50 Of The Best Toys & Gifts For 8 Year Old Boys

Dual Basketball Shooters are one of our very favorite arcade games to play, mainly because they allow for exciting, 1v1 basketball combat between friends and siblings. The Pop-A-Shot Dual Basketball Game brings all the competitive action of the arcade version to your own home, giving kids a chance to hone their skills without ever having to leave the house. An electronic sensor system will count the score as kids race against either time or another player to achieve the highest score. An adjustable metal frame means that even people with lower ceilings don’t have to worry about whether or not this will fit.

If you really want to knock it out of the park with your next gift, the Nintendo Switch is a pretty good place to start. This state-of-the-art video game console has sold tens of millions of units all over the world, and offers some of the most advanced game play ever. This is a system that has its own HD screen, making high-definition game play possible anywhere in the world.  Or, connect the Switch to your smart television and enjoy large-scale gaming with the switch as your remote. With multiple configurations, settings, and games, the Switch is a guaranteed smile for any kid.

For the discerning 8 year old, there is almost nothing better in the whole wide world than the opportunity to blast a friend or sibling with an old-fashioned foam dart. Nerf is the clear choice when it comes to foam-based battling, and the AR-L Elite Fortnite Nerf Blaster is one of the coolest new ways to get into the game. This blaster is a faithful replica based on the wildly popular Fortnite video game, something that just about any 8 year old is pretty much guaranteed to me intimately familiar with. 2 flip-up scopes and an acceleration button are some new features that make this one of the most advanced Nerf toys yet.

Any good 8-year old boy should be trained in the art of medieval warfare, and the best way to do that in a safe way is to let them design and build their very own siege weapon. The Catapult Wars Building Kit is the latest release from Boy Craft, a company that knows that the best toys for 8-year olds are the ones that will challenge their natural desire to create and construct. This kit includes everything needed to build two different catapults, along with a dynamic sticker sheet to make customized launchers. Perfect as either a 2-person toy or for individual play, the Catapult Wars are sure to capture your kid’s attention.

Every child goes through a phase where they become interested in the Arcane Arts, and 8-year old boys are perhaps even more susceptible to the mystical draw of magic. This “>Deluxe Magic Set is not only a great way to introduce your child to the fun of magic performance, but it is also made by Melissa & Doug, one toy company that has set itself apart from the competition with their dedication to making safe, non-toxic, educational toys for kids of all ages. With 10 classic tricks and a step-by-step learning guide, this kit will have your kid well on their way to becoming the next great stage magician.

You can call it a hoverboard or you can just call it a 2-wheel scooter, but either way, the Hovertrax 2.0 is one of the most exciting modes of transportation for young boys. Make by the scooter professionals at Razor, this 2-wheeld device is entirely self-balancing, making it possible to zip around in the standing position without having to worry about losing your balance.  It can hold a maximum of 220 pounds, making this a toy that isn’t going to become obsolete as your boy continues to grow. Equipped with bright LED lights and a special training-mode ride system, the Hovertrax 2.0 is also one of the safest self-balancing scooters out there.

When it comes to STEM toys and activities, it doesn’t get much more exciting and education than the JuniorScope, a beginner-level scientific microscope made by Omano. Unlike the kids’ microscopes that are recommended for younger age groups, this is a real microscope with three different magnification levels, as well as everything needed to experience the microscopic world in a scientific way. Everything from slides & dyes to droppers & guides are included in this full-featured kit, all of which is powered by a mere 3 AA batteries. A bright LED bulb makes it really easy to see everything.

While most RC cars can be a bit farfetched in terms of design, the Lamborghini Aventador Remote Control Car from Qun Feng is a whole new breed of RC vehicle, utilizing an officially licensed Lamborghini design for one of the most authentic, true-to-life toy car designs that we have ever seen. This little electronic racer has high-quality rubber wheels and blazing fast motor that is capable if hitting speeds as fast as 10 miles per hour. One full charge offers hours of fun, and real light-up headlights are the icing on the Lamborghini-shaped cake.

A good wood burning kit is a surprisingly affordable way to take your kid’s artistic skills to the next level. These pyrotechnic pens lets kids burn letters, numbers, and designs into wood plaques and panels. This kit from PETUOL also includes 37 different welding and embossing tips, which is by far the most we have ever seen with a wood burning kit. The pen itself has variable heat modes, which is a good feature for beginners who are not yet ready to utilize the quick-burning maximum heat setting. A travel case makes it possible to take this kit along inside any backpack … perfect for the young creative who is on-the-go.

It might sound like we’re being hyperbolic, but the truth is, Laser Tag is perhaps the most exciting multiplayer adventure game out there. Using electronic laser guns and vests, Kids are able to enter into sprawling laser battles, whether it is 2v2 or an all-out free for all of laser domination. Each gun has four different power settings, allowing kids to modify certain battle details such as how powerful their shots are and how accurate their lasers are. Guaranteed to keep them all entertained while burning off all that excess energy, Laser Tag is the perfect game for parties and get-togethers.

Everybody loves darts, but not everybody loves the holes that darts will put in the drywall. This problem is easily solved with the Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board, an innovative way to make Darts into a game that is safe for any age group, as well as any room in the house. The magnetic board face features a realistic rendition of a real dart board, allowing for accurate game play that is just like the real thing. The weighted tips of the included magnetic darts (6x) allows them to fly very similar to real darts, and provides good practice for any kid who is considering going pro in the future.

Almost every 8 year old boy knows how fun it is to ride on a Razor brand scooter, if for no other reason than that the brand has been around for decades, and these days there is hardly a park or playground without at leas a few Razor scooters flying around. Now, the smooth-riding experience of the scooter is available in an electric-powered motorized version. This little speedster can hit speeds of up to 10 miles per hour with its compact, lightweight electric motor. An integrated handle brake allows for soft, safe braking that will not throw your kid off balance. The rubber air-filled front tire is a significant upgrade from the original Razor scooters, making for a much smoother ride.

While the Pin Art frame toy hasn’t changed a bit in decades, it still offers the same brand of unique creative fun that has a special hands-on element that no other toy can really emulate. It works with a large matrix of movable pins which are stubbed on each side so they can’t fall out. By pressing shapes or figures into the pins and then standing the frame on its side, kids can create unique artistic expressions. Anytime they want to start over, simply put the Pin Art Frame on its back and the pins will be reset.

It’s fair to say that Razor has come a long way with their scooter designs, if the look and functionality of their new Electric Tricycle is any indicator. This electric-powered ride-on tricycle is one of the most futuristic rides that your 8-year old can get, offering a blazing fast motor and a dynamic steering system that makes it possible to spin and drift without any fear of falling over. A hand-operating braking system makes it possible to come to a safe gradual stop, and a thick rubber wheel handles road imperfections without any issue.

Based on the bestselling puzzle game Rubik’s Cube, the Rubik’s Race Board Game is a new twist on the classic twist & solve style of game play that was first introduced by the Rubik’s Cube. This game will challenge players to slide around familiar colored tiles so solve a series of different puzzles before their opponent. There are several different modes of game play, meaning that this isn’t one of those toys that is only good for a single afternoon. Additionally, the hands-on tile-shifting fun makes it possible to come up with new games and challenges on the fly, boosting both creativity and problem-solving skills in the meantime.

If you haven’t experienced the exciting game play of Simon, then you and your kid are both missing out! This classic electronic game has four different brightly colored panels that will light up in different sequences. The point of the game is to match the computer’s sequences by pressing on the colored buttons. Sound simple? You will be surprised at how hard it is to complete the challenge at higher levels. This new model also integrates a new score-keeping function, allowing kids to keep track of their high scores over time. Multi-player functionality is one of the reasons that this game has remained popular for so many years, so it’s great for the multi-child household.

Ever wonder why Board Games have always been so … 2-Dimensional? Well, the folks over at PlaSmart seemed to have been wondering that very thing when they were designing Squashed, an amazing new board game that takes advantage of all 3 physical dimensions to create an exciting and memorable play experience that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. While the strategy of Squashed is easy to learn and quick to understand, multiple game modes can make the strategies even more challenging for more advanced players. As winner of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair Young Inventor Award, this toy has been quickly climbing the chart of bestselling toys for 8-year olds.

Foosball is one of the few arcade-style games that has enough action and energy to keep even the most active 8-year olds totally engaged. Until recently, the fun and competitive play of Foosball has only been available in arcades and restaurants, but it is now reworked into a tabletop form that can be played anywhere in the house, even on the living room floor. The game comes fully assembled, which makes it possible to enjoy all the action and excitement right out of the box without any additional hassle. Even in its compact form, Foosball is great for anywhere from 2 to 4 players.

One of the most iconic video game characters of all time is back in an all new way, and he is tinier and more portable than ever! Pac-Man, the yellow dot-munching hero, will have to watch out for ghosts as he cruises around the game screen, controlled by a tiny finger-operated joystick. This little arcade-style game is small enough to fit in your pocket, so it can be played absolutely anywhere that your kid may find themselves. The programming is true to the original version, featuring ongoing multi-level play, just like you would find in the arcade.

There is almost nothing more natural to the average 8-year old boy than wrestling, which for our species has served as both play and important physical development for hundreds of thousands of years. That’s perhaps why the world of WWE Wrestling has become such a popular line of toys, offering little plastic wrestler figures based on the popular real-life wrestling stars. This WWE Raw Toy Wrestling Ring gives them all a place to test their skills, with realistic rubber ropes and a spring-loaded mat for realistic body slamming action. Don’t forget to buy a few WWE Raw Wrestlers to go along with the ring!

Any good Harry Potter fan will include the iconic Whomping Willow in their list of the most iconic scenes from the franchise, and now, it is possible to relive all the excitement and danger of this living tree with a matching LEGO set. This 753 piece kit works with all other Lego blocks, and is advanced enough to keep even the experienced Lego builder busy for hours at a time. For Lego collectors, the best part of this set is the six included minifigures: Harry, Ron, Hermoine, Seamus, Argus, and Snape, as well as a cool toy Hedwig owl. Aside from the Willow itself, the set also includes a portion of the famous Hogwarts castle to add to the rendition of this hugely popular fantasy world.

When it comes to siege weapons, the catapult is one of the most destructive options, and it is now available in a fun and harmless tabletop version made by the toy experts at Hog Wild Toys. This little plastic catapult uses a thick rubber strap to provide the tension needed to hurl a plastic foam ball as far as 30 feet, all with a mere hand-powered draw. The launch pad has three suction cups to attach to any smooth surface, like desks and tables, and the upper apparatus pivots easily to adjust the targeted aim.

If it’s an 8-year old boy that you are shopping for, then one of the most sure-fire toys that you can possible choose is a remote controlled car. These RC toys are faster than ever and can provide hours of blazing entertainment with only a single charge. The Amphibious RC Car from Pussan brings it to an entirely new level, offering a fully-amphibious construction that works on both water and land. The jumbo rubber tires not only allow the car to float, but they have wide paddles on the rims that allow for propulsion in the pool, lake, or ocean. The trigger-style remote is easy to use and provides for a remarkably responsive control style.

Gotham City would be in serious trouble without the watchful eye of Batman, and the Dark Knight himself wouldn’t get very far without the help of his trusty Batmobile. Now, this iconic super-hero vehicle is available in a supercharged Lego format, offering a real electric motor and working wheels that are controlled by an App. A batman minifigure is included to complete the set, as well as a few of his favorite bat-gadgets to help him clean up the city. At 321 pieces, this is a more advanced building kit that is perfectly suited to the growing intellect of the average 8 year old. Check out more batman toys here!

When we were young, computer programming was something that was reserved for rocket scientists. Now, it’s something that a kit can learn on any given Saturday morning, with the dynamic, friendly assistance of Artie 3000, the newest and coolest programming toy robot on the block. This little robot likes to draw, but he is going to need your kid’s help in programming his final design. Several pre-programmed designs will teach your kids the basics, while the more advanced little coders can start experimenting with real-world coding languages like Python and Java Script. This MENSA-approved toy is one of the best-selling STEM-based toys on our list … guaranteed to kick start your kid’s ongoing intellectual journey.

