As they become more physically adept, more independent and develop a longer attention span, boys aged eight start to develop strong interests. Some will display natural athletic ability and an interest in sports while some will show artistic potential and start to develop hobbies. The best toys for 8 year old boy are engaging, challenging and educational.
They provide hours and hours of hands-on fun while challenging and sharpening their physical, cognitive and psychological skills. Based on the developmental milestones at this phase and what boys this age are into, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 gifts and toys for boys aged eight. They include sports equipment for athletic boys who love sports, popular toys that offer pure fun and educational toys that foster learning.

THE BEST GIFTS AND TOYS FOR 8 YEAR OLD BOY
- THE BEST GIFTS AND TOYS FOR 8 YEAR OLD BOY
- 1. ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Set
- 2. Spikeball Game Standard 3 Ball Kit
- 3. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy
- 4. Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit
- 5. Razor A3 Kick Scooter
- 6. Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine
- 7. 4M 3427 KidzLabs Solar System Planetarium Kit
- 8. National Geographic Junior Metal Detector
- 9. Rimable Mini Cruiser 22 Inches Skateboard
- 10. Force1 Velocity H102 Remote Control Boat
- 11. 4M 3782 Green Science Solar Rover Kit
- 12. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
- 13. Conn Iggulden The Dangerous Book for Boys
- 14. Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
- 15. LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari 488 GT3 “Scuderia Corsa” 75886 Building Kit
- 16. LEGO Star Wars Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter 75168 Building Kit
- 17. University Games Totally Gross: The Game of Science
- 18. Force1 Scoot LED Hand Drone for Kids
- 19. Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega ThunderBow Blaster
- 20. VTech Kidizoom Spin and Smile Camera
ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Set
- Why We Love It
- Keeps kids occupied and active for hours
- Perfect fun group activity for friends and family
- No darts to clean up after the battles
- Child-safe infrared technology - 0.9mW
- Sturdy and ergonomic design, easy for kids to handle
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Dimensions: 14 x 9.6 x 6.8 inches
Weight: 4.37 pounds
Batteries: 24 AAA batteries (Not included)
Spikeball Game Standard 3 Ball Kit
- Why We Love It
- Can be played anywhere – indoors and outdoors
- Fun aerobic workout for healthy physical development
- Develops gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Foldable legs for easy storage and transport
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Players: 4, 2 vs 2
Dimensions: 21 x 4 x 9 inches
Weight: 2.8 pounds
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy
- Why We Love It
- Logic game, marble run, and STEM toy all in one
- Toy of the Year award winner
- Develops spatial reasoning and planning skills
- Sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Great learning tool for budding architects and engineers
Recommended Age: 8 – 15 years
Dimensions: 9.4 x 3 x 10.5 inches
Weight: 1.15 pounds
Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit
- Why We Love It
- New engineering challenge for LEGO fans
- Inspires open-ended creativity and sparks imagination
- Successful assembly builds self-confidence and patience
- Teaches basic physics and engineering concepts
- Fine-tunes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
Recommended Age: 7 – 15 years
Dimensions: 9 x 1.2 x 10 inches
Weight: 1.17 pounds
Razor A3 Kick Scooter
- Why We Love It
- Large wheels ensure a smooth ride
- Kid-friendly size and adjustable-height handlebars
- Sturdy and durable Razor scooter he’ll enjoy for a long time
- Unique folding mechanism makes it easy to carry
Recommended Age: 5+ years
Weight Capacity: Up to 143 pounds
Dimensions: 12.2 x 33.5 x 25.5 inches
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine
- Why We Love It
- Best baseball pitching machine on a budget
- Perfect gift for learning hitters
- Pitches mimic real-game scenarios
- Improves precision, accuracy and batting skills
Recommended Level: Beginner | Tee Ball | Little League
Assembled Height: 7.75 x 9.5 x 9.875 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Batteries: 4 D Batteries Required
4M 3427 KidzLabs Solar System Planetarium Kit
- Why We Love It
- Uses hands-on building and art to teach an abstract concept
- STEM toy that teaches kids about the solar system
- Also comes with a fact-filled wall chart and quiz questions
- No batteries required to set the planets in motion
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Model Dimensions: 16.5″x16.5″
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Battery: None Required
National Geographic Junior Metal Detector
- Why We Love It
- Simple and comfortable to use for a budding detectorist
- Precise pinpointing feature and adjustable sensitivity
- Piques kids’ curiosity and encourages exploration
- Waterproof dual coil, great for use at the beach
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Length: 24 to 39 inches
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Requires 3 AA batteries (Not included)
Rimable Mini Cruiser 22 Inches Skateboard
- Why We Love It
- Easy to use for a beginner 8 year skateboarder
- Promotes healthy physical development
- Sturdy and smooth without breaking the bank
- Compact, lightweight and easy to transport
- Stylish and available in a variety of colors and designs
Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 198 lbs.
