Beyond the fun aspect, we found the most engaging learning and STEM toys any 8-year-old boy will love. Not a single toy with a bad review made its way onto this list. All of the options here were vetted and chosen for their outstanding ratings and ability to bring joy to your 8-year-old’s life.
| Top 6 Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Stone Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone | Mini size, foldable, headless control, low cost | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game | Award-winning, STEM toy, multi-level game | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit | Programming, building kit to make superhero gadgets | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| COLORLIFE Electric Jellyfish Tank Table Lamp | Realistic jellyfish float around in this table lamp tank | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Hot Wheels Super 6-lane Raceway | Race 6 cars at one time with this huge raceway | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| GoSports Football Trainer Throwing Net | Improve throwing skills with this fun 8' x 8' throwing net | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys
Holy Stone HS190 Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone
Impress your eight-year-old with the Holy Stone HS190 Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone. Drones are cool by themselves but make it foldable and it becomes epic.
Mom’s will love the ability to store the drone out of sight when it’s not in use. Also, the price is right and perfect for any budget, especially for all the different features in this little beast. The worst part is you will need to charge the drone just like any other portable electronics.
Up Side
- Has altitude hold function
- Foldable and portable
- One key takeoff and landing
- Headless mode and one key return
- High-speed rotation
- Easy to spot colors
- Mini size
- 3D flip
- LED lighting system
- 2 ways to charge – play for 5-7 minutes and only needs 40 minutes of charging
- 30-50 meters
- Includes quadcopter, controller, spare propellers and guards, crowbar, charger, screwdriver, and manual
Down Side
- Gets damaged easily from falls
- Not a lot of playtime compared to charge but similar to most other drones
Why You Should Buy
Boys love most anything electronic especially vehicles on the move. A drone will delight all of your boy’s senses, and your husband’s too. It can be a great bonding toy for dad and his 8-year-old.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
The price is right on this ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game. It’s a great STEM toy to get those inner wheels working while still giving your little guy something to manipulate, move around, and play with. It’s great for controlling wiggles without screen time!
A great game for testing those logical thinking skills. There are challenges that need to be tackled before you can move on to the next round. It’s like a logic game, a marble run builder, and an engineering toy all rolled into one.
There are 60 challenges, ranging from expert to beginner. It can keep your child entertained for weeks or even years on end because the challenges will seem new and exciting every time. No wonder this toy won Toy of the Year in 2017 and has sold over 50 million games!
Up Side
- Fun logic game
- Great for STEM fans
- A great learning game
- Simple rules and fun play
- Great for team play or homeschooling
Down Side
- Requires patience and planning
Why You Should Buy
Not everyone kid has the patience or brainpower to sit and figure out these challenges, some of which can take upwards of 30 minutes to figure out. But once they figure it out, they’ll be hooked! And if they tackle all the challenges? Have them create their own! It’s a never-ending game!
littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
The littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit may be the neatest new toy available, especially for fans of superheroes.
The price is definitely on the high side but you get a whole lot of technology for your buck, well bucks. Either way, your son can be the newest Avenger with an armband like Ironman. Although do not expect your son to fly around like Ironman, this toy is not that powerful.
Up Side
- Includes everything needed to build an interactive customizable gauntlet
- Includes electronic building blocks, LED matrix, plastic parts, stickers, and batteries
- Built to last – including covers for the circuits
- STEM toy that teaches science, technology, engineering, art, mat, and computers
- Also unlocks the imagination
- No adult interaction required
- Introduces coding – specifically block-based coding
- Teaches with activities to advance programming fundamentals
- Uses a smart device -either Android or iOS
- Has real-world applications
Down Side
- A very pricey learning toy for 8-year-old boys but well worth the money
Why You Should Buy
What could be better than a toy that teaches real-world skills for the future and unlocks your child’s imagination? Nothing! Buy this toy to encourage him to learn new skills and remind him that with his imagination he can be anything he wants, even a superhero genius who can build incredible items like Ironman.
Electric Jellyfish Tank Table Lamp
Even eight-year-old boys want a nightlight to light a path to the bathroom. He will be showing Electric Jellyfish Tank Table Lamp to all of his friends and anyone else he can convince to climb up a flight of stairs.
Also, a very relaxing night light to watch to help fall asleep. Finally, fake jellyfish are much easier to care for than the real thing. A tank big enough for real jellyfish would take up a whole lot of space and need a lot of cleaning. Maybe you are up to the task, if not get this nightlight.
Up Side
- Electronic tank
- Comes in a few colors
- Quiet motor
- Jellyfish move
- Mood lighting and great as a nightlight
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- Includes power supply and adapter
Down Side
- Require prep work
- Cheaper than some of the other nicer models
Why You Should Buy
Gift the gift of the ocean to your favorite boy. A big boy nightlight he will happily show off to his friends. In addition, will help your son fall asleep.
