Gift ideas for boys ages 5 and up

I don't know about you, but I have a set of criteria when it comes to toys and my son's other possessions. Motherly intuition, I suppose. I felt like a nag sharing my criteria with family around birthdays and holidays, but when they asked what to give, I was honest. And to my surprise (and relief) they thought it was great! So don't be shy to share your convictions, even when it comes to gifts. 

Okay, so my criteria is:

1. No cheap, bulky plastic. Especially those that come in a millions pieces. For a while (and still to this day) my son received a lot of wooden toys. They are made to last, durable, and he loves them! 

2. Yes to books! We love books in this house. Oftentimes our son would rather be read to than anything else. Yes (sigh) I have certain criteria for books as well, but that is for another post.

3. Anything that is character building. Gifts that encourage Christian boy(man)hood (see below).

I love what Vision Forum has to offer for gifts for the young men in our lives. Here are two favorites, but be sure to check out their site - there is so much great stuff!:

All-American Pop Gun

"This wood-handled pop gun is a real corker and an American classic. Great fun for future defenders of hearth and home. Made in Texas where we still teach our boys about manhood, responsibility, and the Second Amendment." - Vision Forum

Build Your Own Tow Truck

If your boy is anything like ours, he loves to fix and put things together. And he also loves tow trucks!

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills

Okay so this one could be for the whole family, but what a great resource to learn the ins and outs of self-sufficiency and homesteading. I don't think you can be too young to learn the skills this book has to offer.

DIY Tool belt

 For my fellow crafty mamas, here is a simple tutorial on a child's tool belt. I think it would make a great gift with the following Etsy find :)

Child's Wooden Tool Box with Tools 

Since we're on the subject of boys, here is a great excerpt from Dr. James Dobson's book (a gift to ourselves?) "Bringing up Boys":

"With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it's no wonder so many parents and teachers are at a loss about how to bring up boys. Our culture has vilified masculinity and, as a result, boys are suffering. Parents, teachers, and others involved in shaping the character of boys have many questions. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson, America's most trusted authority on family issues, tackles these questions and offers advice and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles. Bringing Up Boys—a must-read book for parents, teachers, social workers, youth leaders, counselors—anyone involved in the challenge of turning boys into good men."

Linking up to: 
Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, Growing Home, Deep Roots at Home,
Time-Warm Wife