What’s the difference between a meteor and an 8-year-old girl? Eventually, the meteor will crash into something and stop. But little girls, who are just as brilliant and extraordinary as a shooting star, never really stop. If they do, it isn’t long before they pivot to their next interest, passion, or big idea, which can make gift-giving feel like an impossible feat. As the adults in their lives, it can be exhausting trying to find the right toy or gadget, but in the best possible way. The best gifts for your 8-year-old gal will get her on the right track to become a bold, creative, and curious young lady.
We’ve gathered a great assortment of books, STEM projects, games, and toys that encourage creative play and curiosity and that they’re sure to love. And who knows? This gift might be something that sparks a new interest or passion!
HarperCollins “The Ramona Collection” by Beverly Cleary
Ramona Quimby, most beloved character from most beloved author Beverly Cleary, has delighted readers for decades. Your child will giggle reading about all her wacky misadventures over the course of four books: Ramona the Brave, Ramona the Pest, Beezus and Ramona, and, Ramona and Her Father.
What’s better than arts and crafts? Arts and crafts you can play with! The set comes with everything your 8-year-old girl will need to paint and decorate four fun squishy toys. Once they’re dry, they’re all set to squish to their heart’s content! (Why is it so satisfying?!)
Your 8-year-old girl will love making charm bracelets, necklaces, and more with this kit, whether she wants to make gifts for friends and family or just add some panache to her own wardrobe. It includes dozens of beads and charms along with five snake chain bracelets.
A must-have for any Squishmallows fan in your life… and that likely includes your 8-year-old girl. This mystery pack comes with three 8-inch squishmallows. Not knowing who’s going to come live with you is part of the fun.
Remember these? Don’t call it a comeback because they never left. Mix and match different styles for a fashion line that’s all her own.
My kids (plural) have been using this one set for probably about four years and it’s still going strong. Complete with a wide variety of high quality art supplies in a sturdy, cute carrying case, it’s ideal for making masterpieces at home and on the road.
We love a gift that serves more than one purpose, and this kit is a 3-in-1. Part science experiment (watch crystals form on your unicorn statue), part art project (paint the unicorn), and part room decor (display it)—your girl will love it every step of the way.
Learning how to code may sound intimidating, but with the help of friendly robots, your 8-year-old girl will have no problem programming 30 experiments. Arrange a series of cards and the little robots will do as programmed. And who knows, they may just be on their way to a full-on robot army!
We love this line of LEGO builds: three builds in one? We’re sold. And honestly? We would live in any of these adorable designs, from the cozy cottage to the rustic A-frame to the chic townhouse.
A favorite of ’80s and ’90s babies everywhere, the idea behind Simon is very simple: Watch the lights and listen to the sounds made by the machine and then repeat them. As the game goes on, the patterns get faster and more complicated. Can you beat Simon? (And if so, can you tell me how? I’ve been trying for years.)
This is the perfect gift for 8-year-old girls who know there’s nothing more magical than science. These 10 experiments are captivating and designed to be done as magic tricks. She’ll make instant snow, make a coin float, and more.
The object of this game is simple: remove a fuzzy from anywhere in the highly unstable stack and replace it anywhere above where you got it from. The game requires skill and dexterity, and though it only takes 10 minutes, your girl will want to play multiple rounds.
This cool Barbie is full of surprises—in fact, that’s half the fun! Each blind pack includes one mermaid Barbie and a whole bunch of accessories. Dip her in water to reveal her true colors.
Fire-resistant balloons, underwater volcanoes, and sticky molecules are just a few of the more than 52 experiments your 8-year-old girl can enjoy with this chemistry set. This set is perfect for encouraging (or starting) a love and appreciation for science and will provide hours of educational entertainment.
Let them know you love them to the moon and back with this gorgeous, realistic looking night light. They can even customize their moon with an array of colors and brightness. And because it’s rechargeable, there are no disposable batteries or wires necessary.
We love LEGO, but 3-in-1 builds just might be our favorite because it keeps the fun going for longer! Build a peacock, a seahorse, or a unicorn with this colorful and creative set. Just as fun to play with as build (especially the unicorn; our favorite).
For the girl who either knows or needs to be reminded of how absolutely amazing she is, we love this fun subscription box. Each contains four to six fun items with inspirational messages to help young girls gain confidence and achieve their dreams.
What’s better than a fairy? A fairy who’s also a mermaid! Each doll comes in a fairy-sized, light up “jar” and four surprises. You never know who you’re going to get. And there’s another surprise: her color-changing wings!
Perfect for aspiring engineers (or bored kids looking for something new), this building toy comes with nearly 30 electric parts, but can be configured to make more than 100 different projects from a voice-controlled lamp to a mini-siren. No tools required.
