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 that 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’re not 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 choosing the best toys we considered various interests, entertainment value, items that can be played solo or with friends, and age recommendations. Based on our reviews, these are the best toys for 8-year-olds on the market today. 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 made for kids eight and up and can also handle adult riders up to 220 pounds. Price at time of publication: $110 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $17 Perfect alone or with a few kids, this STEM toy all packs into the included storage kit. Price at time of publication: $25 The ethically sourced and culturally appropriate books will educate and delight your kid. Price at time of publication: $149 for Grande Mindful Kit Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $120 Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $36 for Christmas Kit Price at time of publication: $15 Don’t be surprised if Mom or Dad snags the Switch after bedtime. Price at time of publication: $299 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.
Milestones
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.
Entertainment
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.
Why Trust Very Well Family?
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
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
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:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
