EEP editors sometimes link to products to make your planning process fast and easy. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase from a link.

27 Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boys

Best Gifts For 8 Year Old Boy

Updated on: Feb 24, 2024

Having trouble deciding on gifts for an 8 year old boy whether its yours, a nephew, or a friends? Well, don't worry! This guide will surely help you in choosing which gift to purchase and which gifts are appropriate for an 8 year old boy. Whether it is kids theme party ideas like birthdays, Christmas, or any other occasion; there is bound to be a gift you can purchase from this best gifts for 8 year old boy list. There are a variety of gifts included in this list. Whether you want an educational gift, a gift to get them outside, or a gift that inspires their imaginative side!

Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy: Technology

1. Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane

This smartphone-controlled airplane will for sure keep your boy happy and excited for a very long time! It allows your child to feel the power of making something come to life as it guides you on how to assemble and fold paper into a paper airplane allowing you to hook up the controlling device enabling you to fully control it with any smartphone.

POWERUP 4.0 The Next-Generation Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit, RC Controlled. Easy to Fly with Autopilot & Gyro Stabilizer. For Hobbyists, Pilots, Tinkerers. STEM Ready with DIY Modular Kit

PILOTED FLIGHT - Grab a sheet of paper, fold it, and go! Instantly put yourself in the cockpit of an amazing smartphone controlled paper airplane that does high speed tricks. The bluetooth module, which includes autopilot control, connects to your phone so you can experience the sensation of flying countless paper, foam, and even Balsa Wood airplane models.
INCREDIBLE STABILITY - Loops, Barrel Rolls, & Hammerheads are achieved with the special Acro Mode! Your paper plane’s onboard computer automatically calibrates your paper airplane for imperfect weather with a built-in launch assist and wind stabilizer. Now hobbyists, tinkerers, or students can become the flight controller!
RAPID CHARGING - A 30 minute quick charge gives you 10 minutes of flight time along with an incredible range of up to 230ft! Traveling up to 20mph, your plane will spend less time on the tarmac and more time in the air. Simply connect the included micro USB cable to a charging port and plot out your next journey.
STEM READY - Experience the aerodynamic forces that make flight possible through various wing configurations. Lift, drag, thrust, and gravity are learned first hand. Purchase the Night-Flight Kit and Accessory Kit to see how different parts create a new experience. Great for an outdoor class or exploration together with family.
DURABLE - A near indestructible heavy duty carbon fiber body includes a nylon reinforced nose and motor mount. The POWERUP 4.0 paper airplane set is designed to withstand bumps, bangs, and even an unexpected crash. If your paper plane flies out of range, the onboard computer will safely land itself! Includes a one year warranty.

2. Remote Controlled Car

A Remote Control Crawler would be an awesome gift that every little boy dreams about. There are cars that have custom made remotes that are very easy to handle, allowing your child to make to quickest turns at the fastest speeds. This is a fun toy your son can play at home, in the backyard, and with friends and family.

3. Switch Games

In this day in age the Nintendo Switch is like the Gameboy/Nintendo DS of the past where every kid has one, so why not give them more hours of playing time by getting them a brand-new video game! There are thousands to choose from starting with the classic Mario games that everyone knows and loves. A new switch game is sure to keep an 8 year old boy occupied and entertained.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury - Nintendo Switch

Enjoy two Mario adventures solo or with friends
In Super Mario 3D World, choose a character each with distinct playstyles as you dash and climb through dozens of colorful courses, collecting Green Stars and power-ups along the way
Cooperate (and compete) with friends locally or online to reach each stage’s goal. A crown is awarded to the highest-scoring player, making for a friendly frenzy
In addition to added multiplayer options, the Nintendo Switch version of the Super Mario 3D World game has been improved with faster character speeds and more
Explore a seamless feline world in Lake Lapcat, complete objectives to collect Cat Shines, and defeat a giant Bowser in the new Bowser’s Fury adventure

4. Mini Nano Drone

This mini drone allows you to explore in heights you never thought possible. This drone that comes with a remote allowing you to connect to your phone. It has a built-in camera for you to see all the action from any mobile device once you download the app. With many different modes any 8 year old will have endless fun, just watch out for those trees!

