These Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys Will Keep Them Occupied for Hours

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The new year is in full swing, and it’s time to buy the 6-year-old boy in your life a gift. Whether he’s your kid or someone else’s, the gift options out there are so plentiful and robust that this can be a little overwhelming. After all, you’re not 6, so how would you know what will channel his energy and creativity?

The good news is that navigating the world of gifts for this age group can be so much fun. The curiosity and enthusiasm of a 6-year-old knows no bounds. Their imaginations, at this age, are high. And since he’s developing at a rapid rate right now, any gift you give him is sure to make a lasting impression — no pressure!

Before you shop, don’t forget to factor in things he’s already interested in to steer you in the right direction. To help you make a smart gifting decision, we rounded up the best gifts for 6-year-old boys that will surely delight. From sports toys to race cars and from puzzles to craft kits, there is something for every young kid here. And if you have a little more budget to work with, consider some toy organization to keep the 6-year-old’s home clutter-free and organized. (His parents will thank you!)

Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set

The perfect gift for an earlier reader or for the kid who is looking for some screen-free entertainment. Simply place the toy on top of the box for stories, songs, games, and more. Each kid-proof box (no, really) includes one figure with more than 200 available for purchase.

Star Wars Darth Vader Mech

This set featuring the coolest villain in the galaxy, is just as much fun to build as it is to play with. Your 6-year-old boy will feel accomplished putting it together himself and have a blast stomping Darth Vader around the house.

Dinosaur Fossil Eggs

This is the perfect gift for 6-year-old boys who know they will be paleontologists someday. Perfect for parties or for giving one at a time when he’s bored or needs an activity.

The Bad Guys Box Set

This hilarious series is perfect for early readers and features the baddest good guys in town. This scary, dangerous cadre of ne’er-do-wells have a bad reputation, but they’re trying to be heroes… to varying degrees of success.

5+ Classic Creative Play Box

This 900-piece Lego set includes instructions for 12 fun mini-builds but also allows your 6-year-old boy to let his imagination soar. That’s the best part about Lego: The only limit is your imagination!

Squishmallows Plush 12 inch Brown Beaver

He's a busy beaver these days -- between school, friends, sports, activities, and just generally being a 6-year-old boy. Celebrate his on-the-go nature with this adorable, cuddly plush. And trust us: kids love Squishmallows!

TMNT B Mutant Mayhem Basic Figure Bundle

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been entertaining 6-year-old boys for decades now and after the latest hit feature film we don't see that ending any time soon. Give him the gift of his favorite heroes in a half-shell -- Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael -- with this awesome bundle.

SoundForm Mini - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Whether he needs them for school work (now that he's a big kid!), travel, or you just don't want to listen to the same episode of Paw Patrol over and over again, this set of wireless headphones, with built in microphone, is just the thing. Comes with their own carry case so, in theory he won't lose them... again: a theory.

Wooden Pirate Chest Pretend Play Set

I have never personally met a child who wasn't obsessed with treasure chests. If they see anything vaguely treasure-chest shaped they want to play with it, which is why we love this fun play set. Your 6-year-old boy will have plenty of adventures finding (and hiding) his doubloons.

Dress Up & Pretend Play Kids Costumes Set

Your 6-year-old boy can grow up to be anything. An astronaut? Sure! A ninja? Well, a martial artist! A pirate? This has backfired.

OK. Don't encourage piracy. But encourage him to play pirate (and astronaut and ninja) with this awesome set of costumes and maybe he'll get it out of his system...

Kids’ Fleece Robe

No one does cozy quite like New England, and nobody is as synonymous with “New England cozy” as L.L.Bean. We love this super soft robe, available in a variety of colors, perfect for snuggling up anywhere snuggling is called for.

Marvel Spidey & His Amazing Friends Hero Collection

Spidey & His Amazing Friends is a great entry into the world of superheroes, which is why we love this show-accurate set of the main characters. Your 6-year-old boy will spend hours playing with Peter, Miles, and Gwen, plus Black Panther and Iron Man.

