These Gifts for 8-Year-Old Girls Will Help Them Develop Their Skills

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What’s the difference between a meteor and an 8-year-old girl? Eventually, the meteor will crash into something and stop. But little girls, who are just as brilliant and extraordinary as a shooting star, never really stop. If they do, it isn’t long before they pivot to their next interest, passion, or big idea. Which can make gift-giving feel like an impossible feat. As the adults in their lives, it can be exhausting trying to find the right toy or gadget, but in the best possible way. The best gifts for your 8-yrar-old gal will get them on the right track to become bold, creative, and curious young ladies.

We’ve gathered a great assortment of books, STEM projects, games, and toys that encourage creative play and curiosity and that they’re sure to love. And who knows? This gift might be something that sparks a new interest or passion!

CMYK The Fuzzies

The object of this game is simple: remove a fuzzy from anywhere in the highly unstable stack and replace it anywhere above where you got it from. The game requires skill and dexterity, and though it only takes 10 minutes, your girl will want to play multiple rounds.

Magic Chemistry Set

This is the perfect gift for 8-year-old girls who know there’s nothing more magical than science. These 50 experiments are captivating and designed to be done as magic tricks. She’ll bend metal with water, make a coin float, and more.

You*niverse Crystal Growing Unicorn

We love a gift that serves more than one purpose, and this kit is a 3-in-1. Part science experiment (watch crystals form on your unicorn statue), part art project (paint the unicorn), and part room decor (display it) — your girl will love it every step of the way.

Color Reveal Mermaid

This cool Barbie is full of surprises — in fact, that’s half the fun! Each blind pack includes one mermaid Barbie and a whole bunch of accessories. Dip her in water to reveal her true colors.

Ballerina Jewelry Box

Last Christmas, my daughter had a very specific request: a jewelery box with drawers and a ballerina inside that played the theme to Swan Lake. The pressure was on. Fortunately, I found this. It’s everything her little heart wanted, and I was very pleased with the quality. It’s the ideal place for your girl to store her treasures.

Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet

Like a Tamagotchi, but better! This box projects a pet right in front of her so she can pet it, coo over it, and play with it IRL. My daughter recently got one and, months later, she still plays with it all the time. Honestly, I get it.

Truly Me Doll

Probably the best gift I’ve ever received is the American Girl Doll I got from my uncles when I was 8 years old. I can promise, from experience, that this is an excellent choice for your kiddo. Available in a variety of styles, she comes with a journal and adorable outfit.

Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set

My kids (plural) have been using this one set for probably about 4 years and it’s still going strong. Complete with a wide variety of high quality art supplies in a sturdy, cute carrying case, it’s ideal for making masterpieces at home and on the road.

Wireless Karaoke

The road to stardom is grueling and plagued with perils and heartaches … so skip it and just pretend to be a star with this awesome microphone! Your would-be diva can play all of her favorite songs from streaming services with Bluetooth to sing along. With an 8-hour battery life, the party can go on and on.

Charm Bracelet Kit

Your 8-year-old girl will love making charm bracelets, necklaces, and more with this kit, whether they want to make gifts for friends and family or just add some panache to her own wardrobe, Includes dozens of beads and charms along with five snake chain bracelets.

Moon Lamp

Let them know you love them to the moon and back with this gorgeous, realistic looking night light. They can even customize their moon with an array of colors and brightness. And because it’s rechargeable, there are no disposable batteries or wires necessary.

Fashion Plates

Remember these? Don’t call it a comeback because they never left. Mix and match different styles for a fashion line that’s all her own. We went with the “sweet styles” garments, but the set is compatible with other plates in the line.

Magical Misting Cauldron

This toy has been a hit with kids for a few years, and with good reason: it’s so cool. Put all the ingredients into the cauldron, and in a puff of real smoke, your child’s magical new friend will emerge. The perfect gift for 8-year-old girls who want to feel like a sorceress.

Paint Your Own Squishies

Squishies seem to be having a moment with school-aged kids and, honestly, we get it. They’re just so satisfying. This gift doubles as an activity and a toy: your 8-year-old girl will be able to paint and play with a rock star hedgehog and a bunny latte!

Friendship Necklace

When it comes to 8-year-old girls, the best gifts can often be the little things. She will love sharing this friendship necklace, an adorable bear-themed heart, with her bestie. (And if you play your cards right, you just might get the other half!)

Bunny Slippers

Sure, cozy slippers are great in and of themselves, but make them bunny slippers? Now there’s a present she’ll love. This pair comes in a variety of colors and we know she’ll love hopping around the house in them.

Creator 3-In-1 Cozy House Building Kit

We love this line of Lego builds: three builds in one? We’re sold. And honestly? We would live in any of these adorable designs, from the cozy cottage to the rustic A-frame to the chic townhouse.

Mystery Pack

A must-have for any Squishmallows fan in your life… and that likely includes your 8-year-old girl. This mystery pack comes with three 8-inch squishmallows: not knowing who’s going to come live with you is part of the fun.

Barbie The Movie Collectible Doll

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! Yes, Barbie was the smash hit of the summer, and we love that “Stereotypical Barbie” can come home with us. We love the movie-realistic gingham dress and features that look just like Barbie actress Margot Robbie.

Playful Peacock DIY Needlepoint Wall Art Kit

This is the perfect gift for a 9-year-old girl to have fun, learn a new skill, and feel accomplished afterward. With easy-to-follow instructions, she’ll see her project come to life row by row and proudly display the beautiful finished piece for all to see.

DIY Paper Doll Kit

Some toys withstand the test of time, and paper dolls are definitely among them. We love this set because it gives your 9-year-old girl the creativity to customize outfits (just color them in!) and provides hours of imaginative play.

Girl Retroplush Hoodie

Never underestimate the importance of a comfy, cozy hoodie in the life of any girl or woman. We love the vibrant turquoise of this one, as well as the empowering message on the front and back.

Tween Book and Lifestyle Box

There’s nothing quite like getting a brand new book, except, perhaps, for getting a fun package in the mail. With this monthly subscription box your 8-year-old girl will get both! Choose your box type and every month she’ll get 1-3 novels along with 3-8 bookish and lifestyle items.

IBBeautiful Subscription Box

For the girl who either knows or needs to be reminded of how absolutely amazing she is, we love this fun subscription box. Each contains four to six fun items with inspirational messages to help young girls gain confidence and achieve their dreams.

Creator Magical Unicorn

We love LEGO, but 3-in-1 builds just might be our favorite because it keeps the fun going for longer! Build a peacock, a seahorse, or a unicorn with this colorful and creative set. Just as fun to play with as build (especially the unicorn; our favorite).

Paint Your Own Squishies

What’s better than arts and crafts? Arts and crafts you can play with! The set comes with everything your 8-year-old girl will need to paint and decorate four fun squishy toys. Once they’re dry, they’re all set to squish to their heart’s content! (Why is it so satisfying?!)

The Ramona Collection by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby, most beloved character from most beloved author Beverly Cleary, has delighted readers for decades. Your child will giggle reading about all her wacky misadventures over the course of four books: Ramona the Brave, Ramona the Pest, Beezus and Ramona, and, appropriately, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

Candi Girl Lucy Adjustable Roller Skates

We absolutely love these pineapple-patterned roller skates. And because they’re adjustable, your child won’t outgrow them in a single season! The high-top boot design offers ankle support, which will keep them safe and comfortable while they’re having fun. (Do they come in adult sizes? Asking for a me.)

Baketivity Kids Subscription Box

Nowhere in the house can families bond like in the kitchen — there’s just something about gathering together around food that brings people closer together. With this monthly subscription box, you and your kiddo will receive kid-friendly recipes to make delicious new foods and lots of happy memories.

L.O.L. Surprise! Bigger Surprise Box

This megapack includes fan-favorite dolls from the Bling series, each with multiple layers of surprises. Your child can store them neatly in the limited edition bag when they’re not playing with them — perfect for your L.O.L.-loving little lady.

Hogwarts Library: The Illustrated Collection by J.K. Rowling

The world of Harry Potter is vast, and with this handsome, gorgeously illustrated box set, your child can delve deeper into the wizarding world with volumes consulted by Hogwarts students: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; Quidditch Through the Ages; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Fairy tales are fun, but the heroines aren’t always particularly inspiring. In this unique book of bedtime stories, your 8-year-old girl will learn about extraordinary women throughout history, with short biographies and gorgeous illustrations. There’s even space in the back of the book for them to write their own story.

ColorCrayz 27-Piece Washable Acrylic Paint Set

There’s something so incredibly satisfying about painting on a real canvas. Maybe it’s the joy of creating. Maybe it’s the feeling of being a real artist. In any case, your child will love this set, which includes 12 acrylic paints and six printed canvases as well as brushes, a smock, an easel, a palette, and a color guide.

Friends Friendship Bus

Your master builder will enjoy putting together this feature-packed Lego Friends bus just as much as they love creating adventures for the mini-dolls (included). Now, to find an RV with a slide on the back IRL…

Kids First Coding and Robotics Kit

Learning how to code may sound intimidating, but with the help of friendly robots, your 8-year-old girl will have no problem programming over 30 experiments. Arrange a series of cards and the little robots will do as programmed. And who knows, they may just be on their way to a full-on robot army!

Extreme Kids Chemistry Kit

Fire-resistant balloons, underwater volcanoes, and sticky molecules are just a few of the more than 52 experiments your 8-year-old girl can enjoy with this chemistry set.. This set is perfect for encouraging (or starting) a love and appreciation for science and will provide hours of educational entertainment.

Mermaid Doll

What’s better than a fairy? A fairy who’s also a mermaid! Each doll comes in a fairy-sized, light up “jar” and four surprises. You never know who you’re going to get. And there’s another surprise: her color-changing wings!

Cook 'n Grill Restaurant Playset

Cook up imagination and some little toy foods at Barbie’s new restaurant! Your 8-year-old girl will have fun with Barbie and her friends (the counter and patio can serve four customers!) at the Cook 'N Grill. With six play areas and 30 accessories, there’s no limit to the story-telling possibilities.

Snap Circuits Junior

Perfect for aspiring engineers (or bored kids looking for something new), this building toy comes with 30 electric parts, but can be configured to make more than 100 different projects from a photo sensor to a mini-siren. No tools required.

A2 Kick Scooter

Your girl will have a blast zipping around the neighborhood on this lightweight (but sturdy) foldable scooter. Adjustable handlebars mean that they can find the perfect ride height for them even as they keep growing.

Tie-Dye Kit

The hippies got a lot of things right: peace, love, and, of course, tie-dye. Who doesn’t love all those psychedelic colors and patterns? This set includes 10 vibrant dyes and everything you’ll need, including instructions, to tie-dye. Items to tie-dye not included — you get to choose those yourself.

Dog Crimes Game

Your child will have to figure out who is guilty of various doggy crimes. Which pooch chewed on the slipper? Who pooped on the carpet? They’ll have all the clues, but it’s up to your kid to put them all together! Includes 40 mysteries ranging from easy to difficult.

Rummikub Game

In this quick-paced game, two to four players have to get rid of all their tiles by making a series of runs and matches. Easy to learn but a challenge to master! Your kiddo will enjoy figuring out their winning strategy.

Simon Game

A favorite of ’80s and ’90s babies everywhere, the idea behind Simon is very simple: Watch the lights and listen to the sounds made by the machine and then repeat them. As the game goes on, the patterns get faster and more complicated. Can you beat Simon? (And if so, can you tell me how? I’ve been trying for years.)

Hasbro Clue Game

In this classic game of whodunnit, you and your child will have to figure out who killed Mr. Boddy. Was it Miss Scarlet in the library with the candlestick? Professor Plum in the kitchen with the wrench? Gather clues and use a process of elimination to figure out who the culprit is.

Wash-Out Fabric Markers

These fabric markers are perfect for the visionary who wants to make their clothes truly unique (and for the parent who still wants to be able to wash those clothes back to pristine condition). Because a true artiste cannot be limited to paper.

Kaleido-Beetles 500-Piece Puzzle

Your child has probably been doing puzzles since they were a few months old sorting shapes, but now they’re ready for the big time. This beautiful beetle-themed puzzle is composed of a whopping (but not impossible!) 500 pieces and is perfect for a solo challenge or a family bonding activity.

Friends Heartlake City School

School’s in session for the Lego Friends with this awesome set, which includes a science lab as well as art, drama, and music classrooms, a cafeteria, and more! They’ll have a blast building and playing with the included minifigures in this interactive set, perfect for developing STEM skills and creative play.

Creator Magical Unicorn

We love LEGO, but 3-in-1 builds just might be our favorite because it keeps the fun going for longer! Build a peacock, a seahorse, or a unicorn with this colorful and creative set. Just as fun to play with as build (especially the unicorn; our favorite).

Hello Kitty Sweatshirt

Few characters are as iconic as Hello Kitty, who has delighted 8-year-old girls (and a whole lot of grown up girls) for decades. We love this oversized comfy sweatshirt, and we think your girl will, too.

2-Piece NASA Sweatsuit

You love her to the moon and back, so why not show it with a cute outfit proudly showing the institution that’s been to the moon and back? This set is comfy, cozy, and perfect for the 8-year-old girl who wants to be a scientist when she grows up.

Wash-Out Hair Chalk

Has your 8-year-old been begging for vivid, technicolor hair but you’re just not so sure about permanent (or even semi-permanent) dyes? This is the perfect compromise that’ll make her happy and you look like the coolest adult ever! The only thing easier than applying them is washing them out!

More: 39 Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls to Remind Them They're Awesome

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