Hot Wheels Super 6-Lane Raceway
Now, the price on this Hot Wheels Super 6-Lane Raceway may make you cry a little bit but, this is an epic toy well worth the price.
First, this Hot Wheels toy for 8-year-old boys folds up for easy storage.
Second, it has a six-lane raceway with 8 feet of track for great group play. Up to six boys can race for a winner.
Finally, the track comes on wheels for easy movement. Also, an announcer calls the winner at the finish line.
Up Side
- Orange grey track lets boys race six cars at once
- Comes with 6 vehicles
- Folds down for easy storage
- Comes on wheels to easily take anywhere
- Announces winner
- Additional extension lanes available
Down Side
- Can be difficult to fold
- Expensive
Why You Should Buy
Little racecar fans will love watching the cars race down the track or race with their buddies. The electronic finish line will encourage them to keep playing. Even better, this portable toy can go to their friend’s house, grandma’s, or anywhere else he wants.
GoSports 8′ x 8′ Football Trainer Throwing Net
If your son will like the football above chances are strong he will like the GoSports 8′ x 8′ Football Trainer Throwing Net to practice his game. Invite a few boys over to practice with him or maybe his team if he plays in a group. The net is huge and ready to help your boy improve his accuracy and enjoy the outdoors.
Up Side
- Training Aid
- 8′ x 8′ passing net with 3 pockets for target practice
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Includes a storage bag
Down Side
- Do not leave outside in a heavy wind
Why You Should Buy
Boys who love sports will love practicing in the backyard with their buddies with a ball and a net. What better gift for an 8-year-old boy than one to get your son outside and active for health.
RIMABLE Complete 22″ Skateboard
Mothers do not like any dangerous toys, we experience mommies know, but boys have to grow up and when they grow they tend to want to do more dangerous activities. With a skateboard, you can limit your son’s interaction with danger.
Take him to a skate park, or somewhere without hills at least until he can actually stay on the board for more than a minute. If you take the bold step to grab him a board grab the RIMABLE Complete 22″ Skateboard. Take a look at all of this boards advantages:
Up Side
- Comes in multiple patterns and colors
- Made of sturdy plastic
- 3-inch thick aluminum truck
- 22″ by 6″ for a wide deck
- Smooth wheels for high speeds
- Holds up to 198 lbs
- Affordable
Down Side
- Plastic can snap but is why the board is affordable
Why You Should Buy
Your son may be ready for an adventure with a new set of wheels. This is a great starter board to decide if he enjoys skating enough for a more expensive teenage version in the future.
Need more skateboard ideas? See our guide here.
eYotto Kids Sports Watch Waterproof
In a digital world, it’s still great to learn analog at least for telling time. Bring in the eYotto Kids Sports Watch Waterproof an affordable watch with multiple features to encourage your son to learn to tell time. A great watch to make sure he is home on time.
Finally, this watch probably looks a lot like his father’s or grandfather’s, a great way to feel closer to the role models in his life.
Up Side
- Comes in three colors
- Very affordable
- Adjustable time, date, week, stopwatch, alarm, and dual time
- Has a backlight for easy visibility even when playing laser tag
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Comfortable and durable band
- Comes in a gift box
- Kid-sized for better use
Down Side
- No downside except many children have a difficult time understanding analog time.
Why You Should Buy
Time is a precious commodity and being late isn’t an option. Give your 8-year-old boy the gift of a clock so he can enjoy time out with his friends and still be home for dinner. A great skill to learn that is going out of style. Maybe great in history class!
Check out all the best kids watches.
Zero Gravity Wall Climbing Car
The Zero Gravity Wall Climbing Car is not just any remote-controlled car but one that can climb walls. It may climb your nerves too but your boy will go nuts for this fun toy with a grown-up appearance. Boys will love learning about science with this fun car that defies scientific law.
Up Side
- Wall climbing technology
- LED light controller
- Rechargeable batteries
- Drives on smooth walls, ceiling, and ground
- Includes USB charging cable
- Futuristic looking car
- Affordable
Down Side
- Doesn’t have the highest ratings because of quality
Why You Should Buy
Even though the technology hasn’t been perfected, this toy works as a fun gravity-defying toy. I could inspire their young brains to search for new and innovative ways to use zero-gravity for fun and propel them into a science career. Meanwhile, boys who love cars will love the toy even on the ground as it comes with a cool-looking remote control and will induce hours of imaginative play.
LEGO Robot Building Set and Coding Kit
While the LEGO Robot Building Set and Coding Kit is one of the more expensive items on this list, it’s because the robot offers so much. Build 5 different models with this kit: Vernie the Robot, Frankie the Cat, Guitar 4000, M.T.R. 4, or AutoBuilder.