The Basketball Laundry Hamper by Bundaloo is one of those toys that parents will appreciate as much as kids. The concept here is simple: a classic hoop & backboard is lines with a long net that is closed on the bottom, providing a fun way for your kid to keep their dirty clothes off the floor. By turning this basic chore into an exciting challenge, parents can not only encourage their boy’s interest in basketball, but also help them maintain a clean living space. Bundaloo also offers a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee, a nice bonus in today’s day and age. Some online retailers also offer customized versions, allowing you to print the boy’s name across the back board.

K’NEX building blocks are extremely popular for kids in the range of 8 years old, not only because of how easy they are to use, but also because of the staggering amount of different possibilities that they provide. The Battle Bow is a K’NEX brand building kit that let’s boys build their very own working Bow, complete with a firing mechanism that can launch a harmless foam dart into the air at incredible speeds. With a couple of different formations possible with this set, you can rest assured that your kid will get plenty of use out of it. When they’re done, all the pieces can go into their larger K’NEX building collection, adding to the possibilities.

Kids who have not yet experienced the excitement of Beyblade have a lot to look forward to with the Beyblade Rail Rush Battle Set, a great starter kit for anyone who is new to the hugely-popular battle spinner series of toys. In summary, Beyblade lets kids face off against one another in a high-speed battle system that is inspired by the animated TV series of the same name. The spinning Beyblade tops are ripped into high-speed action, and every time they clash against one another there is a chance of breaking your opponent’s blade into multiple pieces. If this happens, simply mark down the points, reassemble your Beyblade, and keep the action going!

The magic of flight is never more readily accessible than it is with a good old-fashioned paper airplane, and the Book Of Paper Airplanes Kit from Klutz makes it even more exciting. This book not only has 40 sheets of custom-designed folding paper, but an additional 56 page instruction guide that includes the folding plans for some of the coolest, fastest, and longest-gliding planes that are possible. The instruction book is crystal clear and vividly printed, making it easy to create any of the included designed without the hassle of having to translate complicated schematics.

There is no disagreeing with the fact that boys love toy cars, but as they get older, it becomes more and more difficult to find new models that will hold their love and attention. The Build & Paint Wooden Cars Set by Made by Me lets boys paint their very own wooden speedsters before setting them loose on the track. This kit includes three wooden templates, each one equipped with smooth-riding wooden wheels designed to go fast. There is also a 5-color paint kit and brush, letting children come up with their own exciting designs for the exterior of the car.

Since its original release many decades ago, the Rubik’s Cube has been one of Hasbro’s best-selling toys, and has provided thoughtful, puzzle-based play to children all over the world. The challenge here is simple: get every size of the mysterious cube to chow the same color. It might sound easy, but your kid will be surprised at how difficult it can be to solve the puzzle. Once the puzzle is solved however, your kid will be able to impress and amaze their friends with their new-found power. Included with this new model is a cool display stand that holds the cube at an attractive angle.

The young Cowboys fan in your life will love this crisp pack of Officially Licensed NFL playing cards, featuring the colors and logos of your kid’s favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys. Whether it is a tailgating party or a pre-game round of Go Fish, these cards make endless entertaining games quickly possible. At the standard size of 2.5” x 3.5”, decks can be combined for games that require a lot more cards. Not a fan of the Dallas Cowboys? Then select from 26 different team-based designs to find your favorite. A pack of cards is only a few bucks, so they make a great party favor or stocking stuffer for kids.

Snap Circuits has been making some of the best STEM and engineering-based toys for boys for years now, and their snap-together kits have only been getting more and more popular. The Electronics Exploration Kit makes it possible to build over 100 different electronic circuit projects, each one taught in a step-by-step way that makes it easy to learn the basics of electronic circuits. No tools at all are needed … each component snaps together in a safe and satisfying way. Everything from photo circuits to flashing lights and sounds makes this the kind of toy that only becomes more interesting the longer that it is played with.

