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Can you believe your little one is already 8 years old? And they’re in third grade? There’s a lot to love about this stage of childhood. Like a longer attention span, and the ability to focus on completing their homework with only five giggle breaks, instead of 15. Kids this age are able to sit and read, or dance and read, as the case may be. But at age 8, kids are reading for content, so it’s important to pick books that will keep them engaged and help foster their lifelong love of reading (until they’re parents and have no time to read!).
25 Best Gifts For 8-Year-Olds
- Doinkit Darts- Magnetic Dart Board
- 5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)
- Try Not To Laugh Challenge- Sassy Sassy Edition: A Hilarious And Interactive Joke Book For Girls
- ALEX Spa Hair Chalk salon
- 40" Spider Web Tree Swing Net Swing
- Girls' Barbie Short Sleeve T-Shirt
- Stink: The Super-Incredible Collection: Books 1-3
- Diary Of A Wimpy Kid #13: Meltdown
- The Judy Moody Uber-Awesome Collection: Books 1-9
- Diggin Active Dodge Tag
- Smartlab Toys Demolition Lab Triple Blast Warehouse
- Sleepover Party Mad Libs
- L.O.L Surprise! Glam Glitter Series Doll With 7 Surprises
- Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set
- Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
- MorfBoard Skate & Scoot Combo
- Twisty Petz Collectible Bracelet Set
- Barbie Career Of The Year Robotics Engineer Doll
- Nerf Battle Racer Ride-On Pedal Go-Kart
- Ravensburger GraviTrax Marble Run
- SmartLab Toys Girls Only! Secret Message Lab
- Nickelodeon Ultimate Slime Laboratory
- Glitter Flipper Beanie Boo
- Bunch O Balloons- Instant Water Balloons
- Echo Dot Kids Edition
Each day, your big kid is getting smarter — maybe even too smart; you can’t fool 8-year-olds like you can younger kiddos. Shucks! The good news is that kids at 8 are funny, as in, on purpose, and passionate about their interests. But the collections — oh, the collections! Opening their closet door is always an adventure!
Your 8-year-old is taking on so many new things, from sleepovers to joining clubs at school. They’re learning to fit in with their peers, which has its pros and cons. Pros: friends, parties, playdates! Cons: Your kiddo may be exposed to bad words (gasp!), and this is the time they’re figuring out right from wrong (and could dabble in some wrong).
Yes, your child is more capable at this age, and won’t need as much hovering from you. But they still need rules and reminders. “Wear a helmet!” “Wear shoes!” “Brush your teeth!” “No, brush your teeth today.” Being plugged into their world is important, both on and offline. Tough topics are ahead, like good and bad touching. Omg. Being a parent of an 8-year-old is as stressful as it is rewarding. We want to help ease the burden. Read on to learn about the hottest, newest toys and gifts for 8-year-olds. You’re welcome.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Doinkit Darts - Magnetic Dart Board
It’s darts, without the worry of someone getting hurt, because they are magnetized. Also, your walls are safe! And the pets. Kids can work on coordination, taking turns and not being a sore loser when you win. Because you will (since you practiced long after they went to bed). Includes dart board with hanging mechanism, and 6 magnetic darts.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The board itself is well made, a great beginner dart board for kids. This dart board is so much fun. The magnetic darts work great. The darts magnet connection to the board is first class. He giggled for hours. Well made and the darts are awesome.
2 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)
If your 8-year-old has a voracious appetite for fun tidbits, they’ll love this photograph-packed book featuring animal and nature facts. Just get ready to hear, “Did you know?” a lot of times. No really, a lot.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
One of our favorite things about this book is how it has inspired questions and discussions between our children and my wife and I about various subjects. The pictures are colorful and the facts are very interesting and straight forward. Be prepared to hear lots and lots of random facts all day when your child gets obsessed with this book.
3 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Try Not to Laugh Challenge - Sassy Lassy Edition: A Hilarious and Interactive Joke Book for Girls
Every 8-year-old is an aspiring comedian. This joke book is just for girls and is essentially a game where they try to make a friend, sibling or parent crack a smile or giggle. Perfect for a sleepover or Saturday pizza night at home.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Great jokes!!! My daughter is super sassy and loves jokes. This book is a perfect fit for her. Great and appropriate jokes for young kids.
4 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
ALEX Spa Hair Chalk Salon
Girls this age love experimenting with hairstyles, and this fun hair chalk washes out when they shampoo, so no permanent damage done if they go a little overboard. The set includes 5 chalk pens in vibrant colors kids will love, as well as 24 beads, a hair-beading tool and 24 hair elastics. And, ahem, we won’t judge if you get in on the fun too.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is a neat product and washes out easily. I was pleasantly surprised by how well this worked. My daughters have black hair and the colors showed up pretty well.
