30 Incredibly Fun Gifts for Active 11-Year-Old Boys

By age 11 boys are swiftly moving away from childhood and towards the tumultuous teenage years, with their new desire for maturity, it can be difficult to know what to buy for an 11-year-old boy. At this age, boys are beginning to want to be part of the adult world, and no longer want toys which are obviously toys, though their playful side and desire for fun often remains. This all makes gift buying pretty tricky! So, we’ve put together a list of gifts that should appeal to both the playful side and the newfound maturity of 11-year-old boys.

1. DJI Tello Ryze

Drones continue to rise in popularity and as technology is advancing the price point of drones is being driven down, making them accessible to a much wider market. This is great news if you’re looking to buy a gift for an 11-year-old boy who is interested in technology!

The DJI Tello Ryze drone is ideal for beginners with simple controls and a lightweight, durable design. It can be flown from up to 300 feet away and has a high-quality camera onboard so that epic views can be captured. With local rules and restrictions about drone flight applying this can be a way to introduce the idea of social responsibility.

2. Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter

Scooters are a classic toy and mode of transport throughout childhood and encourage children to spend time outdoors and keep physically active. Whilst electric scooters don’t require children to physically propel themselves forward, they do require balance which in turn develops the core muscles.

The Razor Power Core E90 Electric scooter is a maintenance-free electric scooter with up to 80 minutes of ride time from a single charge and speeds up to 10mph. It is the ideal next step from a traditional scooter and gives an 11-year-old boy a new way to get around and some more independence.

3. Lego Technic Land Rover Defender Off Road 4×4 Car

Lego continues to hold its appeal throughout childhood and for some, well into and throughout adulthood too. The different ranges available provide sufficient challenge for different ages and skill levels and the Lego Technic range, in particular, has been developed to promote interest in and understanding of engineering.

The Lego Technic Land Rover Defender Off Road 4×4 car allows users to create a replica of an authentic Land Rover design with a 4-speed gearbox, developing their understanding of how engines and gears work. This set is ideal for budding engineers and improves a range of skills including following constructions, fine motor skills and perseverance.

4. Nintendo Switch Lite

A cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers the same popular gaming capabilities, portability and great battery life. The difference is that it does not support output to a TV and is therefore a handheld-only device.

This will be perfect for an 11-year-old boy, offering the ability to play on the go. Whilst we often think of playing video games as a just play, they actually offer plenty of learning benefits too. Alongside increasing skills associated with technology, playing video games can increase physical dexterity in the thumb and fingers, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times and develop critical thinking skills.

5. Intex Island Pool Inflatable Smile

By 11-year-old many boys are confident and competent swimmers who enjoy going to the beach or pool as a leisure pursuit. Swimming has plenty of physical and social benefits, promoting good muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness and often allowing children to be part of a team or group.

The Intex Island Pool Inflatable Smile is an inflatable float with a cool emoji design and is suitable for either the beach or pool. It is made with high-quality materials so should be durable enough to stand up to the play of an 11-year-old, it also features a useful grab rope that can be used to tow it along whilst in the water or as a carry-handle out of the water.

6. Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike Blaster

Nerf blasters are a very popular toy with children of all ages and still hold their appeal to 11-year-old boys. Coming in a range of different designs with various technologies Nerf blasters cater to 11-year-old boys’ interest in how things work.

The Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike Blaster is a 3-in-1 blaster with 3 different types of darts, and 3 different ways to blast. Despite this, it is entirely powered by air and tension and does not require any batteries. 11-year-old boys will enjoy running about and using this Nerf blaster for all sorts of target practice, improving their hand-eye coordination along the way.

7. Klask

By age 11, boys are often a lot more interested in what adults are doing and may begin to express an interest in joining in with adults at social events and family functions. Playing games together is a great way to encourage cooperation and positive interaction with adults.

Klask is a table-top game that is ideal to take along to parties and events and represents a cross between table football and air hockey. Playing with others gives an 11-year-old the chance to develop his social skills as well as improving hand-eye coordination.

8. JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

11-year-old boys are often developing their own taste in music and enjoy listening to their own favorite bands or artists. A Bluetooth speaker is the ideal way to allow him to play his own music and develop a sense of independence.

The JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is waterproof, portable and durable enough to be used by an 11-year-old. Using a wireless connection to connect to a compatible device and play music, audiobooks or podcasts, this speaker would make a great complimentary gift for a boy receiving a phone or mp3-player.

9. Fortnite Turbo Builder Set

The Fortnite computer game is incredibly popular with 11-year-old boys and it can be hard to know what to buy related to a computer game, but these physical products based on the popular computer game might be the ideal gift for a fan of Fortnite.

The figures can be used as both play figurines or display items and are an officially licensed product ensuring that they are of high quality. They come with a range of building materials to encourage creativity and improve construction skills.

10. Vatos Infrared Laser Tag Guns Set with Vests

Keeping kids active and healthy is important as the habits laid down early in life tend to last for years to come. Some children take easily to sport and enjoy regular sports clubs which help keep them fit and healthy whereas with other children more innovative approaches are required.

The Vatos Infrared Laser Tag Guns Set with Vests is a novel way to keep children active, with 100% safe infrared technology this set allows children to play a game of laser tag at home. With different programs available, including playing in teams, it is an ideal way to develop social skills whilst also encouraging physical activity and time spent outside.

11. Adidas Defender III Medium Duffel Bag

Sometimes something practical makes the ideal gift. If you are unsure of what the 11-year-old boy you’re buying a gift for is interested in or already has then a gift that is practical and useful may be a good idea. As 11-year-olds become more independent and spend increasing amounts of time at different extra-curricular activities, they also tend to transport increasing amounts of kit and belongings around with them.

The Adidas Defender III Medium Duffel Bag is available in a range of colors so you can select one based on his favorite color or personal style. This bag, from popular sports brand Adidas is made with durable materials and has a structured shape so is built to last. It is sure to be a useful gift for an 11-year-old boy with lots of hobbies.

12. Razer Kraken X 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Many 11-year-old boys are avid gamers, spending their free time on all sorts of quests and battles at the computer! Some of these are accompanied by sound, or even voice conversations with other players which can get pretty noisy when played in shared space in the home so a good gaming headset, to limit this noise, may make a great gift for a keen gamer.

The Razer Kranken X 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is an ultra-comfortable headset with headphones and microphone which is ideal for an 11-year-old gamer. It has easy access controls, really clear audio and voice recording and allows him to get on with his games without disturbing the rest of the household.

13. Casio Men’s Watch MRW-200H

As 11-year-old boys are becoming more mature they may begin to take an interest in fashion and style. Buying a watch as a gift is not only practical, as it is a useful product, but can also cater to this growing interest in fashion and developing a personal style.

The Casio Men’s Watch MRW-200H is 300-feet water-resistant and made with a durable and flexible wrist strap, so it can certainly stand up to the rigors of an 11-year-old boy’s lifestyle, whilst at the same time, it has a classic timeless design that will last him for many years. With day and date display and glow in the dark features, this watch is ideal for an 11-year-old as it has a range of features without being too complicated.

14. Hot Wheels id GFP20 Smart Track Kit

The Hot Wheels range of racing car toys is very popular with younger boys, but by 11-years-old many boys will begin to feel that they have outgrown toy cars even though they are still interested in cars and track building.

The Hot Wheels id GFP20 Smart Track Kit provides a solution to this; the kit is not simply a set of track and toy cars but instead features plenty of technology including an app. There are 20 suggested track layouts and the ability to measure cars’ speed and laps will appeal to 11-year-olds whilst simultaneously improving their mathematical skills.

15. Ravensburger Big Ben with Clock

11-year-olds are often beginning to develop a range of more mature interests that will shape their educational choices and possibly their later career. Architecture and engineering are popular interests and are both in demand in the jobs market so these really are worth encouraging.

The Ravensburger Big Ben with Clock construction set is suitably challenging for an 11-year-old boy with 216 pieces to be put together according to instructions, thereby developing independence and the ability to work through a set of instructions logically as well as physical dexterity and construction skills. The moving elements help to increase an 11-year-olds understanding of how things work, and of engineering.

16. Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Sport Headphones

Listening to music on the way to school, whilst playing sports or simply around the house is a way in which an 11-year-old boy can indulge his interest in music and assert his independence in choice of songs, bands and artists.

Available in a range of colors and finishes, the Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Sport Headphones are the ideal way to listen to music on the go. They are also both sweat and weather-resistant and offer up to 5 hours of completely wireless playtime. An excellent feature of these headphones is the earbud tracking system; earbuds are small and can be frequently misplaced and even lost, the tracking system prevents this and helps to recover lost buds quickly.

