The best gifts for 8-year-olds in 2024

The best gifts for 8-year-olds help them engage in elaborate fantasy play or bury their noses in good books.

It's an age when children are developing their physical skills and social identities, and some may start to identify as “athletic” or "artistic," says Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of Fundamentally Children, a toy testing and parent consulting company in the United Kingdom.

Marissa Silva, editor-in-chief at Toy Insider, echoes similar sentiments: “When you’re in that 7-10 age range is when you start getting into more crafting kits [and] creativity things that let kids customize whatever they’re making, whether it’s a friendship bracelet or a Hot Wheels track,” she says. “Things that really let them explore and test different outcomes and that let them express who they are.”

At the same time, 8-year-olds are becoming more physically adept, independent and sophisticated in their problem-solving. Imaginative play may now stretch over days or weeks and involve friends.

That means they’re ready for more complicated games and middle-grade novels, along with graphic novels and picture books. And as their writing and drawing skills improve, they'll want plenty of time with their own notebooks.

If you're searching for the best gifts to buy the 8-year-old in your life, we've got you covered. We found ideas for every interest, from tech to music.

Toys | Arts and crafts | Games | STEM and educational toys | Active toys | Dolls | Books | Meet the experts

Improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills with this game that features more than 200 brain-teasing challenges. Starting with shapes in place, a child must figure out how to fill in the rest of the puzzle.

The Rubik's Cube gets a tech update with the “Phantom” model, which responds to touch to temporarily reveal each square’s color — then fades to black again. Can your brainy 8-year-old solve it in time? You can also choose the original or an easier 2-by-2 cube, depending on the child's tolerance for frustration.

This cup turns almost any drink into a delicious slushie in minutes with no blender, ice or other tools needed. “Kids can do this on their own,” says Silva. “You just freeze the cup in the freezer, then you pour in any drink [and] squeeze it. The cup has this silicone material and does some kind of science to make things turn into slurpee-style drinks.”

Inspire them to get crafty in the kitchen with this set that comes with a mini whisk, mini spatula and a cooking card game. They’ll become a pro in no time.

Abracadabra! Eight-year-olds are developing the memory and fine motor skills needed to pull off magic tricks, making this gift perfect for your Houdini wannabe.

Last year’s hottest toys seemed to revolve around e-pets that children can take care of. Less mess, right? In case you haven’t heard, Tamagotchi’s are back — this time with interactive features so players from across the world can play together. This toy still remains portable and on-the-go, this time in a wearable wristwatch design rather than a keychain.

While "Harry Potter" fans can't have a full-size magical trunk of their own, they'll have a blast putting together this small Lego version. It has almost 600 pieces, including the perfect accessories to create an intense quidditch match.

Pair a special notebook with these scented pencils from Scentco. They’re made from recycled newspaper, and the scent can last for up to two years.

Most kids love anything mini and this mini pottery studio is the perfect opportunity for them to get creative. They can make anything from mini plates to mini vases. It’s the perfect hobby for them to pick up over the summer.

Making cute erasers is an unusual craft activity for young sculptors. Plus it has a useful end product — erasers to use for writing and art projects.

Adorable pom-pom pets are great for keeping and trading with friends. Kids can make their own furry friends using this kit and a fork from the kitchen.

Teach them to celebrate all of their best qualities while nurturing creativity with this craft kit. By the end, they’ll have décor they can proudly hang up and an encouraging reminder whenever they look at it.

Add water to these markers for a traditional watercolor effect, or use them like a regular brush marker without water. This set will be the perfect start to their artistic journey!

Spirograph is a classic toy for a reason. Spinning pens through gears creates beautiful patterns that make hours of mesmerizing fun. With this 3D update, designs jump off the page. Special design pads, blue and red pens and 3D glasses give depth to traditional Spirograph designs.

Crafty kids can learn to crochet with this fun kit that makes the lifelong skill accessible for beginners. They'll create their own cuddly penguin, and if they need help, they have access to video tutorials and virtual crochet office hours.

Your 8-year-old is developing an artistic eye and may want to capture special moments and friends. Satisfy your photographer-in-training with this retro-inspired instant camera from FujiFilm.

For the kid who wants to make their own toy, this 3D printer is as simple as using an app. Kids can choose from more than 4,000 toys in the digital catalog, allowing them to print anything from their favorite Marvel character to musical instruments. Better yet, they can design their own toys in the app, or upload their own designs to help their imaginations come to life.

If they’re not into playing pickleball on the court, they’re sure to have some laughs playing this tabletop game version that takes the sport’s name very literally. In a table tennis-meets-foosball setup, competitive spirits will soar as they prepare to bounce the pickle away from their home court.

Families compete to make the best meme in this game that provides 65 funny photo prompts and 300 cards with captions that may or may not make sense with the photos. Each player offers a card to "caption" the photo, and a judge decides on the winner. Funniest answer wins.

This dodgeball card game will be fun for the entire family. Try to find matching pairs of cards all while dodging and throwing squishy burritos.

Many parents can relate to the feeling of unwrapping a new Super Mario Bros. video game, and why wouldn’t you want to pass that tradition on?

The new feature with this edition are called wonder flowers. Simply come in contact with one and a whole new wonder world opens up for you to get through, where mysterious things can happen, such as character changes, unsuspecting enemies or newly alive pipes and more.

