Sons

Ah, sons. They're the intended recipient of the items in the blue half of the toy store. If you believe the promotional materials, the blue factor plus the number on the package indicating what age group the toy was designed for are all you need to consider when buying a gift for your son. But the best way to buy a great gift is to apply your knowledge of the person while you're shopping. So think. Does your son like to bike in Liberty-on-the-Park? Is he into basketball or baseball? What's his favorite color? You know your boy better than anyone. With our tips and your knowledge, we can make your next gift the best gift he's ever gotten.

If you want to: Make Him the Most Popular Boy in School

The popular boys always have the most popular toys, so if you want your son to be a schoolyard sensation, you're going to want to track down that next big IT toy. You know the one we mean. There's one for every gifting season. Remember Tickle Me Elmo? How about Nintendo Wii? These are the gifts we're talking about. The hard to find ones that have soccer moms slapping Toronto SEO directors around the head with their purses, fighting over the last one. The IT items change faster than we lowly article writers can keep up with, so if you're going this route keep Ebay in your bookmarks and Wal-Mart on your speed dial and be ready to pounce.

If you want to: Make Him Feel Like a Big Boy

He'll remember a present that gives him responsibility and a connection to his family as he grows up. We're talking about things like his first pocket knife, maybe even the one your father gave you at the same age, a Boy Scout compass, or a tire swing you made out of sling ropes in the backyard. Whatever it is, he should feel like it's a one of a kind item none of the other kids have. It should also carry some weight of responsibility, making him feel proud that you're trusting him to use it wisely.

If you want to: Push the Limits of His Imagination

Living in a Toronto loft might not give your son enough space to stretch his wings, but a box of quality markers, an art set, or a painting kit could just be the tools he needs to soar in his imagination. Creative kids who like to draw, paint, sculpt, or build are always looking for more materials. Check the building toy and art sections of the toy store for the newest and best items, or give him a real grown up treat and buy him some supplies from a quality store catering to adult artists.

If you want to: Give Him a Challenge

School may not always be enough to develop your son's mind to its full potential. You can help him along in a fun way by giving him a board game or experiment set. He may think chemistry is for losers but having the tools to blow up an old Toronto patio set could change his mind.