41 Best Toys for 8-Year-Old Boys To Teach Them Something New

What We Like

Includes a UV light, disappearing ink, fingerprint powder, and a crime scene notepad
Learn how to use forensic science to answer questions, gather evidence, and solve crime

What We Don't Like

Some users wish they included more practice cases

For 8-year-olds who love detective work (or the Hardy Boys!), this kit has everything they need to be the best detective on the block. With a UV light, disappearing ink, fingerprint powder, and a notepad all included, kids can solve the included cases or create their own mysteries.

Price at the time of publish: $50

Dimensions: 13 x 3.7 x 9.8 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Hasbro Gaming

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What We Like

Can play as Ironman, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, or Black Panther
Practice strategy and creativity

What We Don't Like

Must be played with at least two players

If your child is a huge Marvel fan, this card game is for him. Practice strategy as you play as one of your favorite characters in this quick-moving game. It's also portable for on-the-go family fun.

Price at the time of publish: $17

Dimensions: 1 x 3.88 x 5 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Fun for family game night
Great for learning strategy and problem-solving

What We Don't Like

Some users say the slime has an odd smell

In this updated take on Jenga, take turn stacking your cubes on top of the slime, but be careful, if they spill, they're all yours. Kids will love the unpredictability of this game, and parents will love the easy clean up.

Price at the time of publish: $18

Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 9 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

Top Race

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What We Like

Build a dump truck, cement truck, and a crane truck
Comes with a powered drill tool

What We Don't Like

Noisy

We love this set because not only does it come with three remote-control powered trucks, but your child gets to build them himself with the included powered drill tool and instructions. Once built, they have over 100 feet of range with the remote control and even include realistic truck sounds.

Price at the time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 6 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

4.5

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What We Like

Comes with 15 fossils to dig up
Includes a chisel, a brush, and a magnifying glass

What We Don't Like

Can be messy

If your 8-year-old can't get enough of dinosaurs, they will love to dig into their fossils. This STEM-inspired kit comes with 15 fossils for your kiddo to excavate with the help of a chisel, brush, and a magnifying glass. The 16-page learning guide accompanying this set helps your child identify specimens and learn more about the dinosaurs behind the fossils.

Price at the time of publish: $25

Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.2 x 10 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Taco vs. Burrito

What We Like

Easy to learn and quick to play
Great for family game nights

What We Don't Like

Some users would like more cards in the deck for less predictability in future games

Work on your strategy skills with this fun (and funny!) card game for the whole family. 8-year-olds will love this 2021 winner of the National Parenting Product Award as they battle to build the weirdest meal of all. Plus the game is portable, making it perfect for family vacations or long car rides.

Price at time of publish: $25

Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 2 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

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What We Like

Build up to 10 LEGO race cars and a track to race two cars at a time
STEM-based learning

What We Don't Like

Some users want more detailed instructions

Hit the track with this STEM-meets-Lego race car kit. Build up to 10 Lego race cars and a track in which you can race two cars at a time. Practice problem-solving skills and basic engineering to create your track.

Price at the time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 8 x 1.75 x 10 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 7 to 12 years

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What We Like

Great for learning strategy and problem-solving skills
Includes 40 challenges from beginner to expert, a game grid, cars, and a storage bag

What We Don't Like

Only one player at a time

Test your logic by getting these cars out of rush hour gridlock in this classic game. Great for 8-year-old boys, take on one of the 40 challenges from beginner to expert, and watch them learn strategy and problem-solving skills as they go.

Price at time of publish: $22

Dimensions: 8.88 x 2.5 x 8 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

National Geographic

What We Like

Includes 15 experiment activities from water tornadoes and building a volcano to two geologic dig kits

What We Don't Like

Some users wanted more detailed instructions

For the child who loves science experiments, this kit includes 15 fun and exciting experiments to try. From dueling water tornadoes and building an erupting volcano to growing a crystal, there's something for everyone in this STEM kit from National Geographic.

Price at the time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 8.66 x 3.15 x 12 inches | Material: Multiple | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Amazon

What We Like

Comes with 15 songs and over 2000 sound combos
Great for creativity and learning rhythm

What We Don't Like

Noisy

If your 8-year-old loves music, they will love creating their own musical masterpieces on this DJ turntable, made especially for kids. With over 15 songs and 2000 sounds included, your child can create their own masterpieces or try to remember the rhythms in a memory game.

Price at the time of publish: $54

Dimensions: 3.62 x 14.37 x 9.25 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 to 10 years

Uncommon Goods

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What We Like

Board game and book in one
Different experience each time you read

What We Don't Like

Some themes might be scary

Part board game and part book, Spin to Survive Frozen Mountain combines a pop-out spinner with an adventure book. Spin the dial and jump to the right page to decide your fate. The book also includes real-life stories from wilderness survivors and how-tos on building a snow shelter or starting a fire.

