The big “one-one” is an important age for any growing boy, as it represents the borderline between childhood and young adulthood, and as any 11 year old boy might tell you, this is indeed when boys start to become the men that they will grow up to be.
Nevertheless, the spirit of childhood is alive and well in the heart of any 11-year old boy, as evidenced by the staggering amount of toys, games, gifts, and gear that is made specifically for this age of kid. Slime-centered science kits, electric-powered scooters, and high-tech electronics are just some of the most popular varieties of toys that are popular with 11-year olds, but that is by no means the end of it.
We’re counting down the 50 Top Gift & Toy Ideas For 11 Year Old Boys, breaking it down by both entertainment value and educational factor while also keeping a keen eye on price and replay value. After the review we are going to share some of what we learned in the process, as reveal our Top 2 picks for the best gift idea for an eleven year old boy.
Related: 50 Trending Toys & Gifts This Year For 11 Year Old Girls
The Best Gifts For 11 Year Old Boys
55” Foosball Table
For most of us, Foosball is something that can only be enjoyed in an arcade or during a night out to dinner, but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. This deluxe 55” Foosball Table by Kick Legend is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, is capable of providing kids with hours upon hours of quality foosball gaming, all without ever having to worry about anything breaking. Kick Legend also offers an unlimited Lifetime Warranty, meaning that even if something did happen, you and your kid would still be covered for all repairs or replacements.
Apple iPad Air 10.9-Inch
With up to 256 GB of storage, the new Apple iPad Air is capable of more awesome tricks and tasks than ever. From HD video streaming on Netflix to fun new mobile-based games, there is virtually no form of entertainment or media that it is not capable of handling. Beyond mere entertainment, the Apple iPad Air is a useful tool for everything from managing homework to holding digital copies of your textbooks. Dollar for dollar, it is hard to imagine ever finding this level of versatility in any other single gift. The iPad Air now supports the Smart Keyboard as well, which can transform it into a highly effective word processor and web browser.
AR-L Fortnite Dart Blaster
Fortnite might be one of the most popular team-based video games of all time, and now, one of the iconic weapons from that game is available in the real world as a high-powered foam dart blaster, just like a Nerf rifle. The Fortnite AR-L features a bright yellow paint job that will have no one mistaking this for a real rifle, not to mention a cartoony shape and a bright orange tip with a pretend scope. The ARL features a clip-loading dart system which makes it possible to fire off 10 darts without ever having to reload.
Electric Drifting Ride-On Car
For an 11 year old, it is not always possible to be both fast and furious at the same time, but that is precisely what is possible with the Ground Force Drifter Fury, and electric cruiser by Razor, the same company behind the iconic scooter that changed skate parks around the world forever. The Ground Force is an all new kind of ride on car that is designed to allow “drifting”, that is, for the rear wheels to slide across the pavement as sharp turns are made. With a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour, this is the only ride-on car that can turn a parking lot into a Tokyo street race at the drop of a hat.
Electric Keyboard Super Kit
Part Keyboard and Part Piano, the Rockjam 61-Key Electric Keyboard Super Kit is one of the most comprehensive entry-level musical instruments on Amazon, and it all comes for a price tag that is well beneath what you might expect to pay for everything if purchased separately. This kit not only comes with a full sized keyboard that is loaded with electronic functionality, but it also comes with a stand, bench, and music holder, in addition to a pair of professional headphones that can be used to give a close listen to your latest project. Budding musicians will really appreciate this one!
Galaxy Skateboard 22”
While 22” is not that big when it comes to skateboards, it is actually the perfect size for anyone who is looking to get into the sport, not to mention an ideal length for a lightweight sidewalk cruiser that you can take with you anywhere. This far-out kids’ skateboard features bright galactic imagery that is sure to impress all the kids’ at the skate park, while high-quality 3” aluminum trucks and high speed bearings will see to all the impressive performance. If the mysterious galaxy isn’t the right fit for the boy you have in mind, check out one of the 10 other designs on Amazon, including classy floral patterns and solid-color designs.
