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Finding the right toy for an 8-year-old presents a unique challenge as kids this age are developing their own interests.Many 8-year-olds enjoy imaginative play, while others may have already developed deep interests ranging from sports, games, arts, music, or STEM. If you know the kind of things the 8-year-old in your life is most excited about, you can choose a toy that directly supports those interests. But this is also a great time to broaden their horizons by offering them something different you believe they’ll enjoy. When choosing the right toy, consider an 8-year-old’s developmental milestones. Kids this age are becoming more independent and mature. It’s important to support their improving motor and locomotor skills. But keep in mind—they’renot only growing physically but cognitively and emotionally as well. To find the best toys for 8-year-olds, we consulted a pediatrician and researched and reviewed a wide variety of products. When selecting the best toys, we considered age recommendations, various interests, entertainment value, and items that can be played solo or with friends. Our Top Picks In This Article Our Picks How We Selected What to Look for Why Trust Verywell Family Super-strong, lightweight, and easy to adjust, this kick scooter is our top pick for growing kids. Made with two extra-large wheels, it provides a super-smooth and comfortable ride and a kickstand that keeps the scooter upright when not in use. Once your child starts kicking, pushing, and coasting all over on their new set of wheels, the scooter's well-built design will be able to keep up. The Razor can be folded for easy transport, and it comes in six bright colors. This scooter is for kids eight and up and can also handle adult riders up to 220 pounds. The Ooly Unmistakeables Erasable Colored Pencils feature an eraser on top of the pencils—that even matches the pencil’s color—to wipe away any flaws. After receiving a sample ourselves, we can confirm the 12 colors included are vibrant and effortlessly reveal their boldness on different colors of paper. In addition, the pencils come in a clear, compact plastic case that makes it easy to see which color you’re picking out. Plus, it fits nicely in a backpack without taking up too much space. If your kiddo enjoys unique colored pencils, check out the company’s 2 Of A Kind Double-Ended Colored Pencils. Meet Burger, Volcano, Trio, Scorpio, Muzon, and Bigfoot—six alien friends children create using 18 cans of high-quality, vibrant, and, most importantly, nontoxic clay. Download the free app for interactive step-by-step instructions on how to put each alien together, and then watch them come to life. The clay hardens when left out for 24 hours, so kids can play with or display their creatures. Fast-moving, silly, and fun, this game is perfect for groups of two to five players. A simple concept full of kittens, explosions, and laser beams, it’ll take just two minutes for your group to learn to play the game. A quirky addition to your board game collection, this is a game even the grown-ups will enjoy. Build your child’s mental math and problem-solving skills with a fun game of math dice. The game moves quickly and is easy to learn, and portable! Fun for ages 8 up to adult, when you’re done playing, the game stores in its own travel bag. In this interactive sticker book, kids are challenged to match the puzzle piece like stickers to corresponding images in the book. They’ll reveal amazing scenes from Harry Potter while working on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The 10 Best Activity Books for Kids of All Ages An amazing splurge of a gift, the Nintendo Switch can be played solo or with a group and used handheld or on a TV. The versatile device allows for multi-player gaming over wifi and there are tons of games available for all age ranges. Don’t be surprised if Mom or Dad snags the Switch after bedtime. We Reviewed the Best Video Games for Kids—Here Are Our Favorites Fun for open-ended, multi-sensory play, these magnetic building toys are fun for kids of all ages (and adults, too!). Click, snap, stack, and flex these magnetic shapes in all sorts of creative ways to build whatever you want. Easy to stack and pack, Clixo blocks are portable and fun for solo or group play. A fun and engaging science-based gift, kids will enjoy creating this terrarium from the minute they open the box. Each terrarium will be unique as kids can decide how to layer the rocks, sand, soil, and stickers that are included in the kit. With the ability to light up at night, this can double as a trusty nightlight, which can help prevent nightmares and night terrors, too. LEGO’s 2-in-1 products are double the fun. First, create an amazing model hovercraft complete with authentic details like turning fans. Once that’s done, rebuild the model to create a twin-engine aircraft that’s decked out with moving rudders and more. Active kiddos will love the ability to practice their soccer skills, even without a buddy. Simply inflate the ball, weigh down the base with sand or water, adjust the bungee cord, and give the ball a kick. The ball will come right back again and again. A great addition to the backyard game collection, this giant kick croquet set comes with everything families need for lots of fun. Two oversized balls, a hand pump, and the stakes are all you