From cool science kits and remote-controlled planes to an updated version of the classic game of Simon, the 8-year-old on your list is ready for some fun. We've rounded up our favourite finds [1] for the 8-year-olds in your life, whether they teeter on the edge of little-kid play or are already into big-kid games. Check it out!
To find exactly the gift you're looking for, check out the categories below.
- Educational and STEM Toys [2]
- Riding Toys [3]
- Outdoor Toys [4]
- Dolls and Plush Toys [5]
- Games and Puzzles [6]
- Pretend Play and Dress-Up [7]
- Books [8]
- Crafts and Projects [9]
- Just for Fun [10]
Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope and Journal
The Nancy B Science Club is packed with scientific tools and journaling so little girls can track their science experiences. The Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope and Journal [11] ($46, originally $50) comes with a built-in red LED for night viewing.
Meccano MeccaNoid G15 KS
If your child has ever dreamed of owning a true robot, the Meccano MeccaNoid G15 KS [12] ($147, originally $148) is it. The included Meccabrain guides kids through building the 1,000 pieces to create the 4-foot-tall robot. It uses Learned Intelligence Movement (LIM) technology to learn new movements and responses based on how kids move its arms and head, and has over 1,000 preprogrammed phrases. The future is really here and Meccano MeccaNoid is it!
Educational Insights Sprout & Grow Window
Your child will love watching the Educational Insights Sprout & Grow Window [13] ($18) as the bean and pea seeds blossom into leaves. It also includes journal pages so your future scientist can take notes.
Cozmo
Introduce your little one to this incredible robot [14] ($180) and watch his personality evolve the more you hang out.
Yellow Scope Foundation Chemistry Kit
Encourage young girls to enjoy science with the Yellow Scope Foundation Chemistry Kit [15] ($50). It includes more than 19 colourful experiments that will teach your child about molecular motion and chemical reactions.
Ripstik Caster Board
A skateboard/snowboard hybrid, the Ripstik Caster Board [16] ($76) pivots its way across the ground so kids can replicate the motions of the traditional boards with a little more style.
Fuze Bike Wheel Writer
Your child will certainly make his mark in the neighbourhood with Fuze Bike Wheel Writer [17] ($15). Simply attach the writer onto the spokes of his bike, and watch as they turn into one of 12 LED images every time he starts peddling.
Firmstrong Urban Girl Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The cute colour of the Firmstrong Urban Girl Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle [18] ($190, originally $240) will make your child even more excited to go for a ride.
Razor A3 Scooter
The classic Razor A3 Scooter [19] ($50, originally $65) has been a garage staple since your childhood simply because it's really fun to ride. Pass those memories on to your children by gifting them a scooter in their favourite colour.
Rimable Complete 22" Skateboard
Your kid will love rolling around the block on the Rimable Complete 22" Skateboard [20] ($30).
BOOMco. Dynamag Blaster
Similar to another line of shooters with foam pieces, the BOOMco. Dynamag Blaster [21] ($16) is an air-powered (read: no batteries) blaster that comes with a six-dart clip. The darts have a reusable "Smart Stick" material that allows them to attach to targets.
Nerf Firevision Sports Football
Just because the sun has set doesn't mean your tot has to pack in the football game. With Nerf's Firevision Sports Football [22] ($20), simply put on the enclosed glasses and watch as the ball creates a glowing streak of light up to 100 feet away. The set comes with two glasses, so a game of quarterback and receiver can continue well into the evening!
Hot Wheels RC Sky Shock Vehicle
The Hot Wheels brand moves off the track and into the air with its first-ever flying toy. The Hot Wheels RC Sky Shock Vehicle [23] ($65) is battery-operated, and flies up to 200 feet in the air. Light as a feather, it operates just like a remote-control car, but does so off the ground! It truly is the coolest car around.
Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster
A Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster [24] ($30) that shoots foam darts is perfect for the ultimate rainy-day battle between siblings.
