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33 Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 11-Year-Old Boys: 2024 Picks

Updated
33 cool toy and gift ideas for 11-year-old-boys.

Choosing a gift for a young child is not usually too taxing, but what happens when they are at an in-between age?

Between the moms at Mom Loves Best, we’ve raised many boys. So we have plenty of experience shopping for our kids and their friends at this awkward stage. We’ve learned a thing or two along the way.

We’ve also thoroughly researched gift options, consulting other parents and reading countless reviews, to bring you this list of the best 33 gifts for 11-year-old boys. These gifts include fun, creative, social, educational, skill-building, and exercise-inducing options.

Regardless of your boy’s interests and hobbies, you’re sure to find something on this list to thrill them.

Our Top Picks

We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Snap Circuits Pro SC-500
Best Electronics Kit
Snap Circuits Pro SC-500
  • Build over 500 experiments
  • No soldering needed
  • 70 color-coded, real circuit components
Product Image of the Lego Harry Potter
Best Lego Set
Lego Harry Potter
  • 878 Lego bricks and 10 Minifigures
  • Compatible with all Lego building toys
  • Detailed, four level-model
Product Image of the Stomp Dueling Rockets
Best Stomp Rockets
Stomp Dueling Rockets
  • No batteries required
  • 100% kid-powered
  • Easy and fast assembly
Product Image of the ThinkFun Clue Master
Best Game
ThinkFun Clue Master
  • Clear, high quality instruction manual
  • Comes with multi-level challenges
  • Fun logic game
Product Image of the The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever
No Girls Allowed
The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever
  • Lots of fun and educational facts
  • 160-page book
  • Very affordable
Product Image of the Elecder i36 Kids Headphones
Best Headphones
Elecder i36 Kids Headphones
  • Excellent sound effect
  • Easy to carry
  • 1 year hassle-free protection
Product Image of the Not Parent Approved
Fun Card Game
Not Parent Approved
  • Award-winning party game
  • 100% family-friendly
  • 455 high-quality, premium-printed cards
Product Image of the Aerobie Pro Ring
Favorite Frisbee
Aerobie Pro Ring
  • Secure grip
  • 14 inches in diameter
  • Unique design
Product Image of the National Geographic Mega
Best Science Set
National Geographic Mega
  • 16-page full color learning guide
  • Includes 15 amazing gemstones
  • Very informative
Product Image of the Spalding Slam Jam Hoop
Best for Basketball Fans
Spalding Slam Jam Hoop
  • Padded polycarbonate board
  • Includes 5-inch rubber basketball
  • Sturdy steel rim


Best Toys & Gifts for 11-Year-Old Boys of 2024

Here are some great gift ideas for 11-year-old boys.

Tech and Electronic

Whether it’s building a robot, finding out how circuits work, or playing with gadgets, boys love electronics and technology. It could be the latest headphones, a camera that will capture their antics or screen time on a tablet.

Snap Circuits Pro SC-500 Electronics Exploration Kit

Electronics Starter Kit

There are 500 projects in this kit to help kids learn about circuits and electronics. No dangerous soldering iron or tools are required — all the pieces snap easily together.

Kids can experiment with alarms, a flying saucer, an AM radio, a musical doorbell, and much more. The kit’s clear instructions will help them succeed.

User Experience

Love how this Snap Circuits set combines education and entertainment for kids, making it a wonderful addition to any STEM curriculum. My son has been using it since he was five, and now, at nine, he still finds it "awesome" and enjoys working on projects independently. While the SC-750 set may seem pricey, it's a great investment considering the hours of fun and learning it provides. The set is easy to use, with clear instructions and diagrams, allowing children to learn and understand circuitry in a hands-on way. Although I wish it included more detailed explanations of the IC functions, this doesn't take away from the overall value and enjoyment of the product.

Elecder i36 Kids Headphones

Best Headphones for 11-Year-Old Boys

Are you tired of hearing the nonstop soundtrack of your 11-year-old’s video games? Get them some kid-friendly headphones.

This affordable set by Elecder has a 59-inch lead that doesn’t tangle or damage easily, and the headband is adjustable for a good fit.

Another great feature is that these headphones fold, making them easy to carry out and about. Plus they come with a one-year warranty.

