The 31 Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys of 2023

Six-year-old boys are, without a doubt, full of energy and have many different hobbies and interests. At this age, 6-year-old kids are more independent but still want to hang with the adults (while you’re still cool, of course) and their new peers. While this transition phase can be tricky to navigate, choosing the right gift for the 6-year-old boy in your life doesn’t have to be, as you only need to take a few details into consideration. Though these toys are sure to be loved by 6-year-old boys, they’re great picks for girls and nonbinary kids as well.

Consider what your kiddo likes to do or play with in his spare time to get an idea of his hobbies and interests or introduce him to a new passion. Additionally, check all age ratings to ensure he plays safely at his skill level without his new gift feeling too advanced. We carefully considered design, features, age recommendations, toy safety, various interests, material, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best gifts for 6-year-old boys.

Our Top Picks

Little Pretender Walkie Talkies for Kids at Amazon

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Perler Marvel Avengers Fuse Bead Kit at Amazon

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Moose Toys Lebron James Action Figure at Amazon

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Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash Track Set at Amazon

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Fat Brain Toys Box and Bouncy Balls Toy at Amazon

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Treasure X Sunken Gold Treasure Ship Playset at Amazon

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VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX at Amazon

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Mattel Minions Otto Interactive Toy at Amazon

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Lands’ End Kids ClassMate Medium Backpack at Kohls.com

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HEXBUG JUNKBOTS at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Gifts
What to Look for
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Clear sound over 2-mile range
Can add lines for the whole family
Fun flashlight

Cons

No volume control
Noisy beeping sounds

The Little Pretender Walkie-Talkies for kids will have your child saying, "Roger that!" with delight as they talk to friends through these sturdy and realistic units. This set gives you FRS functionality in a simple, easy-to-use design, earning them a glowing review from our tester and the top spot in this roundup.

They work well for neighborhood fun and have a 2-mile coverage range, so kids can get outside and stay active while using them. Our tester loved that these electronics were small enough to fit comfortably in small hands compared to competitors. There are only three channel selections, so fussing over lost signals isn't a problem. The sturdy plastic can withstand long-time use and even a few drops.

The entertainment value is high, as kids of all ages can get involved, and even adults can play along. Little ones will need help putting in the three AAA batteries anyway. They are not the cheapest walkies on the market, but our testers declare them worth the money, noting the clear signal, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Price at time of publication: $42

What Testers Say

"The size of these walkie-talkies is ideal. Unlike others on the market, they have a small, slender design that fits perfectly in our 6-year-old son’s hands. He was also able to easily push the talk button on the side and understand the four controls on the front panel, which allowed him to power the device on and off, turn on the built-in flashlight, call, and change channels."—Kaity Velez, Product Tester

Amazon

Pros

10 characters
More than 4,000 beads
Beads are sorted by color

Cons

Adult help needed for ironing
Does not come with tweezers

This Marvel Avengers bead kit includes everything kids need to make their own masterpiece: 4,500 beads, a pegboard, ironing paper, and one pattern sheet with easy-to-understand instructions. Six-year-olds will have a blast watching Captain America, Wonder Woman, and more of their favorite superheroes come to life. Remember that kids will need adult help using the iron to complete their artwork’s final look.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

Pros

Voice sounds just like LeBron James
Includes basketball accessories

Cons

Packaging isn't great for collectors
The action figure may be a bit smaller than expected

The Space Jam: A New Legacy action figure looks just like LeBron James himself—the voice also sounds on point, and it even recites phrases from the movie. LeBron comes with four accessories that attach to his body, including the ACME blocker, a basketball, a basket boom, and claws. You can pose LeBron's arms and legs for extensive play.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

Pros

Good for one or more players
Includes more than 16 feet of track
Provides hours of fun

Cons

Box only includes one car
Motor can be loud

This Hot Wheels track features four elevated loops for car racing fun, along with multiple ‘crash zones’ for plenty of action and excitement. Motorized wheels propel cars onto the loops of the track, and kids have fun guessing which cars will go the distance to make many circuits before crashing. Just know that this toy can be a bit loud, thanks to the motor powering cars around the track and the crashing cars.

Price at time of publication: $59

Amazon

Pros

Play alone or with friends
Eight balls included
Each box suggests a different game

Cons

Seam on ball can make balls bounce crooked

Roll, stack, bounce, nest…the options are endless with this strategy game that’s sure to challenge everyone in the family. Eight nesting boxes arrange into multiple games, with each box giving you picture instructions of how to play. Roll balls down the boxes in descending order or attempt to bounce a ball into a box—there are limitless play possibilities.

