The 23 Best Gifts For 8-Year-Olds in 2022 That Include Legos, STEM Kits, and More

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Gifting season sneaks up on the best of us, and we know buying a last-minute present is never fun (nor easy). While it feels harmless to push off holiday shopping to the final minute, it's better to think about the gifts you want to give early on — even those presents you wish to procrastinate most, like the one for the eight-year-old in your life.

We know it's never easy to shop for kids, and with their interests constantly changing, it can be hard to keep up with the Joneses. To make life easier, we gathered the best gifts we're looking to get the eight-year-olds on our very own lists so that you can get your shopping done early.

From cool science kits and Lego sets to an updated version of the classic game Uno, the eight-year-old in your life better be ready for the best new toys around. Check out the unique gifts we've found for eight-year-olds ahead — whether they teeter little-kid or are into big-kid games — with this curated list.

Keep scrolling to see our favorite gifts for 8-year-olds, and find the best gifts for the other kids in your life with our gift guides for infants, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 9-year-olds, tweens, and teens.

— Additional reporting by Alessia Santoro

01
For the Kid Crafter: Crayola Crayon Melter
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For the Kid Crafter: Crayola Crayon Melter

Decorate and doodle with the Crayola Crayon Melter ($24, originally $33), which gives kids the tools to make various melted crayon art creations with all of the old crayons rolling around their play area. Not only is this fun for kids, but parents might find it a win-win for cleanup.

02
For the Rock Star: FAO Schwarz Stage Stars Electric 6-String Guitar and Amp
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For the Rock Star: FAO Schwarz Stage Stars Electric 6-String Guitar and Amp

Get the eight-year-old rock star this FAO Schwarz Stage Stars Electric 6-String Guitar And Amp ($91, originally $130). It's a six-string electric guitar that is three-quarters of the size, perfect for beginners. It comes with an amp that has easy-to-use features, letting them adjust the volume, gain, tone, and reverb with a spin of a dial.

03
Laser Tag: FAO Schwarz Dual Blast Laser Tag Set
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Laser Tag: FAO Schwarz Dual Blast Laser Tag Set

Bring the laser-tag fun home with this FAO Schwarz Dual Blast Laser Tag Set ($24, originally $30). It comes with two target vests and two blasters, so they can have the ultimate laser-tag dual with their friends. The set lights up and has cool sound effects. Plus, it has an automatic score count so no one can cheat.

04
For a Kid Who's Interested in Physics: Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser
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For a Kid Who's Interested in Physics: Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser

Ride the floors, walls, and ceiling with this awesome Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser ($27), which is super lightweight and USB rechargeable. Racers of all skill levels will find these cars easy to control as they defy gravity and the laws of physics. It works by chasing light around at high speeds and can be done on any flat surface.

05
For the Tech-Savvy Kid: Lego Vidiyo Unicorn DJ Beatbox
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For the Tech-Savvy Kid: Lego Vidiyo Unicorn DJ Beatbox

The 84-piece Lego Vidiyo Unicorn DJ Beatbox Set ($9, originally $20) combines the best of Lego building with VR technology. Kids can collect various Vidiyo characters and use them to unlock music, outfits, and more in the music video-making app. It's the perfect gift for a child who loves music (or hopes to be famous someday).

06
For the Kid Who Wants to Go to Space: 3D Solar System Mobile Making Kit
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For the Kid Who Wants to Go to Space: 3D Solar System Mobile Making Kit

Learn about the world beyond with this 3D Solar System Mobile Making Kit ($25), which helps budding astronomers create a glow-in-the-dark mobile of the solar system. Your child's finished project can hang in their bedroom or serve as a static model to display somewhere the whole family can admire.

07
For the Kid Who Loves to Explore the World Around Them: Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope Telescope
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For the Kid Who Loves to Explore the World Around Them: Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope Telescope

The Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope Telescope ($48, originally $56) is a working telescope that comes with a built-in red LED light for night viewing. It includes a 22-page activity journal for kids to track scientific explorations and discoveries, learn about the lunar phases, and more. The telescope is great for youngsters that love space.

08
For the Kid Who Likes to Sing: Bluetooth Karaoke Machine With Disco Lights
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For the Kid Who Likes to Sing: Bluetooth Karaoke Machine With Disco Lights

Your mini rock stars will be able to put on performance after performance with the Singing Machine's Bluetooth Karaoke Machine ($130). The disco lights will only enhance the entire process to make every show unforgettable. It includes two microphone jacks but only one microphone, so pick up this Dynamic Karaoke Microphone ($10) if you need another.

09
For Further Developing Your Kids' Fine Motor Skills in a Fun Way: T-Rex Rumble
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For Further Developing Your Kids' Fine Motor Skills in a Fun Way: T-Rex Rumble

During a game of T-Rex Rumble ($24), players are tasked to complete big challenges using tiny T-Rex arms. The exciting and hilarious game helps to further develop your child's fine motor skills while learning a little bit about the experience of these ferocious dinos. Simply roll the die and draw a card to get started.

10
For the Budding Bookworm: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
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For the Budding Bookworm: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Your child won't be able to put down "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis ($8), just as you couldn't as a kid. It's a great classic for kids who aren't convinced they love reading yet, and one that your kid can't miss if they're already a tiny bookworm.

