Icky Gifts for Boys (That They Will Love)

If you've got boys, you know that anything that us "normal folk" would consider gross or disgusting, boys find fascinating and desirable. Thus the inspiration for this Gift Guide for Boys. Rule of thumb: If it makes you cringe, it's sure to be the favorite gift!

Bacteria Growth Science Kit, ThinkGeek, $24.99
"Grow your own funk." That's the headline for the description on thinkgeek.com. What boy could resist? This science kit is not for young kids; it's recommended for kids 12 and up. But if you know a boy old enough, this could translate into hours of fun—and learning! It includes all kids need to grow bacteria and perform experiments on them. The pictures of bacteria actually grown using the kit just made me throw up in my mouth. Perfect.

Disgusting Science, Fat Brain Toys, $19.95
Well, this already has an advantage because it contains the word "disgusting" in the name. This kit can be used by kids a bit younger than the previous one, starting at 8. Kids can do experiments to find out why their feet stink or why they fart. They can also make fake blood and slimy snot. This is definitely right up my boys' alley.


Yuck Science Kit, Creative Kidstuff, $24.99
Yet another science kit aimed at the lover of all-things-nasty. This kit, advertised for ages 8 and up, can be used to make barf, worm guts, and something called "Yuck crystals," among other things. All of it comes in a handy plastic handled tub.



Cool Slime, Creative Kidstuff, $6.99
What kid doesn't love slime? Here's a stocking stuffer that's sure to bring hours of oozing fun. Comes with everything needed to make a batch of slime and includes such instructions as how to make a "huge slime bubble." Also for ages 8 and up.


Athlete's Foot Giant Microbe, Creative Kidstuff, $7.95
Athlete's Foot may be a stuffed toy, but he also provides useful information about the microbe he represents. What could be nicer to snuggle with at night than a little athlete's foot?



Spill Your Guts Human Body Game, Learning Resources, $26.99
This game has kids trying to assemble the patient's organs without spilling his guts! Kids have to answer questions about the human body systems in order to earn organs to place in the body tray. Answer incorrectly, and the patient's guts are history. Great way to reinforce facts about the human body.




Battle with the Bugs, Human Body Detectives series, $16.50
I've had the privilege to work with Dr. Heather Manley in helping promote her Human Body Detectives series of workbooks and CDs. The second book, Battle with the Bugs, has only been out a little over a month, and it's already a hit with kids everywhere. In this book, Merrin and Pearl travel inside their cousin Max's body, where they befriend a white blood cell warrior and help fight invading bacteria who are making Max sick. The CD includes a narration of the book, and the workbook includes tons of activities for kids to do while following along with the story. The full-color stickers included are super cute and provide more fun for kids. Right now you can even order an organic T-shirt that says, "I fought the bugs and I won" to go with the book. Watch the book trailer now!



Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets by Dav Pilkey, Amazon.com, $5.99
Does this book have "boy" written all over it or what? It only makes sense that a man, Dav Pilkey, is the mastermind behind all of the Captain Underpants books, because I honestly don't think a woman could write these. I read this book to my boys, and I literally gagged in one particular place. For real. But I still love these books; they're clever, funny, and the epitome of "boy humor."