When I was a kid, getting presents was always great. Even if it was something "boring" (How I thought a nice pair of cushy socks was dull is something I can't fathom at my current age.), it was still great to rip open wrapping paper and reveal what awaited. Back then, my criterion for awesome gifts was simple: if it was fun—Nintendo 64 games and anything Star Wars—it was a cool gift.

You're usually good to stick to that line of thinking when buying gifts for boys today, but not every kid is crazy about space operas and retro games. That begs the question: what are some good ideas for gifts for boys? To help the intrepid aunt, uncle, parent, or friend, I've gathered some of the coolest items on our site to make shopping for the little dudes in your life a little easier.

Parrot MiniDrone Jumping Sumo Land Drone

This toy is what happens when a traditional drone and an RC car have a baby. Kids pilot the stout machine through a WiFi-connected phone or tablet, guiding it through blazing straightaways, hairpin turns, and, yes, jumps. This little guy will hop up to 2.5 feet into the air, recording a first-person view on its built-in camera the entire time.

Shop: Parrot MiniDrone Jumping Sumo Land Drone from $59.99

Justice League Seven-Piece Action-Figure Set

If you told 8-year-old me that someday, action figures would have limbs that could bend at the elbow and knee, I would have done a spit-take with my Capri Sun. Not only do the figurines in this Justice League set have multiple articulation points, but the fact that you get all seven members in the set means imaginary battles for the fate of the world can begin right away—no waiting for Batman to show up at next year's birthday.

Shop: Justice League Seven-Piece Action-Figure Set from $66.99

Waterslide

Have you ever seen a kid unhappy on a backyard waterslide? Actually, don't answer that. The point remains: this activity is a staple of outdoor summertime fun.

Shop: waterslides from $18

Harry Potter Hardcover-Novel Box Set

An entire world of wizards, witches, and charming British idiosyncrasies awaits inside this padlocked box. With this set, young readers can flip through the entirety of J.K. Rowling's legendary saga about the boy who lived, and they'll also get a pretty rad-looking desk decoration.

Shop: Harry Potter Hardcover-Novel Box Set from $129.99, more Harry Potter Gifts here.

Beats by Dre Solo 2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

The Cadillac of portable-audio accessories, Beats by Dre headphones are undeniably cool. They're on the pricier end of the headphone spectrum, sure, but their booming bass and crystal-clear treble make them worth it. Think of it this way: they'll make all those books on tape and educational podcasts boys listen to all the more enjoyable. Right? Right.

Shop: Beats by Dre Solo 2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones from $199

Pyle Electronic Drum Kit

The allure of channeling his inner Animal from the Muppets and going wild on a drum set is too good for any boy to pass up. With these electronic pads (which feature a headphone jack), you'll be giving a twofold gift: one to the kid, who gets to start practicing his Rush solos, and one to his parents, who won't have to endure crashing cymbals and cries of "thank you, Cleveland!" Okay, that last part still might be true, but still, these are quieter than a normal drum set.

Shop: Pyle Electronic Drum Kit from $37.99

Ozark Challenger 16" BMX Bike with Training Wheels

Riding a bike is as much a part of growing in America as tee-ball, cartoons, and being reminded to run a comb through your hair. Thanks to its training wheels, this Ozark BMX bike is great for getting little guys used to riding, and its black-and-red colorway will keep them feeling cool as they pedal down the sidewalk.

Shop: Ozark Challenger 16" BMX Bike with Training Wheels from $85.99

LEGO Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter

LEGOs are one of the few kids gifts that have truly stood the test of time. The plastic, pegged bricks have been around since 1947, and boys in each generation since have loved them. This Star Wars set lets kids construct their very own X-Wing and take it on intergalactic adventures with the included stormtrooper, BB-8, Poe Dameron, and Lor San Tekka figurines. Beware, though: dads and uncles will probably want to jump in on the building fun.

Shop: LEGO Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter from $79.99

Vertical 3D-Pen Set with Five Pens and a 3D Vertical Light

Whether it's in a notebook, on some scrap paper, or all over the wall, every kid loves to doodle. This pen set lets young Picassos create standing, three-dimensional versions of their drawings, making it one of the best gifts for kids who love to create and use their imaginations.

Shop: Vertical 3D-Pen Set with Five Pens and a 3D Vertical Light from $29.99

Xbox One S Madden 18 Bundle

The Holy Grail of video games, the Xbox One S is a mainstay on just about any boy's wish list. And the high-tech console isn't just for gaming, either: kids and families can watch Netflix, surf the web, listen to music, and browse YouTube all from the Xbox One's home screen. When it is time to play, though, this bundle has gamers covered: it includes a wireless controller and the brand-new Madden 18, the latest entry in the legendary series of NFL video games.

Shop: Xbox One S Madden 18 Bundle from $279.99