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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Whether your child is into sports, arts and crafts, or books, the best toys for 8-year old boys are tailored to their age and maturity, ensure their safety, teach them a new skill or fact, and most importantly, cater to their interests.
"Toys at this age should match the specifics like and dislikes of the specific individual while still encouraging socialization and imagination," Dan Mason, a licensed pediatric-focused speech-language pathologist says.
We researched and tested the best toys on the market, considering the age range, educational value, and safety features. Based on these factors, our favorite picks include an educational science kit from Scientific Explorer and Crayola's Make a Beast craft kit to help express his creativity.
Here are the best toys for 8-year-old boys.
Rubik's Phantom Cube
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Amazon
Works as a memory game as well as a brain teaser
Helps your child practice logic skills
Can be difficult to solve and may be frustrating
If your child likes puzzles, this new Rubiks Phantom Cube is another level up from a regular Rubiks cube. Touch the tiles to momentarily reveal their color and try to solve it before it fades back to black. We love how this game is portable, making it great for car trips or just on the go.
Price at the time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 3.63 x 2.38 x 5.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up
SkeeBall The Classic Arcade Game
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Target
Great for 1-4 players
Portable
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
LEGO Marvel Black Panther Wakanda Forever King Namor’s Throne Room Building Kit
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Amazon
Includes the Black Panther submarine and King Namor’s throne room
Great for building and following instructions and imaginative play
Pricey
For Marvel and LEGO fans, this set, based on the new Wakanda Forever film, is a sure bet. It includes the Black Panther submarine and King Namor’s throne room and Shuri, Attuma and King Namor minifigures. This is great for building skills and following instructions as well as imaginative play.
Price at the time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 13.94 x 7.52 x 2.32 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 7 years and up
Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield Silver Tempest Elite Trainer Box
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Amazon
Includes 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Silver Tempest booster packs and 65 card sleeves featuring Alolan Vulpix
Includes a guide to this expansion pack
Cards are random
If your 8-year-old is a huge Pokémon fan, this new expansion pack is the perfect toy. With 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Silver Tempest booster packs and 65 card sleeves featuring Alolan Vulpix, this game includes hours of fun.
Price at the time of publish: $45
Dimensions: 3.6 x 7.5 x 6.55 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Thames & Kosmos Spy Labs Master Detective Toolkit Version 2
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Amazon
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
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 Marvel Mayhem Card Game
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Hasbro Gaming
Can play as Ironman, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, or Black Panther
Practice strategy and creativity
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
PlayMonster Meltdown Game
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Courtesy of Amazon
Fun for family game night
Great for learning strategy and problem-solving
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 RC Construction Toy Trucks
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Top Race
Build a dump truck, cement truck, and a crane truck
Comes with a powered drill tool
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
National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
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Courtesy by Amazon
Comes with 15 fossils to dig up
Includes a chisel, a brush, and a magnifying glass
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 LLC Taco vs. Burrito
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Amazon
Easy to learn and quick to play
Great for family game nights
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
ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game
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Amazon
Great for learning strategy and problem-solving skills
Includes 40 challenges from beginner to expert, a game grid, cars, and a storage bag
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 Earth Science Kit
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National Geographic
Includes 15 experiment activities from water tornadoes and building a volcano to two geologic dig kits
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
Jack in the Box Space Explorer Craft Projects
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Amazon
Science, arts & crafts, and a board game in one
Encourages creativity and curiosity
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: 6 to 10 years
Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad & Drawing Projector
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Amazon
Over 100 traceable images
Includes a graphite pencil, 12 colored pencils, 10 tracing sheets, and 10 blank sheets
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
Wonder Hunt: A Seek and Find Bingo Adventure
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Uncommon Goods
Scavenger hunt, field journal, and bingo game in one
Easy for traveling
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
Thames & Kosmos Candy Vending Machine STEM Experiment Kit
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Amazon
STEM-based learning
Learn about gears, gravity, forces, motion, and collisions
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
Educational Insights BrainBolt Brain Teaser Memory Game
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great for memory and problem solving
Can play by yourself or with a friend
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
Hasbro Gaming Connect 4 Spin Game
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JC Penney
Fun for family game night
Great for strategy and creativity
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
Osmo Detective Agency
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Amazon
No WiFi necessary
Beginner to expert learning levels
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
Elmer's Celebration Slime Kit
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Amazon
Washable and nontoxic
Great for creative play
Comes with an activator
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
Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit
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Walmart
STEM-based
Experiments are easy to follow
Great bonding activity
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
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Kit
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Courtesy of Amazon
100% natural geodes
Includes a 16-page learning guide
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
Skillmatics Guess in 10