5 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
40'' Spider Web Tree Swing Net Swing
For the active 8-year-old (so, all of them), here’s a fun outdoor swing that is hung from a sturdy tree and can hold multiple kiddos at the same time. The good news: It’s easy to assemble and install. The better news: As kids swing, they work on core strength, so consider this steel frame swing a workout and fun rolled into one. The best news: It’s durable and weather resistant so kids can play for years to come.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Overall it's a wonderful swing and I'm glad we decided to get it - the size is perfect and it's very sturdy. I had absolutely no problems getting this together with little to no effort. Our grandkids love this swing. They feel safe on it. Can hold up to 3 to 4 littles.
6 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Girls' Barbie Short Sleeve T-Shirt
In honor of Barbie’s 60th anniversary, Target is carrying fun, iconic accessories that will delight your 8-year-old girl. This short-sleeve tee is pink, sassy and sweet, just like your kiddo!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My daughter loves this shirt so very much. Great material and very comfortable top. Love the cute pink Barbie logo on the shirt it’s super cute. Loved it. Super soft material.
7 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Stink: The Super-Incredible Collection: Books 1-3
Third graders are getting a big kick out of Megan McDonald’s Stink books, which chronicle the adventures of Judy Moody’s little brother. This 3-book collection is the perfect way to introduce a series to your child that they can read without your help. They’ll be quietly reading alone in their room for hours. Hey, it could happen!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The subject matters in the books are light-hearted and goofy, like having a contest for the smelliest sneaker or having a pajama party at school. My son loved it so much, and thought it was very funny. If you've got a girl who's not into princesses and prefers science, the outdoors, video games, and the like, this series is likely to appeal to her as well.
8 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #13: Meltdown
Kids this age love following the sometimes-doomed exploits of Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Jeff Kinney’s top-selling hardcover book will introduce your 8-year-old to the beloved, New York Times bestselling series their friends are talking about.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My son read this all the way through as soon as we got it in the mail. And has even read it a second time since. He laughs out loud the whole time he’s reading. All kids love these books. My son loves all of these books. He reads them over and over.
9 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
The Judy Moody Uber-Awesome Collection: Books 1-9
Kids get a boxed set of 9 of author Megan McDonald’s books about Judy Moody, a third grader like them, who is dealing with all the same issues they are, from an annoying little brother to friend drama to too much math homework!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My little one loves these books! Highly recommended. Great books for a child. Once they start on the first book they will not want to put it down. Great set for the price....daughter is flying through them.
10 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Diggin Active Dodge Tag
Playing dodgeball is a rite of passage for a kid, but um, sometimes it’s dangerous. This safe version includes two breathable, Velcro vests and soft balls that won’t sting or leave a permanent red mark on your face that you’ll have to walk around with all day for everyone to see. Just sayin’.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Super-duper fun! These vests were fairly well made with adjustable straps around the neck and shoulders. The Velcro is very good and the balls stick easily. We have enjoyed this gift so much that I even bought a second one for his friend.
11 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
SmartLab Toys Demolition Lab Triple Blast Warehouse
Destroying stuff is what many 8-year-old boys (and some girls!) like to do. This toy encourages kiddos to build warehouses, then demolish them, while fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as creativity, since there are endless combinations of structures they can make. Includes blasters that kids decide where to place, a detonator and building materials.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This was a hit. After almost a year, they still enjoy setting up the pieces, building towers and demolishing what they've built. After I got one for my son, we love this and we buy these as gifts for his friends.
12 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Sleepover Party Mad Libs
Remember Mad Libs? Cue the nostalgic sigh. Mad Libs are still around, and this version is just for sleepovers, which, if you’ve avoided them for this long, are gonna happen by third grade. This pad includes 21 stories, perfect for late-night fun.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
MAD LIBS are awesome! Had them decades ago when we were kids and it's great to get some for my 8 year old daughter now. She and her best friend stayed up laughing filling these out at their last sleepover. I highly recommend for some good silly fun. It's also a great review on nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs.
13 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
L.O.L. Surprise! Glam Glitter Series Doll with 7 Surprises
L.O.L. dolls are all the rage, haven’t you heard? This set comes with a glitter doll and 7 surprise accessories, including stickers and a secret message. Then the ball turns into a little purse or doll display case. Very creative, cute and guaranteed to be a hit with an 8-year-old girl.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My daughter was in love and excited. My daughter just loves these. They are cute little dolls. Great surprise for her.
14 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
Winner of the Innovative Toy of the Year Award, Botley the robot teaches early STEM skills in a fun way kids love. Parents are happy too, because he’s ready to code, screen-free, right out of the box (batteries needed). Using the included programmer, kids can program their robot to avoid obstacles and follow commands. Set includes coding cards and tiles as well as over 25 obstacles for Botley.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Easy to set up. The set includes such a nice variety of pieces. Botley was an answered prayer just when we really started cracking down on tablet usage. My daughter is learning the basics of coding with an adorable little robot and a kid-sized remote.
15 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
For kids who love to code and have a hankering for superheros, this is the set for them. It includes everything needed to create their very own customized wearable technology, such as an electronic superhero gauntlet, building blocks, authentic Marvel sound effects bit, plastic building pieces, stickers and yes, parents, even a battery. An app shows them step-by-step how to use their imaginations to build something for good (not evil!).