Kick Scooter

Is there anything more iconic in childhood than riding around everywhere on your scooter? He’ll have a blast zipping around the neighborhood (or just the driveway) on this scooter, which is adjustable so it can grow with him.

3-in-1 Space Shuttle

We love Lego, but maybe our favorite kind of Lego is the 3-in-1 build. This kit can build a rocket, astronaut, and spaceship, all of which are just as fun to play with as they are to build. (Go ahead: give that rocket a little swish through the air on your own. It’s so satisfying.)

Guess in 10 Card Game

This is a great game to develop logic skills and critical thinking or just to have fun on a rainy day or a long car trip. Your 6-year-old boy can ask 10 questions to figure out the answer written on the card. Can he do it? (We know he can!)

iPlay, iLearn Automatic Pitching Machine

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.

More: Best Toys for Every Kind of Kid

Dueling Stomp Racers 4 Car Mega Pack

These cars will provide hours of outside entertainment. Just attach the four 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!

Shooting Target Game

They say a moving target is hard to hit … but what about a floating target? Your 6-year-old will practice their aim with either floating balls or traditional targets.

This set includes everything you need: a target gallery, a dart gun, 20 foam darts, 10 floating ball targets, and five flip targets.

Hand-Operated Scoot Drone

Charge up the Scoot Drone, toss it in the air, put your hand beneath it, and watch it hover. Move it around with a wave of your hand. Your 6-year-old boy will love pretending to be a wizard or a Jedi with this neat toy. And by “6-year-old boy,” we definitely mean “you, too.”

Remote Control Car

No matter who you are, you have to admit that remote control cars are awesome, and this one — which allows 360 degrees of stunts — is especially cool. Suitable for grass, pavement, or even sand, this durable car can handle anything … even a 6-year-old boy!

Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab

A knack for science should be a welcomed thing. Instead of letting him make a mess out of random stuff found around the house, get him this science kit so he can mix, concoct, and experiment for a fun scientific reaction. This set comes with 35 beaker creatures and everything the little scientist needs for them to be revealed.

Deluxe Beach Castle Playset

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 this sensory activity. And you can surely handle the hours of quiet time this will give you in return. This one comes with 2.5 pounds of sand that molds easily for fun creations, and you don't even have to be at the beach!

Classic Stuffed Animal

If you grew up in the ’80s, you remember these lovable pups who want to be adopted by a kid who’ll love them! Each puppy comes with a certificate of adoption, so your child can give them a name and make everything official. Super soft and cuddly, these pups are perfect for snuggling and imaginative play.

Dune Buggy

He already has a bike, but he has a need for speed. This classic dune buggy is perfect for his age, plus it can hold up to a 120-pound driver. It comes with a 350-watt electric motor that can get him going up to 9 miles per hour. A helmet is not included, but it is strongly recommended.

Shape Shifting Box

The Shashibo cube can be best described as a fidget toy that meets a puzzle. This sensory box can transform into 70 shapes with simple moves even novices can do. Once the 6-year-old makes it into a unique shape, he can be challenged with figuring out how to bring it back to a perfect square box. Choose from several patterns and color schemes.

FunForts Creative Building Set

Every 6-year-old is obsessed with making forts. While you can easily make them out of blankets you already have, this building set will be a great addition because they can expertly hold your sheets up to make the ultimate fort. Create an infinite amount of shapes and designs.

Wooden Blocks Puzzle

This gift is for him to play with a Tetris-like puzzle IRL. He'll love its bold colors and the fact that it's the ultimate challenge. The object of the game: lay all of the shapes with zero spaces. There are perfect combinations and layouts to discover, which will exercise his brain to discover.

Glow in The Dark Slime Kit

Sorry, parents and guardians, we recognize you hate slime. But, he will love this glow-in-the-dark slime kit, and you know it. This box comes with easy-to-follow instructions to DIY gooey goodness that lights up with a UV tool. Make 24 slime varieties that you can save in air-tight containers.

Pro Acoustic Kids Guitar

If you sense he has a budding musical ability, lean into it by giving him this simple, 3-string guitar so he can get the hang of strumming along. Perfect for young kids, this guitar, which is made of real wood, also comes with chord flashcards and access to free video lessons on Loog's guitar app, available on iOS and Android.

