12 Best Presents For 8 Year Olds That They'll Actually Want

Jade Scott
Dec 22, 2023 By Jade Scott
Originally Published on Jul 06, 2021
This list is full of birthday present ideas for 8-year-olds.
Age: 8-8
Read time: 6.9 Min

Birthday present ideas for eight year olds can be tricky to conjure when trends are constantly changing and you want to make sure that what you choose will be appreciated and enjoyed.

We have scoured the internet to put together a list of recommended and reviewed birthday presents for 8-year-olds that includes the best toys, best games and best gifts that we could find. We are sure that any 8-year-old will love these gifts as they have been chosen for their fun factor, meaning they will keep an 8-year-old entertained all day long!

For more gifting ideas, why not take a look at these Harry Potter gifts and these STEM toys that kids will love?

Kidadl's Top Pick

All of the products on this list would make fantastic gifts for 8-year-old boys or girls but this is our top pick because it combines so many different subjects and has a range of modes making it a front runner for cross-curricular, engaging fun.

1. Learning Resources Artie 3000‍

Learning Resources Artie 3000.

Artie is one of those toys for 8-year-olds that just has an instant appeal. It works with a drag and drop programming software where kids need to use coding, geometry and maths to create all range of shapes and drawings. As an extension, children can also learn browser-based languages such as Java and Python to control this cute little bot. The educational factor makes this one of the best toys on the market for 8-year-olds for both boys and girls.

Main Features

  • Price: £54.08
  • Age: 7- 11 years
  • Compatible with Mac, PC or tablet
  • Four modes of play

Best For Families On A Budget

2. Melissa & Doug On the Go Secret Decoder Deluxe Activity Set And Super Sleuth Toy‍‍

Melissa & Doug Secret Decoder Deluxe Activity Set.

If you are looking for great gifts for 8-year-olds that are affordable and captivating then this secret decoder kit might be just what you are searching for.  This gift encourages kids to get their detective hats on and solve over 50 puzzles, codes and clues to solve the mysteries!

Main Features

  • Price: £9.60
  • Age: 7 +
  • Handy travel format
  • Develops critical thinking and problem solving

Best For History Fans

3. Top Trumps Horrible Histories Card Game‍

Top Trumps Horrible Histories Card Game.

Quick and fun, this Horrible Histories card game will help kids (and adults!) to learn facts about historical figures and use their numeracy skills to figure out which individuals come up trumps! As one of the smaller games in this list, it is great for grabbing when travelling or keeping in a bag for quick fire fun.

Main Features

  • Price: £4.98
  • Age: 3+, but we think 8 is the perfect age to get the most out of this game
  • Easy to carry plastic case
  • Any number of players

Best For Family Fun

4. Pictionary Air‍

Pictionary Air.

Toys and games always help bring the family together and this new, modernised version of Pictionary is no different. One player draws in mid-air while the others use the downloaded app to capture what is being drawn on their screen. There are kids and adult clues to choose from and the timer can even be adjusted to give younger players more time to draw and guess.

Main Features

  • Price: £14.99
  • Age: 8+
  • Requires app download on Apple or Android
  • Can be cast to TV or larger screen

Best For Outdoors

5. The Den Kit Company, The Original Den Kit

The Den Kit Company, The Original Den Kit.

As outdoor related gifts for 8-year-olds go, this is one of the most popular toys that we found. This complete kit that is all packed up in a washable bag, is designed to be taken outside and used to construct a wonderful, waterproof den for kids to play games in and bring their imagination to life.  This kit encourages children to use their surroundings to make their den and once finished, can be quickly packed away ready for the next adventure.

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: Suitable for age 3+
  • Contains: Haversack bag, camouflage tarpaulin, groundsheet, handmade wooden mallet, enamel mug, face paint, 10 metres of jute rope and 8 steel tent pegs
  • Help develop  innovation and resourcefulness

Best For Active Kids

6. Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition‍

Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition.

Dodge, duck and dive from giant inflatable burritos in this hilarious outdoor game whilst trying to earn points and make matching sets of cards. This game is suitable to play as a family with older children for some fast paced, competitive but silly outdoor entertainment.