Personal Perspective

Bought these headphones for my daughter to use with her Amazon Fire kids tablet, and they've been a great solution to avoid listening to her shows on repeat. The adjustable, colorful design is perfect for little ears, and the sound quality is good for the price. However, the lengthy cord can become a distraction and easily snag on things, so be cautious of that. Additionally, these headphones might not be the most durable for long-term use, but they serve their purpose well for kids' daily needs.

Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

Best Kid-Friendly Tablet

This kid’s version of the Kindle Fire tablet is a great way for preteens to access books, apps, their favorite shows, and more. Parents love that you can set the parental controls to ensure it’s all age-appropriate.

A heavy-duty case, a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+, and a two-year replacement warranty are included.

Community Feedback

This Kindle is a fantastic tablet for kids, as it's responsive, quick, and easy to use. Setting up accounts and switching between the child's account with parental guidelines and my own account for watching videos is a breeze. It's lightweight and durable, holding up well even with my 4-year-old's rough handling. The battery life is impressive, lasting almost all day with breaks in between. While it takes a bit of time to navigate apps and would benefit from a screen lock feature, this tablet is a great fit for little ones just starting to use technology.

Circuit-Test Robotic Arm Edge Kit

Explore Engineering

Start exploring the world of robotics and engineering by building your own robotic arm. This set is a fun option for 11-year-old boys. Once assembled, the arm will open, close, grab, release, rotate, and reach.

We like that there’s an audible indicator on each of the five gearboxes to help prevent injury or breakages when it’s operating.

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with this robotic arm kit, despite facing some initial challenges during assembly. My nephew and I spent quality time putting it together, although we discovered a few missing screws and had to find replacements. The overall quality of the gearboxes could be improved, but watching my nephew enjoy playing with it made it worth the investment. This kit is a fantastic introduction to adaptive robotics for mechanically inclined kids and even special needs individuals. However, be prepared to invest in precision screwdrivers and double-check all parts are present before starting the assembly process.

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Best Action Camera

Get your boy interested in the world of photography and videography. Your child can fit this durable camera to his scooter, skateboard, or bike. In the waterproof case provided, it will even work in 6 feet of water.

An LCD screen lets him easily see what he’s capturing. There are also games, frames, filters, and fun photo effects.

User Experience

I recently bought this action camera for my 9-year-old and it's been a hit! Although the photo and video quality isn't top-notch, it's more than enough for my child who loves adding fun effects and playing with the games included. This camera has proven to be durable and has survived rough play and underwater adventures, making it a great purchase for kids who just want to have a good time capturing their memories.

Makeblock Programmable MBot Ranger Robot

Best STEM Robotic Gift

Your child can use this kit to build a robot in as little as 45 minutes with this STEM toy. Once they’ve assembled their robot, they can program it using the free Makeblock app, which is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and other operating systems.

The instructions are easy to follow and give you ideas to customize your own robot. This set is compatible with most major building blocks, so your boy can get as creative as he’d like, adding extra pieces to his robots.

Personal Perspective

Bought this MakeBlock mBot all-terrain tank for my grandson's 5th birthday, and it was a hit! The assembly was a bit more challenging than expected with over 130 parts, but it led to great bonding time with family. The mBot Ranger is not just a toy but also an excellent introduction to robotics and programming. While it does consume AA batteries quickly, the fun and educational aspects of the mBot Ranger outweigh this minor drawback.

WowWee — Mip the Toy Robot

Best Robot Toy for 11-Year-Old Boys

This cute and fun robot responds to the simplest hand gestures. Swipe left, right, backward, or forward, and see what he does. Expand his world by connecting via Bluetooth to an iOS or Android device.

MiP will also react to noises and sounds around him. He does talk, but as he speaks his own language, it’s unlikely you’ll understand him.

Community Feedback

In my experience, this robot toy has brought a lot of fun to my household, especially when paired with the app on my iPad. The learning curve for controlling it with hand gestures took some time, but once we got the hang of it, we enjoyed watching it carry items and perform various moves. However, be prepared to invest in rechargeable AAA batteries, as it tends to consume them quite quickly.

Games and Toys

Even at the age of 11 years, your boys will still like playing with toys and games just for the fun of it. It’s also great for you and the family to spend some time playing as well — if he’ll let you, that is.

It’s good for kids to have games other than the Xbox or Playstation to get involved in.

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall

Best Lego Set

Lego is timeless, and this kit will especially engage young Harry Potter fans. With wizards and mystical creatures, they can play out their fantasies in this advanced-level building.

