17 Toys for 8 Year Olds That They’ll Actually Use

Melissa and Doug’s Suspend Game can be played alone or with up to 3 more players, and is nail-bitingly tense. There are 24 rubber-tipped wire pieces which come with notches in, and players must take it in turns to balance their pieces on top of the last, without toppling the entire game.

The VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix is a perfect first camera for those just starting out in the world of photography. With static and animated photo effects, a ‘face-detector’ for the perfect selfie, and templates for beautiful collages, it also features a video and voice recorder, and 4 built-in games.

Anything that says ‘Not Parent Approved’ will be a hit with 8 year old kids, so they’ll adore playing a game by the same name. Billed as being appropriately inappropriate, this game requires players to finish off awkward situations with the most ‘inappropriate’ response card they hold.

Learning the art of origami will keep them from getting bored – as long as they have paper to hand they can get creative! This kit includes more than 60 sheets of beautifully colored and patterned paper, and an instructional booklet to show them how to create a range of paper projects.

Give them another way to enjoy playing outside with Djubi Classic. Supplied with two nets and two slingshot balls, the aim is to attach the ball to a hook on the net and fire it at the opposing player, who must then attempt to catch the ball in their net.

Have them use their critical thinking with this game of Gravity Maze. With 60 challenges included, single players need to strategically build their maze so that the steel marble can run through the tower and reach its destination. Absorbing and challenging, it’s perfect for players aged 8 and over.

If they find drawing against the clock a challenge, they’ll really have fun with the Googly Eyes Game. Playing in teams, one member must wear the special goggles with interchangeable lenses while drawing a picture for their teammates to recognize; the twist is, the lenses hilariously distort the wearer’s vision.

It’s a dream of many kids to unearth a fossil, but few have the chance. This Mega Fossil Mine from National Geographic gives everyone the opportunity. The clay brick contains 15 real genuine fossils, which can be excavated with the tools included, and is accompanied by a comprehensive learning guide.

Young artists can take a step back in time with this delightful Spirograph set. Neatly stored inside its own carrying case, this set includes loads of different wheels – 19 in total – along with three colored pens, a design guide, and a pack of Spirograph paper on which to create beautiful circular patterns.

The Nerf Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger is a fantastic toy for 8 year olds who love Nerf games but not the darts. Using lazers to ‘tag’ their targets, this pack contains 2 weapons so they can play against a friend, and more can be added so they can work in teams.

This complete kit will allow kids to design and create their own indoor terrarium, and then sit back and watch it grow. Supplied with a clear glass jar for easy viewing, this kit also includes soil, stones, and decorative sand, as well as chia and wheatgrass seeds, delightful minifigures, and glow-in-the-dark decorations.

Kids will adore Toilet Trouble, the game of chance that could see them getting a soaking! The perfect mix of grossness and giggles, this game involves spinning the toilet paper, flushing the lav, and listening out for the flushing sound; if it doesn’t come, they’re going to get soaked!

Wannabe animators will get a head start on their craft with the Zing Stikbot Studio. Supplied with two Stikbot figures and a tripod, the box becomes the background so kids can shoot blue or green screen movies using Stop Motion technology and the included Stikbot Studio Pro app.

Young inventors will have a blast turning ordinary household objects into computer keys. Teaching all about electricity and circuits, the Makey Makey Invention Kit includes the clips, wires, USB connector and board needed to turn fruits, liquids, and pretty much any random object into musical instruments, games controllers, and more.

Anyone can become instantly cooler just by performing a magic trick, and this kit will give them 10 ways to be awesome. Made by Melissa & Doug, this set includes solid wood pieces that will last and last, and comes with instructions to learn classic tricks like The Vanishing Coin.

Supplied with 60 challenges that range from beginner level to expert, the Circuit Maze Board Game is the fun way for kids to learn about electrical circuits. Using logic, reasoning, and planning skills, kids will learn how to solve the puzzles while discovering how electricity works.

The LoopDeLoom Weave Kit is the simple way for creators to make dozens of adorable items, from phone cases to scarves, and even larger items like skirts and throws. Supplied with multi-colored yarn, the loom can also be used with any store-bought yarn, so the fun will never end.