Deck Size: 22 x 6 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Force1 Velocity H102 Remote Control Boat
- Why We Love It
- Easy controls and low learning curve
- High-speed boat can race across the water at 20+ mph
- Provides tons of fun for boys and their dads
- Self-righting at the press of a button
- Rubberized nose protects pool liners
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Nose to Rudder Length: 14 inches
Batteries: 2 Lithium Polymer Included
4M 3782 Green Science Solar Rover Kit
- Why We Love It
- Award winning green science project
- Easy for kids to put together on their own
- Mechanics and engineering STEM educational toy
- Gets kids interested in green energy sources
Recommended Age: 8 – 15 years
Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.5 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 8 ounces
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
- Why We Love It
- Classic magic tricks that kids can pull off
- High-quality props and tricks and kid-friendly instructions
- Sparks imagination and creativity
- Builds self-confidence and dramatic flair
- Improves poise and dexterity
Recommended Age: 8 – 10 years
Dimensions: 3.8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches
Weight: 1.81 pounds
Conn Iggulden The Dangerous Book for Boys
- Why We Love It
- Teaches essential boyhood skills and critical life skills
- Stimulates curiosity and encourages exploration
- Gets boys off screens and engaging with nature
- The projects are fun and great father-son activities
Recommended Age: 8 – 12 years
Hardcover: 288 pages
Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.9 x 9.8 inches
Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
- Why We Love It
- Powerful and cool looking toy blaster sure to impress boys
- Offers plenty of fun playing wars with friends and family
- Zombie-themed weapon for zombie-blasting fantasy games
- Easy for kids to use and tough enough to last
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Dimensions: 3 x 15 x 11 inches
Weight: 0.16 ounces
LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari 488 GT3 “Scuderia Corsa” 75886 Building Kit
- Why We Love It
- LEGO model features authentic design elements
- Assembling the car will sharpen his fine motor skills
- Includes race car driver, helmet and trophy for enacting races
- Model car makes a fantastic display piece
Recommended Age: 7 – 14 years
Ferrari Model Dimensions: 1 x 6 x 2 inches
No. of Pieces: 179 pieces
LEGO Star Wars Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter 75168 Building Kit
- Why We Love It
- Age-appropriate build and play experience for age 8
- Fantastic gift for fans of Star Wars, LEGOs and space
- Improves fine motor skills and spatial understanding
- Promotes imaginative and creative play
Recommended Age: 8 – 12 years
No. of Pieces: 262 Pieces
Starfighter Dimensions: 2 x 5 x 7 inches
University Games Totally Gross: The Game of Science
- Why We Love It
- Fun and silly yet educational board game
- Unique fun-filled 8 year old boy gifts
- Makes science interesting and fun
- Covers more than 15 areas of science
- Family-friendly science game
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Players: 2 to 4
Dimensions: 2.4 x 10.6 x 15.8 inches
Force1 Scoot LED Hand Drone for Kids
- Why We Love It
- Easy to fly hand-controlled drone for kids
- LED lights make it glow like a UFO fueling his imagination
- Capable of hovering and performing 360° flips
- Complies with CPSC and CPSIA safety standards
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Drone Dimensions: 4.75”, 4 ounces
Flying Time: 5-15 minutes
Batteries: 1 Li-Po Battery Included
Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega ThunderBow Blaster
- Why We Love It
- Offers realistic archery action and adventure
- Features real bow action and flexing bow arms
- Perfect size and challenge for an eight year old
- Aiming and pulling string improves fine motor skills
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Dimensions: 3 x 31.5 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 2.99 pounds
VTech Kidizoom Spin and Smile Camera
- Why We Love It
- Intuitive camera and easy for kids to figure out
- Photography, movie making and voice recording functions
- Piques curiosity and encourages exploration
- Durable build that can withstand drops and tumbles
Recommended Age: 3 to 9 years
Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.7 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Batteries: 4 AA batteries (Demo Batteries Included)
How To Choose A Toys and Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy – Buying Guide
Educational Value
Eight year olds learn best through hands-on play, experimentation and observation. In addition to being engaging and entertaining, the best toys for 8 year old boy teach kids new things and foster a love for learning. The best educational gift ideas for 8 year old boy include science experiments kits, coding robots, and construction toys that encourage STEAM and STEM based learning and innovation.
If he’s interested in creative pursuits such as drawing and painting, get him art and craft kits that will build his innate abilities. Comic books and chapter books are great gifts to improve their reading and comprehension skills and build their vocabulary.
Emotional Development
The emotional behavior of an 8 year old boy can be baffling. One minute he will be independent and needy and babyish the next. He will also be prone to angry outbursts sometimes. While he can express his emotions and is better able to handle frustration, failure, and disappointment, he’s still learning how to manage different emotions.
