Preface Preface

• If you know one, you know that 8-year olds are more like teenagers than you remembered. They have already started building cliques and crushing on boys and girls and having strong ideas of what they want to be when they grow up. As shocking as this must be for their parents, it makes it easier for us to lock in on the perfect gifts for 8-year olds. Here's how:

When I Grow Up When I Grow Up

• Usually kids this age have a definite idea of what they want to be when they grow up even if that changes every week. Find out what this week's dream is and help it feel more possible with a gift that expands their knowledge in an age appropriate way.

Friends Rule Friends Rule

• Even if you don't know who their best friend is, you can get them something to share with him or her. There are so many fun "best friend" gifts out there whether it's something they make themselves or comes already beautifully made and packaged.

Hobby Time Hobby Time

• 8-year olds generally have a hobby that they're obsessed with doing from making detailed models to weaving friendship bracelets and you can help them dive deeper into their favorite things with a gift that expands their knowledge and experience.

Get Crafty Get Crafty

• Making things is always fun?even as an adult! This is the age where it really starts to get good and you can help by getting them abstract sets or pre-designed kits to make something new. They'll be showing all of their friends how to do it in no time.

Favorite Characters Unite Favorite Characters Unite

• Kids this age have well established their love of certain characters, brands and movies. Lucky for you there are also an endless supply of licensed goods that makes stellar presents. Or, think outside of the frame and get something that aligns with the favorite character's world or interests but isn't branded.

Don't be Trendy Don't be Trendy

• Unless you are positive that you know exactly what's cool for an 8-year old don't go out on a limb to buy something that you think is trendy. It will inevitably get thrown into the abyss of the back of the closet and no one wants that.