• A video game system is just one example of an electronic gift that's sure to make a boy smile.video game control pad image by Paul Hill from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Whether you're looking for favors to give to guests or you're searching for a special gift for the birthday boy, the types of gifts boys like are pretty constant. Pick smaller items for party favors and larger ones for presents. Technology has changed the specific toys boys crave these days, but the types of gifts that inspire and excite boys haven't changed much over the years.
  
  

Sports Stuff

• If you're buying for a boy who lives for a sport, sports equipment or other sports-related items are a solid gift option. Purchase a larger gift, like a high-quality hockey stick or baseball bat as an individual present, or go smaller, such as single baseballs, for party favor gifts. If you know the boy you're buying for only likes one sport, stick to that sport when you make your purchase, or choose something that could help the boy improve in his chosen sport. For instance, for a teenager who loves football, pick up a set of weights as a gift to help him with strength training.
  
  

Vehicles

• Young or old, boys like vehicles. Pick up car accessories for a sixteenth birthday bash, or find a cool model car for a younger boy. If cars aren't of interest, try airplanes, trains or emergency vehicles, like fire trucks. Use small cars as party favors or purchase bigger units as gifts. If you're shopping for a preschooler, create a larger combined gift by buying a costume and a vehicle that go together, like a fireman's outfit and a fire truck.
  
  

Electronics

• From video games to iPods, surprise your boy with an electronic gift. If you need a big electronic gift, get a video game system, iPod, iPad or even a camera. For a smaller option, pick up something he can use toward a larger purchase, such as a gift card to an electronics or music store. If the boy you're buying for already has the big ticket items, pick up things to go with those items, like video games or memory cards.
  
  

Building Toys

• To please younger boys, stick with building toys. Building toys teach boys some of the basics of science, architecture and geometry from an early age, and if you don't like one type of toy you can always choose another. You can purchase both plastic or wooden blocks, building sets that combine plastic sticks with other elements and toys that combine building and electronics to create robotic innovations.
  
  

Action Figures

• If you're buying a gift for a preschooler or elementary school boy, think action figures. You can purchase a wide range of superheroes, army men and other figures individually or in sets for under $20, as of August 2010. If you're picking up smaller items for a number of boys, purchase a large set and split up the characters among multiple boys to save yourself a little cash.