Eight is the age when your little boy starts to become your big boy. His interests get a little more grown up, and you’ll find that he starts turning his nose up at any toy or object that he thinks is too babyish. This transition can make it difficult to find the perfect gift for your little man. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best gifts for 8-year-olds that includes our kids’ favorites and toys that we know your child will love.
Table of Contents
35 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys (2025 Reviews)
Christmas Gifts
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1. Hoverboard for Kids — $$$
What kid doesn’t want to fly around the neighborhood on a hoverboard?! This cool ride is perfect for the boy who loves to move, and it’s designed to help beginners learn to balance and ride. It has rubber tires with great shock absorption that can handle all kinds of terrain, including sand! Plus, it has non-slip pads and self-balancing technology to help your child stay safe while he rides. It even has flashing lights and Bluetooth connectivity for music and comes in a variety of color options.
![Hoverboard for Kids — $$$]()
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2. FAUX BOW 4.0 Lizardite — $$
My kids love playing with a bow and arrows, but around age eight, they started asking for a more advanced set than the ones with the suction cups they had when they were little. This bow and arrow set was the perfect solution. The arrows are still foam-tipped for safety, but they can shoot up to 120 feet! The design makes it easy for kids to attach the arrow, and the handle helps them pull back and let fly! It comes with six arrows, and the top of the bow even has a place to attach them all for easy access and storage.
![FAUX BOW 4.0 Lizardite — $$]()
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3. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game — $$
This Gravity Maze perfectly melds fun and education, making it a great choice for eight-year-old boys. It was Think Fun’s 2017 Toy of the Year, so you know it’s got to be pretty good! It’s a combination marble run and logic game, improving your child’s planning skills, spatial reasoning, and so much more. With over 60 STEM challenges in a range of difficulties, it’ll keep your big guy entertained for hours. It’s a ton of fun, and I have to admit that it’s one of my favorites, so I spend a lot of time playing with my kids.
![ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game — $$]()
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4. American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline — $$$
American Ninja Warrior is one of my family’s favorite shows to watch together, and this set allows my kids to test their own obstacle skills. It comes with a 34-foot slackline and six different obstacle attachments. Watch your little guy swing from rings, bars, and knots as they traverse the course! Not only will they have a ton of fun, but they’ll be expending some much-needed energy at the same time. It encourages your kids to play outside and helps boost their physical and mental skills as they conquer each obstacle.
![American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline — $$$]()
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5. Remote Control Stunt Car — $$
My kids have always loved remote control cars and vehicles since they were old enough to work them. This stunt car takes things to a whole new level! It can flip upside down and drive on either side, and the chunky wheels can handle almost any kind of terrain. Plus, it can perform cool stunts like 360-degree spins, flips, and more. It has a good remote range, a powerful engine, and even comes with two rechargeable batteries for twice the playtime!
![Remote Control Stunt Car — $$]()
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6. Boys Dinosaur Pajamas Glow In The Dark — $$
Festive pajamas for the holiday are a tradition in my family, but my son started complaining about all the cutesy designs until I found this set. He still loves dinosaurs, and this ferocious-looking design felt grown-up enough for him to wear. Not only do they look super cool, but they also glow in the dark, adding some extra excitement. Made of 100% cotton, they’re both comfortable and easy to wash. With multiple designs and sizes, you’re sure to find something that your little guy will enjoy.
![Boys Dinosaur Pajamas Glow In The Dark — $$]()
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7. Gskyer Telescope — $$$
Looking up at the stars and moon holds plenty of wonder for kids. So why not let them see it up close? This beginner telescope is affordable and of decent quality, making it a great choice. Your child will get clear and quality views of the night sky, with two replaceable eyepieces for different magnifications. It even includes a smartphone adapter and a wireless remote that allows you to capture images to enjoy forever.
![Gskyer Telescope — $$$]()
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8. Razor Crazy Cart — $$$
While your big guy may think he’s ready to drive a real car, he’s still quite a few years off from that (thank goodness!). But you can let them drive and race around in their very own Razor Crazy Cart. It has two speed settings, and it’s easy for kids this age to learn to use and control. They’ll learn how to use pedals and steer as they race around the neighborhood. Plus, it holds up to 120 pounds, which means your child can continue to ride it for years to come. And don’t worry, you won’t have to beg your child to get off because the battery only lasts about 45 minutes, offering plenty of ride time without overdoing it!
