Shopping for 11-year-old boys can be tricky. They’re at that in-between age where one day they act like little kids, and the next day they’re trying to be teenagers. They might be interested in video games and gadgets like older kids but still enjoy playing with certain toys too.
This way, they can enjoy their gifts while still feeling grown-up. At this age, they care a lot about seeming cool in front of their friends.
We’ve picked out gifts that mix fun and function—from books and games to tech gadgets and sports gear. We talked to real 11-year-olds to find out what they actually use and enjoy, not just what ends up forgotten under their bed. Every gift in this guide has been chosen based on what modern pre-teen boys truly want and use.
1. Air Hogs Laser-Guided Race Car
This laser-guided car can drive up walls and across ceilings like a spider. You control it by pointing a laser beam where you want it to go – the car automatically follows the light wherever you shine it. Kids can make it zoom up walls, race across the ceiling, and create wild driving paths all around the room.
2. Delacorte Press ‘A Really Short History of Nearly Everything’ by Bill Bryson
This science book explains big ideas in ways that actually make sense. It covers everything cool in science—from tiny atoms to huge dinosaurs and from space exploration to life on Earth. It’s written to be fun and interesting, not boring like a textbook. Perfect for kids who love learning random facts and understanding how our world works.
3. Hoverboard Go Kart with Rear Shock Absorption
This hoverboard makes it easy for kids to ride around safely. It helps keep balance automatically, so riders won’t fall off while learning. They can spin in complete circles and cruise at walking speed for about three miles before needing a recharge. It’s a fun way to get around the neighborhood and is much easier to ride than it looks.
4. Shashibo Shape Shifting Box
Think of this fidget toy as a modern Rubik’s Cube that you can bend into different shapes. It’s super strong and won’t break even if it’s dropped or handled roughly. The best part? Kids can connect multiple boxes together to make bigger shapes and patterns. It’s perfect for keeping hands busy while watching TV or doing homework, and kids can collect different ones to make their fidget collection bigger.
5. Coogam Set of Brainteaser Puzzles
Here’s a set of 16 different metal puzzles that turn fidgeting into problem-solving. Each puzzle looks simple—just pull the pieces apart—but they’re tricky to figure out. Don’t worry though, it comes with answer sheets if kids get stuck. Everything fits in a handy storage bag, so they can take their favorite puzzles anywhere and challenge friends to solve them too.
6. THE COMFY Oversized Wearable Blanket
Imagine wearing the coziest blanket ever as a super-comfortable hoodie. These wearable blankets are huge and perfect for staying warm while playing video games, watching TV, or just hanging out. They’re made with super soft microfiber on the outside and warm sherpa material on the inside. Kids love these so much they might never want to take them off—just remember to make sure they’re not wearing them 24/7!
7. Gskyer Telescope
This telescope is perfect for exploring the night sky and seeing amazing space views. It’s powerful enough to show clear views of the moon’s craters, bright planets, and distant stars. The best part? It comes with a special phone attachment so kids can take pictures of what they see through the telescope. There’s also a travel bag included, making it easy to take stargazing adventures anywhere.
8. Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit
This electronics kit lets kids build over 100 cool projects using just 32 snap-together parts. They can make things like light sensors and mini alarms without needing any tools or help. Everything clicks together easily, and the instruction book shows exactly how to build each project step by step. It’s perfect for kids who like to build things and want to learn how electronics work.
9. Adidas Alliance Sackpack
Great for kids who always seem to have their hands full. It’s light enough to carry anywhere but strong enough to hold sports equipment, snacks, or whatever else they need for the day. The bag looks cool and comes in different colors, so it works for everything from carrying gym clothes to storing gaming stuff for a sleepover.
10. Jenga Throw ‘n Go
This new version of Jenga adds dice rolls to make the game even more exciting. Instead of choosing which blocks to pull out, you roll colored dice that tell you which ones you have to remove. This makes every game different and adds luck to the challenge. Kids can play it by themselves to practice or with friends and family for more fun.
11. Monopoly Knockout Family Party Game
Love Monopoly but don’t want to spend hours playing? This version takes just 20 minutes to finish a full game. It’s perfect for kids who want the fun of Monopoly without getting stuck in those super-long games that never seem to end. The quick pace keeps everyone interested and excited, and there’s still all the fun of collecting properties and making deals.
12. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform ‘Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids’ by M. Prefontaine
These brainteasers are just right for 11-year-olds who enjoy putting on their thinking caps and coming up with creative answers. They’re great for when your child wants to solve them alone, or you can share them at dinner to get the whole family talking and having fun together.
13. HEAD LIGHTZ Kids LED Beanie and Glove Set
Let your child play safely in the dark with this cozy hat and glove combo. The winter hat comes with a built-in light that you can recharge – it runs for 8 hours and you can pick from three different light settings. When the days get shorter and colder, this matching set will keep your kid warm and make sure they can see where they’re going during outdoor play.
14. Pindaloo Juggling Game
Here’s a fun ball game that kids can enjoy alone or share with friends—just toss and bounce the ball through a U-shaped tube! It looks easy, but once your tween starts playing, they won’t want to stop. The best part? You can play it anywhere in the yard, on trips, inside the house (just be careful!), and even in the pool since it’s made of plastic. While your 11-year-old is having fun, they’re also improving their coordination and getting both sides of their brain working together.
15. PAXCESS Seven Pads Electronic Drum Set
A drum set with everything they need—drums of different sizes, cymbals to crash and ride, plus foot pedals that make bass drum sounds. The best news for parents? Your young drummer can plug in headphones, so they can practice without the whole house hearing it!
16. Razor Electric Scooter
This electric scooter is just right—it goes fast enough to be exciting at 10 miles per hour, but not so fast that you’ll worry. Plus, it gets them outside having fun instead of sitting inside staring at screens all day.
17. WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition
Here’s a game that lets everyone make hilarious memes together! Pick from tons of funny pictures (65 of them!) and match them with the perfect caption from a huge pile of 300 options. Take turns being the judge who picks the winning meme, but don’t worry—your kid will be laughing so hard at all the silly combinations, they won’t mind if they don’t win.
18. Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball
Let your kid learn coding while playing with this cool little robot ball! They can create their own games and challenges—maybe even plan to take over the world (or just try to get the highest score ever). It’s perfect for kids who are just starting to code and even better for those who’ve already mastered simpler coding toys and want something more challenging.
19. Yearling ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar
Poor Stanley gets sent to a place called Camp Green Lake—but don’t let the name fool you, it’s actually a detention center where kids have to dig holes all day long. But here’s the weird thing: why are they really digging? Is someone searching for something out there in all that dirt? This story mixes real-world issues with a touch of magic, and kids have been loving it for over 20 years now.
20. LEGO BrickHeadz Mandalorian Set
Let’s face it—you’re never too old for LEGO or Star Wars, especially when Baby Yoda is involved! This set comes with both the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda figures, plus stands so you can show off what you build.