17. Lego Technic Grand Prix Racer

The Lego Technic range has been specially designed to increase interest in and understanding of engineering, construction and technology and maintain a boy’s interest in Lego beyond childhood. These sets also help to improve physical dexterity and fine motor skills through hands-on construction.

The Lego Technic Grand Prix Racer set is ideal for 11-year-old boys, providing sufficient challenge and the opportunity to construct 2 different models. After producing the Grand Prix racer this can be motorized with a separate motor set, encouraging an interest in engineering with practical hands-on construction activity and real-life application.

18. ThinkFun Circuit Maze

11-year-olds are naturally curious about many aspects of the world but many dislike overt teaching and will push against this kind of instruction. Educational toys that teach in a more subtle way are a great way to get around this.

Circuitry and technology are best taught with hands-on experiential and experimental learning and the ThinkFun Circuit Maze is a brilliant way to do this. It doesn’t feel like learning, but learning is certainly happening whilst the game is played. There are 60 different challenges for a range of ages and skill levels, all of which develop technology and logical reasoning skills.

19. K’Nex Mega Motorcycle

K’Nex is the ideal gift for boys of a range of ages and there are a variety of different sets available appealing to different age groups and different interests. As children get older the kits become more complicated and introduce a range of other concepts.

The K’Nex Mega Motorcycle allows for the production of a replica motorcycle, improving understanding of engineering and strengthening fine motor and construction skills. As an 11-year-old follows a set of instructions he learns an important skill in and of itself as well as patience and perseverance and this can be rewarded by displaying the completed model with the included kickstand.

20. Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Camping Tent

Camping, whether that’s in the great outdoors or the garden, is a brilliant way to encourage time spent outdoors away from screens, enjoying fresh air, nature and usually some physical activity. Putting up a tent is a skill in and of itself and encourages a whole host of other skills, including co-operation and teamwork when it’s done alongside someone else.

With separate living and sleeping areas, the Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Camping Tent is ideal for a range of different events including weekend camping trips and sleepovers. It is easy to pitch, with lightweight poles meaning that an 11-year-old can attempt at pitching this themselves, and is 100% waterproof with durable materials to ensure they stay dry whilst adventuring!

21. Rubik’s 360 3D Puzzle Ball

Overcoming challenges is an important life lesson and the Rubik’s cube used to be considered one of the hardest puzzles to solve requiring plenty of logic, patience and perseverance. 11-year-old boys love challenges, which is why so many of them enjoy computer games and sports because they have the opportunity to overcome physical, mental and logical challenges in these areas.

A new take on the classic Rubik’s cube, the Rubik’s 360 Puzzle Ball is exactly what the name suggests; a 360-degree challenge in the shape of a ball. To make this extra difficult the ball cannot be put down during play, or progress will be lost! This is a puzzle that is suitable for a wide age range and will improve both mental agility and physical dexterity.

22. Logitech G502 HERO Wired Gaming Mouse

Many 11-year-old boys enjoy the excitement and challenge that computer games have to offer and the equipment they use to play these games has a significant impact on the quality of gameplay. Whilst a brand-new top of the range gaming PC may be out of the question, upgrading a smaller piece of kit, for example, the mouse can make a big difference to an 11-year-olds enjoyment of gaming.

With 11 programmable buttons, the Logitech G502 HERO Wired Gaming Mouse is ideal for enhancing the gaming experience. It features precision tracking, a hyper-fast scroll wheel and rapid click feedback so that the 11-year-old gamer can focus on the gameplay itself and not be held back by outdated kit. Many parents worry about 11-year-olds playing computer games but there are often educational benefits to these games with many increasing logic and problem-solving skills as well as improving spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

23. Hudora All Stars Basketball Net and Stand

The Hudora All Stars Basketball Stand is a basketball hoop that comes complete with a stand and pole meaning that wall-mounting is not required. This means that the basketball stand can be stored away and brought out when needed.

Basketball and other similar sports help to develop all-round coordination but specifically hand-eye coordination which enhances the skills used for writing. It is also a great way to get kids playing outside, staying physically active and healthy. If the 11-year-old you’re buying for loves sports in general or basketball in particular then this is a great way to help him pursue his passion.

24. Sphero 2 Ring Specdrums

If you’re buying a gift for an 11-year-old boy who enjoys music then the Sphero 2 Ring Specdrums might be perfect. These combine technology and innovation with musical skill and interest to create a really unique product and experience. Using the Specdrums users can create sounds, loops and beats simply by tapping the included playmat.

Integrating science and the Arts is a growing trend in the educational sector as it has been recognized that the kind of creativity promoted by the Arts leads to innovation in Science, Technology and Engineering too. The Sphero 2 Ring Specdrums are suitable for a range of abilities from casual experimentation to serious musicians.

25. Lego BrickHeadz Steve & Creeper Minecraft Figures

If the 11-year-old boy you’re buying a gift for is mostly interested in computer games it can be difficult to know what to buy them. There are options to buy credits for the game, but sometimes it feels better to give a physical gift.

The Lego BrickHeadz Steve & Creeper Minecraft Figures are a physical gift that can be given, based on the popular Minecraft computer game that so many 11-year-old boys enjoy. They are compatible with other Lego sets, improve construction skills and encourage imaginative play. The figures are also ideal for displaying as part of an 11-year-olds room decoration.

26. Hasbro Gaming Jenga Fortnite Edition

Jenga is a classic game, encouraging dexterity, hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. This set takes the classic game and gives it an updated twist based on the popular Fortnite computer game, to make it much more appealing to an 11-year-old boy.

Playing games with others is a fantastic way to develop social skills as children learn to take turns, follow the rules and regulate their emotions and reactions when winning or losing. This Jenga set is ideal if you want to give a physical gift to an 11-year-old boy who enjoys the Fortnite computer game.

27. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

At 11 years old many boys love experimenting with photography, taking pictures of nature, landscapes, themselves and their friends. This boosts creativity and allows for some artistic expression and experimentation with photography skills.

The Instax Mini 9 Camera is a camera that produces prints instantly and is available in a range of colors so there’s sure to be one that fits the personality of the boys you are buying for. It has a built-in flash and comes with a selfie mirror and a close up lens included.

28. Samsonite Base Boost Spinner Expandable Suitcase

Another idea for a practical gift that will come in useful for a number of years is a suitcase. This will be ideal for residential trips with school or clubs, and family weekends away or vacations. Samsonite is a luggage brand associated with quality and the Samsonite Base Boost Spinner Expandable Suitcase lives up to that reputation.

This suitcase is available in a range of colors so you can find something to suit the personal style of the 11-year-old boy you’re buying a gift for. It has 4 spinning wheels, making it incredibly easy to push so he can easily be independent at the airport or hotel and deal with his own luggage, and features an integrated lock to keep any valuables safe and secure.

29. Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R Motorbike

The Lego Technic range is ideal for 11-year-old boys, combining their childhood enjoyment of building with Lego bricks with a more mature interest in engineering and understanding how things work. The Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R Motorbike kit is great for those seeking a challenge.

This kit features a 2-speed gearbox and front and rear suspension to demonstrate why these are important features in real bikes and how they work. Building with the Lego Technic range continues to improve fine motor skills and dexterity as well as construction skills.

30. littleBits Base Inventor Kit

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are in great demand in today’s society and job market. Mastering these skills at a young age and developing interests in these areas will serve an 11-year-old boy well as he advances through his schooling. Many 11-year-old boys are resistant to overt instruction and prefer to learn through hands-on experience.

The littleBits Base Inventor Kit caters perfectly to the typical style of learning for an 11-year-old boy, with 12 activities included there is plenty to do and experiment with and the set comes with a free app that has step-by-step instructions and tutorials. In addition, the littleBits range of products are all compatible with one another to expand the ways to play.

Final words

As the 11-year-old boy you are buying a gift for grows and matures he is likely to change his interests, possibly several times, but encouraging each phase he is in is important; 11-year-olds still often crave the approval and encouragement of adults. By embracing an 11-year-old’s interests and buying them a gift related to this you are showing them that you have paid attention to, and are encouraging their interest as it is right now.

This list has plenty of gift suggestions based on the common interests of 11-year-old boys, so it’s likely that you can find something that fits with the interests of the 11-year-old you’re buying for. However, we have also included plenty of practical gifting items which you can be sure he will get plenty of use from and giving these kinds of gifts also helps to communicate that you view him as more mature and grown-up. We hope that you find the perfect gift for the 11-year-old boy that you are shopping for!

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