The 46 Best Holiday Gifts for 8-Year-Olds

An assortment of our favorite gifts for 8 year olds, including a music box, speed cube, and origami book.

Many kids “level up” at age 8. Around this time, my oldest daughter joined a competitive soccer team, began reading longer, thicker books, and could tackle more arts and craft projects on her own. Sure, she still needed my assistance, but I no longer had to sit by her side, helping her interpret each step of the instructions.

Kids who ultimately pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers may start developing those interests by age 8, said Tamara Moore, a professor of engineering education at Purdue University.

Engineering toys are often recommended for kids ages 8 and older specifically because they have the dexterity to manipulate small pieces, the logic and reasoning skills to follow instructions, and the ability to focus on tasks for longer periods of time. My daughter began building more-complex Lego sets at this age, patiently taking apart and rebuilding a three-in-one project on her own (a gift from her grandmother, she’d redo it each time she visited her house).

Art supplies, craft kits, and creative games can also be a key part of the mix at this age, since many educational researchers have noted the importance of expanding STEM to STEAM, to include an emphasis on art, design, and humanities.

I interviewed Moore, the executive director of Inspire, a research institute in Purdue University’s School of Engineering Education, and her team, along with additional experts on child development, toys, and games. I also relied on the kids of a dozen Wirecutter contributors — plus my three kids and their friends — to find gifts that are likely to engage and delight the 8-year-old in your life. Marilyn Ong, Wirecutter’s kitchen editor, tested multiple popsicle molds with her children. Kalee Thompson, editor on the baby and kid team, compared reams of colored masking tape as well as piles of craft kits — including a winning pom-pom pet set. Editor Joanne Chen inspired us to take our kids to the theater, and editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson gave an illustrative how-to-draw guide to her child’s friend (and then her own son) with much success.

You can find more ideas in our guides to STEM toys we love, our favorite Lego sets for kids, as well as gift ideas for 7-year-olds and 9-year-olds, Or see all our kids gift ideas here.



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