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Amazon
Great for learning
Portable, easy for traveling
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 Gravity Maze
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Amazon
Lots of play potential
Fun and challenging
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
Diggin DodgeTag Game Set
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Amazon
Safer alternative to dodgeball
Suitable for various ages
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
Lucky Doug Solar Robot Kit 12-in-1 Science STEM Robot Kit
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Courtesy of Amazon
STEM-based
Multiple different builds included
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
Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets
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Amazon
Durable
Easy assembly
Two kids can use at once
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
Watch Ya' Mouth Family Edition Game
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great bonding activity
Screen-free activity
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
PLAYMOBIL® Back to The Future Delorean
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Courtesy of Amazon
Recognizable characters
Great bonding activity
Detailed
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
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Monster Burger Truck
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Courtesy of Amazon
Unique design
Great bonding activity
Comes with three different builds
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
Ravensburger Disney Hocus Pocus: The Game
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Amazon
Fun for the whole family
Detailed board and pieces
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
Crayola Build A Beast Craft Kits
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Courtesy of Amazon
Easy to assemble
Customizable
Fosters creativity
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
Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Pick-It-Up Truck
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Amazon
Suitable for various ages
Educational
Interactive
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
Mattel Lightyear Toys UNO Disney Pixar Lightyear Card Game in Storage Tin
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Amazon
Great for family game nights
Hyperspeed rule keeps the game moving with multiple player "skips"
Not too different from the original Uno
If family game night is a common occurrence at your house, this UNO card game is for you, especially if you also share a love of Disney. Though sometimes games move slowly, the hyperspeed rule helps keep the game moving, and even older kids can enjoy too.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: 0.79 x 3.62 x 5.71 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up
Klutz Lego Race Cars STEM Activity Kit
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Amazon
Build up to 10 LEGO race cars and a track to race two cars at a time
STEM-based learning
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
Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Comic Book Kit
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uncommon-goods
Perfect for art lovers
Book is professionally bound after creation
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
3Doodler Start + 3D Pen Set
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Amazon
Creative and STEM-based learning
No hot parts so it's safe for little hands
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
VTech KidiStar DJ Mixer
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Amazon
Comes with 15 songs and over 2000 sound combos
Great for creativity and learning rhythm
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
Spin to Survive Frozen Mountain Adventure Book
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Uncommon Goods
Board game and book in one
Different experience each time you read
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
LEGO Freight Train
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Amazon
Engaging, with hours of play
Trains are remote-controlled
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
LEGO Jurassic World Dominion T. Rex & Atrociraptor Dinosaur Breakout, 466 Pieces
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Amazon
Frustration-free packaging
Includes a T. rex enclosure with an escape function and a toy truck
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
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
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Amazon
Fosters creativity
Multiple ways to play
Suitable for a variety of ages
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
What to Look for in Toys for 8-Year Old Boys
Recommended Age
Eight-year-old boys tend to have a longer attention span than younger children, so they may be able to handle toys and games that require greater concentration. You can find everything from simple toys that require some hands-on design or construction to complex games that they can play with friends and family. Just be sure to check out the recommended age as a guide while you shop.
Safety
This is the perfect time to start talking to your child about safety and giving them the chance to take some responsibility for meeting safety guidelines of their new toys, such as wearing eye protection when playing with a chemistry set or wearing a helmet or knee pads with an outdoor toy. You can even get them involved by letting them pick out their stylish protective gear.
Educational Value
Look for a toy that can introduce a new skill to your 8-year old boy. STEM toys that are tailored for a budding scientist or engineer are a great way to get your child excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. Look for something with hands-on components that they can manipulate and build for the greatest learning experience.
Educational toys should also be fun, especially for this age group. Teacher and literary coach Alicia Drozd recommends incorporating play and learning together. “Make the learning more playful,” she says. This can be anything from becoming word detectives to playing a game together.
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What are the most durable outdoor toys for this age group?
Durable toys are best for 8-year-old boys that like to play rough. Durable outdoor toys that are made to withstand weather and play are great options.
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Where can you find an affordable toy for this age group?
There are plenty of affordable toys for 8-year-old boys. The Watch Ya’ Mouth game and My First Mind Blowing Science Kit are two great options for under $20. Other games and activity kits can be found at similar prices.
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How long do most 8-year-olds play with the toys they get at that age?
This will vary from kid to kid, but most 8-year-olds have longer attention spans than younger kids and may play with toys for longer. They are also starting to develop interests that may last into their teens or adult years. Kids at this age may play with their toys for hours. New toys may continue to entertain them for months to years depending on the child's changing interests.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Additional reporting was done by Caroline Utz, the associate editorial director for The Spruce.