THE BACKYARD PLAY FIELD GUIDETOY BLASTERS ONLY  ·  PLAY SMART
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Toy blaster gifts by age

Start with the age of the person opening it. Every pick here is sorted by its maker's age rating, and each age has three picks. Local rules vary; check yours before you buy or play.

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Ages 3+: bubbles, not blasters

For toddlers and preschoolers, give a bubble machine. The maker rating on these is 3+, and none of them fires anything but bubbles.

Maker rating: 3+3 picks

Shopping for several ages at once? See the gift pack, which pairs a bubble, a water and a foam gift. Browse all 3 models rated 3+.

Handheld bubble machine with lights and sound

Dip the wands in the tray, then trigger a burst

Compact battery bubble machine

Ages 6+: water blasters

Pump-action Super Soakers that the maker rates 6+. No batteries, no ammo to restock, just a hose or a bucket.

Maker rating: 6+3 picks

The same three as one set: Water gift set, ages 6+. Browse all 5 models rated 6+.

Pump action, three nozzle settings

Flip-open tank for fast fills

Pressurized removable tank

Ages 8+: Nerf foam blasters

Foam is the safe default for 8 and up and for any mixed-age group. Leave the orange tips on, and add safety glasses for every player.

Maker rating: 8+3 picks

The same three as one set: Foam gift set, ages 8+. Browse all 12 models rated 8+.

Starter: six-dart drum, no batteries

Step up: pump action, no batteries

Motorized: needs batteries

Ages 14+: gel blasters (teens only)

Gel blasters fire water-bead rounds and are rated 14+ by their makers. They are a gift for teens only. If the recipient is younger than 14, or the group is mixed ages, buy foam instead.

Maker rating: 14+3 picks

The same three as one set: Gel gift set, ages 14+. Browse all 11 models rated 14+.

Gel Blaster brand pick

SplatRBall kit pick

Nerf Pro Gelfire pick

Mixed ages or a group gift

  • Buy to the youngest player. Foam rated 8+ covers 8 and up; anyone under 8 gets water or bubbles.
  • Never mix gel into a younger game. Gel blasters are 14+ and stay with the 14+ players.
  • Add safety glasses for every player, spectators included. The age and safety guide has the details.
  • Check the box for batteries. The Nerf Ultra Select takes six C batteries that are not included, and the gel blasters need a charge before first use.

Gifting for a whole event? Use the party planner for a kit and a blaster count, or read the full gift guide.

Gift questions

What is a good first blaster for an 8-year-old?

A Nerf foam blaster rated 8+, such as the Nerf Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6, which is hand-primed and needs no batteries.

Is a gel blaster a good gift for a 12-year-old?

No. The gel blasters in our catalog are rated 14+ by their makers. Choose a foam blaster rated 8+ instead.

What should I give a toddler?

A bubble machine rated 3+, not a blaster.

What if the kids are different ages?

Buy to the youngest player. A foam blaster rated 8+ works for 8 and up; a player under 8 gets a water blaster or bubbles instead. Match each person to the maker rating on their own box.

Do the gift sets include ammo?

Check each listing for what is in the box. Foam darts and gel rounds are sold separately when you need more, and water blasters just need water.