5. Kids Sports Watch

Unlike any other sports watch this WAFA fitness sports watch allows you to not only tell the time but check your heart rate and is Bluetooth. This advanced watch gives the feeling of having an apple watch which every kid dream of having so why not give them a taste of what it is like all while looking fashionable. With easy and fast changing of the bands choose a style that is perfect for your kid so they can wear it anywhere at any time.

6. Fujifilm Camera

This camera is perfect for beginners to train their perception of pictures and capture memories they want to keep with them forever. Get this amazing deal that comes with its own handheld bad to carry your camera nice and protected wherever you go along with numerous amounts of film sheets allowing you to print them right away after taking the photo. For reference, this gift can be a great idea for birthday parties not only for your 8 year-old boy but also for other family members and friends.

7. Professor Maxwell VR Science Lab

This science learning set is sure to sprout an interest in science of any child! VR Magic comes with instructions on how to properly conduct experiments that are visually appealing and fun any kid will absolutely love this as a gift. This one is so special because it comes with VR goggles allowing them to experience it in a whole new way!

Professor Maxwell's VR Magic - Virtual Reality Kids Magic Book and Interactive STEM Learning Activity Set

THE ULTIMATE IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE - Virtual reality brings this 80 page book to life, teaching 34 step-by-step interactive tricks in an easy and fun to explore learning format!
LEARN, PLAY, EXPERIENCE! - A curated selection of popular magic tricks – from rope tricks to card tricks – set in an immersive learning format ensures retention of a lasting foundation of magic.
STEP-BY-STEP VIDEOS - Enter virtual reality and step on stage to see the trick performed! Return to the book and follow along as each step comes alive and pictures turn to video within the book in augmented reality!
VR GOGGLES INCLUDED - Includes a pair of hands-free goggles to create an immersive learning experience. Compatible with all smart phones with access to Google Play store and Apple iOS app store. All smart phone mobile devices have been tested to fit into the goggles, including “max” and plus size phones. Goggles not compatible with tablets.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX? - This 30 piece VR magic set includes a deck of cards, cups and balls, fake thumb and hanky, ropes, a magic wand and hat, and much more to ensure you can start doing magic right out of the box!

Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy: Creative Gifts

8. Ooze lab

All Ooze labs products are a great fun way for a child to experiment and safe slime fun. Ooze labs is known for all their science creative stations that will for sure make you feel like a real-life scientist! Any child will love to receive this as a gift and will want to open it right away.

Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science Experiment Kit, 20 Non-Hazardous Experiments Including Safe Slime, Chromatography, Acids, Bases & More, Multi-Color

Play the role of chemist with this huge, colorful, functional lab station!
Create glowing slime, fizzing reactions, Oozing Bubbles, colorful chromatography, and more!
With 57 pieces, This kit has everything you need to conduct experiments like a real scientist, including beakers, test tubes, flasks, pipettes, and more.
Printed experiment cards clip onto the lab station for easy reference and additional experiments and scientific explanations are included in a separate 16-page, full-color manual.
Includes non-hazardous chemicals; does not contain borax.
A parents' Choice silver honor award winner
Skill level: Intermediate

9. Telescope

This telescope is better than what we are normally used to with other telescopes. The neat thing about this one is that it allows you to attach your phone at the end of the scope, giving you a bigger image of what the telescope is seeing. Great for beginners who have not used one and it comes with different size scopes to get an even better image. The product comes with its own carrying bag and wireless remote to take amazing pictures!

10. Door Hanging Laundry Hamper

This door hanging will make picking up the laundry a whole lot more fun now with a cool twist to allow you to shoot it like a basketball for a fun alternative. We all know that laundry is no fun but when you can switch it up and turn it into something more entertaining for your child it can go a long way.