Drawing Easel with Markers

Your child can make masterpieces that literally radiate light with this awesome glow-in-the-dark easel, which comes with six neon gel markers that glow under the built-in LED lights.

Five different light modes can even make art look like it’s moving. And with a kickstand and wall mount, your kiddo can display their drawings any way they like.

Spin Storm Track

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!

NightBall Light Up Soccer Ball

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).

Creator 3-in-1 Helicopter Adventure Kit

It’s a helicopter! It’s a glider plane! It’s a power boat! It’s all three! With this kit, your child will be able to build three different toys using the same pieces. And since the fun of LEGO is not only in building the toys but playing with them, your 6-year-old will have hours of fun.

Interactive Digital Pet Toy and Case

Tamagotchi's were all the rage in our heyday, and now Bitzee is taking over the virtual pet space — and it's taking everything to a whole other level. Each Bitzee starts as a baby, where your giftee can feed and play with them, rock them to sleep, and give them love to help them grow from baby, to adult, to Super Bitzee!

Each Bitzee toy pet reacts to swipes, tilts, and touch, encouraging nurturing and play. Bitzee pets need your love and care!

Maverick Pogo Stick

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.

Rhino Hero Super Battle

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!

Toy Truck Transport Car Carrier

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.

Jumbo Slime Kit

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.

Monopoly Junior

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.

Bean Bag Chair

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.

Happy Salmon Game

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.

Take-Along Fire Station

This mini fire station comes with two firefighters, a motorcycle, fire gear, and other accessories — everything your boy needs to imagine their own adventures! And with the handy-dandy carry case, they can bring the fun anywhere they go.

Trampoline

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.

Create N’ Carry Art Set

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.

Kids Read Daily Book Club Subscription Box

Build your child’s home library with this subscription service. Every month, your kiddo will receive three books tailored to their interest and reading level. Whether you’re reading to your child, with your child, or if they’re reading to you, there are books for everyone and every occasion.

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.

Marbling Paint Art Kit

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.

Mega Boxing Gloves

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.

Trouble Board Game

Getting into Trouble has never been so much fun! Use the Pop-o-Matic die roller to see how many places your piece can move on its journey around the board. The first player to get all four of their pegs to the finish wins. But be careful — other players are out to set you back!

Light Up Drawing Tee

This cozy cotton T-shirt is fitted with a luminescent ink panel. Shine a concentrated light source (like the included mini light wand) and watch your creation gleam into existence! The light will fade in about five minutes, giving your child a fresh canvas to create something new.

Electric Train Set

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.

Learn To Cook Delicious Dishes Kit

Everyone should know how to cook, which means we have to teach every boy. Show them that cooking can be fun with this deluxe cooking and baking kit, which contains 12 kid-friendly recipes, a spatula, and shopping lists, as well as cooking tips and tricks! They’ll learn about different cuisines and gain confidence in the kitchen, and there are also different subscription options for avid young chefs.

Remote Control Car

No matter who you are, you have to admit that remote control cars are awesome, and this one — which allows 360 degrees of stunts — is especially cool. Suitable for grass, pavement, or even sand, this durable car can handle anything … even a 6-year-old boy!

Stomp Racers

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!

100-Piece Rainforest Puzzle

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.

Usborne STEAM Scribble Books

Step away from the screen and give the 6-year-old boy in your life a way to express his creativity. If he likes to cook up ideas and inventions, this scribble book will be a welcomed gift. With pages filled with puzzles, patterns, and design prompts, he'll love solving problems while getting his thoughts down on paper.

Interactive Digital Pet Toy and Case

Tamagotchi's were all the rage in our heyday, and now Bitzee is taking over the virtual pet space — and it's taking everything to a whole other level. Each Bitzee starts as a baby, where your giftee can feed and play with them, rock them to sleep, and give them love to help them grow from baby, to adult, to Super Bitzee!

Each Bitzee toy pet reacts to swipes, tilts, and touch, encouraging nurturing and play. Bitzee pets need your love and care!

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