Top 10 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Boys for 2010

Shopping for my nephews is always a challenge. I'm on a budget, so I can't spend too much. But I adore them, so I want to buy them everything that their boyish hearts might desire! If that sounds familiar to you, check out my ideas-to-try for this holiday season's gift-giving fun:

1. Teenage boys enjoy activities such as skate-boarding and inline skating. When they slip and break a wrist, though, it's not much fun. Keep them safe and in style with the latest in protective skating gear.

2. It's all about action for boys of all ages, so go for...action-packed adventure DVDs! Two tips: first, check with their parents to see what they already own and what's on their wish list. Second, ask their parents what their rules are for appropriate movie-watching - for example, some parents may want to avoid violence.

3. T-shirts and sweatshirts are always popular. Live in a college town? Keep it simple yet guaranteed to win with a t-shirt or sweatshirt representing the college mascot! (When I lived in Santa Cruz, it was that unique winner: the banana slug!).

4. Pass the frisbee! Kids and teens both will love playing with the eternally fun frisbee.

5. Got a baby boy on your list? You can have fun shopping for everything from a big cuddly teddy bear to a pair of blue rompers embroidered with duckies.

6. Younger boys may enjoy a finger-painting kit, paint-by-numbers kit, or other creative options.

7. Put a cap on it! Older boys and teens tend to love wearing baseball caps bearing the emblem of their favorite team.

8. Speaking of baseball: have a ball! Little boys will love a big colorful bouncy ball; older boys will enjoy a baseball complete with a bat, football, or basketball. Got extra money this year to spend on this particular boy? Toss in a hoop with that basketball!

9. "Oh, the places you'll go!" as Dr. Seuss wrote, and that's still true when it comes to learning to love books. Whether you're choosing a book for a toddler or a teen, the options are so many that you may want to give a book store gift card instead.

10. A typical family containing children also counts pets among its family members. Choose a pet toy that's safe and will help the boy interact happily with Fluffy or Fido - ask the parents for tips.