2008's Top Christmas Gifts for Boys -- What Else Do Wii Need to Know?

1. Nintendo Wii

The Wii may be the technological video gamers' equivalent to the family board games of old. Families are gathering around the Wii to go-kart race, hula-hoop or play sporting games. Dad, Mom and Kids are gathering on a Friday night for family game night again! Fun for kids of all ages, the Wii retails for around $300.

2. Everything old is new again

Various board games are making huge comebacks this year. Of course, Monopoly, Pictionary and Scrabble all have some modern twists to them but family game time is back. And if we play the stuff our kids want... why not share what we played as kids back in the 70's and 80's?

3. Legos

No Christmas gifts for boys list would be complete without Legos. They're always a huge hit with boys (of all ages) and provide hours of creative fun.

The sets to get this year are the Star Wars and Indiana Jones sets. What little boy wouldn't want the Exclusive Limited Edition Death Star set retailing for $625.00? A bit out of your price range? Well, there's always the Indiana Jones Motorcycle Chase set which retails for $10 for your special boy this year.

[Editor's Note: Please heed Legos common sense warning -- there are lots of little pieces to any Legos set which present a choking hazard to tots under age 3.]

4. Batman is Hot this Year

Can't forget the superheroes this Christmas season and Batman is the "go to" guy. 2008 is the year for Batman. The Dark Knight was a massive hit (can you say Oscar buzz?) and the toys are out in force to support it.

The Imaginex Bat Cave is cool for the younger set, and Batman gloves that make noise as you swing your arms will entertain the elementary school age. There's a Lego Batman game for the Wii as well!

5. Bakugan Battle Pack

Based on a popular anime TV series of the same name, Bakugan may be unfamiliar to you. But ask any young boy about Bakugan and watch his face light up as he tells you an intricate story about these morphing, sphere shaped creatures.

The Bakugan are rolled (or launched out of a Bakugan launcher -- sold separately). When the ball lands on a magnetic card they pop open and reveal a random "Bakugan Warrior" inside. Some reviewers call it a modern, hi-tech version of the good ole fashioned game of marbles! Retails for around $30 and is appropriate for children ages 6-12.

6. Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles

Have a budding super sleuth? Then these $60 night vision goggles are perfect for him. Hanging out in the school lunchroom with a table full of 2nd grade boys, I discovered this was a much-desired gift this year. Using infrared technology, these (rather ridiculous looking goggles) enable you to see up to 50 feet away in the dark. Great for sleepovers and camping, these will keep your child entertained for hours. Ages 8 and up.

7. Vtech Kidizoom Digital Camera

This is one of my favorites for young boys. Kids are always posing for pictures or trying to grab our "pricey" cameras to do a little of their own photography. Well let 'em with Vtech's sturdy, kid friendly digital camera.

The instant satisfaction of seeing your photos the minute you take them is now a luxury you can afford to let your kids indulge in as well. It's got large easy to use navigational buttons and even a few basic creative touches for young boys to get started learning how to edit their own pictures. Retails for around $40 and appropriate for ages 3 and up.

8. Hyper Dash

What list would be complete without one unabashedly educational game on our Christmas gifts for boys list? But seriously -- how great is something that is oodles of fun AND teaches basic math skills?

Kids place colored and numbered targets around the room. The Hyper Dash control tells you to seek out colors and tag them for the little ones, and for the older ones basic adding and subtracting math facts are called out. Boys will forget they are learning and parents will love that they are having fun, getting a bit of exercise and learning all at the same time.

At under $20 bucks it's a steal too. Ages 7 and up.

9. Air Hogs Zero Gravity Cars

Forget those silly cars that just scoot across the ground. Now you can have an Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro car zooming all over the house -- across the floor, up the wall, and even upside down on the ceiling.

By using a specially designed suction device, the car can climb walls and maneuver just as it does on the ground. Imagine that? Pretty soon our boys will be literally climbing the walls! While this is recommended for kids ages 8 and up, one each for father and son would be a wonderful gift. Retails for around $50 each.

10. Nerf Dart Tag Hyperfire Deluxe 2 Player Blaster Set

Forget those battery sucking laser tag games or those reload Nerf tag games of the past. This set comes complete with scoring vest, goggles and a "hyperfire blaster" to shoot up to 10 darts at a time! Your boys will be running and ducking for cover all over the yard.

An added bonus for parents too is they can play safely inside with these light weight darts. They can set up cover with our couch cushions and no damage will be done during those cold winter months when... welll... boys tend to figuratively climb the walls. $19.99 and appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Well there you go! Crack open those wallets and head to the store or your favorite online shopping site armed with a printout of our top 10 list for Christmas gifts for boys and you can be assured the boys on your list will have a very Merry Christmas in 2008!