Raksha Bandhan Gift Ideas for Brothers

Raksha Bandhan is approaching soon and I am busy scouring online shopping websites in India for lovely Raksha Bandhan gift ideas for brothers. The festival of Rakhi no longer involves just gifts for sisters. These days, it is more like a exchange of gifts. In fact, my son, having two sisters – actually receives more gifts than his sisters…lol! I try to strike a balance by choosing the gifts accordingly, though.

From past Rakhi festivals to shopping for the upcoming one, here are some gift ideas that were very much welcomed by my son:

1. Blocks

For younger boys, a new set of blocks opens the door to creativity. Boys love to construct and they get creative mixing different types of blocks together. There are many Indian brands who make good quality blocks. International brands like LEGO also has a DUPLO range of blocks for younger kids.

Price: Rs. 135 onwards

2. Lego

I could have included them in blocks above, but LEGO bricks are a different set. In addition to blocks, they have action figures and movable parts. Most popular with boys are Superhero, Construction and LEGO City series. While the entire sets themselves are costlier, if you want something not too pricey, you can give them smaller figures to add to their existing sets.

Price: Rs. 999 onwards

3. Vehicle Toys

Cars, trucks, fire engines, planes, trains – you name it, they want it! From small cars to larger vehicles, you can get automobile themed toys for an affordable price. HotWheels race tracks also make great gifts and can be used with existing cars that your son has.

Price: Rs. 79 onwards

4. Action Figures

Whatever you son is into, is sure to have an action figure available. Angry Birds, Pokemon, Star Wars and of course – Superheroes. A new one to add to their collection makes a great Raksha Bandhan gift for brothers.

Price: Rs. 750 onwards

5. Books

I am a book lover and try to encourage my children to read as much as possible. I do keep in mind not to push them into it. Instead of extremely ‘informative’ (which my kids would interpret as ‘boring’ lol), I try to encourage reading with easy-to-read books on their favorite topics. From ambulances to superheroes to Panchatantra tales, books have made it to many Raksha Bandhan gift lists for my son.

Price: Rs. 45 onwards

6. Dinosaur Dig Kit

Ever since my daughter went crazy about her gemstone digging kit, my son has wanted one too. He saw the ad for a Dino fossil digging kit on the back of the box and was very interested. That is going to be one of his gifts this Raksha Bandhan … Shhhh …. don’t tell him please! I will post a full review with detailed pictures after Rakhi 🙂

Price: Rs. 800 onwards

7. Mechanical Sets

From global brands like Mechano to local ones like Mechanix, you will find many Raksha Bandhan gift ideas for your little Handyman. For toddlers and preschoolers, wooden tool benches make great gifts. Older ones will enjoy more complex sets.

Price: Rs. 300 onwards

8. Watch

The football shaped watch by Titan Zoop has become a favorite with boys in our friend circle. After my son received it for a Raksha Bandhan in the past, we have gifted it to many other little boys on their birthdays. There are, of course, many other watches available for boys – from their favorite characters to different shapes.

Price: Rs. 550

9. Costumes and Accessories

Just like girls, boys love their costumes too. Our previous gifts have been Superhero masks, Firefighter, Cowboy and Pirate hats, fake moustaches/beards etc. Boys have a lot of fun playing with these!

Price: Rs. 150 onwards

10. Board Games

Classic board games with a character twist are favorites. You can buy board games for kids of all ages and they make for engaging family play time too. Right from Ludo and Snakes and Ladders to Business and Candy Land, nothing beats the good old-fashioned fun of playing board games.

Price: Rs. 125 onwards

11. Personalized Bags

Have you seen the cute appliqued bags they make, these days? I have one to my son on his first Raksha Bandhan and it lasted him throughout Kindergarten! Personalized bags with different themed motifs are available as backpacks, drawstring bags, art bags etc.

Price: Rs. 450 onwards

12. Character Socks and Accessories

Once upon a time, brothers received handkerchief sets from their sisters on Raksha Bandhan. That small token has now taken the form of other interesting accessories. From cute handkerchiefs and lunch napkins for school, the accessories now extend to cute socks and ties! Socks come in every popular character prints and neck ties are available in the funkiest of prints. These make lovely little additions to a little guy’s wardrobe and are easy on the pocket too. Caps also make very cool gifts!

Price: Rs. 50 onwards

13. Pretend Play Sets

It is a misconception that only girls like to dress up. Boys like to dress up too – only in a different way! From pilots to firefighters, they want to imitate everyone. Give them some pretend play sets and see how creative they get. Play sets include 3 or 4 play things that can be used for role play. For e.g. our firefighter set included a hat, badge, fire extinguisher, a hammer and a radio/walkie talkie. I love the ones from BabyOye.

Price: Rs. 250 onwards

14. Personalized/Character Mugs

Milk mugs are forever welcome. If you have more than one child, you will know how preciously they guard their own set of mugs, bowls and plates. A new mug featuring their favorite character makes a great gift idea for brothers. In fact, they can make perfect sets for both brothers and sisters. We did a ‘Chhota Bheem’ themed Rakhi once. Both the brother and the sister got Chhota Bheem and Chutki rakhis as well as mugs.

Price: Rs. 150 onwards

15. Video Games

Hand held or plug-in, video games make very good Raksha Bandhan gift ideas for brothers of all ages. I have, in the past, gifted hand held games to be taken along on road trips etc. and new game DVDs to play on our PS3 gaming console. It is a matter of choice and the liking of the child as to which game you choose. But I am guilty of always trying to look for games that make them move around a little – table tennis, bug bash, dancing – a little activity is always beneficial 🙂

Price: Rs. 350 onwards

16. Creative Toys

Creative activity sets are available for all ages. From modeling clay for toddlers and craft kits for young boys to science experiment kits for older boys, you can find many creative toys. Little boys can spend hours with their new Play-Doh sets. They are forever running out of clay so a few tubs of clay and a new set of moulds would make a great gift. Craft sets like the ones from CraftyChimp that I am currently reviewing also make great gifts for boys aged 5 and up.

Price: Rs. 100 onwards

17. Beyblades

Whether they are full blown fans of Beyblade (we had a Beyblade themed party!) or mildly interested in spinning tops, a new Beyblade or any top makes a very good Rakhi gift idea. From local brands to authentic original brands, you can get a new Beyblade to add to an existing collection. Younger boys will like push-button tops with flashing lights.

Price: Rs. 150 onwards