Top Toys for Kids Ages 8-10 in 2024: Spark Imagination and Fuel Learning Through Play

Perplexus Rebel

Challenge yourself this holiday season with the Perplexus Rebel—the ultimate 3D maze puzzle that promises endless fun and excitement! Perfect for ages 8 and up, this maze toy pushes spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and concentration to the limit. With 70 intricate obstacles to conquer, players must flip, twist, and spin their way through the maze, navigating tricky challenges like the "Igloo," "Terrible Tube," and "Scary Stairs" without losing track.

To play, simply turn the Perplexus Rebel 360 degrees, guiding the ball along a numbered track. But beware! If your ball falls, you'll need to head back to the start and try again, making this an addictive challenge for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. The continuous loops and bends create an immersive experience that keeps players engaged and eager to complete each stage.

Perfect for promoting problem-solving skills and patience, Perplexus Rebel makes an ideal holiday gift. Whether it’s a stocking stuffer or a gift under the tree, kids (and adults!) will enjoy hours of screen-free fun, perfect for family game nights or solo play.

Take on the challenge and flip, twist, and turn your way to victory with Perplexus Rebel!

Recommended Age: 8+

Fashion Angels 2000+ Friendship Bracelet Bead Set

The 2000+ Beads Super Set by Fashion Angels is the ultimate gift for the creative child who loves expressing themselves through hands-on activities! With over 2000 vibrant, assorted beads and 10 yards of elastic, the design possibilities are endless! Kids can create custom bracelets, necklaces, rings, and more. Perfect for sharing personalized, DIY gifts with friends and family.

This kit is ideal for kids 8 years and up, providing a fun, play-based way to develop fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. The set includes a variety of metallic, alphabet, rainbow, star, and heart beads to spark imagination, making it perfect for creating unique, personalized jewellery.

With the included portable case, children can even take their bead projects on the go, ensuring hours of creativity wherever they are. The elastic cord allows them to make 40-45 bracelets depending on the design, making this kit perfect for group crafting or individual creations.

This bead set is not only fun but fosters valuable skills such as pattern recognition and design thinking, all while being a screen-free, tactile activity! It's a must-have for any young creator looking to add a little sparkle to their jewellery collection this holiday season.

Recommended Age: 8+

Taco Puck Maple Syrup Canoe

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is back with new characters and new rules and a Canadian twist eh?

As in Snap and Dobble, each player places a card from their hand face up into a community pile while saying taco/puck/maple/syrup/canoe in the player sequence. When the card matches the mantra — boom! — everyone slaps their hand on the deck, with the last one to slap picking up the cards. Whoever rids themselves of cards first wins!

The entire deck is split between 2-8 players, who then place their individual stack of cards face-down in front of them. Each person takes a turn flipping a card face-up on a pile in the middle while saying the words “Taco,” “Puck,” “Maple,” “Syrup,” “Canoe” — in that order. If the card in the middle matches the word being spoken, the players race to slap their hands down on top of all the cards. Whoever is last must add the entire stack to their own set of cards. The winner is the person who gets rid of all their cards first.

For extra fun, special action cards force players to make certain gestures before racing to slap the deck!

Recommended Ages 8+

Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Kit

Take marble run fun to new heights—literally! The Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Kit is an innovative way to explore physics and engineering. Unlike traditional marble runs, Gecko Run allows you to build limitless configurations on vertical surfaces like doors, windows, cupboards, and more. With this kit, smooth surfaces become part of the track, and flexible pieces stick using clever, non-glue nano pads. This means no sticky residue, no damage, and endless creative possibilities!

Kids and adults alike can experiment with creating dynamic, ever-changing tracks. Watch marbles zip, bounce, and twist as you design hills, jumps, and turns. This hands-on play supports STEAM learning, fostering problem-solving, creativity, and motor skills development. Whether building independently or combining with expansion packs, the Gecko Run will keep kids engaged for hours as they invent and refine their marble runs.