Etna Over the Door Basketball Laundry Hamper -Space Saving Hanging Laundry Hamper with Metal Ring, Backboard, Drawstring Bag-Fun Laundry Hamper to use in Kids Room, Dorm Rooms, Dunk Away Dirty Laundry

DUNK YOUR DIRTY LAUNDRY AWAY – help kids keep their dirty clothes off the floor by giving them a fun way to dunk and shoot their way to a cleaner room with this basketball laundry hamper
OVER THE DOOR LAUNDRY HAMPER – easy to install space saving over the door hamper conveniently hangs over the back of most doors. Use it as clothes hamper for bedroom spaces, dorm laundry hamper, or bathroom laundry hamper
EASY TO USE DRAWSTRING BAG – features a quick release drawstring clasp to easily remove the laundry. The mesh drawstring bag is great for holding clothes, scarves, hats, bed sheets, and even toys. Draw string bag measures 36 inches long
BASKETBALL ROOM ACCESSORIES – complete your basketball themed room décor down to the basketball hamper. Personalize the backboard with your child’s name (marker not included) to show off to friends even when doing chores
GREAT FOR SMALL SPACES - this hanging laundry hamper is great for home organization and storage. Use it in apartments, condos, dorms, offices, campers, and more. Makes the most boring task easier and quicker to finish. Backboard (16.25 x 10.5 inches)

11. Rubik's Cube

The Rubik’s cube is still the same loving cube that challenges our brain every time we attempt it. With still having the same amount of difficulty this cube will be great to make any kid test their knowledge as they try to make all the sides of the cube the same color and complete it.

12. Magic Set

Who knows that 8-year-old boy can be the next David Copperfield! With this magic kit that comes with a learning DVD can help shape and sprout a love for magic as they uncover the secrets to the tricks to blow people's minds!

Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy: Gifts for Outside Activity

13. Nerf Gun

Nerf toys are always a great way to go for an 8-year-old gift, this fast shooting safe nerf gun can shoot up to 6 rounds with a range going up to 90 feet! With some that come with targets for kids to try on there will not be any reason why they would not like this as a gift!

NERF Disruptor Elite Blaster -- 6-Dart Rotating Drum, Slam Fire, Includes 6 Official Nerf Elite Darts -- For Kids, Teens, Adults

6-dart rotating drum: The blaster has a 6-dart rotating drum
Quick-draw blaster: Strike fast with this quick-draw blaster
Slam-fire action: Fire all 6 darts rapidly with slam-fire action
Fires darts up to 90 feet (27 meters)
Includes blaster, 6 Elite darts, and instructions

14. Beyblade

Beyblades are a great pastime away from their electronics and digital world as you collect different ones to let them rip inside of a battlefield to see who stays spinning. With so many different colors and gadgets the possibilities are endless for you to choose which one better suit you.

15. Skateboard

Learning to ride a skateboard can be difficult at first but once you get the hang of it is fun! They can take it anywhere to go as its one of the most portable sports equipment you can have.

16. Football

Playing catch with football can be so fun as you can practice how far you can throw the ball and it is a great competitive game any 8-year-old can play with their friends. Great way to enjoy the weather outside and to have a good excuse to get dirty without having to worry.

WILSON NFL Super Grip Football - Black/Gold, Junior (Age 9-12) (WTF1790ID)

NFL OFFICIAL: Wilson is the official football of the NFL, and the only official football in the league's history
JUNIOR SIZE: Typically regulation size for older elemntary school players somtims through middle school, ideal for ages 9-12.
SEWN CONSTRUCTION: The strong composite cover combined with enhanced lining allows for extended durability and all-weather performance.
ULTIMATE GRIP AND FEEL: Soft touch composite cover for that quality feel that flows right off your fingers and raised pebbled laces offer extra fingerpoint grips when throwing for more accurate control and seamless spiral
Sport type: American Football

17. Basketball

What kid doesn't like to play basketball? It is a great way to get some exercise and you can play with numerous friends. It is a great sport to get into and who knows this can be the start of an NBA career for the little one!

