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

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.

Melissa & Doug On The Go Secret Decoder Deluxe Activity Set And Super Sleuth Toy‍‍

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hama Beads 10,000 Beads And 5 Pegboards Tub‍

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.  

Scriball From Mitre Personalisable Mini Football‍

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.