11
For the Kid Who Loves to Build: Lego Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter
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For the Kid Who Loves to Build: Lego Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter

The Lego Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter Set ($36, originally $45) has 432 pieces and is created for kids ages eight and up. The set also comes with three mini-figures, which fit inside the TIE Fighter's cockpit. It's a great set for solo building for your more independent kiddos, but could also be fun to construct with a friend.

12
For the Kid Who Loves Game Night: UNO Remix!
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For the Kid Who Loves Game Night: UNO Remix!

A new version of the classic card game, UNO, UNO Remix! ($8) allows players to create custom game cards that can be changed up between each round. It's a fun small gift that is also great for families on the go. Stick it in their stocking as a holiday gift this year — it's a present that keeps on giving.

13
For the Kid Who Likes to Play Alone: Tiny Pong Solo Table Tennis Game
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For the Kid Who Likes to Play Alone: Tiny Pong Solo Table Tennis Game

With this handheld Tiny Pong Solo Table Tennis Game ($14, originally $20), kids can play ping pong all by themselves, whether at home or on the go. The goal is to bounce the ball as long as possible to rack up points. If the ball falls, the game is over.

14
For the Young Mandalorian Fan: Star Wars The Child Talking Plush Toy
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For the Young Mandalorian Fan: Star Wars The Child Talking Plush Toy

This adorable The Child Talking Plush Toy ($23, originally $28) comes with a frog and a bowl of soup. Young fans of "The Mandalorian" can use their imaginations and act out some of Baby Yoda's hilarious scenes from the series. The toy even makes sound effects when you squeeze it — how special!

15
For the Lover of Board Games: Monopoly Builder
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For the Lover of Board Games: Monopoly Builder

Game night, anyone? If your child loves board games, the new Monopoly Builder ($23) adds more strategy to the original game, requiring players to buy properties, collect rent and resources, and gather points for building a penthouse on the island in the middle of the board — once it's built, the game ends.

16
For the Kid Who Thinks Critically: Exploding Minions Game
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For the Kid Who Thinks Critically: Exploding Minions Game

From the maker of the hilarious Exploding Kittens card game comes a new Minions-themed strategy game, Exploding Minions ($20). Featuring the beloved characters from the "Despicable Me" franchise, this highly strategic game requires players to think critically and carefully before making each move. It's a great game for sleepovers or family game nights.

17
For the Kid Who Likes to Perform: Ideal Magic Spectacular Magic Suitcase
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For the Kid Who Likes to Perform: Ideal Magic Spectacular Magic Suitcase

The Fantasma Magic Masters of Magic Set ($40) has more than 450 tricks for kids to learn through easy-to-follow instruction videos. If your child loves to perform, they'll be able to put on a magic show for your family in no time with this unique gift. The game comes with 50 pieces to create the perfect magic trick.

18
For the Kid Who's Into STEM: Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges
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For the Kid Who's Into STEM: Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges

With the Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges ($35, originally $48), your child will learn engineering and science concepts as they build nine different building and working bridge models. The kit also includes pages with theory and facts, quizzes, and experimental activities to further your child's knowledge.

19
For the Gamer Kid: Nintendo Switch Lite
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For the Gamer Kid: Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite ($199) is similar to the classic Nintendo Switch but features built-in controls for handheld gaming and is lighter and smaller. The system comes in seven color options, making it an excellent fit for every gamer you know. They can take it with them anywhere they go thanks to its long battery life.

20
For the Kid Who's Fascinated by Genetics: Yellow Scope DNA & Traits Science Kit
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For the Kid Who's Fascinated by Genetics: Yellow Scope DNA & Traits Science Kit

Encourage young kids to enjoy the science of DNA with the Yellow Scope DNA & Traits Science Kit ($50). It's made by scientists (who happen to also be moms!) and includes all of the materials needed to do dozens of experiments that will teach your child about DNA, coding, and traits. The fun and educational kit is aimed at girls interested in STEM but would be fun for any kid to play with, especially in a group.

21
For the Puzzle-Lover: Mudpuppy Cats and Dogs Double-Sided Puzzle
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For the Puzzle-Lover: Mudpuppy Cats and Dogs Double-Sided Puzzle

This 100-piece Mudpuppy Cats and Dogs Double-Sided Puzzle ($17) is two puzzles in one! Each piece is double-sided, the blue side creating a scene of fancy cats in outfits and hats, and the teal side becoming a similar picture featuring adorable dogs. Its storage box is super wrappable, making it the perfect present for under the tree.

22
For the Kid Who Needs a Screen Break: Fun Family Chess Set
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For the Kid Who Needs a Screen Break: Fun Family Chess Set

If your child loves games but needs a screen break, this Fun Family Chess Set ($30, originally $45) is the perfect way for them to hone their chess skills. Even if your child is a beginner, this color-coded, learn-as-you-play set will help them to acquire the knowledge needed to play the game as well as build the critical thinking and strategy skills of more seasoned players.

23
For the Athletic Kid: Nerf Firevision Ignite Football
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For the Athletic Kid: Nerf Firevision Ignite Football

Just because the sun has set doesn't mean your kids have to pack up their outdoor football game. As soon as the Nerf Firevision Ignite Football ($40) is thrown, watch as the whole ball glows with enough intensity to see it at night. It's a fun, unique gift idea for the kid who loves playing sports outdoors.