18. Soccer

Soccer is a game that will for sure keep that 8-year-old boy in good shape and health with all the running that is involved. With this soccer pack he can get started very fast and right away. This pack comes with a soccer ball along with 2 nets being able to start a whole game.

19. Baseball ball and glove

Who does not love to play catch and what better way to play then with a baseball and glove where you can reach endless distance throwing that ball with full protection of the glove? Spice things up with getting a baseball bat as well to see hope far they can hit and like the sport.

Franklin Sports Kids Baseball Glove - NeoGrip Boys + Girls Youth Tball Glove - Toddler + Youth Teeball, Baseball + Softball Mitt - Right Hand Throw - 9.5" ,Blue

SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The lightweight, soft mesh construction makes this glove easy to use for younger players.
READY TO PLAY: The soft palm construction means there is no need to break in. This glove comes all-ready to play.
HAND FORMED POCKET: The glove pocket is designed specifically to the contours of a kids hand for an easy comfortable fit.
BALL INCLUDED: This combo set includes a soft foam ball, so you have everything you need for playing indoors or out.
NOTE: Left Hand Throw glove, worn on right hand to throw with left, Right Hand Throw equals to glove worn on left hand to throw with right.

Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy: Board Games

20. Operation

This is a game where it requires you to pull out certain items from the patient’s body but be careful because if you touch the silver sides with the metal pieces an alarm goes off saying you failed. Operation is a great game because it hones their concentration skill with a bit of a jump scare when you fail that gives off that funny reaction.

21. Candy Land

Candy Land is a board game that players can join up to 2-4. This game is great for beginners so learning the rules is simple and it is all about winning the race to the castle. What 8-year-old kid does not like a good ole race!

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game For Kids Ages 3 & Up (Amazon Exclusive), Red

CLASSIC BEGINNER GAME: Do you remember playing Candy Land when you were a kid. Introduce new generations to this sweet kids' board game
RACE TO THE CASTLE: Players encounter all kinds of "delicious" surprises as they move their cute gingerbread man pawn around the path in a race to the castle
NO READING REQUIRED TO PLAY: For kids ages 3 and up, Candy Land can be a great game for kids who haven't learned how to read yet
GREAT GAME FOR LITTLE ONES: The Candy Land board game features colored cards, sweet destinations, and fun illustrations that kids love
Sweet version of the classic boardgame features a race to the castle
You encounter all kinds of delicious surprises
Includes gameboard, 4 pawns, card deck and instructions

22. Connect 4

The classic game of connect 4 can be brought anywhere at any time to play with anyone. A great strategy game that now has a twist, it brings a blue chip now with its own rules! Have a blast challenging other people and have fun figuring strategies together.

Connect 4 Strategy Board Game for Ages 6 and Up (Amazon Exclusive)

Twist on the classic connect 4 game: This edition of the connect 4 game brings a Different twist to the classic strategy game that kids and adults have loved for generations
Features blue Blocker Disc: This game includes blue Blocker Disc that open doors to new strategies
Get 4 in a row: have fun watching the colored Dics slide into place, as players try to get 4 of the same color in a row To win
Fun strategy game: remember playing the connect 4 game as a kid Introduce your kids to the connect 4 game and enjoy playing this entertaining strategy game together

23. Guess Who

In this game you will never know the true outcome until the very end, with multiple people to choose you must guess what the person is wearing, hair color, etc. to narrow down who the person is they chose. Guess who is a classic where If guessed correctly you win the game!

24. Sorry

A game for a group of friends/family to all play together as either teams or individuals. Sorry is a game where you pick up cards to see how many spaces you move all while having a set of rules to follow on the card. Choose which one of your pieces to move and make it all the way home and you win!

