maybe one of those disposible cameras where you they can take pictures and then send it out and get the photos, duplos, using "tools", dancing to music (maybe make a fun mixed cd), books, realllly loves sidewalk chalk at the moment also, stickers, gardening stuff, face paint, OH AND CAPES! I know a lot of kids that love to wear capes (maybe have the first letter in their name sewn on).

Hope that helps with some ideas!

[hollytheteacher]

oh and magnifying glasses (or those things called private eyes i think)

[jillmamma]

DS is 7 and LOVES Lego sets. He also likes books, puzzles, art supplies, anything Star Wars (his obsession now), board games, stuff for outside like cool balls, bubbles, chalk, etc.

[CuckooMamma]

Thanks so much for all your responses. I've already sent them some of those things, haven't sent the binoculars...thinking that might be really good. Would love to get the scooters but don't think I could spring for two. Legos is another great idea....hmmm, thank you all so much! BTW, I sent the capes 2 Christmases ago :-)

[LynnS6]

Hyperdash - it's a great active game that they can use. (OK, so it's got electronics as part of it, it's still a great game that gets kids moving.)

Stomp rockets

[lucyem]

Something that has not been mentioned are airplanes. They make books of paper airplanes you can cut out and fold and fly, or books on making your own paper airplanes. I recently found some little airplanes that you launch out of a hand held slingshot that my boys love.

My boys both enjoy bubbles (8 & 4.5) but more exciting ones like kits for extra big ones or bubbles machines that make a whole bunch of bubbles. Parachute men. An inexpensive tball set.

[Peacemamalove]

Child size rakes and wheel barrels, my kids all love Rubber band airplane kits, These firefly lanterns look cool .

Have you checked out Hearthsong.com

[luv-my-boys]

if your looking for outdoor type things how about crayola chalk paint? Its like liquid chalk paint (about $10 for a set of 3 at target) They also have a line of other things to use with it like 3-d glasses and stamps. My boys love it!

[musikat]

Oooh, Stomp Rockets, how could I have forgotten that one?? I second that suggestion. My 3 yo is just a bit to young (and light) to make it work, but still likes trying. And for the older kids, they love this.

[sunny*pa*mom]

Originally Posted by musikat

Oooh, Stomp Rockets, how could I have forgotten that one?? I second that suggestion. My 3 yo is just a bit to young (and light) to make it work, but still likes trying. And for the older kids, they love this.

I third the Stomp Rockets. My boys are 4 and 6 and LOVE them.