Boys will be boys, as the saying goes, and they seem to naturally gravitate to toys that go fast, go boom or generally allow mayhem to take place.
Giving them the opportunity to indulge their hormone-driven impulses without getting hurt or arrested means providing them with gadgets that are somewhat less lethal than they might like, but still a great deal of fun to play with. Some of the gifts you'll find here can even be considered educational, though you won't find any nap-inducing textbooks on this list.
If you have pretty eyes, the current season of compulsory mask-wearing may be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Should you want to stand out from the crowd a little more, this eye-catching mask may be just what the doctor ordered.
It’s not always easy to find a meaningful gift for someone, even if they’ve been in your life for years. These little books have a writing prompt on each page to help you think of all the things you really appreciate in a person.
Like neckties, wristwatches no longer serve any practical purpose. They can still make a fashion statement, though, even if that statement is “I like computers more than dressing up”.
Half of Americans, supposedly, never read another book after graduating from high school. Maybe this is only because they don’t know books like this exist: funny, engaging and a pleasure to read – all while being based on classical literature.
All insects, even flies and mosquitoes, are important to the planet’s ecology. Even so, you may prefer to have a little less nature in your living space. Pest control has never been this much fun, especially if you lack the coordination to use a normal fly swatter.
Simple games can be a lot of fun as long as they’re packed with action. Though each player uses only one finger, even the most competitive and physical child will find it hard to stop playing as long as they can find a willing challenger.
While you can probably do your everyday job without learning C++, knowing how to code at least a little makes life a lot easier. At a minimum, understanding how computers think is crucial to using them effectively. This gift comes standard with this kid-friendly robot.
Spatial logic tests are all around us: trying to find a route from A to B, playing squash or even trying to visualize abstract information. The best time to learn it is as a kid, but adults need to keep in practice too, and it never hurts if doing so is this much fun.
Seeing something your mind tells you is impossible is always an inspiring experience. This specially designed disk seems to just spin faster and faster rather than slowing down like a well-behaved object should.
If you’re going to buy just one bag for all your athletic needs, this 45L duffel from Canway is a fantastic deal. Lots of pockets, understated looks and very nice price. What’s not to like?
Simply stick this scary peeper on the outside of a window or somewhere else where they’d least expect it and wait for the scream. We recommend the bedroom or bathroom for maximum effect.
A great game deserves a great ball. This Spalding option is specifically designed for outdoor use: it’s tough enough to take on the big wide world and easy to handle even on wet surfaces.
The perfect gift for joggers, commuters and podcast addicts, this beanie lets you stay warm while listening to audio streamed from your phone. There are cheaper lookalikes available, but it’s worthwhile paying a little more for quality in this case.
Looking for a gift that will please a music-lover who’s constantly on the go? These lightweight yet surprisingly tuneful headphones are worth considering. Though on the expensive side and with a few drawbacks, their sound quality is second to none.
The Kalimba is played with just the two thumbs. This makes it mainly an instrument for playing two-note chords and harmonies, but that’s not a bad thing. It makes it a great instrument for kids, starting musicians, and anyone more experienced who wants something to play on when on the go.
Unlike guitarists, drummers are pretty limited when it comes to where they can practice. If you have a friend or family member who’s an avid drummer, this gift will help them sharpen their stick skills immensely.
Although not just for Star Wars fans, they will appreciate it the most. This is the closest you can get to actually having your own R2 today. No R2D2 toys have managed to capture the personality unique to this particular astromech droid. That is, until now!
For many Star Wars fans, the original LEGO Millenium Falcon is one of those holy grail items. Unfortunately, that original set is impossibly rare and expensive now. Fear not, however, since LEGO has you covered.
Although you won’t get the benefit of a real arena’s special layout, this laser tag set comes as close as you can for the price. With four pistols and vests, for us at least, this offers the best combination of value and functionality.
If you have a specific kind of relationship with someone in your office, this diabolical phantom keystroker might be everything that you’ve been waiting for.
Rockhounding, as it’s called, may seem like an unusual pastime, but rocks look really pretty and teach you a lot about science. This entry-level rock tumbler is a fun little machine that kids, crafters, science teachers, and fledgling geologists will all love.
Small enough to carry in your pocket, this remote sends out coded infrared pulses that almost all televisions on the market interpret as “shut up and go to sleep”. Imagine the fun and power this gives you!
Want to catch up with the news while you’re shampooing in the morning? Listen to something relaxing or upbeat when you get home? This splash-proof speaker allows you to do just that, and can also come in handy by the poolside or when boating.
This is a great add-on for people who’d like to explore alien worlds underwater. Up to now, the easiest way to do so was snorkeling, but with this board you can also do aquabatics and experience the joy of dolphins swimming in a pod.
This little fan draws its power from your computer and displays the time while keeping you comfortable, with LED lights strobing to display the clockface. That’s cool in two ways!
Made from precision-cut wood, this clock is sure to impress any curious guest. You don’t need any special tools to assemble it, but this is not an easy project!
Some puzzles are meant just to waste time, others are a little more challenging, and a few barely stop short of being infuriatingly difficult to solve. This one falls somewhere in the latter category.
This magnetic globe is only 3 inches in diameter, but it is one of the coolest globes we’ve ever seen. The way it floats in midair is spectacular.
This light-up sculpture isn’t a true hologram, but rather a flat acrylic wire mesh that lights up. Still the 3D effect is pretty cool, and you can view it from multiple angles.
It’s amazing how much fun anyone who’s young at heart can have with only a ball and a few friends. With Teqball there’s no XBox required.
Physically, this laser projection keyboard is a little box that projects light. The result is an easy-to-use mobile keyboard that also happens to look really cool.
There are very few things more frustrating than getting ripped off. Locks and chains are often ineffective, but some people have thought of technological solutions. This bike tail light alarm is one of our favorites.
Biking to and from work or school is one of the best ways to keep fit and lower your carbon footprint, but this often means cycling in the dark. These LED lights for your wheels will make you hard to miss, though, and they’re fun too.
Is your child interested in something educational or ecological? This parabolic sound collector device adds a sense of hearing to observing wildlife, which makes it even more fascinating.
Do you have someone in your life that you just can’t seem to find the perfect gift for? A personalized T-shirt may be your solution. Upload a free, existing design or use your own creation, and Custom Ink will do the rest.
In our opinion, this is a more unique gift than a regular drone. And unlike quad drones, the BionicBird doesn’t frighten nearby birds. The flight motion looks completely natural. Leonardo da Vinci would’ve been proud.