The LEGO kit is a sophisticated toy to also teach coding to your 8-year-old boy. Maybe you can have some time away from chores to help him build a maze for this coding robot – you know, one far away from where you will trip over all the pieces!
Up Side
- 5-in-1 model options (that do different things)
- Teaches coding
- 847 pieces
- Free LEGO BOOST app (Android, iOS, etc.)
- Makes sounds (e.g. purring)
- Includes play mat for robot and a LEGO boost wall poster
Down Side
- Requires 6 AAA batteries (not included)
- Tablet or cell required
Why You Should Buy
The future is moving into a virtual reality where robots may be at the center of society. Prepare your son by getting him one of the best gifts for 8-year-old boys. With so many ways to build and play, he certainly won’t tire of this toy quickly!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Kit
This Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Kit from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC will give your kids a taste of geology and the excitement and surprise of finding out what’s really inside each of the 10 geodes!
Up Side
- Promotes curiosity
- Ten 100% natural geodes inside
- Includes goggles and display stand
- Learn about geodes and crystals with the 16-page full-color learning guide
- STEM activity
Down Side
- Some parents complained that the crystal color inside was all the same
Why You Should Buy
The excitement of finding out what’s inside each geode is fun in itself, let alone learning fun facts about them with the full-color learning guide.
Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst STEM Kit
Now here is a toy to get excited about, except its a kit more than a toy but it’s amazing. The Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst STEM Kit is a lab kit to build and rebuild an endless stream of robotic creations.
With over 50 parts, including real wood and electric motors, the slightly hefty price is definitely worth the dent in your wallet. A fabulous teaching toy for 8-year-olds with plenty of room for imagination.
Up Side
- Over 50 pieces including challenge cards, wood, motors, hardware, and more
- Build robots
- A great introduction to electronics
- STEM toy teaches dexterity and hand-eye coordination, also design and many more skills
- Great group project
- Can be used with Legos
- Comes with a giant paperwork surface
Down Side
- The kit can be a bit complex and overwhelming – you may want to help your son sort through and figure out what challenge to try and find the pieces
- Expensive
Why You Should Buy
Most toys and kids nowadays are made with cheap plastic and are not meant to last. This kit is special because it has authentic parts and is meant to least for many rebuilds. A stimulating gift for 8-year-old boys full of imagination and eager to discover how things tick.
The Secret Series Complete Collection
The Secret Series Complete Collection is a series to intrigue kids about secrets. No description enhances the secretive nature of this set and thus the desire to find the secret.
What better way to get kids reading than to pique their curiosity. Take a look at the limited information meant to entice your kiddo, “Not only is the name of this series a secret, but the story is, too. For it concerns a secret – a big secret – that has been tormenting people like you for over… oh no! Did I just mention the secret? Then it’s too late. I’m afraid nothing will stop you now. Read this series if you must. But please, tell no one.”
Up Side
- For 3-7 grade
- 5 books for 5 senses and mysteries
- Exciting set kids will want to read
- Will help improve vocabulary
- Great for road trips or required school reading
Down Side
- Maybe too difficult for weak readers but great for reading with parents
Why You Should Buy
A book that encourages kids to read is great, a series that keeps kids reading is awesome! Buy this set to encourage your son to read and to keep reading. Sometimes finding the right set is all that is needed to spark a love for reading. This gift for 8-year-old boys could be the book set for your son.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set is the perfect adventure for young boys who love mythology and Greek Gods.
Author Rick Riordan authored more books in other mythologies as well if this set gets your boy reading.
The first two books of this set also have movies, which your son will love as well. Any series that gets your kids to read is a big win for you and your son. The Percy Jackson will improve your son’s vocabulary without being too difficult but may challenge some readers. A great set to read as a family and also take on road trips.
Up Side
- Epic set about Greek Gods and their children
- The set includes five Paperback books and a box to store them in
- Fabolous price
- Also available in hardback for a larger price tag
- So fun boys will read it more than once
- Great to share with siblings
- 1840 pages between all the books
Down Side
- Most 8-year-olds will be able to begin the set but stronger readers will have an easier time
- Only a couple of percent of customer received the books in damaged condition
Why You Should Buy
Mythology and demi-gods often capture children’s attention because of their superhuman abilities. With this set, your son can discover an entire world of children born from the Greek Gods. Rick Riordan has several sets sure to engage your children in books.
The Lego Ideas Book: Unlock Your Imagination
Legos are awesome and open the door to creativity but what about when a kid gets Lego-block (you know like writer’s block but with Legos)? Bring on the The Lego Ideas Book: Unlock Your Imagination with hundreds of ideas to get your son’s creative juices flowing again.
Even better, the book divides by topic such as transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure, along with a few added friendly tips. This book is like a way to re-vamp all the money you already spent on all those sets of LEGOs in your son’s room.
