Ten Great Gifts for Boys 8 to 12 for Under $30

Holiday gifts for boys ages 8 to 12 need not cost a fortune. There are plenty of great gifts for under $30 that can be bought online or at your favorite discount store. Of course, you don't have to take my word for it, these items are actual boys toys my son has expressed interest in receiving this year. With holiday commercialism at an all-time high, selecting the perfectly-priced gift is sometimes a challenge. A lot of the best toys these days seem to be in the $100 range, which basically means that it is likely that fewer gifts would be more appropriate. But children sometimes lose interest quickly in higher-end gifts to the disappointment of holiday-weary parents. Here are ten great holiday gifts for boys age 8 to 12 that won't leave your wallet aching at under $30 each.

Etch a Sketch Wired - This year, Etch a Sketch wired is definitely a toy that kids want. It has drawing tools, connect the dots games, and shakes to erase just like the original. Chances are, your child has noticed the Etch a Sketch wired commercial on television. Well, this toy hooks up to your TV so your child can play with his etch a sketch using his personal television or the one in the family room.

Remote Control Car - Hop on over to the Discovery Channel Store for a great deal on a remote control Hummer. This miniature remote control car is really cool and comes with the batteries needed for operation. This is not like a cheapo remote control vehicle; it is quite sturdy and comes with its own stunt ramp. I was personally surprised at the quality of such a cute little 8" long car. The remote control is *NOT* attached to the vehicle.

Illustory - If your child wants to actually write their own book, illustory is an amazing product. Just have your child write the story with contained accessories, illustrate it, and ship it off to the company in a prepaid, preaddressed envelope and in a few weeks, their completed story will arrive in the mail. All you have to do is get your package completed, and the 12-page book will be professionally printed and bound in a 7" x 9" book with a title page, dedication, and about the author page.

Animated Electronic Toys - I-Dog is a neat dog who interacts with music and sound through his headphone jack with on board speakers. Just plug him into your portable MP3 player, DVD player, or computer speaker jack and he'll dance and grove. If you don't want to plug him in, get him close to a speaker, and he'll start reacting to the sound. I-dog also has flashing lights on his head that light to the beat. Hip Pop Pets hook up to your favorite MP3 player and act as speakers. If you don't have an MP3 player, you can play with built in sounds or use your computer. Hip Pop Pets include Piggy, Doggy, Froggy, and Owl. Hip Pop pets run on three "AA" batteries, which are not included, and can be purchased from Sears.

Lego Bionicle - Consider a Lego Bionicle figure or a pair of them for your favorite 8 to 12 year old. These go together more like a model than a building toy, and most have over twenty points of articulation, removable armor, weapons, and a neat backstory.

Cranium Cadoo is a really weird game, but kids seem to really like it. There are over 300 questions and activities for two or more players, and it can even be considered a fun family game. The thing is, Cadoo makes children use more than just their brain or luck. It's not too difficult to learn how to Cadoo, but it takes time to get used to gameplay. Kids won't be discouraged by each other, because no one style of child will definitely win. There are exciting activities, questions, and even silly things throughout this game, which basically means that the whiz kid won't necessarily end up victor. Anything is possible.

Cube World - Cube world is a must-have toy this holiday season. Kind of like pixel chix, these generic-looking stick figures are interesting little digital friends. They are pre programmed with lots of interesting accessories and personalities. The little guys can visit each other and interact. They are sold in pairs. Cube world sets include red Dodger and yellow Whip (Dodger has a ball and Whip has a rope.); purple Slim and orange Scoop (Slim has a stick and Scoop owns a dog.); blue Handy and yellow Dusty (Handy is a handyman and Dusty is probably a tagger.); plum Mic and teal Hans (Mic is a musician, Hans is a bodybuilder; blue Chief and red Sparky (Chief is a policeman and Sparky is a fireman.); and gray Toner and green Dash (Toner works in an office, Dash is a mail guy.)

Carnivorous Creations - The Carnivorous Creations Terrarium kit by DuneCraft, and available at KB Toys, is a small domed terrarium with which you can grow a small group of meat eating plants. Seeds include Venus Fly Trap, Sundew Plant, Two types of pitcher plant, and more. To start your kit out, you have to first create your own bog. Though the item is really cool, it takes a long time for the items to grow. That is why it should be used as a family project. To take some of the wait time away, once it comes out of the fridge, plant a flytrap in the dome to take care of while your baby plants grow. The process of plant growth is VERY long.

Mega Blocks Dragons - The Mega Bloks Dragons series is fun and completely upgradeable with a full line of exciting playsets, expansion sets, and character kits. For even more fun, consider purchasing a dragon's egg complete with a baby dragon inside. These can be purchased in sets of four or singly wherever toys are sold.

Discovery Gross Magic Kit - Mom's might not love the Discovery Gross Magic Tricks set, available from Spilsbury and several other online shops, but boys tend to be impressed. From yucky gooey eyeball tricks to latex cockroach eggs and more, this set of creepy things seems like a total gross out. A 24 page booklet teaches how to do dozens of tricks with the revolting accessories in this kit.

Whatever you choose for your favorite 8 to 12 year old, remember to have a fun and save holiday season. Happy Holidays!