need to set up a game of kick croquet. Choose a traditional croquet set up, a random course, or anything in between for lots of fun. Kids will gain exposure to coding while having fun and making 10 adorable key charms that’ll decorate backpacks or to share with friends and family. Choose from 18 designs and use the step-by-step instructions and fuse beads to make awesome creations. Perfect alone or with a few kids, this STEM toy all packs into the included storage kit. Crafty kids will enjoy this set that includes everything you need to sew your own stuffed owl. Made of 100 percent reclaimed wool, the kit includes step-by-step instructions, pattern, needle and thread, and more. Minimal adult supervision is helpful for younger kids. Get your bling on with this kid-sized jewelry collection that will dazzle any gem lover. Five statement-making rings come in the set, so there’s a ring for every school day. All the rings are adjustable and pack into the gift box when not being worn. Magnatiles are amazingly creative magnetic blocks that can provide hours of open-ended play. This set of 100 pieces is perfect alone or as an addition to other sets. Safe, durable, and built to last for years, they are expensive, but worth the investment. Kids will have a blast recreating Harry Potter’s home at 4 Privet Drive with this awesome LEGO set. With six minifigures included, this LEGO set is fun to build and then serves as a perfect spot for imaginative play once it’s built. Artsy kids will stay busy with this set that includes everything jewelry designers need to make charms and baubles. Color the charms, and bake in the oven to shrink and attach the jewelry hardware. Included are accessories to make earrings, necklaces, key chains, and more. Fun for the pool or backyard, inflatable tic tac toe puts an innovative spin on this classic game. When deflated, it’s easy to pack up and when inflated, it's 48 inches big. The Best Pool Toys to Splash the Days Away We chose the best toys for 8-year-olds by studying the design and features of more than 40 toys on the market and researching reviews from customers and competitors. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on toys for 8-year-olds. In addition, we considered age recommendations, various interests, entertainment value, ease of use, developmental milestones, and overall value when reviewing products. We also spoke with Pediatrician David L. Hill, M.D, FAAP, to find out what to look for in toys for 8-year-olds. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on developmental milestones for middle childhood. When it comes to shopping for toys for an 8-year-old, keeping their interests in mind is essential for success. Pediatrician David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, tells Verywell Family, “Around age 8...reality testing really sets in, so the ability to just become completely lost in imaginary play starts to wane,” meaning an average 8-year-old is going to be less interested in playing dress-up and start getting into games and toys that embrace the here-and-now. By this age, kids typically have more obvious interests (or are at least starting to). Some may be really into sports, others into video games, and others into all things STEM. Whatever it is they are being drawn to, try to find games and toys that align so that they can foster that interest and develop it even further. There are all kinds of developmental toys and games designed for babies and toddlers because they’re growing at such intense speeds that it’s hard to keep up. However, Dr. Hill explains that by the time they are around 6 years old, milestones aren’t quite as obvious and grand as they are for younger kids, but there are still ways you can support an 8-year-old's development through toys and games. While keeping a kid’s interests in mind when shopping for toys is important, it doesn’t end there. The toy has to also entertain a kid in order for them to really enjoy it. For example, just because an 8-year-old is really into video games doesn’t mean they will be happy with just any video game you get them. In this case, you’d want to find a game that will hold their interest, give them a challenge without being impossible, and be age-appropriate. Admittedly, the entertainment value is probably one of the more difficult things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for toys for 8-year-olds, but whatever it is that you end up buying them won’t get much use if it doesn’t keep them entertained and engaged. Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year old daughter. Maya’s kids are super active and love so many toys, including BeyBlades, Magnatiles, and their beloved Nintendo Switch. For quieter moments, art kits and sticker books are fun for some (much-needed) downtime. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here::max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-toys-for-8-year-olds-4845845-VerywellFit-DD_2-ce2174e09433486e9d5e131d529c8e3b.png "The 19 Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds of 2024 (1)")
Dan&Darci Light Up Terrarium Kit
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How We Selected the Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds
What to Look for When Shopping for Toys for 8 Year Olds
Interests
Milestones
Entertainment
Why Trust Verywell Family
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