Price at time of publication: $37

Amazon

Pros

25 levels of fun and adventure
Encourages creative thinking
No batteries needed

Cons

One-time use
Kinetic sand requires clean-up

This ship has it all, from a canon to trapdoors and gold-dipped treasure at the end. Kids will love encountering different challenges as they try to rescue the captain and defeat the evil monster. There are surprises everywhere, so this toy is sure to keep their attention.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

Pros

Has five games and three action challenges
Includes a camera with photo effects
Voice recorder with voice-changing effects
Alarm, timer, and stopwatch

Cons

Low screen resolution
Lower battery life than expected

Six-year-old boys who love tech gadgets will appreciate the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX. This kid-friendly version of a smartwatch features rugged construction plus fun activities and games to keep kids engaged and learning.

Parents find the VTech Kidizoom to be great for getting kids excited about staying active since it has games that are played with motion sensors. It’s also useful for keeping kids occupied on car rides or running errands without needing to bring along a larger tablet.

Price at time of publication: $63

Amazon

Pros

Great gift for Minions fans
Shake Otto to hear him laugh and vibrate
Press hand to hear laughter and Minion Speak
Huggable plush toy for bedtime and traveling

Cons

Can be loud
Batteries wear out quickly

This Minions toy is a fun, interactive one. Otto has more than 20 different sounds and phrases, which are activated based on how he’s moved. He even sings a lullaby and snores when he’s laid down. He comes with a stone, and kids will love watching him react when it’s inserted into his pocket.

Price at time of publication: $49

Landsâ End

Pros

Variety of patterns
Zippered front pocket
Reflective trim on front and back

Cons

Material is thin

Whether it’s for school or a trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, a kids’ backpack is a must-have item for 6-year-olds. This backpack from Lands’ End measures 17 x 12 x 7 inches, so it’s just the right size for younger children, and it’s available in a variety of fun patterns. Noteworthy features: Reflective trim on the front and back for safety, adjustable chest strap to keep the weight balanced, and padded straps for ultimate comfort. Plus, you can customize the backpack with initials, words, or colorful logos for an added fee.

Price at time of publication: $45

Amazon

Pros

Encourages STEM skills and creativity
Take apart the bots to create totally unique figures
Robots can light up and animate

Cons

Lots of small pieces
May be too complex for some

Kids are in for a surprise, literally, with this toy. The Hexbug dumpster comes with an assortment of more than 50 pieces that can be used to build mini figures or robots. The Junkbots can even be animated with the use of the included motor.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

Pros

12 individually wrapped “discoveries”
Different themes
Chiseling tool included

Cons

Not reusable

From dragon eggs to space asteroids, uncover what’s inside each discovery piece with the included chiseling tool. Simply soak the discoveries in water before chiseling away to reveal mini astronauts and dragons.

Price at time of publication: $27

Walmart

Pros

Great for outdoor play
Adjustable handlebar height
Rear brake

Cons

No power motor
No kickstand

Give your 6-year-old a new set of wheels with the Razor A2 Kick Scooter. This lightweight and easy-to-maneuver scooter is popular with kids of all ages. It features a wheelie bar in the back for fun moves and a shock absorber in the front for a smooth ride. The Razor A2 supports up to 143 pounds and folds up for easy storage. It's a great way to encourage kids to get outside and stay active as they race with friends or try new moves in the driveway.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

Pros

Lighted jar
Magnifying glass lid
Automatic shut-off

Cons

Three AAA batteries required

Kids and bugs are a longtime duo that’ll never go out of style. This bug-catching jar lights up every color of the rainbow to illuminate your kiddo’s insect friends. The light-up jar has an automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, so it doubles as a nightlight, too.

Price at time of publication: $25

Amazon

Pros

Fun and educational STEM toy
Kids can build and design truck
Packaging box is part of the toy

Cons

Box pieces can get worn easily
Back door of truck won't stay shut

This STEM toy is fun and educational. Kids use the drill to build the recycling truck, that when completed, has an operational lift arm. They’ll love drilling away with the 18 bolts that are included. Also, even though you typically throw away the box toys come in, not with this one. The box is actually a part of the play experience.

Price at time of publication: $37

Walmart

Pros

Adjustable handle height
Foam bottom won't harm floors
High 250-pound weight limit

Cons

Toy's squeaking noises can be loud
The stick is floppy, not fixed upright

Provide a fun, safe way for your kid to let loose with the Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper. This compact pogo jumper features a soft foam bottom that won’t harm floors and a stretchy handle that enables kids of different heights to use it easily. It has a 250-pound weight limit, and plenty of parents have been known to give the Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper a test run.

