Editors Note: There are many research-based articles on the pros and cons of gender-specific toys, a topic that many parents are passionate about. In our toy series with our partner Wicked Uncle, we will be highlighting a specific age and gender. Our sister sites in other parts of the country will be doing the same, with a collective goal to provide a comprehensive list of quality toy choices based on developmental milestones. You will find as you look through the lists that our top choices are great for any gender. We encourage play and imagination at any age!
It is during third grade that our boys are turning 8. It’s a time when they still want to play but their taste in toys is maturing. It is also a time when moms are still holding on to the idea of their little boys playing with toys and we end up buying things they just are not into. We’ve asked some of our moms with boys in this age group about what the top picks are. There are some innovative toys your boys are sure to love.
Here are our top picks for the 15 best toys and gifts for 8-year-old boys:
- Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle
- Dodgetag – Hit the Target
- Crazy Forts
- Interactive Glow T-Shirt
- Fifty Amazing Magic Tricks
- That’s Gross – Science Lab
- Instant Tabletop Air Hockey – Hover Puck Set
- Kid Athletes – Sports Legends Way Back When
- Top Secret Invisible Ink Journal
- Adopt-A-Sloth – A Real One
- Slip ‘N Slide – Super Fast Water Slide
- Flexible Roll-Up Drum Kit
- Boomtrix Xtreme Trampoline Action – Kinetic Launch
- Pac-Man Handheld Game
- Mega Bounce – Huge Bouncy Ball
This is a time in boys where they are testing their independence and begin to gain more confidence. They are finding activities and sports that they like and they are sticking to them. Friendships are increasingly important in 8-year-old boys and you may even begin to see them wanting certain toys because their friends have them. Never fear, what our boy moms have picked for you is sure to make everyone happy, encourage independence and grow confidence.
1. Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle
This is the perfect age to introduce a child to the world of Minecraft, if it hasn’t overtaken your home already, and this travel set requires no electronics (and therefore doesn’t count as screen time!). Your child will hone his deductive reasoning skills using clues to place magnetic Minecraft weapons and armor on the crafting table in the correct position. The 40 challenges range from beginner to expert, so the fun won’t wear off after the first successful game.
2. Dodgetag – Hit the Target
Imagine telling your 8-year-old that throwing balls at people is not only allowed, it’s encouraged! Dodgetag is a fun spin on the game of dodgeball using velcro vests and soft balls. The vests are adjustable to fit most sizes, so parents can feel free to get in on the game.
3. Crazy Forts
For as long as there have been bed sheets, kids have been making forts. Crazy Forts takes things to the next level with a 69-piece set of reinforced sticks and plastic balls to create your dream fort…or igloo, castle, spaceship, you name it! Just add a sheet over the top and enjoy escaping into your own world.
4. Interactive Glow T-Shirt
Channel your inner artist and use this futuristic shirt as your blank canvas. A UV keyring creates your own glowing design on the shirt’s front panel. Each drawing lasts about 5 minutes, so you can change up your look without ever returning to your closet.
5. Fifty Amazing Magic Tricks
He can already make an entire clean room disappear in a matter of minutes; why not expand his bag of tricks with this boxed set created by acclaimed magician Marvin Berglas? The kit includes assorted props and a hardcover instruction book of 50 mind-boggling magic tricks.
6. That’s Gross – Science Lab
The title alone is sure to be a hit with any 8-year-old. Add in 26 gag-worthy experiments, a motorized toilet bowl mixer and scientific principles hidden behind names like “Electric Sludge,” and you’ve got a recipe for a surefire hit.
7. Instant Tabletop Air Hockey – Hover Puck Set
No room for an air hockey table? No problem! This set can transform any flat surface into an air hockey game, complete with a battery-powered hovering puck similar to the arcade version. The goals securely attach to just about any surface using suction cups.
8. Kid Athletes – Sports Legends Way Back When
Your child will love reading about his favorite star athletes before they hit the big time. From Yao Ming to Tiger Woods to Billie Jean King, these stories will inspire kids and adults alike.
9. Top Secret Invisible Ink Journal
Every budding secret agent needs a super-secret place to jot down their ideas and plans. This 200-page journal uses invisible ink that can be viewed only using the pen’s “special reveal light.” The attached lock provides extra protection from double agents – or siblings.
10. Adopt-A-Sloth – A Real One
For a super-unique gift that also promotes wildlife conservation, look no further than the Adopt-A-Sloth package. Once activated, the Sloth Conservation Foundation will take care of your designated sloth for 12 months, sending you a certificate and periodic updates to share with all your friends who aren’t lucky enough to have their own sloth.
11. Slip ‘N Slide – Super Fast Water Slide
Some toys truly stand the test of time. The Slip ‘N Slide is one such toy. Just spread out the 16-foot vinyl slide on a flat outdoor surface and attach it to a hose for endless warm-weather fun. On your mark, get set… slide!
12. Flexible Roll-Up Drum Kit
Comes with headphones! Now that we’ve established that, your budding rockstar can go to town on this portable drum set featuring nine drum sounds and recording capability. And did we mention? Comes with headphones!
13. Boomtrix Xtreme Trampoline Action – Kinetic Launch
This is a construction kit like no other! Using launch platforms, obstacles, and four power action trampolines, you’ll build a wild course to send five metal balls bouncing to the finish line. Come up with your own routes or follow the course instructions included with the set.
14. Pac-Man Handheld Game
This classic arcade game hasn’t lost its appeal for kids or their parents. The officially licensed handheld version measures 6×4” and features original sounds and gameplay as well as the original arcade-style joystick.
15. Mega Bounce – Huge Bouncy Ball
What’s better than a bouncy ball? A giant bouncy ball. And this one fits the bill: more than 8 feet in circumference and ridged with super-grippy graphics, the possibilities are nearly endless. The enclosed foot pump ensures inflating and deflating won’t take away from the fun.
