The Top 10 Gift Ideas for Boys Aged 3- 7 Years Old

Being the father of an absolutely wonderful - and energetic -three-year-old son named Emmanuel and 15-year-old son named Eric Jr., I can unequivocally speak about the topic of what the three to seven-year-old age group of boys love at holiday time.

Having said that, here are my top 10 gift ideas for three to seven-year-old boys.

Sports Toys
Being a sports columnist and former athlete who still participates in athletic events, it is only natural that the first thing I would choose is something athletic. Besides, I am also a firm believer in helping children to be physically fit.

A good basketball play set or soft football is a wonderful way to introduce your boy to athletics and help them stay fit as well. There aren't many boys that don't like running and jumping and I guarantee either of these will help him to both, come to love athletics and get plenty of exercise as well.

V-Smile Home Educational System
I know my son has had the V-Smile system for almost a year now, and although he would rather play some playstation game with me, (he thinks he's 18) he does enjoy his V-Smile system a lot and it has also helped him with his learning a lot (although it certainly doesn't match my drill sergeant style according to my wife).

The thing I like most about the system is that it is very sturdy and simple and has multiple games that can be purchased for your child as he grows in age. I am a firm believer in the V-Tech organization and certainly back anything they produce 100 percent.

Diego play set
My son watches both, Diego and Dora like they are going out of style and wants a Diego play set in the worst way. The educational cartoon is a positive way for children to learn through watching television and having any of the show's toy figures will only increase the desire to watch the television show - and in turn - continue learning. If you can't afford the play set, which costs about $40, there is also a Diego vehicle or other Diego-related toys that are more affordable.

Toddler Bike
A toddler bike is another great way to get your child the exercise they undeniably need at this age. I know my son, who will be four this January, hounded me for his first bike for three days as we drove across the country on a recent trip to Arizona.
Once we got to the local Wal-Mart in Arizona and picked out a bike and helmet, he rode out of the store waving to the cashiers - while they all waved and gave a big approving smile back in return.

Superman Bilingual Laptop
This toy has been voted the most educational toy for children in this age group by several consumer agencies and I have to agree that it is an excellent toy to help your child learn. Nearly every boy I know falls in love with Superman at one point or another and this gift will get him to learn immensely as well as feel independent. My son has a much older laptop and I know that he enjoys his thoroughly and that it has helped him with things like, "before and after."

Fisher Shake-N-Go Race Track
This racetrack is perfect for boys in this age group and will provide hours of non-stop fun. Each track comes with two shake and go cars, an IR start/ finish sensor, start gates and an LED lap counter. Kids can shake up the cars and watch 'em go - and with IR sensing, the winner will actually be acknowledged by the track announcer.

Aqua Doodle
My wife really likes this toy and is going to get one for our son this Christmas. This toy encourages creativity, even at the youngest age. The Aqua Doodle is a child's version of Magna Doodle only the children draw with water. The image magically appears and after approximately 20 seconds the area dries and color disappears, leaving nothing for mom or dad to clean up. Yeah!

Clothing
Clothing is always a wise item at gift-giving time. Boys of this age certainly need clothing as they can just annihilate clothes with their all-out playing.

My wife suggests, first and foremost, two-piece sweat suits. They are both comfortable and inexpensive. Another good outfit for young boys is a sturdy jean-material outfit that should give your boy some good usage throughout three seasons.
And, would any outfit be complete without a good pair of sneakers? I think not. Sneakers for boys of this age, even Nike's aren't too expensive, so that's something boys of this age can always use as well.

Lego City Police Station
The Lego City Police Station which costs about $70 is for boys aged five-years-old and up, is a wonderful toy for boys of this age. Assembly does require an adult to put the toy together, (of course) but it's a wonderful project for dads and sons to do together and will provide hours of entertainment. The set includes a van, a motorcycle and a helicopter. It also includes 4 police officers (one with a light-up flashlight), a bad guy, and a dog.

Fisher Price Read with Me DVD System
This is another really good educational toy for boys in this age group. The games are educational and the animation that accompanies the books for the system are nothing short of amazing. Words are highlighted as the story is told, which I think is great for beginning readers. The system, which costs about $40 comes with 3AA batteries and one CD-ROM book.