Finding the perfect gift for a young boy can be difficult, which is why we’ve highlighted some of the most popular gifts to help save you time. Whether he loves dinosaurs, science, music, gaming, or staying active outdoors, here are the coolest gifts for an 11-year-old boy.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$25 from Amazon
This kit includes 15 real fossils that are millions of years old, including ammonites, sharks, dinosaurs, and more. With the chisel, brush, and magnifying glass, kids will have all of the tools they need to excavate each fossil. The 16-page learning guide provides details about how fossils are created and helps kids to identify their finds.
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$148 from Walmart
This hoverboard reaches speeds up to 8 mph and can be used for 60 minutes on a single battery charge. Blue LED lights look cool but also enhance visibility, while the anti-slip rubber foot platform provides a secure ride. The frame is shatter-resistant and the board can hold up to 220 pounds, so the whole family can give the hoverboard a try.
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$20 from Fat Brain Toys
When kids complete the 16 experiments contained in this kit, they get to eat the delicious results. The kit includes all of the ingredients that you need to make fizzy drinks, polymer pudding, color-changing foaming jelly, and more. The kit is fun for the whole family and encourages kids to follow directions and solve problems.
$39 from Amazon
This magic kit includes everything kids need to learn more than 350 easy tricks and put on their own magic show. Child-friendly props are included, as well as three bonus ebooks on coin magic, encyclopedia card tricks, and card table tricks. The kit even includes access to a website with video walkthroughs of more tricks.
Related:The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys
$48 from Amazon
With this kit, kids can build Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor and play with the five included Iron Man minifigures. The Hall of Armor features a rotating podium, so kids can create scenes from the movie or explore their own imaginative play.
$35 from Fat Brain Toys
Young engineers tackle two levels of robot construction, creating a variety of robots that are powered by the sun. In the first level, kids build a crawling tortoise, dog, a scurrying bug, and more. In the second level, they tackle more challenging builds like a race car, a robo-crab, and a two-wheeled bot. The kit includes 250 parts and highly detailed instructions, or kids can experiment and build their own creations.
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$30 from Amazon
This card game is designed for four to 10 players, so it’s perfect for playing with family and friends. It’s also full of bathroom humor that will have kids (and probably adults, too) laughing on game night. The 455 premium-printed cards keep the game interesting even when kids play it again and again, and it’s compact enough to take on sleepovers, play at parties, and more.
$129 and up from Amazon
These headphones are ideal for any music-loving kid. The cushioned ear cups are adjustable for a customizable, comfy fit, and the Bluetooth wireless design makes for versatile listening options. The headphones will run for up to 40 hours on a single battery charge, and if the battery is low, the Fast Fuel feature means that you can charge them for just five minutes for an extra three hours of play.
$50 from Inspire Uplift
This color-changing LED lamp is a fun decor piece, or can be used as a nightlight. Two silicone jellyfish realistically swim throughout the aquarium, and the waterproof LED panel on the base creates a green light that results in a multi-colored glow. The lamp is powered by a USB port cable, which is included.
$50 from Amazon
Basketball games don’t have to stop when the sun sets — not when kids have this glowing basketball. It’s equipped with two LEDs that last for up to 30 hours, allowing for plenty of playtime. The lights automatically shut off when the ball isn’t in use, and the batteries are replaceable, too.
$89 from Amazon
With this kit, you can transform a backyard into an adventure course for kids. The kit includes seven obstacles like monkey bar holds and gymnastics rings. It also features a 30-foot slackline that you can hang between posts or healthy trees. The obstacles can help to build confidence in kids and feature a 250-pound weight limit.
$134 from Walmart
Budding musicians will have everything they need to start learning the guitar thanks to this pack. The guitar features steel strings and a spruce top that makes for a rich sound. The included gig bag and digital tuner are essentials for young musicians, while the 120-page "Acoustic Guitar for Dummies" book and audio CD will help kids to get started learning their first songs.
$300 from Amazon
The Nintendo Switch is changing how gamers game. This at-home gaming system connects to the TV, so kids can play with family and friends. By removing the Nintendo Switch from the dock, it instantly becomes a handheld gaming system for easy portability. The Joy-Cons are both removable, so two players can play, or one player can hold a control in each hand. This system is highly versatile and super popular.
$15 from Fat Brain Toys
This guide includes everything boys need to know to get started using Scratch, a free program that introduces them to coding. The book features step-by-step, illustrated instructions that help kids to create games and animations. There are also online downloads available to give kids extra help.
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$75 and up from Amazon
With this tablet, boys can use apps like Netflix, Zoom, Hulu, and TikTok. The tablet features a bright display with more than 2 million pixels for a clean, clear resolution. A 12-hour battery time offers plenty of convenience, and the tablet is fast and responsive to keep up with video streaming and more.
$30 from Amazon
This kit includes everything boys need to conduct more than 15 experiments. They can create dueling water tornadoes, grow a crystal, perform a geologic dig, build a volcano that erupts, and more. The kit is not only fun, but also provides important educational lessons and helps young minds to develop an appreciation for the planet.
$18 and up from Etsy
This vegan leather wallet is a quality piece that a young boy can use for years to come. It’s handmade and then laser engraved with the name of your choice for a personal touch. The slim design easily fits into a pocket, and you can choose from three leather colors.
$80 from Walmart
With this set, kids can play laser tag right at home. Four vests and blasters allow friends or family to play, and the vests automatically keep score. Four different blast modes are accompanied by different sounds, and lights indicate health status for strategic play.
$159 from Amazon
"Star Wars" fans can create their very own Millennium Falcon with this kit. It includes seven action figures, and the ship is equipped with rotating top and bottom gun turrets, spring-loaded shooters, a cockpit that opens, and a ramp that lowers, making for plenty of interactive play. The 1,351-piece set is ideal for ages 9 and up.
$109 from Walmart
Complete with a subwoofer to enhance sound and arms for extra comfort, this chair helps ensure a truly great gaming experience. Its ergonomic design offers full back support while still allowing kids to rock. The chair is compatible with all gaming systems, and it’s also ideal for watching TV, listening to music, and reading.
$80 from Personalization Mall
With this cooler and chair combo, kids can stay comfy while fishing. The insulated cooler compartment holds lunch and drinks, while the padded seat is plenty comfortable. The chair features a durable metal frame and folds up for space-saving storage and easy transportation. You can customize it with the recipient’s name for a personalized touch.
$21 from Fat Brain Toys
With this one kit, boys can create seven different models, each using the power of magnets. Detailed instructions are easy to follow, and the kit includes the supplies kids need to create an anti-gravity sculpture, magnetic compass, floating spinner, and more. The kit encourages kids to develop their fine motor skills, and it makes learning about science fun.
$25 from Amazon
With this kit, kids can dig up and excavate dinosaurs from the 12 dino eggs. The kit includes 12 chisels and brushes, instruction guides, and a learning card for each dinosaur. The dinos include favorites like the T-rex, ankylosaurus, and more. It combines plenty of fun with education, and is an ideal choice for a dinosaur lover.
$80 from Amazon
This telescope offers high magnification power, but it’s still user-friendly and ideal for beginners. Its compact design makes it easy to transport, and it includes an adjustable tripod. A fully coated glass lens helps to protect eyes while providing quality images.
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$61 from Walmart
This caster board gives kids the feel of both surfing and snowboarding, but on land. Its inclined casters and pivoting deck create a carving motion that moves the board forward without requiring kids to push off. The slip-resistant platform makes for a secure ride, and this board’s compact design makes it easily portable.
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