Franklin Sports Mini RuFranklin Sports Batman Basketball — Batman
The Franklin Sports Batman Basketball [25] ($25) unites sports and superhero fans.
Nerf Modulus Motorized Blaster
The Nerf Modulus Motorized Blaster [26] ($30) can fire darts up to 90 feet.
Barbie Inspiring Women Amelia Earhart Doll
Inspire your child to seek adventure with the Barbie Inspiring Women Amelia Earhart Doll [27] ($30). She'll enjoy the hours of play with this record-setting pilot.
Fingerling Baby Monkeys
If you're trying your best to stave off the pet conversation, these adorable Fingerling Baby Monkeys [28] ($15) act just like the real thing. They do everything from babbling to blinking to holding onto your kid's fingers.
Large Baby Dragonite Collectors Plushie
Your child will finally put down the Pokemon video games to play with their Large Baby Dragonite Collectors Plushie [29] ($15).
Zoomer Meowzies
The Zoomer Meowzies [30] ($39) give little ones a best friend and pet all rolled into one. Their buddy plays games and music, and even has a fluffy tail that's perfect for petting.
Funko Supercute Harry Potter Hedwig Plush Collectible
Your child will feel like they're a real wizard or witch with their very own Funko Supercute Harry Potter Hedwig Plush Collectible [31] ($16).
Lego City Jungle Explorers Jungle Cargo Helicopter
If your kiddo's minifigures like adventure, they'll need the Lego City Jungle Explorers Jungle Cargo Helicopter [32] ($37, originally $40) set to explore the included temple.
Lego Minecraft The Iron Golem
Bring your child's favourite virtual game to physical play with the new Lego Minecraft The Iron Golem [33]($20), which includes key biomes and characters from the online universe.
Lego Super Heroes Captain America Jet Pursuit
With three mini figurines and a jet, your kiddo will smile ear to ear while playing with the Lego Super Heroes Captain America Jet Pursuit [34] ($74) set.
Hasbro Simon Swipe
Mom and Dad spent plenty of afternoons playing Simon, and now their kiddos can get in on the fun — in a modern way, of course! Simon Swipe [35] ($28) is all the fun of the original but with a swiping motion (more like an iPad movement than a push).
Hasbro Pie Face Showdown Game
As if the original Pie Face wasn't fun enough on its own, Pie Face Showdown [36] ($14, originally $25) promises to be a blast. Players will compete to move the lever to their opponent's side so they are the one hit with whipped cream!
ThinkFun Swish
Swish [37] ($13) challenges kids to turn and flip the transparent cards to make matches. When cards are stacked, it looks like the balls are "swishing" into an empty hoop.
Chessboard
If your kids' school is anything like mine, chess is all the rage. A beautiful chess set [38] ($35, originally $50) is the perfect way for them to hone their skills.
Shopkins Kinstructions Shopville Town Centre Model
The Shopkins Kinstructions Shopville Town Centre Model [39] ($30) features a buildable two-level supermarket that will let your children play with their Shopkins in an imaginative way.
Selfie Mic Music Set
Your little karaoke star who loves taking selfies can do both at the same time with the Selfie Mic Music Set [40] ($16). All they have to do is slide their phone into the brackets like a selfie stick, log into the app, and grab the microphone to start singing — and just like in Rock Band, the app will show your kiddos how many notes in the song they hit just right.
Singing Machine Lights & Recording Karaoke
Turn them into little rock stars with the Singing Machine's Singing Machine Lights & Recording Karaoke [41] ($130). The disco lights only enhance the entire process.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Child's Stormtrooper Half Helmet
Your children will never want to take off the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Child's Stormtrooper Half Helmet [42] ($5, originally $10).
Pirate Accessories — Costume Accessory Set by Funny Party Hats
Your kids will spend hours searching for treasure with the Pirate Accessories — Costume Accessory Set by Funny Party Hats [43] ($17).
Harry Potter Costume Accessory — Child's Sorting Hat
Your kid can imagine going to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Costume Accessory — Child's Sorting Hat [44] ($8).
