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Detective Kit for Boys: Gifts Based on Great Books

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DIY detective kit for boys. Gift idea based on a great book. | at Non Toy Gifts

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I took my boys to a Nature Center last week.It was still pretty chilly outside so we stayed indoors playing and looking at the animals in the aquariums (snakes and turtles). Then we moved to the second floor where squirrels, birds and a turkey became the main attraction. They were all outside and we could look at the them through a big glass wall.  Binoculars were at our disposal and the kids had so much  fun with those. I had made some binoculars once out of toilet paper rolls but let’s face it, they are nothing compared to the real ones.

On our way back I asked the boys about their favorite things at the Nature Center. Victor’s answer is usually “the elevator”. Not this time. The binoculars topped it. Then, at bed time, while I was reading “The Five Senses” by Herve Tullet to them, my oldest was so excited to discover binoculars in the book.

Everything that is in the books is fascinating to kids , so why not base more gifts on great books? Like a paper flower kit for girls or a detective kit for boys.

I found this very nice book at the library- “Hermelin the Detective Mouse” by Mini Grey. It’s about a quite special mouse who can read books, type letters and most importantly solve mysteries. It’s a great story of mystery and adventure, acceptance and friendship, with eye-catching drawings. This book can be the starting point for a wonderful detective kit for boys. Other items to be included in the kit are: a typewriter, binoculars and photo camera (all elements also found in the book). I couldn’t resist not adding a modern gadget like a spy pen.

I didn’t look for the toy versions of these items as I think that the “real” ones are more interesting to play with and as mentioned before some toys are just not worth buying. The “real” binoculars have a price closer to the toy binoculars, a spy pen , that has a mini camera, is very affordable and you may already have an old camera you don’t use anymore. (Btw, don’t disregard old things you already own, kids don’t care if their gifts are new or old as long as it’s something they are interested in. My old camera became my son’ favorite Christmas gift last year).

Go ahead and create a detective kit for your boy! He’ll love it!

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Margaret

Monday 3rd of August 2015

Thanks for these great tips! I will definetely try some of your ideas! But I wonder why you refer to only boys in this article? Girls love detective stuff too :-)

Meghan @ PlaygroundParkbench

Thursday 30th of April 2015

Thanks for linking up at #WeLoveWeekends - I have featured you this week! I love DIY toys and gifts, and love books as gifts even more. I hope you will be back to share with us again.

Stef

Friday 1st of May 2015

Thanks Megan, I'm honored! I love putting together gift ideas based on great books

My Bored Toddler

Tuesday 28th of April 2015

A great idea! #ToddlerFunFriday

Kelly

Thursday 23rd of April 2015

Such a great idea! My son has a birthday party coming up and I'm going to look for a pair of binoculars as a gift!

Stef

Thursday 23rd of April 2015

That's a great idea, Kelly! I expected them to be more expensive but was surprised to see that it's quite affordable.

Marv

Tuesday 21st of April 2015

ha..ha.... yes...he was pretty hooked with the binocular for sure :)

Stef

Tuesday 21st of April 2015

I know :)

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