If you’re stuck on what the buy for the eight year old in your family, we’ve put together some suggestions and tips to help. At this age, boys are likely to be developing their imagination, discovering which hobbies they enjoy and taking an interest in sports.
Educational gifts
Books can help introduce 8 year olds to new topics and can help them hone their reading skills. Choose books that cover a range of topics such as science, history, engineering, and literature, such as Factopia or Gross Factopia. Thesepresent incredible facts in a way that appeals to children, making them the perfect gifts for boys ages 8 and above who love reading. The added bonus is, they will also develop their knowledge.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys can help 8-year-olds develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This can include gifts such as Explosive Science Kaboom, which contains everything a child needs to carry out 14 fun but educational experiments.
Puzzles can also be great for building their problem-solving skills. The Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle is a great example. It includes several puzzles starting at easy and going all the way up to expert level.
Active Gifts
If the child you’re buying for loves taking part in sports and being active, this opens up more gift options. This can include baseball gloves, basketballs, footballs, and other equipment appropriate for the age level.
Outdoor playsets help to encourage physical activity and exploration in 8 year olds. Look for sets that include swings, slides, monkey bars, and other features appropriate for the age level. Anything involving team sports also helps to improve his social skills.
Some active gift options include goggles which make swimming underwater fun, while also providing 100% UV protection. Alternatively, if he prefers to be on dry land, Lawn Darts will help practice his coordination and aim. The whole family can join in and even if he’s not the sporty type, it encourages him to be active without realising.
Creative Gifts
Art supplies are a great way to encourage creativity in 8 year old boys. This can include sketchbooks, colouring pencils, markers, watercolours, clay, or other materials. Try getting your child a doodle or colouring book that contains lots of activities to nurture creativity.
Buying a musical instrument is another great option, but it’s important to think about where your child will practice and the impact this will have on anyone trying to work or study in the household, or on neighbours. If you opt for something like a harmonica, you could also buy a CD and songbook to help him learn how to play it.
Getting the right gift for an 8 year old boy depends on his individual personality, but based on this, you can find something he’ll love. Fun gifts that promote learning and creativity can help parents and other family members encourage healthy development in the child. Additionally, physical activity helps to improve focus and mood, which can be beneficial for all family members.
