10 Best Toys for Kids (And Dads Too)

Whether it’s a romantic vacation away from the kids or deluxe air fryer, sometimes the presents you purchase for your spouse are little gifts for you too. And a great part of being a dad is that you reap similar benefits when shopping for your kid.

Depending on their age and your budget, the following toys are almost as much fun for children as they are for their old man.

1. Magnetic Blocks Picasso Cubes ($25 ages 3 and up)

   Pablo Picasso was known for co-founding the cubist movement, an artistic style that uses geometric shapes, and seems like it was invented for babies learning to distinguish between different figures, and adults who are on drugs. And since sleep deprivation can make you feel like you are hallucinating, you and your kid can both have a great time stacking Picasso’s magnetic blocks.

   “Worth the buy! My three year old and my seven year old play with them,” one Amazon review noted. “Okay to be completely transparent, I play with them too! Haha but seriously, these blocks are so fun to play with the kiddos with.”

2. Retevis Walkie-Talkies for Kids ($13.76 ages 3 and up)

   Ground control to major baby? Commencing countdown to an awesome toy for everyone involved. These lightweight, easy to use walkie-talkies are fun for children as young as three. And when they get older and ask for their first smartphone, you can just hand them this and say “over.”

   “I had no idea how much fun walkie talkies would be! These are literally good for any age,” an Amazon review confirmed. “Know that they will pick up other frequencies and other conversations. Other than that I highly recommend. Read the directions so they can be enjoyed without interruption.” Or embrace the interruption and teach your kid a lesson about eavesdropping.

3. HONBO Kite for Kids & Adults ($15.90 ages 3 and up)

   Every dad needs one to go with the classic saying “go fly a kite.” And the HONBO Delta is easy for anyone to get up in the air, even if you’re lacking in kite experience. The only downside? It might make you a little competitive about other kites.

   “I bought this to entertain my toddler, and it flew better than a comparable kite my brother bought for his son,” one Amazon review said. “Should have known a toddler wouldn’t be able to hold it up in a strong wind, but that’s not the kites fault!”

   Just make sure you hold on.

4. Archery Crossbow Toy Set ($24.98 ages 3 and up)

   Much like flying a kite, it’s always great when a toy can get your kid outside. And although the Atlasonix Archery set is made for indoor fun as well, the LED lights make it perfect for backyard fun.

   “When it comes to buying a toy, I look at the quality and the price, it meets these two,” one review read. “My children are happy, because they share time playing together. I recommend it.”

   Bonus points if your kid is really into ninja culture.

5. Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash Track Set! ($58.99, ages 5 and up)

   Most dads on Reddit can attest to the fact that Hot Wheels still hit. Plenty of other parents on Amazon agree that the Criss Cross Crash Track is a great place to start racing, though they disagree with the age-range.

   “No age limit for this wild ride - teach your kids how to have fun,” one review noted. “The original version when I was a kid lacked a couple key safety features this one has so that’s an added bonus. Great toy!”
   

6. 9IUoom Fort Building Kit for Kids ($46.97 ages 3 and up)

   Building a fort is a timeless activity for children, and there is something nostalgic about creating another pillow fortress. But that gets boring after a while with the same old cushions.

   However, this light-up fort building kit “takes fort-making to the next level. You can build a mini castle with these things,” one review explained. “And the imagination of your creation is endless. My kids think it is super cool. When you break it down, it does not take up a whole ton of space. I highly recommend it to all you parents of fort-loving kids.”

   
   Not to mention, fort-loving parents.

7. Outdoor Zipline with Slackline Pulley ($59.99 ages 3 and up)

   Your kid may be too young to appreciate the zipline episode of “South Park.” But thanks to the brand hooroor, known for making Ninja Warrior obstacle course equipment, they can have the real thing in their yard. And given that the slackline can safely hold up to 250-pounds, it could be fun for mom and dad too.

   “I'm able to play too to some degree - I have to hold myself up in a pull-up position, legs tucked in so I won't be dragging on the ground - a great arm workout lol,” one satisfied Amazon customer wrote. That’s one way to stay fit in 2023.

8. Telescope for Adults & Kids ($69.99 ages 8 and up)

   One of the coolest things about childhood is discovering space and all the planets in the universe. The ToyerBee smartphone-compatible telescope allows kids to bring all their questions home with them and continue learning. And while the company says that the telescope is best for ages 8 and up, parents claim it can be fun for children as young as 4-years-old.

   “I purchased this to use over the years with my 4 year old daughters who take an interest in the solar system and stars,” one review said. “I didn’t want to spend too much money, and haven’t used a telescope in 30 years. This gets the job done, and was priced nicely compared to other options.”

   Why not reach for the stars?

9. Lego Ideas Ship in a Bottle ($143 ages 12 and up)

   STEM toys have grown in popularity over the years, and there are endless options for getting your children into science, technology, engineering, and math. And yet Lego hits it out of the park every damn time. Case in point, their ship in a bottle, courtesy of Lego Ideas, a platform where users can submit their ideas for sets.

   To be fair, your kid may not be at the age where they can appreciate the old-man-artistry required for a ship in a bottle, but they’ll get there one day. Until then, plenty of other people can admire your handy work.

   “Absolutely beautiful Lego. Once assembled, it is really pretty to look at. Serves as a nice decor anywhere you place it,” one reviewer said. Make sure the family cat doesn’t knock it over.

10. Mini Drone for Kids ($27.98 ages 14)

    Speaking of STEM toys, if you want to get your child into technology, get them into drones. The TUDELLO RC mini drone is an excellent starter drone from kids and dads alike. The battery may have a shorter run time compared to other drones, but that just means it will match your kid’s attention span.
    

    TUDELLO recommends their drone for adolescents, the reviews indicate that with help, children as young as 5 can enjoy flying it.

    “For the price point you can’t beat it!” one Amazon shopper noted, adding that their 6-year-old flies it with “zero issues.”

    At the end of the day, the only issue may be asking your neighbor to get your new favorite toy off of their roof.