Boys are naturally attracted to things like Bows & Arrows, as this has likely been the case for hundreds of thousands of years. There might be no more woolly mammoths for our species to worry about, but our interest in the Bow & Arrow has not seemed to dwindle. Now, kids can experience the sharpshooting fun of a bow in a safe, foam-based format with the Marky Sparky Faux Bow 3. These soft-tipped arrows will fly easily from the bow, and the pull-back handle is easier to grip than just the bow string alone. The upper part of the bow includes holding clips for up to six arrows, providing for fast reloading action for any Nerf battle.

If there is one video game out there that it feels like every kid plays, it is Fortnite, the bright and colorful 1^st person shooter. Now, the folks at Fortnite are teaming up with Nerf to create a cartoon replica of the video game’s signature rocket launcher. This toy plastic blaster will propel a thick foam missile out of the front of the cannon at high speeds, all without any batteries necessary. The blaster comes with 2 different Nerf rockets, each one with a safe foam tip and a non-toxic construction that has been approved for both performance and quality.

The Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game is one of the newest STEM-based toys from the professionals at Think Fun. Part construction toy and part puzzle, Marble Run challenges kids to construct, modify, and solve a series of pre-designed movement puzzles. The goal is to get the marble safely to the exit point, but there are dozens of different ways to play, including making your own towers and runs and simply having fun watching the marbles bounce around inside the brightly colored plastic chambers. There are 60 challenges included in an easy-to-read guide … enough for any kid to master the kit before going on to their own creations.

One of the reasons that K’NEX building components can be considered superior to Lego brand building blocks is because of the different dimensions that they allow in the building process. In other words, K’NEX sets & components are great for building unique 3-Dimensionsal toys, with an assortment that is only limited by the builder’s imagination. The Mega Boom Building Set let’s kids build a few different variations on the same Mega Blasting rocket toy, which has the capability to fire foam darts with a spring-loaded firing system. Or, they can use the included blocks in tandem with their existing K’NEX set to create whatever they can dream of!

Never heard of Poi? This Hawaiian-inspired activity involves the rapid swinging of lights on the end of string or rope. While this was originally performed with fire, these cool new PodPoi swingers utilize LED lights that are not only bright, but that can be customized with different colors and patterns, making it possible to create extraordinary visual patterns in the night sky or a dark playroom. Totally USB-chargeable, these Poi swingers require no batteries and have enough life in them to keep the party going for hours at a time.  Included in the box are the USB charge cables and a durable carrying bag to keep the PodPois safe from damage.

Here we have a Lego kit that goes beyond the traditional open-style play by including a few new tricks and features. The LEGO Chain Reactions Building Kit is an award-winning STEM toy for 8-year olds that allows kids to construct from 10 different modules, each one full of motion, excitement, and “chain-reaction” fun. The 30 included Lego element pieces can be used with any other Lego set, but they are perhaps most fun when snapped into one of the ball-rolling configurations that are described in the step-by-step guide. Everything from elevator ramps to battle spinners can be made with these, meaning that it is now possible to get more from your Lego bricks!

The Marvel Universe is perhaps the most widely popular franchises of all time, and has appealed to kids the world over because if its exciting depiction of the best superheroes around. This 4-pack of kids’ socks features 4 of the coolest masked heroes of all time, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk. With almost enough pairs for an entire school week, this is a great way for your kid to display their love of heroes in a save and comfortable way. They are also durable and machine washable … the perfect addition to the growing hero’s wardrobe.

The self-balancing scooter-style hoverboard by TOMOLOO is changing the nature of the dance party forever. This awesome little vehicle can support a maximum of 265 pounds, meaning that your kid is never going to outgrow it. The pink and blue neon lights can be programmed to activate to the rhythm of your favorite tunes, making for a jam-packed afternoon of cruising & rocking. Everything is powered by a rechargeable battery, making it 100% electric. There is a full 12 month warranty on the Hoverboard, and from what we have read online the TOMOLOO team is known for their rapid and friendly customer service team.

The B-ball experts at Spalding have been making the best gear for pros and amateurs alike, but the Over-The-Door Basketball Hoop is one product that is sure to please regardless of the player’s skill level. This professional-looking door-hanging hoop is mounted on a clear poly-carbonate backboard. A thick rubber lining sits between the door and the backboard, not only dampening the sound but also protecting the door from unnecessary damage. The breakaway steel rim makes it possible to practice some light dunking while also preventing unexpected breakage of the poly-carbonate board. It even comes with a mini 5-inch basketball that is perfect for indoor play.

Whether your kid has been playing the Pokemon Card game for years or if they are new to the adventure, the Lycanroc GX Box is a great gift for any 8-year old. This collection comes with 4 booster packs for the hugely popular Pokemon Trading Card Game. Each pack contains a randomized collection of 10 trading cards, sometimes including the rare and highly sought-after foil cards. The kit also has a signature Lycanroc GX foil card as a guarantee, displaying the mythical Pokemon atop a foil-backed collector card that also works with the card game.

For kids of any age, there is no single thing more wondrous and inspiring than the night sky. Encourage your young astronomer to embark on a life-long journey of astronomical discovery with the Gskyer Refractor Telescope for kids. This advanced telescope has some of the coolest features you can find on an entry-level telescope, including a smartphone adapter, a wireless remote, and a durable carrying bag that can allow your kid to take the whole set just about anywhere. With a lifetime maintenance policy, this is one of the more reliable science toys to get for the boy who might be astronomically inclined.

For decades, the Razor brand scooter has been one of the most popular ways for kids to get around, whether it is cruising down the sidewalk or doing sick jumps at the local skate park. The A5 is one of their most classic models, offering and adjustable handlebar, dynamic folding mechanism, a kickstand, and enlarged 200mm urethane wheels that make for a super-smooth ride. While older scooters would have a hard time with rocks, pebbles, and cracks in the pavement, this one rolls over all of them with ease. Built for slightly taller riders, the A5 is the kind of toy that your 8-year old might have for many years to come as they continue to grow.

While remote controlled cars have been all the rage among 8 year olds for decades now, not a single one yet has provided the kind of battle-ready action and all-terrain compatibility that is offered by the Robo Trax RC Tank, and Air Hogs toy that lets your kid bring the fun into any situation. This outdoor military crawler utilized a pair of thick rubber tracks that allow it to move over all sorts of surfaces, as opposed to some RC cars that require smooth payment to reach their full potential. Kids will particularly love the integrated missile launcher … the perfect way to blast the competition with the press of a button.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has never been as popular as it is right now. Young Wizards, be them from Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, can now show their love for J.K. Rowling’s magical world with their very own Wizard Training Wand, an electronic toy that can teach your kid to cast 11 different magical spells. The spells are based on a blend of movement and buttons, making for a fun ongoing challenge that takes some time to master. Choose from different wand styles including the ones used by your kid’s favorite characters, like Dumbledore, Harry, Hermoine, and Voldemort.

NERF is known for their iconic foam battle systems, and the Elite series Strongarm Blaster is one of the most affordable and compact ways to experience all the excitement. This barrel-loading blaster can hold a total of 6 darts, providing for high-octane rapid fire action. The flip-open barrel is easy to load, and the gun comes with 6 darts for immediate out-of-the-box play. With the new SlamFire system, blasting out all six darts is a matter of seconds makes it possible to dominate any Nerf battlefield. An easy-to-open and fully recyclable package is a nice bonus for the environmentally conscious.

One of the newest modes of kids’ transportation is also one of the most exciting, and we’re sure that this kind of thing is only going to become more and more popular in the years to come. The EzyRoller Ride-On Toy is what you would call a “kid-powered” vehicle, meaning that it doesn’t need any motor or batteries in order to reach impressive speeds. Instead, kids will place their feet on the pivoting foot bar and alternate kicks, making the front wheel crawl forward each time. Just like pedaling a bike, the EzyRoller will go as fast as your kid wants it to, and can come to a safe and rapid stop with a pull of the handbrake.

Curling and Bowling are some of the most engaging games out there, but neither of them can be played unless you have access to a lot of space and specialized equipment. Not anymore! Elite Sports Equipment has set out to solve this problem with a series of compact, portable, and lightweight games that create the real experience in the comfort of your own home. These roll-up platforms can support either curling or bowling depending on which model you select at checkout … either one is a guaranteed way to add some unique excitement to your kid’s afternoon.