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I was worried that this might be too complicated for her - I was totally wrong. This toy kept her occupied for hours, and she has not yet gone through all of the activities. The companion app is intuitive and walks you through all of the steps of creating circuits, testing them, and then customizing them. The kit has a gorgeous app with heroes that teach you things through different missions/activities.
16 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
MorfBoard Skate & Scoot Combo
You don’t have to choose between buying a scooter and a skateboard with this cool toy. But there’s more! Lock and release technology allows kids to easily transform their board into a skateboard or a scooter, but balance and bouncing extensions keep the fun going way after that. Available in multiple colors.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Easy to put together, and excited about the ability to expand it into multiple play ideas. So much fun! I bought this for my little cousin and she absolutely loved it! The attachments are so easy to switch in and out for either scooter or skateboard use.
17 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Twisty Petz Collectible Bracelet Set
Today’s kids love a good surprise, it seems. This set includes 3 sparkly pets that turn into bracelets, but one is hidden until your child unwraps it. Twisty Petz are a great gift for a child who collects things and trades them, because there are 70 pets in all.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My daughter had so much fun unboxing these (the surprise one was fun!) and figuring out how to twist them. In a world of little surprise toys and stuffed animals, this is unique and fun! My daughter adores these things.
18 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Barbie Career of the Year Robotics Engineer Doll
This isn’t your mother’s Barbie doll. She’s wicked smart; in fact, the Robotics Engineer doll is the Barbie Career of the Year doll, and comes with her own robot and laptop. Teach your daughter she can be anything!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Beautiful doll that promotes scholastic achievement. Glad to see a another cerebral career after last year's programmer. Daughter loved it!!
19 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Nerf Battle Racer Ride-On Pedal Go-Kart
It’ll be the most coveted toy on the block! This is a real go-kart experience with pedals and steering, plus a handbrake. Kids send their friends running with a Nerf blaster and darts, which are not included, FYI. Bracket for Nerf gun allows for mounting of most Nerf products.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Awesome gift for my two sons. The only problem is that they fight over it. Pretty durable for a kid who needs durable things. Very well constructed, exactly what my grandson wanted. I highly recommend this item.
20 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Ravensburger GraviTrax Marble Run
Kids won’t even know they’re experimenting with gravity, magnetism and kinetics when they play with this innovative new toy. The set comes with 122 pieces from which your 8-year-old can construct a marble maze. If your child loves being challenged, this is the gift for them.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This marble set is very cool. So many combinations and ways to build it out. I love how the Gravitrax is helping my son learn through trial and error. He loves building his own tracks and making his own stunts with the marbles.
21 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
SmartLab Toys Girls Only! Secret Message Lab
Kids can create their own secret code and share messages in invisible ink with this fun yet educational set. Use chemistry to create the ink, learn about basic coding and learn the history of using secret messages. Cool inclusions are a UV light for deciphering code and code wheels.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My granddaughters have a really good time writing secret messages to each other. They are 7 and 10 and both love secrets! It is a good combination of science and girlie-girl fun. This was a hit with my daughters!
22 of 25 Image Credits: Walmart
Nickelodeon Ultimate Slime Laboratory
When in doubt, go with slime. Kids love it. They can’t get enough of it. This kit is a slime maker. Kids add ingredients, like glue, paint and glitter, turn the handle, and then the fun ensues.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's easy to use. Love that all the supplies come with it. My son loves playing with it. Great item highly recommended. This is a great slime kit and it come with a lot of things.
23 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Glitter Flipper Beanie Boo
Collection-obsessed kids are going to want this glitter flipper Beanie Boo to add to their bevy of Boos. You’ll be a hero for buying Malibu the cat, whose sequins flip to reveal another color. This Boo will make any 8-year-old smile and start doling out serious hugs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My daughter loves her flip sequin kitty. She has several of the Beany Boo kitties, but this one is the most unique and probably her favorite. My daughter loves her flippable beanie boo! It’s a wonderful addition to her collection! Beanie boo and flip sequins? What could be better?! My girls are in love.
24 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Bunch O Balloons – Instant Water Balloons
Water balloons and third graders? Sounds like a party. That you should only come to in a bathing suit. Parents (probably best) can fill an astonishing 105 water balloons in a minute with this cool gift. Three bunches of 35 included, and the balloons are self-sealing, so amen to that. All you need is a hose or water source, and voila! Towel optional but recommended.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Just buy them. You won't regret it. Your kids will love you. Great fun! Bunch of balloons really cuts down the time it would normally take to make water balloons. The balloons automatically fall off when ready and this prevents them from busting!
25 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Echo Dot Kids Edition
Amazon has come out with a kid-friendly Alexa that tells stories, plays parent-approved music and can help kids with simple tasks like getting up for school and reminding them to brush their teeth. The Kids Edition comes with one year of FreeTime Unlimited content and is compatible with Echo devices.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I really love these. Easy to use and set up. Seriously am glad I purchased. I wondered If it was worth the extra money compared to the regular dot, it definitely is! I love the parent controls.
