We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Even though it's just a year, there's a big difference between kids who are 7 and kids who are 8 years old. By the time they're 8, you'll be amazed at what they can accomplish — the artworks they can make, the strategy games they can try, the coding and the STEM-themed projects they can do — and without an adult walking them through every step of the process. In other words, they're so big!
When it comes to shopping for gifts for kids of this age, they're ready for toys and gifts that offer something more, be it a mental challenge to complete, an outlet for their energy or a way to express their creativity. And yet you still want to get them items that offer lots of opportunities for fun, be it by encouraging pretend play, getting them outside and active, working their critical-thinking skills or teaching them a cool new skill.
To thread that needle, the Good Housekeeping Institute tests toys of all sorts — from STEM sets to board games — getting feedback from parents and kids themselves about what they liked and didn't like. The Institute's experts, too, evaluate the toys for safety and durability (The best of the best wind up winning Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards.) And Good Housekeeping editors also keep an eye on trendy toys and bestsellers, staying on top of what's hot. With all that in mind, these emerged as the best toys and gifts for 8-year-old boys in 2023.
- DoodleJamz BrightBoard, $13 on amazon.com
- Batcat, $14 on amazon.com
- Educational Insights BrainBolt, $22 on amazon.com
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie Fire-Breathing Bowser, $24 on amazon.com
- Illuminated Apparel Glow-in-the-Dark T-Shirt, $25 on amazon.com
Brainteasers, board games, activity sets and everything Nintendo seems to be at the top of 8-year-old lists this year — and ours, too!
Looking for more great gifts? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:
Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds | Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Girls
Gift Under $10
Moose Toys Treasure X Minecraft Caves & Cliffs Two-Pack
Gift Under $10
Moose Toys Treasure X Minecraft Caves & Cliffs Two-Pack
Kids can bring the Minecraft experience into the real world with this surprise toy. Just like in the game, they'll get a shovel and they'll have to dig to uncover treasure and pieces of a character that they can "craft" into a figure when they're done. Ages 5+
It's probably hard to get him stuff he'll actually like for his room (he's so specific!), but trust us, this blanket will be a hit. Amazon reviewers say it's super-soft, well-made and really does glow in the dark. No age recommendation given.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Over 13,000 5-Star reviews on Amazon
National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
Over 13,000 5-Star reviews on Amazon
National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
Now 32% Off
He'll spend time excavating fossils, like shark teeth! Sure, they are only toys, but it will speak to his interests if he's into dinos. Ages 8+
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
It's hard to explain what this is, but essentially, it's a spiral bracelet that moves up and down arms so kids can do tricks. "This gadget gets the kids away from the video and tablet screens," one Amazon reviewer wrote. Ages 6+
For MAGIC Lovers
Abacus Brands Penn & Teller VR Magic Lab
For MAGIC Lovers
Abacus Brands Penn & Teller VR Magic Lab
Yes, this kit is filled will help him learn awesome magic tricks, and comes with actual VR goggles to use, but it can also help with building confidence, especially if you allow him to put on a show for the family! Ages 8+
No, it doesn't sing or play the piano, but this 7" tall Bowser does the next best thing: It blows real smoke from its glowing, fire-breathing mouth. One Good Housekeeping parent tester says she was impressed with how much (cool to the touch) fog it was able to produce with just a few drops of water. Ages 3+
RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Nee Doh is the fidget toy that has taken social media by storm, and kids love to squish it like a globby stress ball. And while it comes in many colors and shapes, the "Nice Cube" keeps it cool, just like an ice cube. It's perfect when you need just a little something. Ages 3+
Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Award Winner
Batcat
Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Award Winner
Batcat
Good Housekeeping Institute testers couldn't get enough of this graphic novel about a half-cat, half-bat and their run-in with an ice-cream-stealing ghost. “It’s kind of spooky but not too scary,” says one 7-year-old reviewer. Ages 6 – 9
RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards
Kids of all ages love pushing the beads around in the gel to decorate the background picture — it's a great fidget toy. This one comes with a two-sided background (but you can always print more), and it also has a case that lights up so they can use it at night. Good Housekeeping testers loved using the included stylus to move the beads, since it gave them more control over the picture. Ages 6+
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
A new twist on the classic game Simon Says, this one is a fun memory booster that's perfect for killing time on a long road trip, where kids can play solo or turn it into a two-player game. The challenge is to memorize the light sequence and follow along for as long as possible, without breaking the pattern! Bonus: Batteries are included so you can play ASAP. Ages 7+
These toys? They're anything but suss. This set comes with five Among Us crewmates that stand 2" tall. Kids can swap their head accessories — and there are a couple of extras in the pack for them to rotate in and out as they see fit. Ages 3+
RELATED: The Best Gifts for Gamers
Best STEM Gift for 8-Year-Old Boys
GraviTrax Obstacle Course Set
Best STEM Gift for 8-Year-Old Boys
GraviTrax Obstacle Course Set
With this set, kids can design marble runs that use curves, drops and other cool tools. They'll have to put their engineer hats on, and also experiment with concepts like gravity, velocity and cause-and-effect. It comes with more than 150 pieces, and expansion packs are also available with even more elaborate features. Ages 8+
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Kids can make good use of their creative juices with this tee, which comes with a pen-sized UV flashlight that lets them draw their own designs that really glow! After about five minutes, the drawing fades and they can make something new. And yet, you can still put it in the washing machine (just not the dryer). Sizes 3T – XL
For Beyblade Fans
Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Light Ignite Battle Set
For Beyblade Fans
Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Light Ignite Battle Set
Just when you've thought you've seen everything possible in a Beyblade stadium, this comes along with cool lighting effects that make the tops glow! It also comes with two spinning tops, two right/left-spin launchers and two extra armor tips. Ages 8+
Get them outside and get their blood pumping with this game, which is a combo of croquet and soccer. It's played with oversized, inflatable croquet balls that kids have to kick through the wickets, so they also have to work on ball control. Ages 4+
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
If the 8-year-old in your life is a Pokéfan, they'll love getting creative and making their own Pokémon out of folded paper. The book takes them step-by-step through how to make 10 different origami Pokémon, and it comes with its own specially designed pieces of paper to use, too. Ages 7+
RELATED: The Best Pokémon Gifts for Fans of All Ages
Your kid can help avoid a nuclear meltdown with this game meant to be played with two or more people. To play, they pack and roll goo cubes together, and use their critical-thinking skills to balance the squishy cubes on a platform that shifts unpredictably. If any cubes fall, you'll have to re-stack it. The game is over when all the cubes are stacked! Ages 7+
Marisa LaScala
Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.
Reviewed byRachel Rothman
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.