Up Side
- A useful book to encourage reading, learning, and imaginative play
- Will be used for years and then by other siblings
- Tell you want pieces are needed for ideas
Down Side
- The idea your kid wants to build may want pieces he doesn’t already own
- No step-by-step instructions on how to build the ideas illustrated
Why You Should Buy
Books are still wonderful for all the information they offer, but none as interesting for young boys as one about Legos and inspiration to build new and exciting creations.
Diggin Black Max Football
Football is just one of those activities boys gravitate to so they can release energy. The Diggin Black Max Football comes with a patented spiral ring for tighter spirals and longer throws sure to encourage his love of sports and time outdoors.
Up Side
- Patented spiral design
- Made of soft foam for easy grip and catch
- Portable
- Sleek colors
- Great price
Down Side
- Does not do well in wet conditions
- Not as durable as a regular football
Why You Should Buy
While not a football plan or player, it’s safe to assume foam balls hurt less than thick leather footballs. Keep the ball dry and your son will enjoy a great outdoor activity. Footballs are always a hit with 8-year-old boys.
Boy Craft Catapult Wars
Boy love destruction. Whether they are destroying their enemy in video games or in their heads as they play with a sword. With the Boy Craft Catapult Wars by Horizon Group USA now he can invent a machine capable of defeating an army of plastic soldiers in a few moves. With solid wood pieces, this learning kit is worth the small price tag for the quality.
Up Side
- Great learning toy that your son will build and customize
- A great group activity as there are two catapults for two peoples or teams
- Real wood – precut for easy and safe assembly
- Includes wood pieces, dowels, rubber bands, bean bags, ropes, stickers, glue, and instructions
- A great toy for hand-eye coordination and dexterity
- Great for pretend play
Down Side
- Many people were unsatisfied with the glue – you may want to purchase better glue from a local hobby store
Why You Should Buy
Catapults are not used much these days but the concept is still in use and this learning toy for boys will help your child learn how things work. A great learning toy for the boy who loves destruction. Now he can destroy with a purpose.
You can find more craft kit ideas here.
K’NEX K-FORCE Battle Bow Build and Blast Set
The K’NEX K-FORCE Battle Bow Build and Blast Set is a great and unique building set to make a bow for arrows. Like Legos, this set requires imagination and patience and most boys are up to the task when the prize is an epic toy. The price is fantastic for the great fun and skills your boy will learn from this original toy.
Up Side
- 165 Assorted pieces
- Meant to build 4 different blasters
- Includes step-by-step instructions.
- Compatible with other K-FORCE kits
- Action toy
- Includes soft darts that can shoot up to 75 feet
- STEAM toy for 8-year-old boys
- Made in America
Down Side
- No storage included
- Some customers were missing pieces
- Not an actual bow as it’s a plunger style dart gun but still fun to build
Why You Should Buy
Boys love weapons and this one he can learn from as he builds it. The set can be taken apart and rebuilt into new inventions. A great STEAM toy for boys to engage your child in the world and learn a skill they can apply in life.
Store & Score Over The Door Hanging Laundry Hamper
Boys hate laundry but love basketball or throwing stuff in general. Now he can throw with a purpose with the Store & Score Over The Door Hanging Collapsible Mesh Laundry Hamper Basket.
At eight, he is starting to do his own laundry and this hamper makes the task more fun. Although, most eight-year-olds are a little too short to reach the top of the door and get the hamper out. Not to worry, the inventors placed the zipper at the bottom to watch all the laundry tumble into a basket to take down to the laundry room.
Up Side
- Comes in 5 colors
- Super affordable
- Great reviews
- Makes laundry fun
- Encourages sports and activity
- Keeps your house cleaner
- Easy to assemble
- Holds a lot of laundry
- Hangs on a door
Down Side
- The door hanger hooks may be a little weak. You may want to get stronger hangers.
- Hooks can make some doors not able to close properly, you may want to use them on a closet door
Why You Should Buy
While your son may enjoy sports he doesn’t enjoy cleaning up after himself. With a fun method to clean-up, you finally have one less mess to worry about. Now if he could just stop shoving all of his clean clothes in one overstuffed drawer. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Nerf Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster
I don’t know much, but as the mom of an 8-year-old boy, I do know that they love Nerf guns and they love Fortnite. Shoot two birds with one dart and get the Nerf Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster. Nerf guns mean hours of entertainment and it gets your son involved in something other than watching TV or playing video games (mostly Fortnite, we know).
With a motor that can blast 10 Nerf darts in rapid succession, your son will be shooting anything and everything. You’ll probably still be finding Nerf darts in places when he goes off to college. This gun comes with 20 darts to get you started or add to your already massive dart collection.
This gun does require a little more coordination because you have to use the accelerator button to get the motor going, then you can use the trigger to fire the 10 darts in the clip.
This Nerf blaster has 2 flip-up sites that look like something out of Fortnite. It also has an access door to help you get out all those inevitable dart jams.