Why it makes the perfect holiday gift:

1. Limitless Configurations – No two runs are ever the same, making this the gift that keeps on giving.
2. Mess-Free Fun – The non-glue nano pads are easy to reposition, leaving no sticky residue behind.
3. Sustainable Materials – Made from renewable raw materials, it's an eco-friendly option for creative play.
4. STEAM Learning – Kids can explore physics, engineering, and problem-solving while having fun.
5. Simple Set-Up – Build quickly on any smooth surface and create thrilling tracks that reach new heights.

The Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Kit is the ideal holiday gift for curious minds and budding engineers aged 8+. Build taller, experiment more, and experience endless fun with this unique vertical marble run!

Recommended Ages 8+

See the full Gecko Run collection complete with accesory sets here

Find Finley by Fat Brain Toys

An epic game of hide-and-seek meets detective work in Find Finley by Fat Brain Toys! Finley, the mischievous rascal, is on the loose in a vast adventure park, and it's up to you to track him down. But there’s a twist—you’ll need clues to locate him, and your fellow players aren’t eager to share! This game of deduction is perfect for young detectives eager to test their logic, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

In Find Finley, players take turns reading clues, swapping information, and studying the adventure park map to narrow down Finley’s whereabouts. You’ll need to be quick-witted and sharp to outsmart your fellow detectives and be the first to crack the case. Guess right, and you win; guess wrong, and you're out of the game!

Why it makes the perfect holiday gift:

1. Interactive and Engaging – This game fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making, offering hours of fun for family and friends.
2. Brain-Boosting Play – Kids enhance their logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills as they gather clues and deduce Finley's location.
3. Inclusive Fun for All Ages – With simple rules and thrilling gameplay, this is a fantastic option for mixed-age groups, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
4. Quality Time – Encourage screen-free play and bond with family members over this exciting mystery-solving adventure.

Game Details:

• Suitable for ages 8+
• 2 to 4 players
• 20 to 45 minutes of gameplay
• Includes a 30x30-inch map, investigator notepad, 4 pencils, challenge and intelligence cards

This exciting game of logic and deduction is a perfect gift for budding detectives, keeping them entertained while boosting essential cognitive skills. Add Find Finley by Fat Brain Toys to your holiday gift list and watch the fun unfold!

Recommended Ages 8+

Trio Card Game

Looking for a clever card game full of surprises? The Trio Card Game is the perfect blend of fun, strategy, and excitement, making it an ideal gift for the holiday season. This game encourages memory skills, quick thinking, and a bit of luck, offering a fantastic experience for family game nights or gatherings with friends.

How to Play: The objective is simple—find three of a kind! Players take turns revealing two cards, either from the middle of the deck or by asking another player for their highest or lowest card. If you reveal a matching pair, you get to keep playing. Find a third matching card to complete a trio and collect it! But if the cards don’t match, they go back, and it’s the next player's turn. With every turn, memory and strategy come into play as you try to recall which cards have been revealed, inching closer to victory.

Why It Makes a Perfect Holiday Gift:

1. Fun for All Ages – Suitable for players 8 years and up, Trio is a quick and enjoyable game that bridges generations, making it perfect for family gatherings during the holidays.
2. Easy to Learn, Endless Fun – The simple rules make it easy for new players to join in the fun right away, but the element of memory and luck adds layers of strategy, ensuring every round is unique and exciting.
3. Compact and Portable – Its compact size makes it ideal for travel or as an on-the-go game during holiday visits to friends and family.
4. Encourages Learning Through Play – Trio promotes important cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and decision-making in a way that feels like pure fun.

Game Details:

• Contents: 36 colourful cards and rules of play
• Age: 8 and up
• Players: 3 to 6

With a bit of luck and some sharp memory skills, winning is as easy as 1, 2, 3! This fast-paced card game makes a wonderful gift for holidays, offering hours of fun and competition for all.