Price at time of publication: $20

KiwiCo

Pros

Several subscription options available
Pause or cancel anytime
Step-by-step instructions

Cons

Adult supervision required for some crafts

If you’re unsure of what to buy for a 6-year-old boy, a STEM subscription kit is a great place to start. KiwiCo offers a variety of subscription options (that you can cancel at any time), which include science projects, arts and crafts, and more.

Price at time of publication: $19/month

Amazon

Pros

Fun play for backyards and parks
Fun rocket launch competition between players
Launch rockets up to 20 stories high

Cons

Only good for two players
Lightweight kids may not be able to launch rockets high

Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets features four rockets and dual launching pads that are designed to be stepped, stomped, and smashed by kids looking to send the rockets high overhead. The rockets themselves are soft but can soar to great heights. While Stomp Rocket offers a single rocket launcher, the Dueling Rockets version offers the ability for two kids to play simultaneously. Many users also found the Dueling Rockets set-up to have a sturdier base and easier rocket loading system.

Price at time of publication: $30

Amazon

Pros

Classic Legos set is great for hours of fun
Large 484-piece set comes with storage container
Great alternative to screen time

Cons

Lots of little pieces to clean up
Pieces are smaller than expected

These classic building blocks are among the most popular toys of all time, and many young boys enjoy the endless engineering and tinkering that comes with a set of Legos. This 484-piece set comes inside of a handy storage container, though don’t be surprised to find that the included bricks don’t fill the container to the brim. Instead, it allows plenty of room for your child to grow his Lego collection over the years.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

Pros

140 pieces
Storage case with handles
Paper included

Cons

Case is large (not travel-friendly)

Take arts and crafts time to a whole new level with this Crayola art kit that contains everything needed to create masterpieces. The art set includes crayons, short colored pencils, washable markers, and coloring paper, and comes in a storage case with carrying handles.

Price at time of publication: $34

Amazon

Pros

Great for camping and hiking fun
Includes binoculars, flashlight, and more
Easy drawstring backpack

Cons

Not the most high-grade equipment
Smaller than expected

Does he love the great outdoors? Equip him for his next adventure with the Adventure Kidz Outdoor Exploration Kit. Along with a drawstring backpack, the set includes binoculars with 4x30 magnification, a crank-operated LED flashlight, a 3X magnifying glass, a compass, and a whistle on a lanyard. While the kit isn't filled with high-grade survival equipment, it’s fun and functional for a child.

Price at time of publication: $30

Amazon

Pros

100% recycled plastic
Dishwasher-safe
Three pieces included

Cons

Sinks quickly with too much water

This ferry boat will take bathtime to a whole new level of fun with its two mini cars and built-in ramp. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and mold prevention.

Price at time of publication: $27

Amazon

Pros

Kids learn to build and take apart cars
Realistic lights and sounds

Cons

Needs patience and a lot of hand-eye coordination
Drill handle may be too large for little hands

For young motor enthusiasts, the Think Gizmos Take-Apart Racing car is a great hands-on gift. This build-your-own-car kit is designed to be assembled by your child and includes a low-speed, battery-operated drill, and 30 pieces.

While it may sound challenging for a 6-year-old, parents found it to be a fun and age-appropriate task for their child. A motion sensor allows the car to make sounds for realistic play, but you can turn this function off with a switch on the engine.

Amazon

Pros

Chess pieces are fun characters
30 mini games
Dual-sided board

Cons

Board feels flimsy

Introduce the historical game of chess in a way 6-year-olds will understand: through a story. Story Time chess features characters hand-drawn by a former Disney artist and teaches kids how each chessman moves thanks to a handy book. Plus, once kids get the hang of the game, simply flip the board over and play a regular game.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

Pros

Helps kids learn about dinosaurs
Promotes arts and creativity

Cons

Limited amount of times clay can be used
Very messy toy

For a budding paleontologist or any little boy that loves prehistoric action, this clay dinosaur kit from Creativity for Kids is a great activity. The kit includes three plastic dinosaur skeletons and five colors of modeling clay to bring the dinosaurs to life. The clay stays moldable for quite a long time, so your child can re-configure the dinosaurs over and over for hours of fun.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

Pros

For solo and up to four players
Three escape room challenges
Great family game

Cons

Batteries not included

Challenge the mind with the Operation Escape Board Game. This logic and critical thinking game brings the excitement of an Escape Room into your living room. With three challenges to solve and varying degrees of difficulty, it appeals to children's sense of adventure.

