Five Toys for the Big Boy: A Man's List of Dream Toys

Comedian Dane Cook suggests that every man really wishes he had a pet monkey; a "pet monkey that he could dress up in armor and swordfight with when he got home from work."

While Dane Cook's observation is certainly astute and astoundingly accurate, it's no secret that a man isn't shy about his inner child. Recall Home Improvement's Tim Taylor, the main character portrayed by actor/comedian Tim Allen. Tim Taylor was always interested in "more power," making fires bigger, lights brighter, and engines louder.

Although Dane Cook and Tim Allen's humorous subject matter might seem exaggerated, it takes only one look at a sympathetic male to realize that he also wants the armor-clad monkey or the biggest engine money can buy.

Here are some dream toys for the big boy in your life, as well as some actual and affordable alternatives.

Spaceship

All men wish to fly a spaceship. Even if your guy isn't a geek, at one point or another in his life, he has been captivated by the desire to explore space-uncharted territory. If a man has a specific interest in Star Wars or Star Trek for example, he might prefer a specific type and class of space vehicle such as the Enterprise-D or the Millenium Falcon.

For most people, purchasing a space ship or even an airplane isn't exactly affordable. However, there are some great pre-assembled models and model kits available. With these, men can build and display their favorite starships.

A really big gun

Every man has wanted to fire a really big gun such as a super laser, phaser device, or a Tommy gun as seen in mobster movies. Obtaining these types of firearms ranges from impossible to illegal, but there is still hope.

Consider an outing to a local firing range. There, your man can rent a gun and safety equipment. Police officers and gun and rifle enthusiasts frequently keep in practice at the shooting range, so he will be able to meet others with knowledge about weaponry.

A fast, expensive car

James Bond is the ultimate man's man. Bond drives, abandons, and wrecks fast, sexy cars. Movies like The Fast and the Furious also expose mostly-male audiences to a world of fast cars.

For most, a suped-up, expensive car is out of the budget. However, if you are considering purchasing a vehicle for the man in your life, check out base models of popular racing cars such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Mustang, or Honda Civic. These cars are relatively affordable.

Your local race track may also be able to assist you. For a fee, you can buy your man some track time to race his own car or to race as a passenger with a professional racecar driver.

Lastly, the least expensive option would be a car model. Car models come pre-assembled or in kits. Model car kits are also great for fathers wishing to bond with children. Also, don't forget monster truck rallies and old-time car shows for the auto enthusiast in your life.

His own castle

Every man likes to think of his home as his castle. What man hasn't watched a movie like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and consequently desired his own actual castle?

If your man is on the geeky side, he might be content with the popular Lego castles. These are also popular for parent-child teams.

For a taste of real life in a castle, consider a day trip to a local renaissance festival. Using the provided castle finding guide, it's possible to visit an actual castle or castle-style dwelling in the United States or Canada.

With a little thought and effort, you can find the right toy for the big boy in your life on any budget.