Look for gifts and toys that hone his emotional regulation skills. Art and craft activities have therapeutic benefits and art and craft kits are a great way to promote kids emotional wellbeing. Board games and card games are awesome outlets for negative emotions.
Cognitive Skills Development
Boys this age have more sophisticated thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Their attention span is developed to such a level that they can focus on a single task for an hour or more. They are also starting to have an understanding of money and time.
Gifts that promote cognitive development include science experiments, building toys such as LEGOs and art and craft kits that require them to think and brainstorm different solutions. Board and card games and puzzles are also a great way to improve their logic and creative thinking skills. Books are also a great way to improve their creativity and cognitive skills.
Physical Milestones
Physical development at this age is all about refinement. Physical abilities like coordination and balance are more accurate and precise and continue to improve. Physical exercise is essential for healthy development and continued honing of these skills. Give him toys and gifts that will encourage him to go outside and run, jump, swim, and explore. Examples include all-terrain RC cars, skateboards, bikes and scooters.
Some boys age 8 will identify as athletic and show interest in sports such as baseball, soccer or basketball. Sports equipment that support their sport of choice are some of the best gifts for 8 year old boy who likes sports. If the boy in your life is interested in artistic pursuits, his dexterity and longer attention span allows him to draw, paint, build and play musical instruments. Art and craft kits, building kits and musical instruments will foster his interests while sharpening his fine motor skills.
Psychological Milestones
A boy this age is developing a more sophisticated sense of himself. He is determined to be independent but will still want to spend time with his parents. He has a new-found sense of self-confidence but also has moments of self-doubt especially when he fails at something. Give him gifts that expose him to new things. Trying new things and conquering new challenges will give him the confidence to learn other things as well.
Promote independence by allowing him to engage in activities he likes to do on his own with gifts such as building sets, books, art and craft kits and solo logic games. Creating beautiful artwork and models will give him a sense of achievement and a boost in self-confidence. It is also still important to spend time with him reading to him, building LEGOs together or playing gun battles. Gifts that promote group activities – board games, sports equipment and toy guns- also give him a sense of belonging and security.
Design And Entertainment
The most important quality any gift or toy you give to a boy aged 8 should have is the ability to engage and entertain him. For him to find a gift intriguing and engrossing, it should capture his imagination by offering open-ended play opportunities. It is also important to choose age -appropriate gifts that are in line with his developmental milestones.
Toys for younger kids won’t present a challenge and will bore him quickly. He will also find toys and gifts that are above his abilities hard to figure out and frustrating. The item itself should be easy for kids hands to handle and tough enough to withstand the enthusiastic handling by an eight year old boy. Toys for 8 year old boy reviews by users can give you an idea of the quality.
Safety
When choosing a holiday or birthday gift for 8 year old boy, check that it is suitable for eight years olds and made using safe, non-toxic materials. Confirm that art and science kits don’t contain ingredients the boy you’re shopping for is allergic to. Once you receive the toy or gift, read the labeling and instructions to learn whether adult supervision is required. Injuries are the biggest threat to boys this age. Get him kid-friendly bikes, scooters, or skateboards and make sure he has safety equipment such as a helmet when riding them.
FAQ
Q: What Do 8 Year Old Boys Like To Play?
A: Eight year old boys love playing video games and Nerf gun battles. As for active games, soccer, baseball and roudtable are some of the popular 8 years old boys games. They also like playing board and card games such as Monopoly with friends.
Q: How Do I Occupy My 8 Year Old Boy?
A: Building sets, logic games, and puzzles are fun and educational ways to keep your 8 year old boy occupied building, solving, and creating for hours on end. As for how to occupy a boy who loves sports, do get him sports equipment he can use to practice and improve his skills in the comfort of his backyard. Boys aged eight also have a blast when playing video games, Nerf gun battles or controlling RC toys. Having him help with chores he can manage is also a great way to make use of his energy.
Q: What Activities Do 8 Year Olds Like?
A: Most 8 year olds love playing video games and toy gun battles and building with LEGO blocks. Each and every boy aged eight is different though. Those who identify as athletic like playing sports such as baseball while some are into creative pursuits like reading, drawing, painting or creating music.
My Babies Planet Overview
As they are developing their interests, eight year old boys need toys and gifts that will foster their passions and innate abilities. They will enjoy gifts that offer independent play opportunities as well as those that involve teams. The best gifts for 8 year old boy also include those that will encourage active play and challenge their dexterity.
Our toys for 8 year old boy reviews above feature fun, challenging and educational toys and gifts that help them learn new things and develop critical skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond. As you choose gifts for your favorite eight year old boy, have his developing interests in mind and you’re sure to choose something he will find delightful.
My Babies Planet Toys And Gifts For 8 Year Old Boys Review