Bookish Things: Book & Gift Pairings for 8 Year Old Boys
“All the secrets in the world are contained in books.” – Lemony Snicket
I wanted to include a list of books and toys that are not the usual gifts for the child who has everything. Legos are a good go-to but they get a bit boring. I’m also not a big fan of toys that shoot balls, arrows or anything of that nature and sometimes it’s hard to find a toy that isn’t violent. I hope I can provide ideas that aren’t usually on the list!
Snap Circuits // The Guinness World Records 2017 // Electronic Super Slam Basketball Tabletop Game // Jake Maddox Sport Series // Melissa and Doug Magic Set // The Magic Tree House Series // Fotorama Blaster Ball Game // Who Was Thomas Alva Edison // The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes // Drone
- Snap Circuits is a really fun way for kids to experiment with circuits. They don’t realize they are learning when they make working fans, lights, doorbell etc. The Guinness World Records 2017 is so much fun to read. Who knew that there was a world record for the largest number of people dressed in sumo wrestling suits
- Electronic Super Slam Basketball Tabletop Game is a very fun game that is quick, easy and entertaining. It’s a fun indoor activity especially when it’s not nice enough to play basketball outdoors. The Jake Maddox Sport Series are perfect for sports loving kids. These books come in just about every sport you can think of. They are awesome for kids who eat, sleep and dream about sports.
- Melissa and Doug Magic Set– There are a lot of magic sets on the market and we love this one. It is very well made, has great instructions and is perfect for the budding magician. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of magic?!!! The Magic Tree House Series is one of those series that kids can read for years. They are not long, have a few pictures and are educational as well. My kids love these for different reasons but they are very readable without being babyish
- Fortorama Blaster Ball Game. This is an awesome game that shines a ball of light that you then “hit” back and forth with racquets. I bought this game at Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr. This game is so much fun, completely hilarious and unlike anything that I have ever seen before! Who Was Thomas Alva Edison is just one book in a series of non-fiction books about famous historical and present day public figures. We bought Who Was Babe Ruth at our last trip to Children’s Book World. These books are easy to read in terms of the writing but are still fun and informative.
- The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes is a hands-on book that comes with a ton of paper to make the paper airplanes. Some are more complex than others and they are so much fun to build and fly. Drone– what 8-year-old (or adult for that matter) doesn’t want to fly things by a remote control? Hours of Fun until the batteries run out! There are a ton of different models from not so expensive to mega bucks. Half the fun is choosing.
Are there any great finds that I missed? Let me know.
*disclosure: this post contains our Amazon affiliate link, if you purchase anything we get a few cents to further indulge our love of reading*