The set comes with 10 character figures and instructions to create Fawkes, Hedwig, Scabbers, or the Basilisk.

There’s lots of attention to detail with extra magical artifacts to complete the picture.

First-Hand Impression

I've had a blast with this LEGO set, especially since I'm a fan of the book series. Assembling the pieces was straightforward and kept me entertained for hours. The finished model looks fantastic with 10 mini-figures, allowing for plenty of scene recreations, though I wish there was room for all four house banners. Despite a few minor issues, like a missing piece and some difficulty accessing the interior, this set was a fun and engaging experience for both kids and adults alike.
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Not Parent Approved: A Hilarious Card Game

Fun Card Game

Our kids love this fill-in-the-blanks card game. It’s the kiddie-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity. It’s suitable for up to 10 players over 8 years old, so your boy can play it with friends or family.

We appreciate that kids can play it straight out of the box with no complicated rules. It’s also good for travel, making it ideal for holidays, summer camps, or sleepovers.

User Experience

These cards provided a fun and entertaining experience for my friend's son, sparking laughter and enjoyment within minutes of opening the gift. However, I noticed that some of the cards contained content more suitable for tweens or older kids, rather than the recommended age of 8 and up. Despite this, the game remains a quick and engaging activity that can bring family members of various ages together for a good time.

Hasbro Monopoly Game: Cheaters Edition

Best for Cheaters

Here’s a new twist on the family favorite, Monopoly. We usually encourage kids not to cheat when playing games, but this one allows it.

However, don’t get caught, as there are consequences. Get away with it, though, and you get a reward. Bending the rules can be fun for all the family playing this game.

Personal Perspective

These Monopoly Cheater's Edition game brings a fun twist to the classic board game, perfect for families wanting a good laugh. At first, it took some time to get used to the new rules and the concept of "cheating," but once we got the hang of it, the game became quite entertaining. Be prepared for a little paranoia as everyone watches each other closely, making the game more challenging and engaging. One downside is that it can get complicated, especially for younger players, and the game may take up a lot of space due to the property cards and self-banking system.

Dice Game, GoLong

Fun with Dice

This gift is an excellent choice for the football fans in your life. This dice game is fast-paced and based on scoring a touchdown. You can play it individually, head to head, or in teams of two.

While there’s a certain amount of math involved, your 11-year-old won’t even realize it when they’re having fun with family or friends. It’s also portable, as it includes its own storage bag.

Community Feedback

These football-themed dice games provided a fun and engaging experience once I grasped the logic behind the dice rolls and scorecards. Initially, the directions seemed confusing, but after some hands-on play, the game mechanics clicked, and I appreciated how well the dice represented various football scenarios. Despite the lack of strategic depth due to the inherent randomness of dice games, the game still offers an enjoyable way to simulate football action. The design and quality of the dice and score sheets are commendable, though I believe there is room for improvement regarding the game's strategic elements.

Learn & Climb Magic Kit

Best Gift for Magicians

Eleven-year-old boys are often fascinated by the world of magic. This kit contains all they need to learn some card tricks and illusions.

Your budding magician will have great fun putting on his own magic show to wow you.

First-Hand Impression

From the moment I gifted this magic kit to my young family members, it has been a hit. They absolutely love showing off their tricks and have even given daily magic shows. This beginner's kit is perfect for sparking interest in youngsters, with some as young as four being able to perform most of the tricks after watching the included videos. While it might not be everything I had hoped for, it has provided endless entertainment for the kids.

Spin Master Perplexus Original Maze Game

Perplexing 3D Maze

Has your 11-year got what it takes to navigate the labyrinth? This clear sphere marble maze encloses 22 feet of 3D track, with 100 barriers in the way of getting the ball to the end. This will provide hours of flipping and twisting fun.

When your boy has gone to bed, you can see if you can master it as well!

User Experience

As a family, we've recently been enjoying this maze game with its challenging and engaging design. It has brought fun to all ages - from my 3 and 9-year-olds to my engineer husband who adores gadgets. This particular model stands out due to the weight of the ball, which plays a crucial role in its functionality. Though the plastic can be delicate, with proper storage, it will last a long time and provide hours of entertainment. This maze game has even managed to pull my son away from video games!

Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board

Best Classic Game

Kids love this safe and fun darts game. The board hangs on a wall or door, with a picture hook or similar fixing. The darts are magnetic, making them far safer to launch than classic darts. Throw them and watch as they stick to the board.

