“Toys at this age should match the specifics like and dislikes of the specific individual while still encouraging socialization and imagination,” Dan Mason, a licensed pediatric-focused speech-language pathologist says. We researched and tested the best toys on the market, considering the age range, educational value, and safety features. Based on these factors, our favorite picks include an educational science kit from Scientific Explorer and Crayola’s Make a Beast craft kit to help express his creativity. Here are the best toys for 8-year-old boys. Price at the time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $24 Price at the time of publish: $35
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Price at the time of publish: $50 Price at the time of publish: $17 Price at the time of publish: $18 Price at the time of publish: $40 Price at the time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $22 Price at the time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $26
Price at time of publish: $26 Price at time of publish: $19
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Price at time of publish: $25 Our tester found this toy educational without being boring and able to capture her children’s attention. The realistic-looking materials add to the appeal of this set, making kids feel like real scientists. Guided by straightforward instructions in the activity booklet, kids learn the basics of conducting scientific experiments, chemical reactions, and more. The learning continues with extension questions to keep young ones engaged. The packaging makes cleanup easy, and the affordable price point makes this a no-brainer buy. However, our tester noted that this set does require additional items that aren’t included. She also wished the ingredient bags were resealable for easy repeated use. Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $14 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $60 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $23 Price at time of publish: $34 Price at time of publish: $11
Price at the time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at the time of publish: $54 Price at time of publish: $30
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Price at time of publish: $34
Safety
This is the perfect time to start talking to your child about safety and giving them the chance to take some responsibility for meeting safety guidelines of their new toys, such as wearing eye protection when playing with a chemistry set or wearing a helmet or knee pads with an outdoor toy. You can even get them involved by letting them pick out their stylish protective gear.
Educational Value
Look for a toy that can introduce a new skill to your 8-year old boy. STEM toys that are tailored for a budding scientist or engineer are a great way to get your child excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. Look for something with hands-on components that they can manipulate and build for the greatest learning experience. Educational toys should also be fun, especially for this age group. Teacher and literary coach Alicia Drozd recommends incorporating play and learning together. “Make the learning more playful,” she says. This can be anything from becoming word detectives to playing a game together.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Additional reporting was done by Caroline Utz, the associate editorial director for The Spruce.