Main Features

  • Price: £26.37
  • Age: 7+
  • 2-6 players
  • Includes 120 oversized cards

Best For Creative Kids

7. Crayola Inspiration Art Case‍

Crayola Inspiration Art Case.

Ideal for any young aspiring artist, this giant Crayola art case has everything they'll need to experiment with different colours and mediums and includes crayons, markers, pencils and paper. This kit will give then hours of creative fun and is ideal for using to complete other crafts as well.

Main Features

  • Price: £23.53
  • Age: Suitable for age 5+
  • 140 pieces
  • Colourful carry case

Best For Getting Crafty

8. Hama Beads 10,000 Beads And 5 Pegboards Tub‍

Hama Beads 10,000 Beads And 5 Pegboards Tub\u200d.

This is one of those classic toys for 8-year-old girls or boys that is always a winner. Kids can let their imaginations run wild by placing the beads on the boards in any design or pattern that they like and there is sure to be a new character or creation every time.  

Main Features

  • Price: £20
  • Age: Suitable for age 5+
  • Improves fine motor skills and concentration
  • 10 different bead colours
  • Adult needed to iron the beads together

Best For Sports Fans

9. Scriball From Mitre Personalisable Mini Football‍

https://geni.us/ja3TYY

This personalisable mini football allows girls and boys to let their creative side come out before practising their footwork and shooting skills. It comes with five pens that kids can use to colour the design on the ball how they wish. Once dry, they have a football that is just that little bit more special to them.

Main Features

  • Price: £9.99
  • Comes with pump and display stand
  • Includes 5 coloured pens
  • Fun, eye catching design.

Best For Book Lovers

10. The Terrific Ten: Mega-Massive Box Set By David Walliams‍

The Terrific Ten: Mega-Massive Box Set By David Walliams.

If you are looking for something other than toys then this bumper set of fiction books award-winning author David Walliams may make the perfect gift. It includes ten of his bestselling children's books including 'Gangsta Granny' and 'The Boy In The Dress', meaning that there are hours upon hours of stories for a child to immerse themselves with.

Main Features

  • Price: £39.99
  • Paperback books
  • Illustrations by Quentin Blake and Tony Ross

Best For A Personalised Gift

11. Rocket And Fox Personalised Kids' Baking Set‍

Rocket And Fox Personalised Kids' Baking Set.

If you have an 8-year-old that is a budding baker then this personalised set from Rocket and Fox may earn you some brownie points. Your child's name is added to the sentence 'Baked with love by ...' which is inscribed on each utensil (excluding the pastry brush) and there is the option to pay for a personalised cotton drawstring bag to keep the kit in and an apron with the chef's name as well.

Main Features

  • Price: £16.50
  • Includes rolling pin, spatula, pastry brush, spoon and cutting board
  • Comes tied with a ribbon
  • Made in Britain

Best For A Sentimental Gift

12. Soccer Star Personalised Football Comic Books

Soccer Star Personalised Football Comic Books.

If you know that the child you are buying a present for already has lots of toys, then a more sentimental keepsake gift might be a great idea. These football comic books can be personalised with the child's name and their favourite sports team, making them the star of the match and can be treasured for years to come. Every child is bound to love reading a story with themselves as the main character!

Main Features

  • Price: £25
  • Any choice of football team
  • Cover printed on 350gsm high grade art card and 170gsm art paper inside
  • Comes in a silver embossed box

Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the top presents for 8-year-olds, then why not take a look at our guide to the best presents for 7-year-olds, or check out our guide to the best gifts for 11-year-olds that you can buy now.

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Written by Jade Scott

Master of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design

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Jade ScottMaster of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design

Hailing from London, Jade now calls Lincolnshire home and enjoys the serene countryside that surrounds her. She has a wealth of experience as a primary school teacher, possessing a strong understanding of the curriculum, games, activities, and learning opportunities for children aged between 3-11. Jade is constantly on the lookout for new outdoor adventures and educational attractions to share with her two nephews. Her interests in science and crafts also enable her to provide fun, engaging, and educational activities for children to enjoy on rainy days. With a passion for discovering new experiences, she is always seeking out the latest deals and attractions to ensure a memorable time for all.

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