This game is fun for all the family and won’t damage the walls (or the kids!).

Personal Perspective

These magnetic darts have been a great addition to my son's room for the past three years, and he still loves playing with them. I initially bought this dart set to entertain people at an outdoor event, and it was a hit with the kids. The darts are very strong and stick to the target well, but you need to put some effort into removing them carefully. One downside is the lack of a built-in mechanism to hang the round target, which makes setting it up a bit time-consuming. The board is very thin and light, which might make it seem flimsy, but it actually holds up well.

Sports and Outdoors

By 11 years old, boys will be finding their feet and many want to play outdoors with their friends. It’s hard to let go, but they’re getting more independent.

We’ve found many gifts you can buy for an active tweenager to burn off some energy and wear them out a little.

Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets

Best Stomp Rockets

Whose rocket will fly the highest? This kit has two launchers for kids to stomp on and send their rocket flying up to 200 feet in the air. These award-winning rockets require no batteries or electricity; they run on kid-power as they jump on the ignition.

This is great outdoor fun for your 11-year-old and his friends.

Community Feedback

If you're looking for a fun and interactive outdoor activity, this stomp rocket is an excellent choice for kids of all ages. I've seen children as young as 2 years old easily operate the launcher, and older kids enjoy competing to see whose rocket goes the highest. The rockets are lightweight and have a cushioned nose to ensure safety, but be mindful of using it in open spaces to avoid getting stuck on roofs or trees.

Aerobie Pro Ring

Frisbee Fun

What child doesn’t enjoy a game of frisbee? These 13-inch rings from Aerobie are lightweight, soft, and easy to catch, and they fly far! This type of ring was used to set a Guinness world record for a throw of 1,333 feet.

These are great for a game of catch and to personalize your throwing or catching style. The open center lets you catch the frisbee on your arm, hand, or foot.

First-Hand Impression

Love how this ring flies and how easy it is to throw compared to a Frisbee. I've had one for years and couldn't find any in stores, so I was thrilled to find it online. The ring shape makes it easy to catch and it flies really well. However, I was disappointed to receive only one ring instead of the three shown in the image, making it more expensive than expected. The quality seems good, but not as great as the original Aerobie rings made in Palo Alto, CA.

Yvolution Y Fliker Carver C3 Scooter

Super Scooter

This unique Y-shaped scooter is the closest many kids will get to skiing the slopes. Your 11-year-old can lean into the handlebars and twist his hips to do mega drifts and 360-degree spins. It can travel up to 15 miles per hour, so don’t forget the helmet and protective pads.

One of the best features of this scooter is that it folds away for easy transportation and storage.

User Experience

This scooter has provided endless entertainment for both kids and adults alike, with its unique design and easy maneuverability. However, there are some drawbacks to consider; the inability to reverse without lifting and turning it can be inconvenient, and the handlebars may rattle occasionally. Additionally, the back wheels wear out quickly when ridden on streets, requiring frequent replacements. Despite these issues, this scooter remains a popular choice for outdoor fun and exercise.
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Nerf N-Strike HyperFire Blaster

Prepare for Battle

Nerf battles are the in thing for boys on the go. This Nerf gun will hit your target with its 25-dart drum that can fire five darts per second. Load it up, press the trigger, and blast them off — the darts will travel up to 90 feet if you use fresh batteries.

The motorized mechanism requires four D batteries that are not included.

Personal Perspective

I'm genuinely impressed with this blaster's firepower and accuracy, making it a fantastic choice for Nerf wars. However, it can be a bit heavy due to requiring 4 D batteries, so younger kids might find it difficult to maneuver. I've also experienced occasional jamming, but I found that holding down the flywheel for a second before pressing the trigger helps prevent this issue.

Razor Power Rider 360 Electric Tricycle

Favorite Preteen Trike

If you want to go all out, this electric three-wheeler power rider will surely be a hit. It will run for up to 30 minutes on a full charge and has a maximum speed of 9 miles per hour. It will slide, drift, and even do 360-degree turns.

Powered by a 12V rechargeable battery, it has a hand-operated front brake and a pneumatic front wheel that resists high impact.

Community Feedback

I recently bought this toy for my 7-year-old, and it has provided hours of entertainment for him in parking lots and other flat surfaces. The assembly was quick and easy, taking only about 15 minutes. However, there have been some issues with the chain drive and the front wheel, which required some mechanical knowledge to fix. Despite these minor issues, the toy has been a hit with my child and has even piqued the interest of adults who want to try it out.

