If you’re shopping for the best birthday gifts for an 8-year-old, remember that they’re just on the edge of being a full-fledged tween — but probably still love to play with toys, games, crafts, action figures, and dolls. The trick is to find birthday gifts that aren’t babyish, but also not too advanced. This is also the age kids start to develop really specific interests, from TV shows they stan, to sports they play, and activities they love. So the best gifts for 8-year-olds often come from knowing a little bit about the kid you’re celebrating.
If you’re not entirely sure, no worries! This guide to cool birthday gifts for 8-year-olds should help spark some ideas. And take a look at our list of cool gifts for 7-year-olds, and cool gifts for tweens too — because kids’ interests can straddle ages.
Above: Literati curated book club gift boxes
Be sure to see our full list of the coolest gifts for kids by age
The best gifts for 8-year-olds
Some purchases may help support our work at no additional cost to you.
All picks have been independently selected by our editorial team
Chance Premium Youth Basketballs
($29 at Amazon)
New sporting goods can be a terrific gift for 8-year-olds — especially if they share with older siblings, younger siblings, and uh, parents. Chance’s basketballs are made to be bold, inspiring, and they certainly stand out on the court. They stand out off the court too, giving back to fantastic organizations in big ways.
A Cool New Demin Jacket
($25-60 on sale, Gap)
Denim never goes out of style, but it does change style. Check out the affordable range. There’s always lots on sale, too.
Exploding Minions card game
($12.71 at Amazon)
Move over kittens, the Minions are taking over your game with this fiery version of Exploding Kittens. Super fun for all-age fans of the Minions. Bananas not included.
Razor DeltaWing Scooter
($120 at Amazon or Walmart)
Razor isn’t just about classic scooters (though those make fantastic gifts for 8-year-olds too) — check out this rad three-wheeler that yields one crazy ride style. Don’t forget the helmet!
Personally Curated Book Club Gift Boxes
($39.99/box, Literati)
Whether they’re a Navigator, Aviator or Adventurer, Literati (also at top) is a next-level book club, shipping kids 5 books a month that are highly tailored to their interests. They get unlimited returns so just keep what they love –including all the stickers and fun surprises.
Customizable charm bracelet from Charm-It
($8 at Nordstrom; individual charms $6/ea)
Kids are loving charm bracelets all over again, and we find this fun rainbow heart bracelet from tween-favorite, Charm-It so fun. Plus they can add charms to it any time and truly make it their own.
Ella + Mila Non-Toxic Nail Polish Set
($55 for 10-pack at Amazon)
For kids who love dress-up (or, ahem, cosplay), we like sticking with non-toxic cosmetics that won’t harm sensitive skin. Ella + Mila polishes are never tested on animals, are vegan, and are safe for kids.
Super Gross Chemistry Set
($29.99 at Amazon)
Great for kids who loooooooooove all things ooey and gooey and icky. Hopefully, they have a strong stomach.
A beginner’s skateboard from White Fang
($39.99 and up at Amazon)
Young skaters-in-training can learn to cruise safely and affordably on one of White Fang’s cool beginner skateboards.
Chunky Knit Weighted Kids Blanket
($139, Bearaby)
For kids with trouble sleeping or just lying still, this beautifully made, 100% natural cotton weighted blanket is sized perfectly for kids, and feels as comfy as a favorite t-shirt.
An affordable wireless karaoke microphone for kids
($19.99 on sale, Amazon)
No need to fuss with wires and cords, your kids can sing — and dance — their hearts out with a mic in one of several colors. The LED lights make it that much more fun.
An Escape Room Experience in Puzzle Form
($18.99 at Amazon)
Yes, you read that right! From the puzzle masters at Ravensburger, come three puzzles that double as escape room games. They’re rated 9+, so put it to use for family game night, or as a gift to play with older siblings. So much fun.
Image © Christina Refford for Cool Mom Picks
Tickets to their favorite sporting event
The best birthday gift for an 8-year-old may be tickets to a professional sporting event: They’re old enough to follow the action and understand the rules, and they may even have favorite teams and players too. Wrap up a team jersey, t-shirt, hat, or banner with a pair of tickets. Think hockey, baseball, soccer, football — even a gymnastics meet or figure skating competition in your area. (Tip: If pro tickets are out of your budget, minor league games can be a blast and are often designed specifically for families, with fun antics to entertain the kids in the crowd.)
Personalized Rainbow Cookies
($34.95, Williams-Sonoma)
If they really want to taste the rainbow, this is the way to do it. No offense, candies.
Their favorite Funko POP! figurines
($4.99 and up, Amazon)
Massively popular with kids this age, Funko POP! figurines are such a cool, on-trend, yet super affordable, birthday gift .Find their favorite from film, TV, music, or pop culture — like this Rei bobblehead from Star Wars
Squier Affinity Mini Stratocaster V2 Electric Guitar
($189.99, Guitar Center)
For kids who are serious about rocking, this mini Stratocaster is designed for smaller hands, from ages 8 and up Of course all rocking out should be done before bedtime.
Narwhal or unicorn horn sidewalk chalk set
($16/ea, Maisonette)
So many cool styles from Twee to put a little more magic into those hopscotch boards.
Kids Fitbit Ace 3 activity tracker
($64 on sale at Amazon)
Whether they are competitive, goal-driven, or even couch potatoes, kids will get a lot out of the Fitbit Ace 3 activity tracker — without paying Apple Watch prices. Water resistant to 50m, it can take a dip in the pool and can hold a charge for days and days.
Superhero Minifig Bath Bombs
($7.99/2 and up, Berwin Betty’s Bath Body)
Forces of good, your favorite Marvel heroes are here to rescue us from stinky 8 year olds by hiding out in brightly colored, yummy-smelling bath bombs. (Really, there’s a surprise Minifig inside!) This shop has tons of options beyond superheroes.
Glow-in-the-dark capture the flag game
($49 at Amazon)
Starlux has created a super fun, high-powered way to get kids of all ages burning off energy — a twist on the classic game of Capture the Flag. The box includes enough supplies to play with a small group of besties or a party of 20.
A cool new game for their Nintendo Switch
($17 and up, Amazon)
Whether they love the over-the-top antics of Mario and friends in Super Mario Bros. Wonder or would rather journey back to the early days of Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a new game for their Nintendo Switch makes a super cool birthday gift for an 8-year-old. And, if they don’t already have a Switch? Well, that makes an incredibly generous gift too
The best gifts for kids by age 2024
The coolest first birthday gifts
The coolest birthday gifts for 2-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 3-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 4-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 5-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 6-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 7-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for 8-year-olds
The coolest birthday gifts for tweens and big kids 9-12
The coolest birthday gifts for teens