![Razor Crazy Cart — $$$]()
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9. PROGRACE Kids' Camera — $$
Eight-year-old boys are always on the go, whether they’re riding their new hoverboard, their bike, or doing any other outdoor activity. Why not let them document their adventures with this awesome action camera? It can take photos or videos and comes with different frames and other features. It also includes attachment accessories for a helmet, bike, or more. It’s even waterproof, making it perfect for summer vacations at the beach or in the pool. Let your child savor their favorite memories by capturing them all on this camera!
![PROGRACE Kids' Camera — $$]()
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10. LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Shuttle Adventure — $$
There’s nothing little boys love more than building and LEGOs. The great thing is that there are LEGO sets for all ages. This LEGO Creator set is perfect for those kids who love anything space related. After looking up at the stars, they’ll want to (pretend to) explore it with their new LEGO space shuttle. This set comes with 486 pieces and can build three different designs: the space shuttle, a rocket, or a lunar lander. They can build and play with one design and then take it apart to build a different one, offering hours of fun.
![LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Shuttle Adventure — $$]()
Birthday Gifts
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1. VTech Smartwatch — $$
My son has been asking for a phone or an Apple Watch almost since he learned how to talk, so I was thrilled when I found this VTech smartwatch. It looks very similar to the Apple Watch but is much more affordably priced and is designed just for kids. That means that it has free games, 55 watch faces (digital or analog), and the ability to take pictures and videos. You can even download more games from the Learning Lodge. The wristband is comfortable, and your big guy will love how cool he looks wearing this watch.
![VTech Smartwatch — $$]()
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2. Taco Vs Burrito — $
Designed by a seven-year-old, Taco Vs Burrito is the perfect family game. It’s an easy-to-learn card game that only takes about 10-15 minutes to play. It can play 2-4 players, so you can play as a family or let your kids go head to head! Combining food and fighting (my son’s two favorite things!), you can go wrong with this fun little game. Plus, they’ll be learning about strategy and boosting their critical thinking skills as they play.
![Taco Vs Burrito — $]()
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3. SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box — $
You may be wondering what this little box is and why it costs what it does, but let me tell you – it’s worth the hype! You can choose from a variety of different outside patterns and colors, but that’s just to make it look cool. The real magic is figuring out how to transform and create the 70 different 3D shapes that it can take on. It’s a puzzle, logic booster, and fidget toy all in one! Plus, it’s small enough to take on the go, keeping your little boy entertained no matter where you are!
![SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box — $]()
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4. Tree Climbing Holds — $$
Tree climbing is a rite of passage, especially for little boys. However, as they get older and bigger, you might start to worry a little more about whether the tree branches can handle your child’s weight. That’s where this set of tree-climbing holds comes in. Using ratchet straps, you can attach these holds up the trunk of your tree, giving your child a safer place to climb. These holds are durable, with weather and wear resistance. They can handle up to 220 pounds, so the whole family can even give it a try!
![Tree Climbing Holds — $$]()
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5. Magnetic Dart Board — $$
Need an indoor game that’ll keep your child’s attention? A magnetic dart board could be just the thing. This set comes with magnetic darts, so you don’t have to worry about sharp tips piercing your walls (or another child/family member). These magnetic darts stick much easier than the suction cup sets my kids had when they were younger, too! Plus, the board itself is quite large, so it’s less frustrating for kids who are learning to hit a target for the first time.
![Magnetic Dart Board — $$]()
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6. Mini RC Drone — $$
If your little boy already has an RC stunt car, it might be time to move on to something a little more challenging. This mini drone is up to the task! Flying is a whole other ballgame, so your child will have to up his game with this toy. Since it’s so small, it’s easy to practice indoors or outdoors, offering some versatility. The one-key start or land makes it easy to get going, and you can adjust the speed. Plus, it features different stunts, such as auto-rotation, circle fly, and 3D flips, which are a ton of fun to watch.
![Mini RC Drone — $$]()
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7. GLOWING SNUGGLES Glow in The Dark Dinosaur Blanket — $$
When it comes to blankets, my son is super picky. He insists they have to be super soft (or what’s the point?) and that they have to have a cool design. Plain is boring, but cartoons and cutesy designs are too babyish. It seemed almost impossible to find him one that he would like. Until this glow-in-the-dark dinosaur blanket came along. The ferocious dinosaur was cool enough to catch his interest, and it has just the perfect texture. Plus, you can’t beat glow-in-the-dark anything, no matter you’re age!
![GLOWING SNUGGLES Glow in The Dark Dinosaur Blanket — $$]()
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8. Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys: A Motivational Book about Courage, Confidence, and Friendship — $
Now that your big guy is in school full-time, you’ll find that he may start showing some signs of anxiety, frustration, and other negative emotions. Help your child learn to deal with these emotions and start to build their self-confidence. Self-esteem is so important for little boys, and the stories in this book can help your child realize their own self-worth and learn to manage their emotions, and overcome self-doubt. Each story is inspiring and empowering, which is exactly what your child needs at this (or any really) age.
![Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys: A Motivational Book about Courage, Confidence, and Friendship — $]()
Under $25 Gifts
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1. Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit — $
Traditional arts and crafts projects may not attract your little boy’s attention, so why not find something that will? This book includes ten different designs to create fun, flying paper airplanes. Not only that, but it even comes with forty sheets of flight-ready paper in a bunch of different colors and designs. With crystal clear instructions, be prepared to see all kinds of planes flying around your house!
![Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit — $]()
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2. Lego Gadgets Book and Tool Kit — $
LEGO and Klutz teamed up to create a fun and exciting STEM activity book for kids. This set includes 58 LEGO pieces and a guidebook with 78 pages of step-by-step instructions for building eleven different machines. These gadgets are not only fun to create and build, but these mini-machines are a lot of fun to play with after the fact. There are even prompts that will help your little guy learn to experiment and make their own creations.
![Lego Gadgets Book and Tool Kit — $]()
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3. Awesome Jokes That Every 8-Year-Old Should Know! — $
Kids (boys especially) love telling jokes, and this book will have your little guy laughing for hours. With over a hundred jokes, your child will be armed to the teeth with material to elicit laughs (and groans!) from family and friends. It can be difficult to get kids this age to read, but my son couldn’t put this book down, and I loved that the text was large and easy for him to handle on his own.
![Awesome Jokes That Every 8-Year-Old Should Know! — $]()
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4. LEGO Minecraft The Fox Lodge — $
Minecraft is all the rage these days, and even if your child isn’t playing the game, there are now TV shows, toys, board games, and more based on the video game. Combine that with LEGOs, and you’ve got a sure hit on your hands. This set includes 193 pieces and is rated for kids eight and up, which means it’ll offer your child plenty of challenge as he puts it together. It also includes fun characters and accessories that your little guy will enjoy playing with after everything is built.
![LEGO Minecraft The Fox Lodge — $]()
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5. Double Ditto - A Hilarious Family Party Word Board Game — $
Looking for a fun game to play at family gatherings and other big get-togethers with lots of kids? Double Ditto offers something for all ages. You can play with 4-20 people, and it’s easy for kids to learn. It won the Creative Child Magazine “Game of the Year” award in 2016 and is still a top seller among party games. It does require some reading and writing skills, which is perfect practice for eight-year-olds, but you can also team up to help your child if necessary. Testing their quick-thinking and matching skills, this game will have your child mastering skills while having a blast.
![Double Ditto - A Hilarious Family Party Word Board Game — $]()
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6. Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars — $
Another craft kit that’s sure to gain your child’s interest is these wooden cars. Boys love vehicles, and these race cars will look amazing as decoration in their room. Your little guy can paint and add stickers to design these cars just the way they like, and they’ll get three cars to deck out. Plus, the wheels actually work, so they can play and race with them when they’re all done. The kit comes with everything your child needs to put these together and decorate them, so they can get started right away!
![Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars — $]()
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7. Hapinest DIY Dinosaur Toy Lantern Night Light Kit — $
My son still gets a little afraid of the dark, but he’s old enough now that he doesn’t want to admit it. This dinosaur lantern adds a little bit of light to your child’s room, giving them that little bit of added security that they need without being an obvious nightlight. Your child gets to choose how to put their lantern together, so they can customize it however they want. Plus, it even has a color-changing lid to give it that perfect glow. The instructions are easy to follow, and your child will love proudly displaying their work of art!
![Hapinest DIY Dinosaur Toy Lantern Night Light Kit — $]()
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8. ThinkFun Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle Logic Game — $
Looking for a game that’ll get your child thinking and using logic when you’re on the go? This Minecraft Travel Puzzle is a great choice. The pieces and board are all magnetic, so you don’t have to worry about them sliding off and getting lost in the car or on the plane when you’re traveling. It includes forty different challenges to master at varying skill levels, so your little guy will never get bored, and he’ll be learning logical reasoning and deduction skills as he plays.
![ThinkFun Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle Logic Game — $]()
Educational Gifts
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1. Guess in 10 States of America — $
Make learning fun with this Guess in 10 game. Each player gets to try to guess the state using the clues given on the cards. The cards are beautifully illustrated and give facts and clues about the 50 different states. If your child needs to start memorizing this for school, this is a great way to help them out while having a blast. Each game only takes about 20 minutes or so to play, and you’ll find many different versions available, so you can pick the one that features places or vocabulary that your child needs to know.
![Guess in 10 States of America — $]()
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2. 12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit — $
Does your little guy love building things? This solar robot kit offers a unique building experience, as your child learns not only how to build a robot but also about robots and how they work. This particular robot can be built into twelve different designs, so your big boy can choose the one he likes best or try out a few! The instructions are easy to follow (my son didn’t even need my help!), and it’s completely solar-powered, so you won’t have to buy any additional batteries.
![12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit — $]()
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3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Magic Kit — $$
You probably wouldn’t think that magic and science go hand in hand, but this National Geographic kit begs to differ! It includes the instructions, tools, and ingredients to perform 50 different magic tricks and science experiments. Your little guy will be using STEM skills to make a coin float, bend metal with water, and much more! The instructions are easy to follow, so be prepared to be amazed as your child shows off all the tricks they’ve learned!
![NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Magic Kit — $$]()
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4. Interesting Facts For Curious Minds — $
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s a great trait to inspire in your child. Getting your little guy thinking about the world and wondering how everything works is important and will help them in the future. However, you may not always have the time (or the patience) to constantly answer all your little boy’s questions. For those times, hand them this awesome book that’s full of 1,572 interesting facts. With so much to learn, your child will be entertained for hours (giving you a much-needed break!).
![Interesting Facts For Curious Minds — $]()
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5. 4M Solar System Planetarium — $
If the telescope is a hit or your child just loves everything that has to do with space, get them this Solar System Planetarium. Not only will it teach them all about the solar system, but it’s also a great arts and crafts project. They’ll get to paint all their planets and put everything together to assemble their display. Once it’s all together, your child can watch the planets move in their orbits, and it even glows in the dark! This kit also comes with a fact-filled wall chart that they can hang nearby to learn all about each planet.
![4M Solar System Planetarium — $]()
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6. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher for Kids — $$
Ready to blast off into space? Check out this awesome rocket launcher! The rocket comes with fun stickers so your little guy can decorate it however they like to make it look cool. Then, watch as it soars to any of the three different heights based on the flight mode. It can get as high as 200 feet in the air, and it even has helicopter-like rotor blades that will help it land safely on the ground instead of crashing, allowing your child to use it over and over again.
![NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher for Kids — $$]()
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7. Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game — $$
This cube is another memory, logic, and brain game that’s perfect for at-home or on-the-go fun. It offers four different quick-coordination games that are perfect for improving memory, fine motor skills, coordination, and more. The game is super simple to learn but provides plenty of challenges for kids AND adults! Plus, there’s a mute button, which means you won’t have to listen to it for the whole car ride or disturb other passengers when you’re traveling.
![Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game — $$]()
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8. Yoga Pretzels — $
Teaching your child Yoga and other meditation/mindfulness practices can help them throughout their entire life. This colorful deck of cards demonstrates 50 different poses that’ll help your child have a fun and healthy life. There are balance poses, different forward and back bends, and even some partner poses, so be prepared to get involved and practice with your child. Boys have a ton of energy, and mine always seem to be wound up. Doing yoga helps them expend some of that energy and helps them to calm down while still having fun.
![Yoga Pretzels — $]()
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9. National Geographic Earth Science Kit — $
Teach your child about Earth Science in a way that’s truly interesting and fun with this National Geographic kit. It includes instructions and most of the ingredients necessary to perform over fifteen different experiments. My son’s favorite was (of course) the erupting volcano, but some of the other cool ones include creating dueling tornadoes, making a glow-in-the-dark vortex, and growing crystals. With just a few extra household materials, your little guy will be having a blast while he explores and learns new scientific concepts.
![National Geographic Earth Science Kit — $]()
Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys
The best gifts for this age help your child master different skills or learn as they play. Our favorites include the ThinkFun Gravity Maze because it teaches logic and critical thinking, the VTech smartwatch because it makes kids feel grown-up, and the National Geographic Science Magic Kit because it’s both fun and educational. These were instant hits in our house, but any of the gifts on this list are sure to delight your big guy!
Conclusion
Eight is both a fun and tough age because your little guy is going through so many changes. He’s learning to really think for himself and have his own opinions and ideas. Finding a gift that they’ll actually use and enjoy can be difficult, so it’s more important than ever to really consider what to choose. A great gift can be anything as long as it’s fun, encourages some sort of physical or mental growth, or just allows them to use their imagination and explore the world.
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