Zing Air Storm Z-Tek Bow

Best Bow and Arrow Set

Take target practice to another level with this safe bow and arrow set. Pop the arrows in the fast load loops in the bow, take aim, and fire. These arrows will stick to many surfaces.

Because the arrows are tipped with soft foam pads, kids can even use this indoors, but make sure your recipient checks with his parents first.

First-Hand Impression

As a parent, I found this bow and arrow set to be a fun and engaging toy for my children, ranging from my 6-year-old to my almost 13-year-old. The suction cup arrows shoot far and stick well, providing hours of entertainment without causing too much damage. However, it's important to note that the rubber bowstring is prone to deterioration and snapping when exposed to sunlight for extended periods, so it's best to store it indoors. While the bows and arrows are somewhat flimsy and may eventually break, my kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing with this set, even aiming at high windows and shooting the arrows down with their Nerf guns.

SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine

For Ball Players

For the Little League player in your life, why not get them a pitching machine? Practice makes perfect, and the soft, small-sized balls launched from this machine will train their eyes to the sweet spot. You can adjust the pitch angle easily, and there’s a 5-second delay between the pitches, which travel at 30 miles per hour.

It runs on C batteries, which aren’t included, but it does come with 12 balls.

User Experience

From my experience with this pitching machine, I found it to be loud and slightly inconsistent in terms of ball placement. Despite the cracked plastic tube that affected the overall capacity, it still managed to shoot out foam balls quickly, making it suitable for hockey catch glove training. On the positive side, it's great for kids to practice hitting on their own, but be sure to buy extra balls. However, the machine could benefit from some improvements such as rubber feet for stability and better accuracy for a more enjoyable experience.

Education and STEM Gifts

11-year-olds won’t want to think they’re back in the classroom when they play out of school. With these educational and STEM gifts, they won’t even realize they’re picking up new skills.

These games and toys are designed to develop your child’s skills while they have fun at the same time.

ThinkFun Clue Master Logic Game

Best Game for 11-Year-Old Boys

Clue Master is a logic game that will help develop deduction skills and logical reasoning in a fun way. It comes with magnetic pieces kids can use to solve the 40 challenges. It starts off easy but gets progressively harder, and two minds might be better than one in this solo-player game.

We like that it folds like a book, making it practical to use in a car or restaurant.

Personal Perspective

This puzzle game has been a hit with my grandson, and it has provided a great logic workout for him. The challenges increase in difficulty as kids progress through the levels, making it suitable for various ages. However, the stickers on the magnets tend to fall off, so some reinforcement might be necessary.

National Geographic Mega Gemstone Dig Kit

Best Science Gift for 11-Year-Old Boys

Kids love digging for treasure. With this kit, your budding archaeologist or geologist can uncover 15 different gemstones from a solid block. The tools they need to excavate are all included.

The kit includes an informative guidebook with easy-to-follow instructions.

Community Feedback

This educational toy captivated my 7-year-old grandson, and even my almost 9-year-old granddaughter joined in the fun of excavating rocks from the "layers of the earth." Though the Semi Precious Dig Kit comes with 15 gems, be aware that most are duplicates of the 7 featured gems, which can be a bit disappointing. However, the majority of kids, including my own, seem to enjoy the hands-on experience and learning opportunities that these dig kits provide, making it a worthwhile activity for parent-child bonding – just be prepared for a little mess!

E-Blox Circuit Builder 115 Building Set

Best Circuit Set

Introduce kids to the world of electronics with this brick-building circuit set. There are over 115 projects they can complete, which will light up, make sounds, or create motion.

It requires three AA batteries (not included) and is compatible with similar building bricks of different brands.

First-Hand Impression

I'm impressed with how this educational toy encourages children to engage with STEM concepts while fostering creativity and confidence. Although it initially seemed like a free-form building experience, I discovered that kids need to follow precise directions to successfully complete a circuit and achieve the desired outcome, such as lighting a light or producing a sound. My 8-year-old absolutely adores it, and it's been an excellent tool in sparking their interest in science and technology.

Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit

Best Spy Kit

Become a super sleuth and enter the realm of forensic science. Use this kit to solve two mysteries by decoding secret messages, matching the fingerprints, and completing other scientific tests. The kit contains all you need to make your deductions.

Your kids will love this insight into the work of a crime scene investigator.

