Ten Great Gifts for Boys Ages 8 Through 12 for $100 or Less

When buying a gift for a boy age eight to twelve, you must consider the tendencies of that age. Many will cop out and purchase a giftcard for boys of this age simply because they do not want to choose the wrong gift and risk holiday disappointment. Still others will try to purchase a videogame, which is by far the most popular game for boys of this age, but the problem with videogames is that this purchase requires a lot of calculation and investigation.

You don't want to buy a game the child already owns or will not play. In addition, you have to consider ratings, genre, and warnings. Does the game require accessories, and if so, are they included? Is someone else in the family buying a game this holiday season that could possibly result in the child receiving two or more of the same gift? Buying a videogame for a holiday gift is not really recommended for these reasons. But here are ten great holiday gifts for boys 8 - 12 for under $100:

1. Magnetix Xtreme - Magnetix is a popular building toy consisting of magnetic squares, rods, spheres, and triangles. The toy sets vary in price, size, and composition, from simple kits costing about $30 to complex 500+ piece sets running upwards of $79. Please note, Magnetix toys contain very small parts that can become choking hazards if left around very small children. Magnetix will likely be a highly-demanded toy this year.

2. FLY Pentop Computer - This award-winning pentop computer can figure out what you write. It is an educational toy at just about $100. It can also remember what you write, figure out math problems, and teach with a library of FLYware games and software. Hard to believe from such a little object at 7" x 1" x 1". For a few dollars more, consider the recharging dock station, case, or backpack.

3. Robosapien - There are many versions of Robosapien, but the most popular size is around $80 and measures 10" x 13.5" x 14". Robosapien can be taught to do 67 things like walking, dancing, and fetching. He operates on a remote control and was developed by a NASA scientist. Robosapien takes 4 D batteries and works in three modes.

4. Chat Now Communicators - Chat Now Communicators may look like walkie talkies and seem like them as well since they have only a two-mile range, but they are so much more. At about $70 for a pair, these communicators have the capability to transfer text messages, photos, and conversations. They also have changeable faceplates. In addition, if more buddies get them, they can all communicate with room for up to thirty photos which can be digitally animated.

5. Sports Zone Kickboxing Trainer with Speed Bag Gloves - Younger guys will love this item, which retails at about $100. Perfect for kids under 14, the target lights up to show where to strike and has three preset skill levels and four training drills. The item, which measures 16" x 27.5" x 60" requires 3 "AA" batteries for the lights.

6. Fuzion Asphalt Scooter - at just under $80, the Fuzion Asphalt scooter is similar to the Razor, but it has a real attitude. The Fuzion deck looks wider than the Razor and it corners quite well. The only problem with the Fuzion is that it is very hard to find in some locations, as it flies off the shelves. I asked a buddy who told me that the Fuzion handles better than the Razor, but that's just his opinion. I don't know enough about scooters to have a suggestion myself. It was made by the inventor who brought you the Quad Carver, a high end scooter that debuted in 2004.

7. Skrooz and Webs - Skrooz by Magz is similar to Magnetix in concept, but that's about as close as you get. Skrooz has really cool bars that can be adjusted when you screw the bars tighter. This creates an interesting geometric learning device where you can create different types of bends and angles. Webs is another innovative building set by Magz that contains multi-armed geometrical pieces. If you mix Skrooz and Webs, you don't get Skrebs, you get a lot of fun building supplies which are, by the way, compatible with Magnetix.

8. Bike - You can buy a Mongoose bike for about $100, but be sure to purchase a good helmet to go along with it. At the age of 8, bikes have almost become standard kid gear. Of course, when you get your bike it will come in a big box with lots of pieces so have a set of wrenches handy. The Mongoose is recommended because it is an all-terrain bike, so boys can ride in the back yard or on pavement with no problem.

9. Spy Gear Car - The Spy Gear Spy Video Remote-Controlled Car is exactly what it sounds like. It's $100 and has an onboard camera so that the user can spy on people using an LCD screen headset. It also has nightvision. In a way, this toy kind of disturbs me because of how it might be used, but for a young boy, it's totally cool.

10. I-quest - I-quest by Leapfrog is a great educational item to help your child learn thorough electronic tutoring and interactive games. The system is $49, but each cartridge (and you'll probably want to buy several) are around $16 each. The I-Quest is an award winning game that parents really love and kids enjoy too.

Whether you are looking for something for an active child or one who likes to build quietly, toys for a boy from 8 to 12 years old have never been more interesting with endless possibilities for creativity and fun. Of course, the old standby of an all-terrain bike or its new, old incarnation the scooter will always be welcome holiday gifts that any boy will love. Happy holidays.