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
In From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg [45] ($8), two children run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The adventure might even inspire a trip to your local art museum.
Shiloh by Phyllis Renyolds Naylor
Your animal-loving child will fall in love with Shiloh by Phyllis Renyolds Naylor [46] ($7), which is about a boy who rescues a beagle from his abusive owner.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda by Roald Dahl [47] ($8) will show your children that being smart pays off.
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Spark your child's imagination and sense of humour with Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein [48] ($14).
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Every child should experience the classic tale of friendship in Charlotte's Web by E.B. White [49] ($6).
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Your child won't be able to put down The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis [50] ($6), just as you couldn't as a kid.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Watch your child grow up with the Harry Potter [51] series by starting them off with Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling [52] ($9) early.
Make Your Own Mini Erasers
You'll be hard-pressed to find erasers as cute as the ones your kids will create with Klutz's Mini Erasers Kit [53] ($15, originally $22).
Flash Tattoos
What started as a Summer fad sported by Beyoncé quickly trickled down to kids, and now metallic Flash Tattoos [54] ($12) are all the rage!
Spirograph Deluxe Kit
I spent hours playing with Spirograph as a kid. I loved making the intricately patterned designs in a variety of colours. The Spirograph Deluxe Kit [55] ($20) has all of the fun pieces of the original, but it now comes in a carrying case designed for kids to travel with, too.
Crayola Air Marker Sprayer
A reboot of the old marker airbrush set (remember having to pump it to make the colours flow?), the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer [56] ($25) allows kids to create airbrushed works of art with a continuous spray — no more pumping — and without the mess of paint.
Crayola Emoji Marker Maker
Not only do kids get to create their own emoji stampers with the Crayola Emoji Marker Kit [57] ($17), but they also get to measure and mix their own custom colours. The set also comes with two DIY [58] storage boxes that are perfect for sharing with friends.
Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera
The Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera [59] ($70) puts a nostalgic twist on the typical iPhone selfie.
Alex Spa Sketch It Nail Pens
If you have a makeup-addict-in-training at home, the Alex Spa Sketch It Nail Pens [60] ($18) will have them perfecting the most fabulous manicures in no time — with half the mess.
3Doodler Create
Your kid's creation will literally come to life with the 3Doodler Create [61] ($70, originally $100), aka a pen that doubles as a 3D printer with the flick of their wrist.
Hair Garlands
If your kiddo is totally into the whole 1960s look, these DIY Hair Garlands [62] ($13, originally $23) will give them a healthy dose of flower power.
Scratch Map
A contemporary Scratch Map from Uncommon Goods [63] ($26-$30) lets your little explorers keep track of all the places they've been and where they want to head next.
Isabelle Grace Build-Your-Own Charm Necklace
From soccer to ice cream, let her favourite things and colours collide for a very special piece of jewellery [64] ($58).
FSC Lighting Light Box
They'll see their name up in lights, literally, with a super Instagrammable FSC Lighting Light Box [65] ($20), which screams glitz and glam.
SoundSOUL Water Dancing Speakers
Fill the SoundSOUL Water Dancing Speakers [66] ($21) with water, plug them into your computer or phone, and watch as the colours and bubbles move to the beat of your kids' favourite tunes.
A Night in the Eloise Suite at the Plaza Hotel
If your little girl has been really good — we mean really good — this year, then she may deserve a night in the famed, one-of-a-kind Eloise Suite at The Plaza Hotel in NYC. Based on the hotel's most famous resident, the Eloise Suite Package [67] (starting at $2,043 per night) includes luxurious accommodations in the Betsey Johnson-decorated room, an Eloise-inspired tea at The Palm Court in the hotel, an Eloise bathrobe, $100 to spend at the Eloise gift shop, a framed photo of your child in the room, an Eloise book, and the assistance of a dedicated Eloise ambassador during your stay. I mean, if you're going to go all out, why not make it a memorable experience?