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Have you ever walked down the toy aisle in a big-box store and thought, “What a bunch of junk”? Yeah, us too. Sure, there are a few worthwhile toys (looking at you, LEGO). But so many are shallow, licensed products designed to provide a quick hit of entertainment and nothing else. A day or two later, they break and quietly spend the next 400 years in a landfill.
We are always on the lookout for unique, quality toys that will keep the kids engaged and off screens. Bonus points if they build practical skills or encourage physical activity. And while the best “toys” are honestly still a cardboard box, a pile of sticks, and some imagination, we’ve included our favorite products below.
For the record, this is not a sponsored post and represents our honest opinion about things our kids use every day.
Here’s the summary list, jump below for details:
From Micah
If a paintball and airsoft gun had a baby, it would be a Gel Blaster. These things shoot small, water-saturated beads that burst when they hit a target and completely disappear as they dry. Our kids and I love battling each other across the yard and occasionally throughout the house. The blasters are relatively safe and don’t leave any mess.
We recently got a few Starfire XL blasters on sale. They aren’t particularly accurate, but the three burst shot mode makes up for it with firepower. You can also select full auto, but it is a waste of ammo. Speaking of ammo, I’d stay away from the glow-in-the-dark stuff (mostly a gimmick) and get some less expensive off-brand ammo for daytime use. It is a lot cheaper.
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From David
This BB Gun is a classic, enjoyed for generations. Modeled after the lever-action rifles of the Old West, you can load it up with little metal BBs and plink away at cans or targets for hours. Just work the lever to cock it, and you’re good to go. No electronics or batteries means it is very durable and will last for years. Great for target practice, learning basic gun safety, and living out the dream of being a cowboy.
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From Micah
There’s something about shooting bows and arrows that makes us feel a connection to the old tales of Robin Hood and other classic medieval stories. But nostalgia aside, it can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages and builds coordination, focus, and safety. We got our kids some very basic bows several years ago, and they still work great.
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From David
Using a radio feels retro, like how rangers or spies would communicate on a mission in the analog past. Our kids take these down to the back woods to stay in touch with us at the house, and they're also great for communicating around campgrounds or hiking trips. We also use them to send mysterious messages to extraterrestrials ("E.T. phone home") when we find an occupied channel.
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From Micah
I had slot cars as a kid and loved them, so I was excited to learn that Carrera is still in business and making this classic toy. If you aren't familiar, these are miniature electric race cars that follow a slot around a track you can configure with a variety of pieces (like loops, curves, straights, etc.). You control the cars' speed with controllers that connect to the track. We started with a Carrera Go! set and have purchased a few extra cars to go with it.
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From Micah and David
We've been launching rockets with our kids for a while now, and it never gets old. The basic concept is simple: you build a small rocket from a kit, insert an engine, and launch it hundreds of feet into the air. We've written a complete beginner's guide if you want the full rundown, but here's the quick version:
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From Micah
If your kids are burning through complex Lego sets in a few hours, it might be time to look for something more challenging. That is precisely what Metal Earth models offer. You get a pack of metal sheets with parts that you punch out and bend, then assemble into 3D models. These take patience and fine-motor skills and are ideal for older kids who enjoy a challenge.
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From David
If you're serious about taking your kids backpacking regularly, an official pack is a great gift. Some options mimic the features on adult backpacks and will make your kids feel official when they hit the trail. But it isn't just cosmetic. These packs are designed to distribute weight throughout the body, making it much more enjoyable for kids to hike meaningful distances.
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From Micah
A wrist rocket is about as classic as it gets: a slingshot with a wrist brace that makes it easier to draw and aim. I still have mine from when I was a kid and just replaced the bands over the years. Grab some clay ammo balls, and you've got hours of target practice or just randomly shooting at stuff in the yard. It's fairly safe, but still helps teach general weapon safety.
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From Micah and David
We're including remote-control cars, but with a caveat. Kids always seem to love these things, and they are great for getting outside. BUT, they never seem to last very long. Recently, we got a Laegendary off-road truck that is pretty darn cool. It zips up and down the street at a blazing speed and can do some crazy jumps. That said, the kids kept trying bigger and bigger stunts, and it is wearing out.
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From Micah
Of all the things we've purchased and built for our kids, our good old trampoline is the one that gets used the most. Fun for any age, it encourages physical activity, imagination, and reasonably safe rough-housing. We have had one fractured leg from it, so there is a bit of risk, but it is worth it (they grow back stronger, right?).
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From David
If you have trees in your yard with a bit of space, definitely consider installing a zip-line. This is an enjoyable activity for kids and an adrenaline rush. After building an epic backyard treehouse, I put up a 75-foot line across the creek, and the kids love it. Just keep in mind that setup can be a bit of a challenge and may take some experimentation to get the downslope and tension right.
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From Micah
Personally, I would prefer our kids use bikes, scooters, and other contraptions that encourage physical activity. But the boys really wanted a hoverboard, so we ended up getting one. Then they found out you can get a go-kart attachment, so we picked up a used one via Facebook Marketplace. They all love zipping around (when they actually remember to recharge the thing), so we're including it against my better judgment... At least they're outside.
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From David
Bikes, in general, are basic toys every kid needs. Our family has gotten so much mileage out of ours (no pun intended). They teach balance, mind-body coordination, skills like jumping, and offer excellent exercise.
Mountain bikes are particularly great if you're going off-road or navigating hilly terrain with their shocks, shifters, and durable frames. We have local mountain bike trails, and these work so much better than basic one-speed bikes. I highly recommend them. You can get cheap bikes at big-box stores (like Walmart), but the nicer brands at bike shops tend to be lighter, better built, and easier for kids to operate.
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Before purchasing, make sure you consult a wheel size guide like the one in this article to match your kid's age and height.
Whether you're shopping for birthdays, Christmas, or "just because," the best gifts are the ones that help your kids grow physically and mentally stronger.
We've chosen the things on this list because we personally use and recommend them. All of these products encourage kids to get off screens, go outside, learn new skills, solve problems, and build memories with family and friends. Pick something that fits your child's age and interests, and you'll have a gift that pays off all year long.
Hope you find this helpful!