Laser Battle Mega Pack (Set Of 4)
It doesn’t matter where you come from or what they teach you in school, Laser Tag is still going to be one of the coolest games that you can possibly play as an 11 year old boy. This is doubly true when you are playing with your best buddies, whether it is in a vicious match of 2 versus 2 or a 4-way free for all to see who gets the most points. The Laser Battle Mega Pack makes all of this possible and it does so in style, offering 4 different awesome laser gun sets, each one a slightly different color so it is possible to tell everyone apart.
AstroMaster Refractor Telescope
The journey that your 11-year old boy takes through childhood and ongoing education might just begin in the stars. There is no better way to explore the amazing cosmos around us that with the help of a refactor telescope, an impressive invention that actually hasn’t changed all that much in the few thousand years that they have been around. The AstroMaster 70AZ Refactor Telescope comes with an adjustable height tripod and a number of other important lenses and accessories that will help your child zero in on any astronomical target in this sector of the galaxy. It also includes a free download of the Starry Night astronomy software for your kid’s computer or smart device.
Lego Technic Land Rover Defender
This faithful recreation of the popular Land Rover Defender off-road SUV is impressive from both a technical perspective and from a perspective of good old fashioned fun. Combining the magic of Legos with the awesome functionality and no-holds-barred driving style of the mighty Land Rover, this 2,573-piece kit is sure to be more than just cool to look at. In fact, this is one of the more advanced Lego sets that we have on this list, and not only because of the staggering amount of pieces. The model includes a highly detailed dashboard and a working steering wheel that can actually turn the tires. For the constructor or collector, this is one heck of a gift.
Light Up Basketball
Not every basketball court has adequate lighting, which means that there will always come a time of night when the game has to be put on hold until the sun comes up. With the Glow City Light Up Basketball, that is no longer the case. This impact-activated glowing ball utilizes two internal LED lights to produce an impressive orange glow from inside the ball, enough in fact to help light up the very court that it is bouncing on. In terms of size and texture, it is exactly like a basketball in every way except for the fact that it lights up!
Mini Drones
Well, it doesn’t seem like this whole Drone Craze is going to stop anytime soon, but if we’re being honest, we’re okay with that. Kids love drones so much that most of them would do anything to get their hands on one of their own. Now, these Mini Drones make it easier than ever to put a drone in the hands of every child. These little quad-copter style drones are small enough to fit inside one’s pocket, and the controller is pretty small as well. Capable of performing 360 flips and lateral barrel rolls, this is perhaps the smallest stunt drones we have ever seen, and is certainly the most affordable by far.
NFL Junior Football
Designed and shaped for kids between the aged of 9 and about 13, the Wilson NFL MVP Junior Football is the perfect size for the slightly smaller hands of the pre-teen years, allowing kids to practice their throwing and catching on a ball that they can actually hold onto. Made of composite leather (just like the real thing) and a soft sponge rubber cover, this ball is a faithful recreation of the official NFL pigskin, only slightly smaller in size. This affordable ball comes with a pump and inflation needle, as well as a football tee in case your kid wants to practice their kicking.
Nintendo Switch
When it comes to portable video games, the Nintendo Switch is the best that there is or ever was, and we’re not just being hyperbolic. This innovative new gaming system puts HD action in the palm of your hands with a big, bright screen and a dynamic controlling system that allows for it to be played in a number of unique ways. Either play it as pictured here, with the controls attached to the side of the screen, or, set the screen up on a table or desk and play with the controllers detached, just like the popular Nintendo Wii. With hundreds of games available as well as compatibility for things like Netflix and YouTube, the Nintendo Switch might be the best possible gift idea for an 11-year old boy.
Pop-A-Shot Dual Basketball Game
Dual Basketball Games like Pop-A-Shot are traditionally only found at arcade centers, simply because they are too big for most homes. The Pop-A-Shot Dual Basketball Game, however, is compact enough to fit beneath any room, while also providing the same level of exciting 1v1 basketball action that the arcade versions provide. With built-in digital sensors and an LED score readout, it’s possible to challenge a friend or family member to a game, or to simply challenge one’s self to try to beat the high score. With multiple game modes and an adjustable metal frame that can be tailored to the specific room, the Pop-A-Shot Dual Basketball Game is a guaranteed swoosh.
Razor Electric Motocross Bike
It seems like Razor has come a long way since the release of their classic 2-wheeled inline scooter. This Electric Motocross Bike is in a whole different league in terms of speed and performance. With a 650-watt electric motor, this powerful bike is capable of reaching speeds of up to 17 miles an hour. Both tires ride on a smooth suspension system, and an integrated handbrake system makes it safe and easy to come to a complete stop. While the manufacturer recommends kids around the age of 16, most 11 year olds can in fact enjoy this dirt bike just fine, as long as they are tall enough for their legs to reach the ground.
Youth Baseball Bat
The professionals at Rawlings Baseball Supply have been selling a lot of bats this season, and the 2019 edition 5150 has claimed the role of their top-selling flagship. This high-performance metal bat is designed to provide a surprising about of pop and balance while also enhancing responsiveness and being comfortable in the hand. If your 11-year old boy is getting more interested in baseball, then this moderately priced professional style bat would make a great investment in his rookie career. Fully approved by 2018 standards for all USA baseball leagues, this bat is a real deal, not some knockoff toy that will threaten your boy’s swing!
5 Second Rule Card Game
Some of the best board games of all times are the ones that don’t try to be overly complicated, but instead rely on a simple, easy-to-understand premise that is as exciting for an adult as it is for an 11-year old. The case in point is the 5 Second Rule Card Game, one of the newest releases by PlayMonster. In this game, cards are drawn that require players to name 3 things within a certain topic, such as “3 famous actors.” Players will then have 5 seconds to name all three while an exciting spiral 5-second timer plays referee. This updated edition contains fresh cards that will be new even to the experienced player.
15 MPH Electric Scooter
When it comes to scooters, one thing is for sure — kids LOVE them. Add electric to it and kids will go even crazier! The GXL V2 Electric Scooter by Hoverboard.com is by far one of the top electric scooters on the market. Their newest version goes a whopping 15.5 MPH and has a long range of up to 12.5 miles, meaning kids will be having a blast for much longer. Run out of battery? Luckily, this model only takes around 4 hours to recharge, so you’ll be up and running again in no time! A few other things we love about this electric scooter is that it has a powerful dual-breaking system and can also hold up to 220 pounds, giving you plenty of years of usage!
Aerobie Flying Ring
Forget Frisbees, the Aerobie Flying Ring is a cheaper, lighter, faster flying disc that is also easier to catch. This astonishing ring can be flung off into the air with ease, sending it farther than a traditional Frisbee with far less effort. Honestly, you really have to try one in order to believe just how amazing they are. Great for family park outings, the Aerobe Rind can travel an amazing 1,333 feet, if you are going by the Guinness Book Of World Records for the farthest disc throw. The unique open-center design allows for the creation and mastery of all sorts of personal catching & throwing tricks.
Big Book Of Farty Facts
Like it or not, one of the things that 11 year old boys love more than anything else is farts. Now, they can read up on their favorite stinky subject with the Fantastic Flatulent Fart Brothers’ Big Book of Farty Facts: An Illustrated Guide to the Science, History, And Art of Farting. This hilarious book goes to great length to entertain the fart-focused kid, and we think that it certainly succeeds. With enough facts and joked to occupy an entire day and beyond, this affordable book makes for a great stocking stuffer or party favor.
Boost Coding Robot
It is hard to say what we love most about Boost kids robot: whether it is one of the newest building kits to be released by Lego, or the fact that you can use it with a tablet or smartphone to teach your 11-year old boy all about basic computer coding. With the integrated app, the Boost Bot will be able to perform sequences of actions based on the kid’s commands. He can rock out on the Guitar4000, explore with the Multi-tooled rover, or even take care of his pet robo-cat. But all that will have to wait until he is constructed, an epic task that required 847 pieces and will be a good challenge for boys in this age group.
Card Magic Kit
The Jim Stott Ultimate Card Magic Kit is not your average magic kit for beginners. Rather, it is an intermediate to advanced level magic kit that is specifically focused on card tricks and card magic, which happens to be one of the most crowd-pleasing forms of magic out there. This kit comes with a special deck of cards that makes awesome tricks possible, as well as a handy guide that will walk kids through some of the most popular card tricks of all time. With purchase, kids can also unlock 8 different bonus e-books, each one packed with more Jim Stott magical education.
Complete Wood Burning Set
If there are two unrelated things that most kids can appreciate, it is art, and fire. Now, the two can be skillfully combined with the help of a wood burning tool. This pen-like device works by converting electricity to heat and channeling that head into the metal end of an interchangeable tip. The tip becomes hot enough to burn wood, allowing kids to create all sorts of cool art pieces while also burning things. This is a very comprehensive wood burning set, complete with 37 different embossing tips and a high-temperature protective case that make it easy to take with you on the road.
DaVinci’s Battalion Building Kit
The laser-cut wooden components that make up the DaVinci’s Battalion Building Kit are not only light weight and durable, but they hold a certain nostalgic aesthetic appeal that kids are going to love. Made by National Geographic, this building set comes with everything needed to assemble your very own functioning battalion, including a catapult, a bombard machine, and a ballista. These awesome little siege toys can launch their ammo nearly 15 feet! It even comes with a set of paper targets that kids can use to improve their aim and make their forces even more unstoppable. As usual with Nat Geo products, this kit comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Electric Commuting Scooter
It seems that the older kids get, the more places they have to go and things they have to do. Instead of making them ride around on their old dented Razor scooter, why not upgrade them to something with more speed, more power, and a lot more style? The Gotrax Electric Commuting Scooter can reach speeds of up to 16 miles per hour … the perfect rate for getting across town to the library or even just taking a leisurely lap around the neighborhood. The on-board battery can support about 9-12 miles of travel before requiring a recharge, making this the ideal commuter vehicle for short trips and excursions.
Foldable On-Ear Headphones
Whether it is for a cross-country road trip or simply for riding the school bus in comfort, this pair of Foldable On-Ear Headphones by Elecder is a great way to give your kid control over their music listening habits. These brightly colored headphones and big plush ear cups that sit comfortably on the outside of the ear, providing stereo bass headphone sound with a traditional 3.5mm plug. Also included is a 1-year hassle-free protection plan that works in tandem with their awesome customer service line to make sure that everything is working properly and to the user’s satisfaction. For only about ten bucks, these headphones are a real steal.
Glow-In-The-Dark Capture The Flag
Perhaps it is humanity’s history with epic battles that has led to Capture The Flag to be such an iconic childhood game. Or maybe it is just a fun way to burn off all that excess energy that comes with being 11 years old. Either way, there is no debating that capture the flag is an incredibly popular game, and now, it’s possible to bring all that fun into a dark summer night. The Glow-In-The-Dark Capture The Flag Set is one of the first real innovations on the game since its very inception, and we are glad to have it. With bracelets, gems, and markers that glow vibrantly, it is really easy to keep track of what’s going on in-game.
Heel Wheels
From the folks who brought you the super-popular Razor Scooter comes the Jetts Heel Wheels, the newest way to add a bit of speed and style to a kid’s everyday commute. These strap-on cruisers are part roller skate and part scooter, and can be worn on the outside of just about any pair of shoes. When they’re on, all a kid has to do is lean their foot back slightly and then they will be cruising along on wheels. So strap up and take off with these fast, affordable cruising straps that are unlike anything your kid has ever experienced before.
High Speed Remote Control Car
No kid ever gets tired of remote control cars and vehicles, as is evidenced by the fact that they tend to break before they ever get boring. You shouldn’t have to worry about premature breakage with the High Speed Remote Control Car from SPESXFUN. This is one of the fastest RC cars that you can get online, capable of reaching maximum speeds in excess of 14 miles per hour. This abby is equipped with TWO rechargeable battery packs, allowing for even more supercharged fun before having to go in for a “refuel.” In terms of both speed and style, this is perhaps the most trustworthy RC pick that we have reviewed yet.
LED Light-Up Flying Disc
You might not want to call it a Frisbee for copyright reasons, but this LED Light-Up Flying Disc has all the fast-flying fun of a Frisbee for a fraction of the price. Oh, and did we mention that it lights up? By twisting a lightweight dial that is mounted on the underside of the disc, kids can activate a bright LED light that travels via fiber optics throughout the disc, creating a remarkable glow effect that makes it ideal for night games and evening tosses. Multiple colors and styles are available, each of which lights up the night sky in its own unique way.
Lego Yoda
The wisest Jedi Master to ever wander the galaxy is back in a big way with the Lego Yoda Statue Kit. This amazingly detailed and intricate kit has 1,771 pieces … enough to keep even the experienced Lego builder busy for hours, days, and maybe even weeks. This fan-favorite character is sure to please any existing Star Wars fan, while anyone with a Lego collection will appreciate all of the exclusive blocks that come with this set. This high-quality collectible also comes with an informational display plaque that is great for impressing friends and relatives, not to mention teaching a little something about the greatly revered Master Yoda.
Monopoly Classic
The Classic game of real estate buying and selling has proven to be a repeat hit year after year, and sales of this monumentally popular board game have managed to remain steady through the many decades that it has been around. Compete against your opponents for properties and cash as you make your way around the game board, collecting money for rent and paying others for taxes and expenses. While the competitive intricacies of a game like Monopoly can be too much for younger kids, the age of 11 is the perfect time to introduce a boy to the magic of Monopoly.
N Strike Elite NERF Blaster
Nerf blasters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more powerful, while others are more nimble. Some can carry dozens of foam darts, while others, only a few. Choosing the best Nerf weapon for your boy can be more complicated than it needs to be, which is why we are going to go ahead and recommend the N Strike Elite NERF Blaster as the most reliable pick. Small and compact, but able to fire off 6 darts in rapid succession, the N Strike Elite is the perfect balance of ease, portability, and affordability, not to mention a solid addition to any existing Nerf collection.
Nike Gift Card
So you know an 11-year old who is into sports, or maybe just is a really active kid, but you don’t know his sizes or style preferences. This is not a new situation that you are in, and in fact is quite common. A Nike Gift Card, available in denominations of $25, $50, or $100, and allow the kid that you are shopping for to turn around and shop for themselves, picking out exactly what they want. For a lot of kids, a gift card is a much better present than shoes or active wear, simply because it can be difficult to predict what an 11-year old’s style is.
Over-The-Door Mini Basketball Hoop
Real ballers, no matter how far they are from cinching that spot in the NBA, are not just thinking about basketball when they are on the court. More likely than not, they are thinking about basketball all the time, so getting them another hoop for their life isn’t a bad way to encourage their obsession for tossing around the rock. This Over-The-Door Mini Basketball Hoop can mount on any door in the house and features a breakaway steel rim for slams and dunks. The 9” mini basketball is textured just like the real thing, and soars effortlessly across the room. The backboard is lined with dense foam for noise reduction and to prevent any friction damage to the door itself.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The ability to bring your tunes with you anywhere you go is really important to kids these days, and for good reason. Whether it is a day at the beach or a bus ride across town, being able to pump some sick beats all day long is the kind of bonus that can make the day even better. The OontZ Angle 3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker from Cambridge Soundworks that is not only great at playing tunes, but also has a few unexpected surprises like a 12 hour battery life and 100-foot wireless range. It is also significantly more water resistant than other portable Bluetooth speakers, making it a great option for beach days and pool parties.
RipStik “G” Caster Board
Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a “Caster Board” is, because we have just recent found out ourselves! It turns out that this brand new kid’s sport board is a variation on a skateboard. Instead of four wheels, it has only two, and operates off kid-powered motion. My pushing each side back and forth, it is actually possible to generate some propulsion, unlike a regular skateboard where you need one foot to push against the ground. With a maximum rider weight of 220 pounds, this is the kind of toy that might be around for many years to come.
Slime Lab Activity Set
Kids love slime … that is just one of those facts that as a parent you are just going to have to accept (if you haven’t already). Maybe it is the slippery feel or the gooey consistency, but one way or another, kids love goopy substances that can drip through their fingers. The Glow In The Dark Slime Lab Science Activity Set is one of the newest toy kits from Play Z, a company that knows what it takes to make sure that kids are going to have fun with their toys and games. The STEM-based toy has over 19 slime-centric experiments that can be carried out with the included lab equipment.
Sling Ball Classic
Don’t be surprised if you have never heard of Sling Ball, the awesome toss & catch game by Blue Orange. The game works by slinging around a pair of balls that are attached to stretchy loops. By attaching the loop to the plastic hook and pulling the ball back, it is possible to launch the balls high into the air for the other player to try to catch with their net. It’s like playing an old fashioned game of catch, except the balls can go even further and they are even more fun to catch. This 2-pack kit includes everything needed for a fun 2-player game.
Stomp Rocket Extreme
The primary reason that kids and parents alike are so enamored with the classic Stomp Rocket toy that has been around since the 90’s is that it is one of the best “kid-powered” toys out there, meaning that it provides a high level of action and fun without any electricity, motors, or batteries. With Stomp Rocket, all the kid has to do is run, jump, and STOMP on the included launch pad, sending a foam rocket soaring through the air. This new Stomp Rocket Extreme Edition comes with 6 Extreme Rockets that are capable of soaring up to 400 feet, which is a lot farther than regular Stomp Rockets.
Sundome Tent
Perfect for backyard camping, overnight sleepover parties, or Boy Scout functions, this classically designed Coleman Sundome Tent is a great way to keep your kid protected from the elements during whatever adventure they might find themselves on. Or, set it up in the yard for a cool fort or simply for the privacy. A heavy duty 1000D polyethylene floor is great at preventing rips and leaks, in fact making it possible to set this tent up without a separate footprint. A polyester rain fly (included) can be attached to keep the moisture out. This style is available in multiple sizes … everything from a compact 2-person to a big family-sized 6-person.
Table Tennis To-Go
Not all of us have enough room in the house for a real ping pong table, which is a shame considering just how exciting and physically engaging the game can be for kids and families. Now, it is possible to set up a game of table tennis on almost any flat surface in the house with Table Tennis To-Go, one of the newest game releases from Franklin Sports. This whole set can be carried around in a small mesh bag, and then setup within minutes on a table or countertop space. The harmless plastic ball will do no damage to the table surface, and kids will love that they can take it with them wherever they go.
The Boys’ Book Of Survival
Penned by author and adventure guide Guy Campbell, the Scholastic Book The Boys’ Book Of Survival contains answers to all sorts of questions that boys might have, as well as detailed walkthroughs of tough situations that one might get themselves into out there in the world. Ever wonder what to do if you’re lost in the desert? How about drowning in quicksand? With the The Boys’ Book Of Survival kids will even be able to learn neat tricks to help them survive the hypothetical Zombie Apocalypse. For a good anytime gift or an effective stocking stuffer, this book really does the trick.
The Don’t Laugh Challenge – 11-Year Old Edition
The Don’t Laugh Challenge is a book that has a new edition for every age group, and the version that is made specifically for 11-year olds is perhaps out very favorite. This book will challenge kids to act out a number of super-silly scenarios that are guaranteed to make everybody in the room laugh. These pages also contain a good amount of quirky jokes that kids will love to learn and use at their leisure. This affordable and lightweight paperback is the perfect “anytime gift” for kids or to be used as a stocking stuffer.
The Pranklopedia (Book)
Boys and Pranks go together like PB & J, and it has been this way since the dawn of humanity. But never before have boys been able to learn all sorts of amazing pranks from one useful source … in this case, the Pranklopedia. Inside, kids will find the funniest, grossest, and craziest pranks that they can perform on friends and family. Of course, every prank in the book is designed to entertain both the prank-er and the prank-ee, meaning that none of them are mean-spirited! With the Pranklopedia, every day will be April Fool’s Day, which is a great way to keep an 11-year old occupied for extended periods of time.
T-Rex Skeleton Replica Model
Remember those balsa wood dinosaur models that you had when you were a kit? Well, the replica models that kids have these days are way cooler than those, as can be seen with the Edu-Toys T-Rex Skeleton Replica Model. This true-to-life dinosaur sculpture has 51 different pieces that are all to scale. When complete, your kid will have brought back to life Tyrannosaurus Rex, one of the most fearsome dinosaurs to ever walk the earth. This kit includes a rock-like display stand that makes it possible to show off your awesome achievement. When complete, this dinosaur replica stands at an amazing 36” tall!
Waterproof WIFI Action Camera
It doesn’t matter what kind of high-octane adventures your 11-year old boy likes to get into, there is a pretty good chance that they would appreciate the opportunity to document their exploits in high definition. Whether it is for capturing memories or crafting adventure movies, the AKASO V50 Pro Native WIFI Action Camera is one of the most affordable routes for capturing HD video. This model also happens to be 100% waterproof, allowing it to go where most adventure cameras cannot go without specialized equipment. With its WIFI connectivity, all you need to do is press a few buttons to unload the data onto a nearby network computer.
LED Bike Wheel Lights
While us adults might not fully grasp the importance of “tricking out” your bicycle with cool LED lights, we can most certainly understand the value of making a bike brighter and easier to see when your kid is going to be riding after dark. The one-two punch of safety and style that these LED Bike Wheel Lights provide makes them a great gift for any 11-year old that has a bike, and because they come in so many different colors and patterns, you can rest assured that you will be able to find the right one to match your kid’s style. There are no tools required for installation … simply snap these babies on and get riding!
Elite Digital NERF Target
While there is a good chance that you 11-year old boy has been playing with NERF foam dart blasters for most of his life, it might be time to take hi game to the next level with the Elite Digital NERF Target. Featuring scored target buttons and a digital score-keeping computer, this target is the best way to improve one’s accuracy while having a great time in the process. There are 3 different interactive skill building modes, or you can just mount this puppy on the wall for good old-fashioned target practice. The only other thing you need is a couple of Nerf Blasters, so don’t forget to get one of those to go along with it!
2-Mile Walkie Talkies
It doesn’t matter if your kid is a wannabe super spy or a backcountry adventurer in training, a good trusty pair of Walkie Talkies is always a great thing to have. Part toy and part survival tool, a good pair of walkie talkies can come in handy in all sorts of situation. This 2-Pack from Let’s Go! Toys has an effective range of about 2 miles, which is pretty impressive when you consider the price. There are three different channels that can be communicated on, as well as other standard features such as the scan function and a built-in emergency flashlight.
What To Look For When Buying A Gift For An 11-Year Old Boy [Updated 2023 Buying Guide]
If you ask an 11-year old, they would say that they are at the precise age when they began to feel more like an adult and less like a child. But if you asked anyone who has an 11-year old, they would say that this particular age group is just as toy-obsessed as any other, appreciative of everything from Lego building sets to skateboards that will have them cruising around in the park. The truth is, the spirit of play is alive and well in an 11-year old boy, as can be evidenced by the massive amount of toys that are marketed specifically to this age group.
The best toys and gifts for an 11-year old boy are going to be the ones that not only cater to the advancing mind and growing body of an 11-year old, but also manage to retain the lighthearted nature of kids’ toys. Because 11-year olds are, regardless of what they might think, still kids.
The 50 11-year old gift ideas that are reviewed above represent what we think to be the best of the best for this year’s toys, but the list is by no means exhaustive. Choosing a toy for this age group can be complicated by things like personal style and personality, so not every toy is going to please everyone similarly.
What follows are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an 11-year old boy, in case you need to wander back out into the web to find the perfect toy:
Toys For The Brain
11 years old is, for many kids the first year of middle school. If nothing else, this is an age of academic advancement when things get a bit more serious. This makes sense if you think about just how fast the mind of a boy is advancing at this age. Even though 11-year olds can be pretty busy with school, finding ways to insert a bit of education and/or mental stimulation into their play routine is a high-level parenting move that not everyone can pull off.
Toys marked with the STEM designation are good options if educational toys are the direction you want to go. Standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM toys are a great balance of entertainment and stimulation, challenging kids to learn more about the world around them while also becoming more personally invested in it.
STEM toys can range from structural building kits like Lego Technic to fully-fledged scientific instruments like the AstroMaster Refractor Telescope that we reviewed above. If you spend a few moments thinking about what kind of interests the kid already has, it is almost always possible to find the perfect STEM toy for them.
Toys For The Body
11 year olds are more energetic and physically capable than they have ever been, and keeping up with the new burst of growth can be a challenge for any parents. Because kids are growing so fast, many parents are hesitant to buy new sports equipment in fear that the kid is simply going to grow out of it within a couple of months. While this is certainly a valid concern, you might rejoice to hear that toy and gear manufacturers have got the message, and are trying harder than ever to make engaging sporting equipment that can be adjusted for different sized kids.
Bikes and skateboards are one of the most common types of sporting equipment to get for an 11-year old. Generally speaking, a boy of this age will be about ready to decide what kind of wheeled adventurer that they want to be, or perhaps they already know. Whether it is a 2-wheeled bike, 4-wheeled drifting electric car, or something entirely new that we haven’t even heard of, kids are finding all new ways to get around the Skate Park or backyard.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with going a bit more traditional when it comes to sports equipment. The Franklin Junior NFL Football, for example, is a fantastic low-price toy that encourages physical activity while also opens up avenues to a whole new sport for a youngster.
If you already know that the boy in question is a sports fan, then perhaps a Nike Gift Card is the best way to go. While it might seem impersonal at first, kids will actually love the opportunity to pick out the thing that they want the most, even if they don’t immediately thank you for it.
Toys Just Because
You don’t need to know a whole lot about any specific 11-year old in order to “knock it out of the park” with a Hanukah toy or Christmas gift. Or perhaps you are looking for a collection of presents to give away as party favors to a group of young boys that you have never even met before.
The truth is, you don’t have to spend that much or try that hard to find a present that any average 11 year old boy is going to absolutely love.
Case in point: The Laser Battle Mega Pack. Here is an ultimate laser-tag set that is 100% guaranteed to turn any kid’s birthday party into a high-octane adventure. Seriously, there is no way to overstate this fact: 11-year old boys absolutely love laser tag.
A truly all-around gift, though it is a bit more on the expensive side, would be the Apple iPad. This do-anything computing machine is both an entertainment console and an educational tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Q: How much should I plan on spending for a birthday present for an 11-year old boy that I am not related to?
A: It doesn’t matter that much if you are getting a present for a nephew, a young cousin, or for every attendee of your son’s birthday party, the truth is, you don’t have to spend that much money to get a great present for an 11-year old. Generally speaking, thirty bucks can get you a pretty darn good version of anything, from a baseball mitt to a science kit. Some presents, of course, are going to be considerably more expensive, which is why these gifts can be saved for special occasions, such as the legendary straight-A report card.
Q: Are all video game systems & screen-based toys bad for kids?
A: While there was certainly a backlash against video games that began in the nineties and continued into the following generations, most parents and child psychologists now agree that it is not the inherent nature of video games that make them harmful for children, but rather the excessive screen time that can be associated with them.
As long as you are working with your child to establish healthy amounts of daily screen time, there is no reason to assume that the games themselves will have a negative effect on a kid’s development. The Nintendo Switch, after all, is more than just a game console, but in fact a multi-media tool that rivals even laptop computers for their impressive versatility.
Conclusion: The Best Toys & Gifts For 11-Year Old Boys
The best toy for an 11-year old boy is the one that they have not yet received … the one that you have personally chosen for him after carefully reading our tell-all review guide. So what is it going to be? A STEM toy to stimulate the mind and open access to other intellectual worlds? Or maybe it’s something a bit more artistic, like a wood burning set capable of making beautiful and intricate designs.
For our internet points, there is no better bang-for-your-buck value toy than the N Strike Elite NERF Blaster. For the price this is one of the best foam dart blasters that you can buy, and is a fine addition to any existing Nerf collection.
Of course, we wouldn’t be doing our 11-year old homies a favor if we weren’t out here trying to convince their parents to go for the real cream of the crop, the Nintendo Switch Gaming Console. When it comes to video games there is simply no match for the Switch, and of all the gift ideas on our list, this one is perhaps most likely to please any 11-year old human being that you give it to.