The shape-shifting Shashibo puzzle is a bestseller, with millions sold in 2022. Now, it turns into a game to see who can create a shape faster. The game comes with two matching special-edition Shashibo magnetic puzzle cubes and a deck of cards with shapes to recreate. If they have trouble, each card has a QR code that links to an instructional video.

Science is beautiful with this crystal growing kit. It's a favorite of Marie Conti, head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society.

Little inventors can make their own robots with this STEM kit that will appeal to tech lovers and Lego lovers alike. Using bricks and papercraft, they'll get a kick out of building their own kinetic creatures while learning about engineering along the way.

Your little scientist can make soaps and bath bombs, all while learning the basics of chemistry. Afterwards, they can use their own creations.

What kid doesn't love bubbles? Now, they can test their science skills and make their own bubbles in different shapes and strengths (yes, strengths).

If they’re not yet ready for a real-life pet, gift them with this electronic one that still responds to them with movements, sounds and lights. Download the MINTiD app and create profiles for each member of the family, so they can share in all the fun as well.

This golf ball-sized robot lights up and can navigate obstacle courses, thanks to a gyroscope and accelerometer that make it easy to drive and code with a free app. Your 8-year-old can learn serious coding and have fun doing it with Sphero, which was a hit on TikTok.

This rock polishing kit turns rocks into beautiful gemstones that they can proudly display or turn into jewelry. The kit is also meant to last, so they can have endless fun for years to come.

A standard science lab gets a virtual twist with VR goggles included to help kids visualize what they’re learning from the included book. They’ll love exploring the universe through the kit’s experiments, activities and more.

Ring in the fun with this jolly dash blaster that's perfect for reunions between young cousins. Now that the holidays are near (yes, really!), this might get them into the spirit early.

Be prepared for the endless giggles that will come from them bouncing off of each other and across the yard. Now, your dream of keeping them safe in a bubble can finally be a reality!

Up for a water fight? Perfect for the summer lover who spends the majority of the season playing outside, you can fill up to 100 self-sealing water balloons in less than a minute, according to the brand.

If you have a budding performer to shop for, this karaoke machine is sure to keep them entertained. This portable option comes with portable Bluetooth speaker and is also equipped with cool sound effects for your 8-year-old to toy around with.

A tech-forward update on the classic Frisbee, this bestselling rechargeable disc stays lit up to 90 minutes on a single charge and comes in a dozen different colorful options.

Sports equipment lets kids engage in competition, which is important at this age. “Learning to lose and win is an important skill to gain,” Gummer says.

Get your gamer out of the chair with Nintendo Switch versions of volleyball, soccer, tennis, swordplay and more that react to a child’s movements as they swing and kick. Accessories shaped like rackets or swords can make this even more life-like.

Pickleball is having a moment, and this set lets the whole family get in on the action, with two adult paddles and two paddles sized for kids 12 and under. It's a fun physical activity the family can enjoy together.

They won't be able to take their eyes off of this color-changing Barbie that comes with surprises from head to toe. They can look forward to revealing one of the five colorful dolls.

These dolls can be styled in any number of ways and are more anatomically realistic. They're customizable from head-to-toe, including their hair, outfits and more.

Your 8-year-old's dolls just got an upgrade with this remote control-car that will turn your kiddo into a princess's chauffeur. Whether they prefer indoor or outdoor play, your child can drive their dolls forward, backward and in circles.

For "Harry Potter" fans, American Girls can cross the pond and put on a Hogwarts uniform. Accessorize with the trunk that includes a wand (of course), an owl, a chocolate frog and other wizarding essentials. (Doll not included.)

Each year, the new American Girl tops many wish lists. The latest American Girl, Claudie Wells, is growing up in Harlem of the 1920s surrounded by writers, artists and musicians.

Budding witchlings must find their covens and work together to save their magic in this new fantasy that will appeal to fans of “Harry Potter.”

Graphic novels are a great tool for developing readers as they use pictures to boost comprehension. “It engages literacy in a different way. All reading is good reading,” says Nina Lindsay.

What’s it like to try out for the cheerleading squad in front of the whole school when you’re not exactly popular? Christina Soontornvat shares her true story, full of relatable details the kids might call “cringe.”

The graphic novel adaptations of the beloved “Baby-Sitters Club” series is catnip for young readers. In this 11th book of the series, Stacey is saying good-bye, leaving the club wondering how they can go on without her.

The latest book in this Read with Jenna Junior favorite series has the Harlem-based family on a road trip across the country. (Those new to the series can start at the beginning with “The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street.” )

“When kids find a series they like, that’s something they can practice with,” says Nina Lindsay, president of the Association for Library Service to Children.

This fun graphic novel-style book is a primer on how to spot “fake news” and disinformation, an important lesson for kids consuming YouTube or other sources of strange “facts.”

This vocabulary-building book introduces wacky words and their meanings — perfect for breaking from the worksheet and making language fun.

A child who has trouble talking to humans finds a companion in an abandoned snow leopard in this novel for fans of “Pax” and “The One and Only Ivan.”

Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for every kid in your life including babies, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.

Lisa Tolin (she/her) is a contributor to TODAY. Her debut picture book,"How to Be a Rock Star," illustrated by Daniel Duncan, published in 2022. Previously, she was head of special projects for TODAY and supervising health editor for NBC News Digital, and held various roles for The Associated Press, including East Coast lifestyle and entertainment editor.