Ah, 6-year-old boys. So delightful. So cute. So absolutelychaotic. Yes, these kids are energy personified! Of course, it feels like there’s never been a time when that’s not true — it feels like they’ve been in constant motion since they could crawl. Sometimes, when it comes to presents, however, this energy is converted to a tendency to tire of things quickly. So we’ve come up with a list of gifts for 6-year-old boys that will hold their interest ... and maybe even teach them a thing or two along the way.
From things to read to games to play, from cars to “vroom,” robots to “beep-boop, art to make, and sports to master, we’ve come up with some ideas that are bound to engage the child in your life — or at least mesmerize them with neat glow-in-the-dark features, because everything is cooler when it glows in the dark (that’s just science, folks; we don’t make the rules).
In this tense (but fun) game, players are four animal superheroes — Rhino Hero, Giraffe Boy, Big E., and Batguin. Build wobbly cardstock skyscrapers for them to climb and see who can climb the highest (and watch out for the spider monkeys). The player holding the token when the buildings collapse wins!
We’ll level with you: Some caregivers cringe at the idea of kinetic sand, which, yes, can definitely get messy. But your kiddo is older now. Wiser. More coordinated. They can handle it. And you can surely handle the hours of quiet time this will give you in return.
This electric set, which comes with steam, coal, and passenger cars, a cargo vehicle, and 10 pieces of track, is perfect for the child who’s ready for the next level. They’ll love moving the train forward and backward, as well as the realistic details, like lights, sounds, and even an engine that smokes.
This is the perfect gift for a 6-year-old boy who wants to bounce, as well as for the caregiver who likes the idea, but is worried that a bigger trampoline would be too much for them (or too big for their yard). This 7-foot design will keep kiddos 3 to 10 years old entertained and let them burn off all that energy.
These cars will provide hours of outside entertainment. Just attach the two cars to the nozzles, stomp on the end, and watch them speed off. Race with friends, two-foot it solo, or just have fun watching them go flying. There’s even a jump ramp included for stunts!
We love this bean bag chair from Big Joe because, unlike a lot of other beanbags, this one provides a little extra structure without sacrificing the cozy comfort of a typical design! It’s the perfect gift for a 6-year-old boy for gaming, reading, TV, or (just maybe) relaxing for a few minutes.
In this free-for-all game, the object is simple: Three to eight players must perform all the actions on their card with another player. This will require them to shout for another player’s attention. The boisterous good fun is great for the whole family and the perfect gift for a 6-year-old boy.
There’s nothing like playing ball with your little leaguer. But, every now and then, you have to go to work (or cook dinner, or just need, like, 5 minutes to yourself) and that’s where this baby comes in. The machine automatically pitches baseballs or tennis balls every 5 to 7 seconds.
We’re certainly not suggesting that 6-year-old boys are inherently aggressive … but we are flat-out telling you that sometimes, the best way to burn off all the energy they have is for them to just go nuts whacking each other (safely and painlessly) with inflatable boxing gloves. Best part? They’ll love it.
By the time boys reach 6 years old, chances are they've already made “art” on every surface of your house — but have they ever tried painting on water? This kit includes everything your child needs to make beautiful marbled artwork on water and transfer it onto paper.
12
Perfect for Quiet-Time Fun
Original Stationery Arts and Crafts Relaxation Coloring Book
12
Perfect for Quiet-Time Fun
Original Stationery Arts and Crafts Relaxation Coloring Book
This whimsical coloring book is perfect for the 6-year-old boy who needs to settle down for some quiet time (or their caregivers… who really need quiet time). Complete with 102 fun designs, this book is perfect for road trips, restaurants, or just grabbing a moment of artistic zen in your room.
Monopoly is a classic board game for a reason: It’s fun! But sometimes a full game of Monopoly is just more than we can handle in a sitting, and it’s certainly too long and complex for a 6-year-old boy.
Enter Monopoly Junior: With simplified rules, shorter game time, and kid-friendly properties and game pieces, this is a perfect foray into the wild world of Monopoly.
Making slime is fun, but gathering all the ingredients can be a hassle. Fortunately, this kit comes with everything your child needs to make 18 different containers of awesome, super sensory-satisfying slime, from glitter and beads to glow-in-the-dark powder.
Like we said earlier, it’s a universal truth among children that any toy can be made at least 10 times cooler if you make it glow in the dark. The more you throw, kick, or bounce this soccer ball, the brighter it glows! Play in the backyard, at the park, or even in the pool (it’s waterproof).
By the time your kid is 6, they’ve likely acquired more than a few toy cars. This awesome carrier, which is actually a toy car itself (so meta), has spaces for 28 cars and comes with six additional cars and roadside accessories, so they’ll have everything they need for hours of imaginative play.
Your child will love putting together their own little slice of a tropical rainforest, complete with vibrantly colored, beautifully illustrated plants and animals. The unique circular shape adds an extra level of challenge. And, because we love the rainforest, it’s printed on recycled materials.
With two launchers, your kiddo (or your kiddo and a friend) will have a blast launching cars into the loop-de-loop track. We know what you’re thinking: With that design, won’t the cars eventually crash? Yes ... but the real question is when. Besides, crashing is half the fun!
Your 6-year-old boy will love hopping all over the neighborhood on this awesome pogo stick. Designed with deep, extra-wide footpads and easy-grip handles, your child will be able to stay balanced and enjoy hours of fun exercise.
This self-contained set includes everything your child will need to create masterpieces no matter where they are. Bonus: The kit is also a lap desk and contains paper, markers, crayons, and colored pencils, making it perfect for road trips, long flights, and all sorts of fun on the go.
Jamie Kenney is a freelance writer for BestProducts.com; Her other work has appeared on Bustle, Parents, Playboy, McSweeny's Internet Tendency, the Takeout, and Romper, where she covers parenting, news, entertainment, and likes to help readers see the ridiculous (and hilarious) side of motherhood.