so my son is now 11 yrs old, he is almost taller than me! wow!! he has gone through many phases with toys and activities. "toy story" was his favorite around 3 yrs old. he even has his own woody and buzz dolls (still does since i won't let him throw them out). it was "thomas the tank engine" at age 4-5. he was given his own collection of the movies and actual train tracks for all his trains he had. he loved "bionicles" (which are lego robot type things for those who don't have little boys :) for quite a few years. then "tech decks" the little skateboards last year. and right now it is all about baseball and baseball cards. but through all these favorites and fads he as always loved sticks! now a stick can be anything a sword, a gun, a walking stick, a ninja knife. the options are limitless!!!! he goes to his grandparents house and they sand it down and wrap duct tape for a handle and he is set. i think he comes home with a new one every trip. you would think that he would phase out of the sticks, but no! tonight when i put him to bed he wanted to sleep with his current stick. amazing!! i do appreciate that the most inexpensive thing has been the longest lasting. who needs those expensive fads. get your son a stick!!