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 11.7" L x 13.65" W x 0.95" H | Material: Plastic, cardboard, paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

Target

What We Like

Great for 1-4 players
Portable

What We Don't Like

Some users say the board is a bit small

Bring the fan-favorite arcade game home with this officially-licensed SkeeBall set. Practice your aim and precision by tossing the wooden balls into the rings, and see who can get the most points. Plus it's portable so you can bring this to family events, on road trips, or whenever you need some arcade fun.

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 20 Inches (H) x 16 Inches (W) x 16 Inches (D) | Material: Wood and plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Amazon

What We Like

Science, arts & crafts, and a board game in one
Encourages creativity and curiosity

What We Don't Like

Some users say the projects can only be completed once

For future astronauts or any kid curious about space, this activity box can help them cultivate their passion. Crafts include creating a solar system mobile and a kaleidoscope, plus the set includes a board game perfect for learning space facts.

Price at time of publish: $26

Dimensions: 11.93 x 8.58 x 1.65 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 7 to 1 0 years

Uncommon Goods

What We Like

Perfect for art lovers
Book is professionally bound after creation

What We Don't Like

Some kids may need help with story creation

For budding artists or storytellers, a make-your-own comic book is a dream come true. The best part? This set comes with a pre-paid envelope to send in your story. In 4 to 6 weeks, you'll get a professionally-bound version of your book returned in the mail.

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 10" L x 7" W; 18 pages | Material: Markers, paper, 100% recycled cardboard box | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Uncommon Goods

What We Like

Great for learning history and geography
A mix of physical games and virtual reality to keep interest

What We Don't Like

Need an app-powered phone

If your child is a world explorer at heart, this VR set will have them exploring the Colloseum, Stonehenge, the Great Pyramids and more, thanks to an app-powered phone. It's not all screen-time — thanks to a 140-page accompanying atlas, kids can learn about history and geography while doing real world activities like an Eiffel Tower puzzle or getting creative with a paint set.

Price at time of publish: $65

Dimensions: 14" x 11" x 6" | Material: Plastic, paper | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Over 100 traceable images
Includes a graphite pencil, 12 colored pencils, 10 tracing sheets, and 10 blank sheets

What We Don't Like

3 AA batteries not included

If there's a budding artist in your family, a tracing pad is a great way to help them perfect their craft. This set comes with over 100 traceable images and includes a graphite pencil, colored pencils, 10 tracing sheets, and 10 blank sheets.

Price at time of publish: $26

Dimensions: 2.06 x 13.75 x 12.06 inches | Material: Graphite | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Uncommon Goods

What We Like

Scavenger hunt, field journal, and bingo game in one
Easy for traveling

What We Don't Like

May not hold attention

Turn everyday into a scavenger hunt with this field journal meets bingo game. This book includes 500 everyday items to seek and find, plus each chapter has its own central theme. When you find an item, use one of the included stickers to track it on one of the 25 bingo boards.

Price at time of publish: $19

Dimensions: 168 pages | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

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What We Like

STEM-based learning
Learn about gears, gravity, forces, motion, and collisions

What We Don't Like

8-year-olds may need help with construction

Not only was this toy a 2022 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids finalist and a 2022 Toy of the Year Award finalist in the Construction category, it's great for learning STEM and math concepts like gravity, force, and motion. Kids build their own vending machine that collects coins and releases small candy or trinkets. The best part is that it can be built and rebuilt over and over, so kids can continue to practice their mechanical engineering.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 13 x 3.8 x 11.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Great for memory and problem solving
Can play by yourself or with a friend

What We Don't Like

Some users say it can be challenging to learn

For a child who loves memory games, you can't do much better than the BrainBolt Brain Teaser game. Watch as the buttons light up and see how long you can remember the pattern. Perfect for long car rides, this memory game is a hit for this age group, and parents will love that the sound can be turned off.

Price at time of publish: $21

Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 2.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

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What We Like

Creative and STEM-based learning
No hot parts so it's safe for little hands

What We Don't Like

Users say the filament may jam occasionally

If your child is into arts and crafts or technology, this screen-free 3D printer pen is a great gift option. The 3D Pen set comes with stencils, so your kiddo can bring their ideas to life. By pressing down on the pen, plastic extrudes and hardens quickly without getting hot, making it safe for little hands.

Price at time of publish: $50

Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.02 x 2.56 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

JC Penney

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What We Like

Fun for family game night
Great for strategy and creativity

What We Don't Like

Some users say it can be frustrating for younger players

Connect 4 is a classic family board game, but this new Spin version turns a classic on its head, no pun intended. After each turn, the player spins the column, making the disc land at random, either setting you up for an easy win or a night of strategizing.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 2.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Amazon

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What We Like

No WiFi necessary
Beginner to expert learning levels

What We Don't Like

Needs an Osmo Base and iPad/Fire Tablet to play

Toys that can interest your kiddos for years to come are hard to find which is why we love the Osmo Detective Agency game. Recommended for ages 5 to 12, kids can learn about historical trivia and geography while solving a mystery and the various levels make help the game grow with your child.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.25 inches | Material: Cardboard, Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 to 12 years

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What We Like

Washable and nontoxic
Great for creative play
Comes with an activator

What We Don't Like

Has a mild scent

The slime craze isn't over just yet. This kit is perfect for anybody who loves to create. With options from glow-in-dark to glitter, there are plenty of creations to be made, plus the easy clean-up gets a thumbs up from parents. It comes with its own all-in-one formula so no need for any extra products like contact lens solution or baking soda.

Price at time of publish: $25

Dimensions: 3.06 x 11.25 x 7.19 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

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What We Like

Engaging, with hours of play
Trains are remote-controlled

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Though it can be pricey, LEGO is always a great toy option for an eight-year-old. This set is part of the "City" collection and includes a locomotive, flatcar, open wagon, auto carrier, two EVs, two cargo containers, reach stacker, 33 track pieces and 6 mini figures. Our favorite part has to be the toy charging station which equals endless hours of playtime. Not only does your child get to build the set, they can also play with the remote-control trains and create an imaginary world.

Price at time of publish: $200

Dimensions: 3.5 inches H x 35.5 inches L x 2.5 inches W | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

Amazon

What We Like

Frustration-free packaging
Includes a T. rex enclosure with an escape function and a toy truck

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Jurassic World fans will love this gift. Not only can your child build the big rig truck and market, they can act out their favorite escape scene from the film with two dinosaurs and 4 mini figures, each with their own tranquilizer elements.

Price at time of publish: $100

Dimensions: 18.9 x 11.1 x 2.4 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

4.5

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Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit Review

What We Like

STEM-based
Experiments are easy to follow
Great bonding activity

What We Don't Like

Extra products needed that are not included

With the My First Mind Blowing Science Kit from Scientific Explorer, young boys can learn STEM skills through exciting hands-on experiments. This kit comes with 20 pieces, including test tubes, plastic cups, measuring scoops, cotton swabs, and more. There are also supplies like citric acid, baking soda, vegetable oil, and red cabbage powder—everything kids need to complete 11 scientific activities.

Our tester found this toy educational without being boring and able to capture her children's attention. The realistic-looking materials add to the appeal of this set, making kids feel like real scientists. Guided by straightforward instructions in the activity booklet, kids learn the basics of conducting scientific experiments, chemical reactions, and more. The learning continues with extension questions to keep young ones engaged.

The packaging makes cleanup easy, and the affordable price point makes this a no-brainer buy. However, our tester noted that this set does require additional items that aren't included. She also wished the ingredient bags were resealable for easy repeated use.

Price at time of publish: $13

Dimensions: 10.1 x 2.9 x 12.1 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

What Testers Say

"Soon enough, their other brothers, aged 10 and 12, were gathered around the table as well, each wanting to be the next one to measure, scoop, pour, and/or stir.—Sarah Vanbuskirk, Product Tester

National Geographic

What We Like

100% natural geodes
Includes a 16-page learning guide

What We Don't Like

Some geodes can be hard to open

If your child is a future geologist or you're hoping to promote STEM at home, this National Geographic Kit is the perfect gift. Your child can break open real geodes and learn about what's inside, thanks to the accompanying 16-page learning guide. It even comes with stands so you can display your favorite crystals at home.

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 2.75 x 7.75 x 12 inches | Material: Geodes | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Great for learning
Portable, easy for traveling

What We Don't Like

Some cards may be too difficult

This card game is one the whole family can enjoy. Each player has 10 chances to ask questions in order to guess the animal on the card. Perfect for family game night, 2-6 players can play at a time with games taking around 20 minutes. If a long car trip or any kind of travel is on the calendar, this game is perfect to pass the time.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.1 x 1.73 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Thinkfun

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What We Like

Lots of play potential
Fun and challenging

What We Don't Like

Pieces can be hard to keep track of
Smaller than it looks in photos

Challenge your 8-year-old boy to this fun and challenging series of marble mazes that is sure to test their problem-solving skills. Completing each task requires a series of skills including spatial reasoning, visual perception, and more. The challenge continues with 60 different mazes to solve. Be sure to leave extra time after each win to celebrate!

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 9.38 x 3 x 10.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8-15 years

Amazon

What We Like

Safer alternative to dodgeball
Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like

Vests run small

While dodgeball can be an exciting game for young boys, the objective of the game can often lead to injury. With this safer alternative, kids throw soft balls at the targets on the mesh vests to gain points. No rough (and often dangerous) rubber dodgeballs needed. Play indoors or outdoors without risk of breaking valuables. Eight year olds will love playing with friends, family members, or even parents.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 2.5 x 10 x 12 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

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What We Like

STEM-based
Multiple different builds included

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult for young kids

Kids age 8 to 12 will flip for this robot kit. The kit comes equipped with almost 200 pieces to build 12 different types of robots. Once the ‘bot is constructed, it operates on solar power so it can move. This is sure to be a fun toy but also one that teaches kids about science and how things work.

Price at time of publish: $14

Dimensions: 11.06 x 7.2 x 2.64 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Durable
Budget-friendly
Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like

Battery depletes quickly

The Betheaces Flying Ball is an awesome helicopter-style drone that will provide hours of entertainment both indoors and out as long as you watch out for birds outside. It has an LED light inside that will shine dazzling colors and its two remote-controlled propellers lift it up into the air. There are no batteries in this cool drone—just plug it into a USB port for 20 minutes to charge, making it a perfect option for 8-year-olds searching for a cool electronic toy.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

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What We Like

Durable
Easy assembly
Two kids can use at once

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers were disappointed by rocket height

This classic toy will provide ample entertainment for young kids as they compete to see who can launch their rocket the highest! The Stomp Rocket comes with four rockets and a special “dueling” base, which launches two rockets at the same time. Kids just have to stomp on the launch pads to send the rockets soaring into the air—up to 200 feet with the right force, making this a perfect outdoor toy.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 16 x 3.3 x 12 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

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What We Like

Great bonding activity
Screen-free activity

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers found the game too easy for older kids

Get kids to turn off their electronics for a few hours with a fun family game like Watch Ya’ Mouth. This hilarious family game is perfect for players ages 8 and up, and young boys will love trying to speak phrases while wearing the game’s signature cheek retractors. Watch Ya’ Mouth can be played with three to 10 players.

Price at time of publish: $13

Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 2 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Best Family Board Games of 2022 For All Ages

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What We Like

Recognizable characters
Great bonding activity
Detailed

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to maneuver after building

Though your 8-year-old wasn’t born when Back to the Future came out, they can learn all about the classic movie through the DeLorean toy. The time traveling car has fun lights and winged doors that open and close. Of course the car also comes with Marty McFly, Dr. Emmett Brown, and their furry friend Einstein.

Price at time of publish: $35

Dimensions: 3.7 x 11.18 x 15.16 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

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What We Like

Unique design
Great bonding activity
Comes with three different builds

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult for younger kids

This Lego set comes with an impressive 499 pieces. It’s actually a 3-in-1 toy as the pieces can make a monster burger truck (complete with massive wheels and foldable stairs), an off-roader, or a tractor. There are also two mini figures and even a dog. The versatility truly allows kids to have fun and be imaginative.

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 15.04 x 10.32 x 2.78 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Fun for the whole family
Detailed board and pieces

What We Don't Like

Instructions can be difficult to follow

Here’s a game for kids that encourages collaboration and cooperation. The team must work together to protect the people of Salem. The game takes about 30 minutes to play and accommodates two to six players.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 8.25 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches | Material: Cardstock | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

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What We Like

Easy to assemble
Customizable
Fosters creativity

What We Don't Like

Only suitable for one time use

This kit comes with step-by-step instructions so kids can craft their own shark, alligator, and chameleon. After building the molds, they can use the clay to customize their colorful animal. What’s really awesome is that the animals’ tails move back and forth.

Price at time of publish: $23

Dimensions: 12.38 x 9.5 x 4.19 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

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What We Like

Fosters creativity
Multiple ways to play
Suitable for a variety of ages

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers found picture quality disappointing

Creative kids will absolutely love receiving this VTech Creator Cam. The HD-camera comes with everything so they can create movie magic. There are more than 20 animated backgrounds, a green screen, built-in editing software, and a USB cable to upload any clips. There’s even a tripod so the camera can be securely placed on a tabletop.

Price at time of publish: $34

Dimensions: 1.47 x 2.4 x 3.58 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

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What We Like

Suitable for various ages
Educational
Interactive

What We Don't Like

Reviewers found one of the doors on the truck does not stay closed

Operating tools isn’t exactly a kid-safe activity, but it is thanks to this toy. It includes a kid-friendly drill and 18 bolts that can be used to build a recycling truck. And the drill can even operate the truck’s lift arm. There are even two mini figures that can be placed in the truck.

Price at time of publish: $34

Dimensions: 7.5 x 12.4 x 5.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

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