Gifts for 6 year old boy?

[vonfirmath]

Any ideas for gifts for a 6 year old boy? I'd like to get something a bit "different" -- not found at Toys R Us, Babies R Us, etc. Budget of about $25

He likes balloons and having his socks on. And I know his parents do not want him getting a "baby toy" (They have a hard time getting him to play with age appropriate stuff) He's not reading yet, though they have started working on letters. He's on the spectrum for autism, but I don't know exactly what that means for him.

I've had ideas in the past that I have tried passing by mom, to get no response whatsoever. So I've decided this time I'm going to buy a gift and wrap it up and not worry about it.

[Charlie]

What about one of the wedgit sets (some of the smaller sets I think are only about $20)? I was recently reading some reviews and I think one reviewer said the toy was good for her autustic son because there is no "right" way to play with it. It's also a toy you don't see everywhere.

[sadie427]

One of the small Automoblox? Those are fun. Small musical instruments? An art kit like the wood models you can paint? My 6 y.o. wants legos, playmobil and superheros, but I suppose you're looking for something different. We also got a rocket science kit that you make fly w/ vinegar and baking soda, but of course requires a lot of parental supervision.

[Canna]

My nephew's 6th birthday is coming up and we are giving him:

Shrinky Dink book and a package of extra shrinky dink paper (he likes to draw)
and
SET game

http://www.amazon.com/Klutz-44077-Shrinky-Dinks-Book/dp/B001IZ01I2/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1247767797&sr=1-24

http://www.amazon.com/SET-Enterprises-4098363-Game/dp/B00000IV34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1247767749&sr=8-1

[hbridge]

A butterfly pavilion (where you order the catepilllars and watch them change to butterflies), Playmobile, Legos, Stomp rockets, Animal Encyclopedia with toob of animals...All hits with the six year olds around here! Also, swim flippers, goggles, dive sticks, ect.

Have fun.

[vonfirmath]

Thank yoU! It is good to know Wedgits will be interesting to a 6-year old. I had thought of them and dismissed as too young!