I know the price is a bit steep, but this thing is big and powerful and motorized, so it’s unlike many of the other Nerf guns in your child’s arsenal. Requires AA batteries, which are not included.
Up Side
- Motorized blaster
- Holds 10 darts in clip
- Cool Fortnite design
- Larger and more powerful
- 2 flip-up sites
- Jam door to access stuck darts
- Comes with 20 darts
Down Side
- Requires AA batteries (not included)
- Have to close the door, push the accelerator, and then fire for it to work properly
Why You Should Buy
Even if your son isn’t a big Fortnite fan, he will love this Nerf gun. It’s big and it shoots far, so he will feel like the big, bad teenager he so desperately wishes to be! And while it’s pricey, the smiles and giggles as he shoots you in the back and runs away are totally worth it.
See our best nerf guns for little boys here.
Dog Ate My Mad Libs
We all remember Mad Libs like this one- Dog Ate My Mad Libs– from when we children. The fun little notepad that made adverbs funny and noun hilarious. Now your son can make funny little blurbs about dogs eating homework and other amusing scenarios.
Up Side
- Includes 48 pages and 21 original stories
- Cute picture on the cover
- Great for road trips
- A learning book that teaches the function of words
Down Side
- Some parents feel the quality is down from the ones we owned as kids
- Not very big
Why You Should Buy
Mad Libs are a fond memory of many people’s past and now moms can relive the past with fond memories as we remind our sons what an adverb is, which is great for bonding and learning.
Roblox Robot Riot Mix & Match Set
![Roblox Action Collection - Robot Riot Four Figure Pack [Includes Exclusive Virtual Item]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mnVCTPmAL._SL500_.jpg)
Roblox seems like just another weird computer game for kids like Minecraft, including the weird pixelated graphics but with tons of little figurines and lots of imagination. If your son is in love with the game on the computer why not bring the computer game to life with the Roblox Robot Riot Mix & Match Set?
It’s the best of both worlds, computer characters but without the computer screen. Your boy will love the festive little beings and if this set goes over well there are other sets as well.
Up Side
- Four sets available
- From the computer game Roblox
- Cute figurines from the game
- Brings the computer to real life
- Imaginative play
- Great for group play or quiet time
- Portable
- Interchangeable parts and compatible accessories for mix and match play
- Includes a redeemable code for exclusive virtual content
Down Side
- No downside
Why You Should Buy
For the boy who loves computers but needs time away from the screen, these best toy for 8-year-old boys will continue the game even in his bedroom or on a road trip.
Educational Insights BrainBolt Brain Teaser Memory Game
Challenge your 8-year-old boy with this BrainBolt Brain Teaser Memory Game from Educational Insights. Similar to a modern-day Simon game that you probably grew up knowing, players attempt to remember the light pattern of this game and relay it back perfectly. Play alone or in a 2-player mode for some competitive fun that really works the brain.
Up Side
- Small and portable
- Challenges memory
- Play solo or with another player
- Uses lights to create a pattern
Down Side
- Requires 3 AAA batteries (included)
Why You Should Buy
There’s something about challenging and interactive memory games that keeps you coming back. This will be a game that your 8-year-old will consistently try to challenge himself with — and maybe battle you with!
Perplexus Beast Edition
The Perplexus Beast Edition is a 3D puzzle to help your child with his cognitive skills. He has to twist and turn the game to make the little ball move through the maze. If the ball falls off he has to start all over again. A challenging toy for 8-year-old boys to encourage challenge and learning. Also, a lot of fun for friends to challenge each other in an epic battle of skill!
Up Side
- No batteries
- A challenging game encourages thought and honing skills
- 3D game
- Great for taking turns for groups
- A quiet game great for travel
- More puzzles available in the set
- No additional parts – all one piece puzzle!
Down Side
- Expensive
- Can be too challenging for some kids
Why You Should Buy
If your son enjoys puzzles like a Rubix cube he will love this new 3D puzzle meant to get him thinking and working on dexterity. A great quiet game he can even take to church to fidget with if he can’t sit still.
KKONES Electric Scoring Auto Reset Shooting Digital Target
Gather your Nerf guns up and practice your aiming with this Electric Scoring Auto Reset Shooting Digital Target from KKONES. This interactive digital target drops each target as it’s shot and then pops all 3 targets back up when they’ve all been shot down.
Up Side
- Lights and sounds as targets are hit (also counts)
- Helps with aim
- Competitive play
- Includes 60 darts and 2 wrist ammo holders
Down Side
- Requires 3 AA batteries (not included)
- Volume may be louder than you’d like
- Small (10.39″L x 7.52″W x 2.2″H)
Why You Should Buy
A perfect way to keep those Nerf darts away from your precious things and close to targets. Great for practicing aiming and seeing who can get the higher score!
Callaway Boys XJ Hot Junior Kids Golf Club Set
Does your husband, dad, or father-in-law like to golf? If so, then your son may love a set of his own golf clubs like the Callaway Boys XJ Hot Junior Kids Golf Club Set so he can play with the big boys on Saturday afternoons.
While the price tag is hefty, this is a quality set of six clubs and a storage bag and it comes in the right size for kids, so they are not swinging with adult-sized clubs taller than them!
Up Side
- Comes in right or left-hand orientation
- Comes in two sizes – 5-8 or 9-12
- includes six clubs and a golf bag
- Nice colors and design – does not look kiddish
- Comes with a Driver360cc, Fairway wood, 7 iron, 9 iron, and a putter
- The bag stands on its own and is lightweight with pockets for a water bottle, double straps, and a rain hood
Down Side
- Extremely expensive
- The putter can be weak but the company works to resolve issues
Why You Should Buy
If the men in your life love golf, chances are the boy in your life will want to join them for some guy bonding time. A great gift for 8-year-old boys that will last for more than one child.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Black Panther
By now, most everyone in the world knows about Legos but not everyone knows about the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Black Panther kit.
For Marvel fans, this kit is a must so they can build the Panther jet, along with a safari truck and motorcycle. A fun kit for future superheroes. As always, Legos are a wonderful learning toy to encourage imaginative play and a future of learning.
Up Side
- Comes with Marvel Minifigures
- Shooting parts
- 287 pieces
- Marvel-inspired fun
Down Side
- Very expensive set for not a lot of pieces in comparison to other sets (paying for the Marvel name)
Why You Should Buy
Eight-year-old love Legos and superheroes now you can combine the two for more imaginative play and building. With these construction sets, kids do not even know they are learning an important skill for their future.
Professor Maxwell’s VR Science Lab Kit
This Profressor Maxwell’s VR Science Lab Kit mixes classic science experiments with augmented virtual reality. Your 8-year-old will get to be hands-on assembling 25 science projects from exploding volcanos to making slime and more. Once they experience the hands-on experiment, they then can be a part of a similar virtual reality experience! This is great for kids who love learning about science.
Up Side
- 25 hands-on science experiments
- Watch experiments come to life with VR experience
- VR goggles included (compatible with smartphones)
- 48-piece set
- 64-page full-color book that comes to life with VR vision
Down Side
- Strap on VR goggles may not stay tight
Why You Should Buy
Parents rave about this VR Science Lab Kit and say it’s an absolute blast learning about science experiments. The included hands-on feature is what really makes it one of the best gifts for 8-year-old boys.
Untamed Raptor by Fingerlings
If cuddly grumble stuffies are not up your alley, maybe your son will like a tiny dinosaur that can fit on his finger. Go ahead and grab the Untamed Raptor by Fingerlings. The vicious little dino will wrap around your son’s finger and then around his heart.
Up Side
- Available in 4 colors (blue, purple, green, orange)
- Grips to fingers and reacts with touch, motion, and sound
- Batteries included
Down Side
- Some buyers felt they received a used product
Why You Should Buy
Some boys are obsessed with dinosaurs. If this is your boy, then a fingerling will be the cutest little gift that will ride alongside him wherever he goes.
PLAYMOBIL NHL Hockey Arena
The PLAYMOBIL NHL Hockey Arena is perfect for your 8-year-old boy who is all about hockey! Similar to Foosball, 2-4 players (or more if you purchase more hockey players), pull back levers and maneuver joysticks to try and score a goal. Customize the arena with the included NHL decals to support your favorite NHL team!
Up Side
- Scorekeeping ruler at each end
- Customize arena with logo decals for all 30 NHL teams
- Includes 4 NHL players, 4 pucks, and a rules book
- Can combine with other PLAYMOBIL NHL HockeyPLAYMOBIL NHL Hockey sets
- Doesn’t need batteries
Down Side
- Adult needs to put together
- Only comes with 2 players
Why You Should Buy
The whole family will enjoy playing with this NHL Hockey Arena and it’s a great way to play together that helps kids spend less time on screens.
Grumblies Scorch
Back in the 80s, we had the Garbage Pail Kids, now our children can have the much cuter Grumblies without all of the boogers and other nasty bodily functions. Look at the Grumblies Scorch. It’s like the Garbage Pail Kids meet Oscar the Grouch.
Sure we all love happy moods and positive feelings but life often gets in the way and children should feel like being grouchy and grumbly is okay sometimes. Your kiddo will love the funny little backstories for each plush. The one featured here is Scorch and he loves fire. Also, they make cute noises like the Grouch.
Up Side
- Cute fuzzy plush toys with attitude
- Can be poked, shook, tilted, and rolled
- The more you anger them the more they meltdown with little temper tantrums
- They come with forty different reactions and custom sounds
- Each one has its own personality like Furbies
- Come in multiple colors
Down Side
- May send the wrong message to kids. Talk to them first and let them know everyone is grumbly but this doll is the only one grumpy all the time except for maybe Ancient Uncle Al who grumbles at everyone who walks by.
Why You Should Buy
This is a good opportunity to show your 8-year-old boy how ridiculous temper tantrums look. It is a fun little naughty beast. When your kids are at school you can get a little anger release too and pop him one. Also, it is a hilarious toy to show off to friends.
Harry Potter Wizard Training Wand
Kids love magic and all the imaginative possibilities magic opens up. With the Harry Potter Wizard Training Wand your son can pretend to use the same magic as TV land. Choose Harry’s wand or Ron’s, Hermione’s, Voldemort’s, or Dumbledore’s.
Thankfully, Harry Potter’s magic is more similar to Bewitched and not real sorcery so your boy will not be attempting to turn a bully into a frog or anything of the sort. But he can use this interactive wand to learn 11 different spells as the wand recognizes each “spell” movement. Not only can he choose from two modes of standalone play, but he also can experience 3 more modes of playing with a sibling or friend that also has a wizard training wand.
Up Side
- Comes with a wand that responds to movement
- Learn up to 11 different spells
- Like using a real wand but with no actual magic
- Includes 5 modes of play (2 standalone modes and 3 “with friend” modes)
- Choose from 5 different wands
- Lights and sounds (plus feedback when you “cast a spell” correctly)
Down Side
- Some reviews complain of the wand not working
- Requires 3 AAA batteries (included)
Why You Should Buy
For your Hogwarts fan, this realistic wand toy will be lots of fun while they remember and learn new “spells” plus it serves as a fun role-playing prop!
Blue Orange Djubi Classic Slingball
Have fun slinging foam balls up to 100 feet with the Blue Orange Djubi Classic Slingball. This Slingball toy looks like a ton of fun for the whole family. Practice slinging back and forth and catching the foam ball in each other’s net whether on land or in the pool. This set includes 2 rackets and 2 large balls plus a pack of refill balls.
Up Side
- Includes 2 rackets and 2 large balls (plus a pack of refill balls)
- Can sling up to 100 feet
- Great for slinging and catching with multiple people
- Can play on land or in the water
- Fun for the entire family
Down Side
- Some complain that the balls break easily
Why You Should Buy
I love a good game that includes fun physical activity that the whole family can enjoy and this game is one of them!
Gifts for Similar Ages
- Best Toys and Gifts for 7-Year-Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 11-Year-Old Boys
How the Gifts Were Chosen
We try to choose the best toys for 8-year-old boys based on what they will enjoy and are cognitively and emotionally ready to play with. Eight-year-olds are going through a few changes this year but mostly becoming more stable in themselves. Take a closer in-depth look at your child this year.
Physical Milestones
You can expect a growth spurt at eight-years-old. Otherwise, physical improvements are minor more honing than learning new skills. At this age, your boy may be a bit awkward as he looks less like a little kid but not quite like a big kid either. His features are less baby fat and more angular.
If your son has a natural athletic ability he will become more accurate and exact in his ability. Because of this, you will want to let him practice his skills more. Sign him up for as many sports as you can fit into the schedule or at least taking him down to the playground to play ball. If your boy is not a natural athlete encourage free movement like biking, running, and other physical activities, not sports-related.
In conclusion, anything he has learned to do over the last few years will be more cultivated. His coordination is massively improved and he has better muscle control. He may need to hone small muscle control which can be done with building toys and musical instruments.
Maybe some piano lessons are in order.
Emotional Milestones
Next, your son is having a growth spurt emotionally as well. His emotions are more mature and intricate. He can name his emotions, not that he will as he would rather go play video games.
You can expect your boy to want more privacy and more resistant to hugs and kisses, especially in public.
Finally, overall you will see him more balanced with his frustration, and ability to handle failure or disappointment.
Social Milestones
Your sweet little boy wants to spend more time with friends and groups of kids than he wants to be at home. His friends will be a bigger priority as he learns to depend on them for social interactions. Mostly, he will want to be friends with his gender.
Another new skill is more self-confidence. He may even become more opinionated as he begins to have more complex thoughts and formulate his own opinions instead of relying on other people’s thoughts such as family members.
You can also expect your little man to want more time with friends even asking to sleep over or have friends spend the night.
His emphatic ability is improved as is his ability to be generous, supportive, and kind.
He also begins to understand justice and wants everything to be fair. You can expect over the next few years, well maybe the next twenty years, he will be saying, “That’s not fair!” A good response is, “No one promised fair.”
Finally, right and wrong are becoming more clear but still a bit hazy. He may test his boundaries with some lies and pushing to find out how far he can push. You may want to decide beforehand how far you will let him push.
Cognitive Milestones
Eight is a great year for little boys’ brains. He will gain a new understanding of money and that everything has a cost. Your boy may begin to worry and have difficulty focusing because of worry. Also, he can tell the time better and understand how relational time is to events.
Next, his speech is improving and his vocabulary will astound you. Of course, those who read more will increase their vocabulary exponentially. Your son may begin to understand sarcasm and irony. He may begin to find more humor in the world.
He will be able to focus on a task for an hour or more, which is more than some adults at least the ones who don’t drink coffee. His concept of the world and how he fits is more complex.
Finally, he can do some math in his head and understand abstract thought better. Although, abstract art maybe a whole different story.
Summary
With your son refining his emotions, physical ability, thinking, and social skills this year, a great toy will be more sophisticated and he will be able to read bigger books. Sports and exercise are still prevalent needs as is encouraging learning toys but trying to find the best toys for 8-year-old boys that he enjoys.
In conclusion, you know your son best, but it’s time to clear out the baby toys and make room for big boy toys now.
FAQs for Gifts and Toys for 8-Year-Old Boys
Why are so many toys geared towards STEM or STEAM?
STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Math.
STEAM is an acronym for Science Technology Art Engineering and Math.
The big push for these toys is because these toys are the careers we need in the world. We are trying to encourage a generation of children who love learning and innovation to create new and exciting inventions to benefit society. Toys focused on these learning areas promote a love of learning and of these fields so more children will want to enter learning fields and make our world a better place.
Another great advantage of STEM and STEAM toys are they help children to understand the new technological advancing showing up daily on the market.
Plus, toys for 8-year-old boys promote problem-solving skills, understanding concepts and design, application of knowledge, innovation and creativity, teamwork, communication, risk-taking, and a love of learning.
In conclusion, the most valuable aspect of STEM and STEAM geared toys is to foster a love of learning, which will help children to grow up who love to build or create and enjoy their future job.
Why are coding toys so popular?
Twenty years ago, computers were just becoming a popular item in everyone’s home for work and play. Now, computers are an integral part of our daily lives and work. We even carry computers in our pockets (smartphones are portable computers with phone calling abilities) and coding is part of our daily lives too.
Coding is simply telling a computer what you want it to do. As computers cannot think for themselves (let’s hope that dystopian society doesn’t come about in our lifetime), we need programmers to talk the same language as computers and tell them how to behave and what to do.
With computers so integrated into our lives, we are finding a larger need for programmers, and encouraging children now to understand the concept and process ensures a fun learning experience to help children follow coding into a future career.
Finally, children love the ability to control a powerful device as do many adults. Kids learn faster too making them the perfect people to create our future.
My son seems to prefer electronics to toys now, should I still buy him toys?
Yes! Non-electronic toys are extremely important for his development and to get him away from screens. Too much screen time can be damaging for his eyes and his brain. Allow him an hour or two on electronics and try to get him to play with toys more often.
Especially toys that take him outside for healthy exercise and to soak up some Vitamin D from the sun.
My son doesn’t like to read; should I skip buying him books as gifts?
If someone doesn’t like to read it usually means they have not found the right book or series to match their imagination.
Many children do not enjoy reading simply because they do not have the right set. Try a large collection of books to find his imagination on paper. What does he love in real life? Use this information to find his books.
Also, comic books and Anime books are still books and still reading. The goal of reading is to improve vocabulary, improve cognitive skills, and foster creativity.
Maybe your son only likes Calvin and Hobbs. Get him those books while still looking for a new series to excite his personal tastes.
Should I get my son toys that are super popular now but may not stay popular, or should I stick to toys that stand the test of time?
A mixture of both popular toys and old toys is the best method. Popular toys will hold his attention for a short while but he will probably end up with the most basic toys.
Just as some kids return to basics like a baby doll or a Tonka truck, your son will enjoy the excitement of a new popular toy and then return to his Hot Wheels, LEGO, or sports toys.
Most kids like LEGO, but my son hates construction toys. What can I get him to help learn the skills he would have learned from Legos?
You cannot force a child to love something they do not like, but like books, you may need to just keep looking for a construction toy your son likes. Like he may not enjoy LEGO but maybe he enjoys the Avengers. So maybe, the Black Panther set may get him building. Another way is to play with building construction toys with your son.
Wrap Up
If you bought every best toy for 8-year-old boys on this list you would be spending several hundred dollars. While we would all love to spoil our kids with every gift on their wish list it’s just not feasible.
If you have to narrow the list down to just two toys I would suggest the GoSports 8′ x 8′ Football Trainer Throwing Net and the littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit. The football net is a great group activity to get your boy outside running around and staying fit and healthy. The Avengers kit is so cool and futuristic we may be purchasing several for ourselves, forget the kids!
Good luck with your shopping and hope we helped.