Price at time of publication: $34

Amazon

Pros

Can make small shapes and large figures and models
Includes eBook for more ideas

Cons

Will need additional parts for bigger projects
Booklet that comes with the toy is unhelpful

For the little boy who loves to build, the IQ Builder STEM Construction Set provides an abundance of possibilities. This introduction to engineering set helps kids build structures and shapes with 164 pieces, including building rods in various lengths, connecting balls, and wheels. Just know that if your child really takes off with this STEM construction set, they’ll probably need to add to the initial inventory of pieces to create large-scale projects or more specialized designs.

Price at time of publication: $25

Amazon

Pros

Helps kids learn geography and history
Detective game gives visual and audio clues

Cons

Not compatible with all tablets
Game can be repetitive

Osmo creates interactive games that combine a hands-on board and pieces with the expansive learning opportunities available through a tablet. Compatible with an iPad or Fire Tablet, parents love how the Osmo Detective Agency game helps kids learn more about geography while using critical thinking to solve puzzles. You can easily expand your Osmo learning collection with more games once you have the base, which is sold separately.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

Pros

Great for fans of Spiderman
Shoots water or silly string for fun

Cons

Glove is one size and may not fit everyone
Silly string runs out fast

Let your 6-year-old’s imagination run wild with the Marvel Spider-Man Super Web Slinger. Simply slip on the special Spidey glove and attach the canister and holster to sling webs or spray water. The set includes a can of web fluid—which is similar to silly string. Once the canister runs out, you can buy replacements but it’s nice to know that the sprayer also works with water. This Spider-Man Super Web Slinger takes playtime to a whole new level, and parents like that it’s not necessary to keep replacing the web fluid for the glove to remain fun.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

Pros

No hot parts
10 stencils
72 strand filaments

Cons

Strand filaments can jam

The creative possibilities are endless with this 3D pen set that poses no burn risk to kids since it doesn’t contain any hot parts. The pen comes with 72 strand filaments and 10 stencils for children 6 and up to make 3D creations, or they can come up with their own design. The pen even features a standby mode for additional safety.

Price at time of publication: $50

Pros

Great for team playing and family fun
Ready to play out of the box
Three ways to win

Cons

Pieces can get stuck in game structure
Structure could be more durable

Introduce your child to a classic game for hours of fun. Hasbro’s Connect 4 is a top seller that is simple to learn but offers competitive gameplay. It’s the perfect game for keeping kids occupied on rainy days or to play with parents during a family game night. What people love most about Connect 4 for kids is that it’s ready to play out of the box, and a quick round can be played in a few minutes, or longer tournaments can lead to an hour or more of fun.

Price at time of publication: $14

Amazon

Pros

Over 2 feet long
Controllable from up to 250 feet away
Rechargeable

Cons

Styrofoam wheels don’t work on every terrain

With its large size, massive tires, shocks, and suspension, this megalodon-shaped RC car is sure to impress any 6-year-old boy. It measures over 2 feet long and has rubber tread on the tires to ensure it lasts through every bump or tumble.

Price at time of publication: $110

How We Selected the Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys

We chose the best gifts for 6-year-old boys by researching reviews from customers and competitors while studying the design and features of more than 60 toys on the market. Additionally, we spoke to Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association, to get her recommendations on age-appropriate gifts for 6-year-old boys. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. When reviewing products, we considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, design, size, features, and value.

What to Look for in a Gift for a 6-Year-Old Boy

Recommended Age

Even if a toy looks just right for the 6-year-old in your life, take a quick look at the age rating to make sure it’s both stimulating and safe, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association. This ensures that the child plays safely and that the toy isn’t too advanced for them to learn or play with.

Interests

Look for gifts that’ll keep a 6-year-old entertained for hours by considering his interests and hobbies. At this age, 6-year-olds are full of energy, and your little one’s strength and muscle coordination begin to improve rapidly. Consider a gift that gives them a reason to run, jump, or get active during playtime, such as the Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets. Or, put their creativity to use with a toy or game that has multiple configurations or outcomes, like the IQ Builder Stem Learning Construction Set, which allows them to think outside the box and make creative decisions for themselves.

STEM skills

Who says learning can’t be fun? Help your 6-year-old boy learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), with fun gifts that teach skills in these useful areas, like the Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Pick-It-Up Truck. These subjects are sure to engage, as your child is now of the age where he is developing a more mature and logical way of thinking.

Many STEM toys and games involve robotics, fun chemistry experiments, or building play structures like forts while using basic engineering principles. Just be sure to choose an age-appropriate gift and stay around to give a helping hand if your child needs help mastering a certain skill.

Why Trust Verywell Family

This article was written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer who has written for The Spruce since 2017. To make this list, she considered each toy's level of action and STEM skills, as well as if it encourages a child's imagination.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. She recommends adults read over the age recommendations before making a final decision while keeping their own budget at the forefront.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: