Eight Is Great! Here Are The 35 Best Gift Ideas for 8-Year-Old Boys
Everything boys love, from ideas for outdoor fun and games to science-related toys and more.
Having trouble finding the perfect gift for the 8-year-old boy in your life? We get it. Kids that age are tough: They aren’t really interested in super-cutesy toys anymore, but they also aren’t quite ready for pop culture fads and super high-tech gadgets geared towards preteens. That means you need to look for products that are both fun and challenging, both easy-to-use and cool, both boyish and creative.
To help you with your search, we’ve rounded up 35 of the best gifts for third graders—a fun mix of age-appropriate games, outdoor and sports equipment, science kits, art supplies, musical instruments, and much more. They all have excellent customer reviews, and all are guaranteed to elicit big smiles come gift-giving time for a birthday or this Christmas and holiday season. Here are the best gifts for 8-year-old boys.
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35 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys
1. Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Monster Truck, $180 at Walmart
This monster truck is the next best thing to buying an actual 4x4—it even has a four-wheel drive. It also can take a beating, so you can take it outdoors and drive it over grass, rocks, dirt, and pretty much any other terrain. Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Monster Truck, $180 at Walmart
2. Pokemon TCG: Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars Elite Trainer Box, $34 on Amazon
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Pokemon just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021, but the brand remains as popular with kids today as it did back in the late 90s. This set of card decks (30 cards total) is a good way to introduce newcomers to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, or to add some interesting new cards to an established collection. Pokemon TCG: Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars Elite Trainer Box, $34 on Amazon
Related: Best Gifts for Teen Boys
3. Novashion Telescope for Kids, $37 at Walmart
What 8-year-old boy isn’t obsessed with outer space? Encourage their curiosity for science with this lightweight telescope, complete with two eyepieces, a tripod, and 90x magnification—perfect for looking at the stars or at wildlife here on earth.
4. VATOS Dinosaur Eggs Dig Kit, $38 at Walmart
Since your 8-year-old is probably still too young to watch Jurassic Park, this dinosaur egg excavation kit is a fun, age-appropriate introduction to the science of paleontology. Use the chiseling tool to carefully extract the dinosaur buried in each egg, then learn about the specific creature with the accompanying ID card. VATOS Dinosaur Eggs Dig Kit, $38 at Walmart
5. Brain Quest: Grade 3, $11 at Walmart
Great for road trips or rainy days, this set of Brain Quest Q&A cards is specifically designed for 3rd graders, covering topics like basic geography and arithmetic. And with a total of 1,000 questions and answers, this flipbook will provide hours of entertainment. Brain Quest: Grade 3, $11 at Walmart
6. Outset Media Fart Card Game, $12 at Walmart
Potty humor is alive and well in 8-year-olds, so you might as well embrace it. This game is basically a flatulent version of UNO, with players trying to get rid of all their cards—only they have to make a fart sound every time they lay a card down. Outset Media Fart Card Game, $12 at Walmart
7. Mukikim SpyX Night Nocs, $22 at Walmart
Channel your inner James Bond with these night vision goggles, specifically designed for kids ages 6 and up. The Night Nocs let you see up to 25 feet away in the dark, and you can switch between red and white light for whatever kind of stealth mode you want. Mukikim SpyX Night Nocs, $22 at Walmart
Related: Best Gifts for Teens
8. Retevis Kids Walkie Talkies, $25 at Walmart
Whether you're on a camping trip or just playing around the house, these walkie-talkies are perfect for staying in touch with friends and family members. This set is easy to use, and the extremely durable walkie-talkies each feature a jack for headphones. Retevis Kids Walkie Talkies, $25 at Walmart
9. KKmoon Metal Detector, $19 at Walmart
A metal detector is an awesome gift for young explorers. This one is lightweight and easy to use, and it can find any type of metal object, including coins, jewelry, nails, and small aluminum items. KKmoon Metal Detector, $19 at Walmart
10. Lifetime 32'' Rookie Youth Portable Basketball System, $150 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Basketball hoops are always fine gifts for kids, but they are often extremely heavy and difficult to move. This one from Lifetime is the exception. Simply move the hoop to your desired location and fill the base with water or sand—then it stays in place, even against 40mph winds. When the time comes to move it again, empty the base out and go on your way. Lifetime 32'' Rookie Youth Portable Basketball System, $150 at Dick's Sporting Goods
11. Percy Jackson Box Set, $19 at Target
There’s no better feeling than falling in love with a book series. Rick Riordan’s beloved Percy Jackson books are super for 8-year-old boys who are ready for something a bit more challenging, and the reimagined Greek myths will keep them entertained for years to come. Percy Jackson Box Set, $19 at Target
12. Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set, $50 at Target
This set has everything a young artist could ever need: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, graphite pencils, oil pastels, dual-tip markers, a pencil sharpener, paintbrush, paper, and an illustration book. All 64 components come packed in a wood box with velvet storage trays, ideal for easy clean-up and keeping your art materials organized. Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set, $50 at Target
13. Nikon COOLPIX W100 Digital Camera, $370 at Walmart
By the time they’re in third grade, kids are ready for a legitimate digital camera. The Nikon Coolpix W100 is great for beginners, as it is both waterproof and extremely durable. It also has Bluetooth capabilities, which modern kids will surely appreciate. Nikon COOLPIX W100 Digital Camera, $370 at Walmart
14. Globber Foldable Flow 125 Scooter, $120 at Nordstrom
This lightweight scooter folds up neatly for storage or transport, but kids will only care about how cool it looks. Choose from navy blue, pink, black, or red—and be sure to get a matching helmet while you’re at it. Globber Foldable Flow 125 Scooter, $120 at Nordstrom
15. FAO Schwarz 30-Piece Motorized Train Set, $60 at FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz knows how to make superlative toys, and this 30-piece train set is no exception. Designed for ages 8 and up, the set comes with four train cars and 18 feet of tracks, and it comes alive with realistic sounds and flashing lights. FAO Schwarz 30-Piece Motorized Train Set, $60 at FAO Schwarz
16. Bill Nye’s VR Space Lab (50 Pieces), $70 on Amazon
If you want a gift that’s equal parts fun and educational, you can’t do much better than this science lab from the Science Guy himself. The interactive kit features more than 30 hands-on experiments, ranging from growing ice crystals to launching a rocket. Put on the included VR goggles to teleport to Bill’s spaceship for even more immersive learning. Bill Nye’s VR Space Lab (50 Pieces), $70 on Amazon
17. UNO Triple Play, $29 at Nordstrom
You’re never too young—or too old—to appreciate a few rounds of UNO. UNO Triple Play is a slightly more modern version of the classic game, with an LED display that dictates how many cards must be drawn, as well as a timer mode that creates a faster and more suspenseful game experience. UNO Triple Play, $29 at Nordstrom
18. Yamaha JR1 Acoustic Guitar, $160 at Sweetwater
If you really want to learn how to play the guitar, you need to buy from a legitimate guitar retailer (as opposed to a toy shop). Yamaha is always a trusted brand when it comes to musical instruments. This guitar is 3/4 the size of most average guitars, making it ideal for young players or players with smaller hands. Yamaha JR1 Acoustic Guitar, $160 at Sweetwater
19. Rawlings 10.5” Youth Baseball Glove, $50 at Dicks Sporting Goods
Baseball gloves will never go out of style among 8-year-old boys. This one from Rawlings is made for smaller hands, but it's fully legitimate, with a soft pigskin leather shell, internal palm pad, and nylon finger back lining. There are versions available for both right- and left-hand throwers. Rawlings 10.5” Youth Baseball Glove, $50 at Dicks Sporting Goods
20. Retrospec Quip Cruiser Skateboard, $34 at Retrospec
As long as they have the right equipment and training, skateboarding doesn’t have to be a terrifying notion for young kids. The Retrospec Quip skateboards are surprisingly high-quality for their low price points, and their small size makes them a great starter board for kids. It’s wide enough for easy balance, and the soft wheels allow for smooth rides even at high speeds. Retrospec Quip Cruiser Skateboard, $34 at Retrospec
21. Nyjah Skatepark X-Connect Park Creator, $21 at Walmart
Not quite ready for an actual skateboard yet? You can still get in on the action with a finger skateboard, made even more fun with this ramp set inspired by pro skater Nyjah Huston’s own private training facility. Set up different combinations of stairs, rails, and ramps to practice and progress your tricks. Nyjah Skatepark X-Connect Park Creator, $21 at Walmart
22. FAO Schwarz 24-Piece Magic Set, $24 at Bloomingdales
Packed with 24 different pieces, this magic set is perfect for budding Houdinis. The kit includes chop cups, sponge balls, two card decks, a fake finger, handkerchiefs, three-piece rope, and more. FAO Schwarz 24-Piece Magic Set, $24 at Bloomingdales
23. 3D Art Coloring Kit, $28 at Uncommon Goods
This coloring kit includes six double-sided markers and coloring pages of animals and silly monsters—but that’s not even the most fun part. After you finish coloring in the picture, slip on the included 3D glasses to see your color-by-number masterpiece jump off the page. 3D Art Coloring Kit, $28 at Uncommon Goods
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24. Origami Paper Magic Kit, $20 at Uncommon Goods
Origami isn’t exactly the easiest art form to master, but this kit takes kids through the process step by step. It includes 20 cards with in-depth instructions for how to create different magical creations, including a flying helicopter and five-point star made with just one cut. Origami Paper Magic Kit, $20 at Uncommon Goods
25. Illuminightmare Hidden History Book, $30 at Uncommon Goods
This interactive book takes readers to ten of the world’s most mysterious places, from Bran Castle in Romania to Salem in Massachusetts. The book comes with three different colored lenses, each of which reveals different secrets when you hold them up to the page: Green reveals plants and animals, red reveals people, and blue reveals supernatural sights and ghosts. Illuminightmare Hidden History Book, $30 at Uncommon Goods
26. State Logan Suitcase, Camo, $220 at Maisonette
Designed for children ages 6 to 10, this suitcase is sure to inspire a thirst for travel. It features two main interior compartments, and an outer pocket divided into sections for markers, notebooks, and any travel activities. The wheels are sturdy and smooth, and kids are sure to love the fun camo design. State Logan Suitcase, Camo, $220 at Maisonette
27. LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, $160 at Target
This definitely isn’t your average LEGO set. It comes with enough pieces to build five multi-functional robots, which you can then control with easy-to-use coding blocks on your tablet. Kids can learn the basics of coding, engineering, and robotics, all while having a majorly fun time. LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, $160 at Target
28. Create Your Own Comic Book Kit, $30 at Uncommon Goods
This DIY comic book set has everything you need to create your own little graphic novel: pre-formatted blank pages, a booklet of instructions and inspiration, colorful markers, pens, pencils, and erasers. When you finish drawing your story, seal it in the pre-paid envelope and slip it in the mail—you’ll then receive a professionally bound copy of your comic book in about 4-6 weeks. Create Your Own Comic Book Kit, $30 at Uncommon Goods
29. Escape Your House Spy Team Game, $30 at Walmart
This game can turn any room into an escape room, with an included door lock and timer. Choose from one of six spy-themed missions to solve the mystery and unlock the door, using the 78 puzzle cards to guide the way. Escape Your House is suitable for ages 8 and up, but even adults will want to get in on this action. Escape Your House Spy Team Game, $30 at Walmart
30. Volcano Island Crystal Growing Kit, $30 at Uncommon Goods
No kid can resist the coolness of a chemical reaction—especially if that reaction leads to a volcano. This kit comes with paper cutouts of a volcano and coral reef pieces; after adding water to the base, you can watch the cutouts sprout colorful crystals in real-time over the course of a few hours. Volcano Island Crystal Growing Kit, $30 at Uncommon Goods
31. LED Hover Soccer Ball, $17.99 on Amazon
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Described as "real-life air hockey" this LED Hover soccer ball will be a hit. Just remember to include four AA batteries and get ready for some fun on hardwood floor! LED Hover Soccer Ball, $17.99 on Amazon
32. WITKA 350 Pieces Magnetic Building Sticks Blocks, $52 on Amazon
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350 magnetic pieces to build with? Count us in. He can start with building simple structures and then advance to the more complex ones. Either way, it's a great boredom buster! WITKA 350 Pieces Magnetic Building Sticks Blocks, $52 on Amazon
33. Minecraft Pillow, $11.99 on Amazon
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Trust us, if he's 8 years old, he loves Minecraft. This pillow is perfect for any gaming space! Minecraft Pillow, $11.99 on Amazon
34. Singing Machine Carpool Karaoke Microphone, $26 on Amazon
Based on James Corden’s massively famous Carpool Karaoke segments, this microphone lets you recreate the fun in your own car. Simply find an open radio channel and match the station on the mic. Next, pair your mobile device to the mic via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to sing along to your favorite tunes through your car’s speakers. Singing Machine Carpool Karaoke Microphone, $26 on Amazon
35. LEGO Trouble on Tatooine Set, $24 at Walmart
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a third grader who isn’t obsessed with Star Wars or The Mandalorian, so this LEGO set is a safe bet. The kit includes Mandalorian, Tusken Raider, and Baby Yoda Minifigures, a speeder bike, a buildable Tusken hut, and weapons to recreate your favorite fight scenes on planet Tatooine. LEGO Trouble on Tatooine Set, $24 at Walmart
Up next… if you’re shopping for someone younger than a teen you should take a peek at the 35 gifts that are trending for 7-year-old boys.