Recommended Age: 8+

GraviTrax Starter Set

Unleash the excitement of gravity-driven action with the GraviTrax Starter Set! Perfect for children ages 8-10, this interactive track system lets kids design and build dynamic marble runs, experimenting with gravity, magnetism, and kinetic energy to reach the finish line. Equipped with a variety of tiles, levels, tracks, and other elements, this starter set encourages open-ended play and creativity. Kids can follow instructions or invent their own thrilling tracks, making each marble run unique.

GraviTrax fosters essential STEM skills like problem-solving, engineering, and critical thinking in a fun, hands-on way. It’s not just about building tracks; it’s about exploring cause and effect, learning persistence, and developing spatial reasoning skills. Ideal for solo play or group fun, GraviTrax also enhances social and emotional development as children navigate challenges and celebrate their engineering successes. Watch their confidence soar as they push the boundaries of their creativity!

Recommended Age: 8+

Love what you are seeing? Good news, we have an entire collection of amazing GraviTrax sets for all ages here

Snap Circuits Flight Deck

Launch into the fascinating world of science and engineering with the Snap Circuits Flight Deck! This STEM-powered kit makes learning about aerodynamics, electricity, and physics both engaging and fun. Perfect for children aged 8 and up, the Flight Deck allows kids to create and launch paper airplanes, activate aerial stunts, and explore six exciting hands-on projects that challenge their understanding of how the world works.

Why It’s the Perfect Gift:

• STEM Learning Through Play: This kit combines science, technology, engineering, and math into fun-filled projects that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Interactive & Educational: Through activities like building a motor circuit to launch flying saucers and designing artistic patterns on a spinning wheel, kids get to explore complex concepts in a fun, approachable way.
• Encourages Independent Learning: The easy-to-follow instructions allow children to build projects on their own, boosting their confidence as they discover the science of electricity and aerodynamics.

Usage Ideas:

• Build, Explore, and Play: Create paper airplanes and watch them soar, launch ping pong balls into the air, and explore air pressure by levitating balls over a fan. The kit provides hours of endless discovery.
• Engage in STEM Challenges: Perfect for after-school activities or holiday play sessions, the Snap Circuits Flight Deck introduces kids to fundamental STEM concepts in a fun, hands-on way.
• Great for Solo or Group Play: Whether working independently or with friends, kids will love experimenting and learning how to apply science to real-world scenarios.

Packed with endless learning opportunities, the Snap Circuits Flight Deck is the perfect gift to encourage a love for science, engineering, and innovation. Build, create, and let your imagination soar!

Recommended Ages 8+

SIXEM

Get ready for fast-paced fun and competition with SIXEM, the ultimate high-intensity dice game for family and friends! Perfect for ages 8 and up, this game combines strategy, speed, and a little bit of luck to keep everyone on their toes.

Why It’s the Perfect Gift:

• Family Fun for the Holidays: SIXEM is a great game to bring out at holiday gatherings, offering hours of laughter and excitement as players race to complete their patterns.
• Easy to Learn, Hard to Master: The rules are simple—spin the wheel, roll the dice, and match the pattern—but the strategy behind winning adds an extra layer of challenge. Will you play to win or sabotage your opponents’ boards?
• Interactive and Engaging: This game encourages critical thinking, pattern recognition, and quick decision-making, making it not only fun but educational as well.

Usage Ideas:

• Roll and Match: Spin the wheel to reveal the pattern, and roll the dice to complete six Xs in a row on your board.
• Strategic Sabotage: If you're feeling competitive, remove Xs from your opponents' boards to slow them down and improve your chances of winning.
• Perfect for Group Play: SIXEM is ideal for up to 6 players, making it a go-to game for family game nights, parties, or holiday gatherings.

This thrilling dice game is designed to keep everyone engaged, making it the perfect holiday gift for families who love competitive and strategic fun. Fast, fun, and endlessly replayable—SIXEM will become an instant classic in your game collection!

Recommended Age 10+

National Geographic Pottery Wheel

Ignite your child's creativity this holiday season with the National Geographic Pottery Wheel Explorer Series! This engaging pottery kit offers hours of fun and learning, making it a perfect gift for any budding artist.

Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Gift:

• Hands-On STEAM Learning: Combining science, art, and tactile play, this pottery wheel encourages kids to explore their creative side while learning about ceramics and the art of pottery.
• Complete Pottery Kit: With 3 pounds of air-dry clay, shaping and decorating tools, six vibrant paint colours, and polished gemstone chips, children have everything they need to create stunning works of art.
• Innovative Design: The pottery wheel's adjustable-speed motor and two-way rotation allow for controlled, precise crafting, and the integrated arm tool with swappable heads makes centering, opening, and shaping clay easy for beginners.
• Hours of Fun and Learning: Children will be inspired to experiment with different shaping techniques, whether they're making bowls, vases, plates, or any other creation their imagination can dream up.

Usage Ideas and Benefits:

• Develop Fine Motor Skills: Working with clay helps children build hand-eye coordination and develop fine motor skills.
• Fosters Creativity and Self-Expression: Kids can explore their own unique designs, turning simple clay into personalized pieces of art.
• Supports STEAM Learning: The pottery wheel introduces children to science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts as they learn about pottery techniques and materials.
• Perfect for Group or Solo Play: Ideal for solo crafting or a fun group activity during holiday gatherings.

What's Included:

• 3 pounds of air-dry clay
• Shaping and decorating tools
• 6 vibrant paint colours
• 3 types of gemstone chips
• Detailed instructions and learning guide

Whether for holiday gifting or a birthday surprise, the National Geographic Pottery Wheel Explorer Series is a unique, fun, and educational toy that fosters creativity and learning. Let kids explore the world of pottery and create beautiful masterpieces with their own hands!

Recommended Age 10+

Bionic Robotic Arm

Get ready to embrace the future of robotics with the Bionic Robotic Arm from Thames & Kosmos! This extraordinary STEM toy offers a hands-on exploration of engineering, mechanics, and biomimicry, making it the perfect gift for budding engineers and innovators this holiday season.

Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Gift:

• Innovative STEM Learning: This advanced mechanical arm challenges kids to build, control, and explore real-world technology through play, combining creativity with science in a fun and engaging way.
• Hands-On Engineering: With nearly 300 pieces to assemble, this bionic robotic arm provides hours of educational fun while teaching kids about the mechanical functions of tendons and muscles, just like in the human body.
• No Batteries or Motors: Powered entirely by nylon cables controlled through two joysticks, this robotic arm requires no electricity—just ingenuity and hands-on problem-solving.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Advanced Design & Motion: The Bionic Robotic Arm features a 360-degree horizontal and 180-degree vertical range of motion, with a claw that rotates 180 degrees and can grip objects up to 2.5 inches wide.
• Biomimicry in Action: This unique robotic arm mimics how muscles and tendons work, providing an intuitive and precise control system through cable manipulation. Plus, you can switch the claw with an eel's head model to create a bionic eel!
• Educational Fun: Kids will learn about biomimicry, the engineering technique of using models from nature in real-world technology. The full-colour manual not only guides assembly but also explains the science behind the arm's movements.

Usage Ideas:

• Creative Challenges: Challenge friends to pick up, move, and release various objects with the robotic arm, or set up an obstacle course to test the arm's precision and agility.
• STEM Learning at Home: Perfect for introducing kids to mechanics and engineering concepts, this toy encourages hands-on learning through experimentation and play.
• Biomimicry Exploration: Teach kids about how animals inspire the world of technology and design by using the interchangeable eel’s head to simulate real-world applications of biomimicry in robotics.

Whether your child dreams of becoming an engineer or simply loves building and learning, the Bionic Robotic Arm is the ultimate gift that combines fun with learning this holiday season. It’s not just a toy—it’s a tool for future innovation!

Recommended Age 10+

Fuzzy Logic

Are you ready for a fast-paced, mind-bending challenge this holiday season? Fuzzy Logic is the perfect gift for family and friends who love games that blend strategy, creativity, and a little mischief! In this thrilling word game, two teams go head-to-head, racing to guess their mystery words first. But here's the twist: both words are related, so your clues need to help your team while confusing your rivals!

With its engaging mix of strategy and deduction, Fuzzy Logic will become a favourite at family gatherings, holiday parties, or game nights. It’s ideal for players aged 10 and up, making it the perfect game for both teens and adults. Plus, its compact design means it's easy to take along wherever the holidays may take you!

Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Gift:

• Fun for All Ages: Designed for ages 10 and up, this game is suitable for teens, adults, and families, making it an excellent choice for bonding over the holidays.
• Engages Critical Thinking: Players must craft clever clues that not only guide their own team but also mislead the opposing team, encouraging strategic thinking and creativity.
• Interactive and Social: This game promotes team collaboration and lively interactions, making it a great way to get everyone involved in the fun.

How to Play:

• Split into two teams.
• Each team is assigned a mystery word related to their rival’s word.
• Teams take turns giving clues to help their teammates guess the word—while trying to stump their opponents at the same time!
• The first team to correctly guess their word wins the round!

Benefits:

• Promotes Teamwork: Fuzzy Logic encourages players to work together to achieve a common goal, boosting teamwork and communication skills.
• Sharpens Problem-Solving: Players must think critically and creatively to develop effective clues that don’t give away too much to their rivals.
• Great for Social Gatherings: Perfect for parties, holiday events, or family get-togethers, Fuzzy Logic is sure to bring out plenty of laughs and good-natured competition!

Get ready to outwit your opponents with clever clues and dive into a game of strategic wordplay with Fuzzy Logic!

Recommended Age 10+

National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler

Looking for the perfect holiday gift that combines creativity, learning, and fun? The National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler is an excellent choice for kids with a passion for geology and hands-on science experiments. It offers a fascinating way to turn rough rocks into polished gems, sparking curiosity and promoting STEM learning in an exciting, hands-on manner.

Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Gift:

• Educational Fun: This rock tumbler is not just a toy but a learning tool that introduces children to the world of geology and earth sciences. Kids will learn how rocks are polished in nature while gaining an understanding of rock formation, tumbling, and how gemstones are created and used in jewelry.
• Creative Exploration: With included jewelry fastenings, kids can create beautiful homemade jewelry with the polished gems, adding an artistic and creative dimension to their learning experience.
• Complete Set: The set includes everything needed to get started—a heavy-duty tumbling machine, rubber tumbler barrel, 1 pound of rough rocks, tumbling grit, 5 jewelry settings, and a detailed learning guide to inspire future geologists.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Programmable Timer: Ensures precise tumble time, making the process easy and stress-free. The timer allows kids to program the machine and wait for their dazzling polished rocks to appear.
• Heavy-Duty Equipment: With a sturdy tumbling machine and a durable rubber tumbler barrel, this kit is built to last, ensuring it can be used for multiple rock-tumbling projects.
• Jewelry Creations: Transform polished gems into wearable art with the included jewelry settings—perfect for making personalized gifts or keepsakes.
• STEM Learning: This toy promotes an interest in geology, earth sciences, and engineering, fostering scientific curiosity and hands-on experimentation.

Promote Curiosity in the Natural World

Perfect for kids who love exploring, collecting, and creating, the National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler makes geology come to life through a fun and engaging activity. As a unique holiday gift, it introduces children to the wonders of the natural world in a hands-on way that inspires learning and creativity.

Recommended Age 10+

Need some rocks and minerals to get started? Check out the National Geographic Rock + Mineral Starter Kit