User Experience

I'm delighted with this forensic science kit that I bought for my kids aged 7 and 8. They absolutely loved solving the mysteries, and it provided a wonderful hands-on learning experience for them. The kit covers a variety of scientific concepts such as chromatography, DNA extraction, and fingerprinting, making it perfect for an afternoon of exploration and fun. Although it requires a few additional household items like rubbing alcohol, strawberries, and dish soap, it's definitely worth the investment. This kit is not only educational but also engaging, and I believe it's suitable for kids up to 8th grade.

Anki Cozmo - Collector's Edition

Best Coding Gift for 11-Year-Old Boys

Ready to use out of the box, Cozmo will become your child’s new best friend. Your boy can code this robot via a free app, with three different levels of coding to keep kids engaged. This robot expresses emotions on its screen, has facial recognition software, and is great fun.

This collector’s edition comes in cool black and silver colors. If you prefer, you can also get the original Cozmo in red and white.

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this interactive robot and have had a blast playing games and engaging with its unique personality. My 10-year-old daughter loves how it recognizes her and even knows our dog is a pet. However, the build quality could be better, and it requires frequent charging, but overall, it's a fun and educational toy that has won over the whole family.

SmartGames Asteroid Escape Sliding Puzzle

Save Your Starship

Has your boy got what it takes to get his starship out of the asteroid attack? This slide-and-move game will test your child’s planning, problem-solving, and visual perception skills. There are 60 levels to complete, from beginner to expert.

The portable game board comes with complete instructions and challenges.

Community Feedback

As a puzzle enthusiast, I found this game to be a delightful challenge for both kids and adults alike. My 5-year-old absolutely loved it, and even I found myself stumped by some of the expert and wizard level puzzles. The design is clever, with a variety of layouts and sturdy, colorful plastic pieces that feel substantial in your hands. This game has provided hours of entertainment for my family, often being chosen over tablet time. It's a fantastic way to engage in hands-on, screen-free fun while testing your reasoning and logic skills.

The Best of the Rest

These are some other gifts for 11-year-old boys that deserve mention. Their reading skills are now at a level where they’ll enjoy age-appropriate books. There are also some fun indoor games they might enjoy, to get away from screen time.

For Boys Only: The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever

No Girls Allowed

This lighthearted, fun book is filled with puzzles, statistics, stories, and facts. It covers subjects such as monsters, disasters, treasure, weapons, cars, tricks, and so much more. Learn how to make fake blood, escape a shark attack, or land an airplane in an emergency.

We like that this book is aimed at boys, with lots of fun and educational facts thrown in.

First-Hand Impression

Bought this book for my grandson's seventh birthday, and he absolutely loved it. It's packed with fascinating facts, fun activities, and even survival tips for outdoor adventures. It's perfect for kids with active imaginations and a love for learning new things, and it kept him engaged for hours.

Spalding Slam Jam Over-The-Door Mini Basketball Hoop

Best for Basketball Fans

Practice throwing hoops in your bedroom with this mini-basketball kit. It fits over the door with padded hooks, so mom and dad won’t complain about any damage.

This also includes a 5-inch rubber Spalding ball and tools necessary for assembly.

User Experience

This indoor basketball hoop has provided hours of entertainment for my kids, proving to be well-built and able to withstand their rough play. The assembly was a breeze, and my son even managed to put it together by himself. One tip for those with thin walls: place a shirt behind the hoop to dampen the noise, and keep in mind that the ball included may not be ideal for indoor use.

Starlux Games Capture the Flag Redux

One for After Dark

This modern twist on a classic outdoor game is great for camping, backyard fun, or the beach when the sun goes down. The set includes batteries, territory lights, jail markers, light-up team wristbands, and glowing crystals representing each team’s flags.

This game is great for families or larger groups of up to 20 people.

Personal Perspective

From the moment I introduced this Capture the Flag game to my grandkids, they were all hooked, even attracting other kids in the neighborhood. The glowing orbs and bracelets added an exciting twist to the classic game, providing hours of entertainment. However, the quality of the bracelets could be better, as one didn't work right out of the box and others were damaged due to unclear instructions for removing them. Despite these minor issues, the game has become a favorite among the kids and we're even considering getting expansion packs for future events.

Rally and Roar Foosball Tabletop Games

Soccertastic

This is a miniature tabletop version of classic foosball. Suitable for two to four players, it’s compact and lightweight. Challenge your friends or siblings, or create your own soccer league for hours of fun.

This sturdy set is made from chrome-plated steel rods with non-slip rubber handles and comes fully assembled.

Community Feedback

Love this compact foosball table for younger players, around age 8. Assembly was mostly straightforward, though there were some minor issues with warped bars and stripped screws on the legs. The table has a nice appearance and offers smooth gameplay for kids, with some spots being unreachable by the players. The handles are a bit small but manageable for both children and adults.

Pranklopedia

Best Gift for Pranksters

With over 70 pranks and step-by-step instructions for each, your 11-year-old boy can have great fun with this book. He can make fake edible dog poop, fake snot, or fake mouse turds in ice — really gross!

As parents, we appreciate that these pranks are fun and not mean in any way, even if they might get a bit annoying for mom and dad.

First-Hand Impression

This book is an absolute delight for kids and parents alike! My 10-year-old son has been having a blast with the harmless and funny pranks since his birthday. Even I found myself laughing when my sons taped a dime into the faucet spout, creating a surprise water splash. The book is not only entertaining, but it also teaches kids the difference between mean and funny pranks. It's perfect for some good old-fashioned fun and bonding with the family, just be prepared for the unexpected laughs and surprises!

Retevis Kids Walkie Talkies

Best Communication Tool

These affordable walkie-talkies are great fun for boys. They can strategize while playing Nerf battles or give one to their friend across the street so they can keep in touch.

With a 9000-foot range, clear sound, and three channels, it’s an ideal communication tool until they’re ready for a cellphone.

User Experience

Excellent walkie talkies for kids and adults alike, these devices have proven to be durable and user-friendly. I found the sound quality and range to be surprisingly good, even with moderate obstructions and elevation changes. My 7-year-old was able to grasp the basic functions, but I would recommend these for children aged 10 and up. The instructions could be clearer, but with some online research, I was able to find helpful information on best practices for emergency radio use. It's also a good idea to establish backup channels and code words for added safety when using these walkie talkies.

How to Choose Gifts for 11-Year-Old Boys

Tween boys are primed for developing more maturity and are starting to explore their independence. They also still want the loving, nurturing care of a parent.

Toys and games that challenge but don’t frustrate them will be a good choice. Ensure the instructions are easy to read so they can play independently if they want. If they need help from mom or dad, they’ll ask (1).

Technology is now a huge part of life for kids, and this age is the ideal time to learn more about it. Gifts that teach boys how to code, or the latest gadgets, will go down well.

Some toys and games mirror school curriculum in regard to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These will help your child develop skills they can rely on later in life when they decide on a career.

Many 11-year-old boys are developing a keen interest in sports and love playing outdoors. Get them something fun they can play with friends or use to practice their sports skills.

Don’t forget about books. Quiet time away from the TV and video games is good. Your boy’s reading skills should be improving all the time, so find books that engage their brain and spark their interest.

FAQs

Should 11-Year-Olds Have Phones?

Whether 11-year-olds should have phones depends on individual maturity, family circumstances, and need for communication. If you decide to provide a phone, consider setting boundaries and using parental controls to ensure safe and responsible use.

How Much Screen Time Should an 11-Year-Old Have?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest parents put limits on screen time for 11-year-olds, with no specific hour limit set for this age group. Instead, ensure that screen time doesn’t interfere with proper sleep, physical exercise, and other healthy behaviors.

How Do I Build Confidence In My 11-Year-Old Boy?

Build confidence in your 11-year-old boy by encouraging them to try out new and exciting things, praising their efforts, helping them set and achieve goals, and providing unconditional love and support. Try teaching them how to handle failure and setbacks with positivity.

Should an 11-Year-Old Have an Allowance?

Having an allowance can be a good way for an 11-year-old to learn about money management, responsibility, and the value of work. Decide on an appropriate amount and whether it’s linked to chores or given as a regular stipend.

Why is My 11-Year-Old Son So Moody?

Eleven-year-old boys can be moody due to the onset of puberty, which brings hormonal changes, as well as the emotional and social challenges of pre-adolescence. Ensure open communication, set clear expectations, and provide support as they navigate these changes.


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Edited by

Jenny Silverstone

Jenny Silverstone is a professional writer, editor, and most importantly, the loving mother of two. Jenny's goal at Mom Loves Best is to help the other moms like her who are struggling and trying to do their best but feel totally overwhelmed.