25. Trouble

Like Sorry but this is with a dice and you go around the entire board trying to make it back home while also eating your opponent’s sending them to restart their trail again. Trouble is a 2-4 player game where all your friends and family can come together to have lots of fun!

Hasbro Gaming Trouble Board Game for Kids Ages 5 and Up 2-4 Players

Fun game for ages 5 and up: Just 2 players are needed to play the trouble board game; engages kids ages 5 and up
2-4 players: The trouble game is a fun activity for play dates, after school, and family time; Enjoy playing the game with 2, 3, or 4 players
Power up spaces: The game instructions include options for playing the classic trouble game or using power up spaces
Pop-o-matic bubble: The iconic pop-o-matic die roller bubble is fun to press, and it keeps the die from getting lost
Great family game: Adults and kids 5 and up can play the trouble game together. It's a great choice for family game night
Trouble game is peg-popping fun
Pop-O-Matic die roller rolls the die
Move your pegs around the board
Send other players' pegs home when you land on the same space
Double Trouble and Warp spaces change up the game

26. Checkers

The game of checkers has been around for generations and it is still one of the most intense strategy games for all ages. With the ability to eat your opponent's pieces this adds an exciting feel to it.

Checkers Board for Kids– Fun Checkerboard Game for Boys and Girls - Interlocking Checkers with Foldable Heavy Duty Board by Point Games

FAMILY TIME - Bring this classic checkers board game home for any family fun night, gathering of friends, or party.
FUN TIME - Checkers Board Game is a fun family activity, strengthens the bond of family and friendship through playing together with this Checkers Set.
STRATEGY - Teach the little ones about strategy, help them develop their motor skills with every piece moved and watch them grow into mini board game masters.
GREAT GAME - This checkers game is for two players, and recommended for ages 8 and up.
SUPER DURABLE - Folding Checkers board for easy compact storage when not in use.

27. Jenga

This game can be nerve wrecking, but the victor will be more satisfied at the end as they were able to complete the game without allowing the pieces to all fall. Jenga is for kids of all ages, this gift will surely satisfy as it adds an exciting turnout at the end of the game all you see the whole thing collapse.

CoolToys Timber Tower Wood Block Stacking Game – Original Edition (48 Pieces)

THE SIGNATURE TIMBER TOWER GAME! – This classic wooden blocks game from CoolToys is the very best in family games for kids and adults!
EASY TO LEARN – Draw a block from the tower and place it on top until it tumbles down, the loser is the person who made the tower collapse
MORE WAYS TO PLAY – Timber Tower double for domino shows or as classic wooden building blocks for kids
FOR ALL OCCASIONS – This classic stacking game provides indoor or outdoor entertainment for family game night or "block" party bash
MULTIPURPOSE – This blank game blocks offer a broad range of possibilities—from shower or wedding guestbook alternative to arts & crafts
FOR ALL AGES – The simple rules of stack and tumble create easy games for adults and kids from age 3 to 10
PERFECTLY SANDED – This table game includes 48 blank wooden blocks with smoothly sanded edged measuring 2.95" x 0.98" x 0.59"
ANY NUMBER OF PLAYERS – A riveting brick game to play with family, cool couples, or by yourself
CHALLENGE YOUR SKILLS! – This wooden stacking blocks game builds hand-eye coordination, spatial intelligence, logic, & balance
THE BETTER BLOCK – The pieces of this wood block game are made of all-natural beechwood—a hypoallergenic wood more durable than pine

Best Gifts for 8 Year Old Boy: Conclusion

All of these ideas and more can be helpful in choosing what you believe are the best kids gifts for 8 year old boys. Whether it is for them to be more active outside, learn more or inspire the inner creativity in them, choosing a gift has never been easier! Hopefully you found this guide on the best gifts ideas for 8 year old boys helpful and inspired your next gift-related purchase.

Written by Orlando Gutierrez; Contributor: Deesha Mohan

Deesha Mohan

Binghamton University, State University of New York

Visit profile:

Orlando Gutierrez

Westfield State University

Visit profile: