How is it that I have an eight, ten, and almost 12-year-old? I know, it sounds cliché. But I blinked, and it happened. So, what do you gift this age group besides sporting equipment, bath bombs, and video games? I found some incredible toys for 8 to 12-year-olds that will help make your gift-giving feel more doable. And remember, age is simply a guide.
Prefer an Amazon Shop Page? Here is my 2026 toy list for 8-12-year-olds.
Quick soapbox
I will shout this from the rooftops: Older kids may have specific interests, but they know how to play. As parents, we must intentionally carve out unstructured downtime for them.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
I like to joke that my big kids are either wrestling or reading. But as I type this toy list, my three big kids are building a magnetic tile ball maze. Working out the kinks took time, but they are going strong. Magnetic tiles are a high-quality toy they keep playing with year after year.
TOYS FOR 2026
I put all of your holiday gift guides in one place. Search by age and category here.
Remember who I like to call the early childhood expert, Teacher Tom? He says it takes 15 minutes to figure out what to play, 15 minutes to work out the kinks (arguments, discussions), and 15 minutes of deep play that typically lasts even longer.
We need at least 45 minutes of dedicated time for children to play. With sports, after-school activities, and homework, finding the time isn’t easy. This excellent article highlights why play is encouraged for all ages. (Yep, us too!) Start by picking an unstructured day each week, so children can remember how much they enjoy playing with timeless toys.
New for 2026
The New York Toy Fair helps me see noteworthy new toys before they hit the market. And what better way to build a toy list than by meeting the brands themselves and bringing home toys for my three tweens to test out long before they hit the market? Here are some of my favorite toys for 8- to 12-year-olds in 2026.
Tin Can Phone
Not ready for your child to have a device? Me either. Instead, you can connect the Tin Can Phone to the internet and let your child call friends and family to practice social skills beyond texting!
Sticker Box
The Sticker Box is new for 2026, and my boys are loving this. It’s become a fun after-school activity. They have even sold their stickers at a lemonade sale in our front yard! (Super clever!)
TOSY Fidget Spinner
TOSY is the perfect brand for my fidget spinner child! We have a few of their toys, and I’ll gift this 4-in-1 Fidget Spinner Glow to my oldest!
Video Camera
Last year, I got my 12-year-old a video camera for Christmas, and it was one of the best decisions I made. I gifted him a $50 option (no longer available), and now we have upgraded to this one thanks to an Amazon Prime Deal. Is it top of the line? Absolutely not. Kids don’t need much. If you think your child would enjoy making movies, I wouldn’t overthink the first video camera. Let them explore at a price point that works for your family to see if they’re interested. My boys and the neighbor friends think this one is LEGIT and are working on a movie.
Plunder
I discovered Plunder at the New York Toy Fair and bought it for my boys. They had a blast playing with neighbors and their grandpa!
Camp Snap Camera
In honor of screen-free newbies to this list, the Camp Snap Camera deserves a mention. This camera is just how you remember (pointing without a screen before clicking); only pictures get downloaded instead of needing hours in the darkroom. Feels like the perfect trade-off to me!
Freestyle Watch
Before you call me out, I know that the Freestyle Watch has been around for years. (And years!) However, this is new to us, and it made the perfect watch for my nine- and 11-year-olds in 2026.
Apple Watch
Toy? No. Gadget? Yes. We are not ready for a phone, and the Apple Watch made the perfect transition for my seventh grader. If you want to use it as a phone, buy GPS + Cellular.
Switch 2
Okay. Again. New for 2026? No. New to us in 2026? Yep. The boys enjoy playing Minecraft with one another and also with the neighbors. And yes. My living room gets loud and crowded with all the kids in one place. But I can already hear myself saying I will miss it one day.
Quick Picks
You know that feeling when you know what your child enjoys but can’t quite put your finger on what to buy them? Well, I made this Quick Picks list to point you in the right direction.
| For your child who enjoys… | Toy I recommend |
| Trying new things with their hair | Wash away hair chalk |
| Creating art | Paint by Clay and Reverse Coloring Book |
| Building | Gravitrax and Gravitrax Action Sets |
| Fidgeting | TOSY Shape Sorter |
| Playing sports and being active | RipStik |
| Best 3D printer | Bambu Lab 3D Printer |
Toys for 8 to 12-year-olds
Here are the best toys for 8 to 12-year-olds, including some of the latest trends and tried-and-true gift-giving staples.
Cardboard Cutter
Cardboard didn’t see this coming. We got this in 2026 and never looked back.
Guinness Book of World Records 2027
Is this the best book ever? My boys would say so. I still remember being amazed as a child when I saw the longest fingernails photo.
Tecti
My tweens love fidget toys. This Tecti fidget toy has a big kid design that is perfect for my tweens.
Zip String Web Shooter
If you need my nine-year-old, you can find him somewhere in the house practicing his web shooting with this Zip String.
Game Cube
We all get a kick out of this GameCube, and I am determined to keep the high score under my name.
GiiKER Smart Four
My twelve-year-old asked for this last Christmas and still enjoys playing it. You can play against someone or play solo against AI.
Bracelet Stack
This bracelet stack could also be included in the non-toy gift list. It isn’t a toy, but it is still a strong contender for a tween holiday gift.
Guess Who? Bookshelf
Does your tween like to elevate classics? Bookshelf Editions keeps the game you know and love in a more sophisticated container. Find many of the games you know.
Flower Hairclips
Adorable. These flower hairclips (again, not so much a toy) are the perfect holiday gift.
Super Blocks
Similar to the GiiKER Smart Four, this interactive AI game is another tween favorite. Play before the lights go out at bedtime, or on your next road trip.
Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Does your tween enjoy graphic novels and comics? This beautiful collection of Calvin and Hobbes books will be something your child can read for years.
Flybar Pogo Stick
How high can you jump? I spent way too much of last year’s holiday break trying to figure it out. 😆 Your tween is ready to test it out. Something everyone can enjoy!
Snoopy Woobles
Woobles has a Snoopy crochet kit?! SOLD.
Tattoo Maker
Someone in our DWG community suggested that we add a toy they use often. You guess it! It is this tattoo maker!
Embroidery Kit for Kids
Have a tween ready to learn how to sew? These embroidery kits for kids are the perfect way to learn.
Axe Throwing Set
We got this from my parents two years ago, and my boys and their friends are all over it. You can use it indoors, and sometimes we take it outside too!
Lego Milky Way
Can Lego be more beautiful? These building sets look so magical on bedroom walls, and what better way to show off something you just created?! Lego sets are always a winner in this house. (But this one takes the cake!)
Catan
Catan is a strategy game and a massive hit in my home. The boys have been playing nonstop. If you have a child who enjoys games like Risk, they will likely enjoy this, too.
Zelda Guidebook
Oh, boy. If your child plays Zelda, then this guidebook is a must. The boys read it like it is DogMan. (Which, if you have DogMan fans, you know that is a lotta lot.)
Murdle Jr.
My oldest has taken a liking to logic puzzles and the adult version of Murdle. I am super excited to surprise him with Murdle Jr.
Swiftie Mosaic Art
How could I create a holiday gift guide without including this? It would be wrong to leave it out. Grab your Stanley Cup. Here’s one for all the little Swifties.
Water Bottle Stickers
What goes on your child’s water bottle? Likely, stickers! I love this variety pack.
Animal Diamond Art
Have you tried diamond art? I am new to it this year, and I hear it is a big hit with the big kids.
Diamond Art 2.0
If you think the animals look fun to create, check out this unicorn diamond art picture!
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens has some interesting humor, and it’s also been a big hit with my nine- and almost 11-year-olds. It is a fast-paced card game.
Bike Odometer
As kids get more proficient at riding their bikes, it can help to track speed and miles. We use this odometer and speedometer for some healthy competition.
Kanoodle
This strategy game makes a fun toy for nine-year-olds and older. It comes with a 48-page puzzle book to take on the go or play at home.
Yummy Yummy Gel Pens
My eleven-year-old self would have been all over this with my Lisa Frank Trapper.
Nightball
Welp, now that the kids are older, they stay up later. So let’s give them something fun to do outside! (One of my favorite childhood memories is being out past dark.) This ball comes in different options for other sports.
Beamo
I got my first and only black eye from a frisbee. So, it’s safe to say I am a YES for this soft-flying hoop variation.
Kids Kindle Colorsoft
My oldest does not stop reading. Ever. This Kids Kindle was the perfect way to help me stop buying out Barnes and Noble!
Think Fun Roller Coaster
Think Fun has so many creative games, and the Roller Coaster is a favorite with my almost 11-year-old.
Kids Pack
Who knew fanny packs would become a hit again? I am all in, especially since they are priced under $10.
Harry Potter Labyrinth
We have yet to dive into this new game. The boys are on a Catan kick, so I am eager to introduce it. I am adding it to the list because my sources suggest it will be popular in my house!
Clay Bracelet Kit
Be still, my bracelet-loving heart. This kit will end up on one of my boys’ holiday piles so we can chat and make bracelets together over break. (manifesting.)
Instax Camera
My tween nieces love taking pictures with their Instax camera. An excellent choice for a child who enjoys taking pictures with friends and doesn’t have a phone yet.
Browser’s Airship
My big kid recently built this LEGO set, and it’s pretty cool! The ship opens and closes. My boys admire it and play with it too.
LEGO Marvel Nano Gauntlet
My oldest felt like he did the most fantastic thing (he did!) after putting together this Nano Gauntlet all by himself. He built a shelf with my husband and displayed it proudly in his room.
LEGO Pixar ‘Up’ House
This is a beautiful LEGO set suggested for ages nine and up. If you have a Disney-loving child, they’ll love it!
48 Ohuhu Markers
Next-level pens help elevate your doodler’s drawings—a beautiful set of markers for mature kids.
3D Doodler Pen
This 3D Doodler Pen is pretty cool! It makes a great art toy for sitting and chatting with your big kid after school as you cook dinner.
Pottery Wheel
If your child got into the air-dry clay, this is their next art supply to introduce a pottery wheel. Everything you need is included.
Squishmallow
What is a toy list for 9-11-year-olds without a nod to Squishmallows? Add to cart.
Shape Shifting Box
This award-winning, innovative fidget toy is super compact and easy to throw in a kid’s backpack for travel, keeping them distracted and stimulated anywhere.
Capture the Flag
My boys LOVE playing when the sun goes down. This Capture the Flag glow-in-the-dark set takes running to the next level.
Outsmarted
I was introduced to Outsmarted at the 2025 New York Toy Fair. This interactive game is for 2 to 24 players and adjusts difficulty based on each player’s age. Bring this LIVE family game show right to your living room!
Itzi
This fast-paced game tests how quickly you can create an object that matches the card in the center. The trick is you can only use the letters you have in front of you. It’s a fun way to get your big kid laughing!
Micro Kickboard
This epic design gives your scooter a makeover for ages 6-12. It folds, and the wheels light up—the perfect ride to their next playdate.
Infinity Bracelets
I saw this kit at the NY Toy Fair, and it had my preteen heart. It’s a great non-toy for nine-year-olds and older.
Fat Brain Trestle Tracks
I have reservations about marbles in our home, but now that the boys are getting older, I am becoming more open to the idea. This is a great track to get started when you feel ready.
Magnetic Marble Maze
Another epic marble run option is this super puzzle, where you can make your own or race with a friend.
Goldfaber Color Pencils
Gift your artist this gorgeous set of colored pencils and leave them feeling grown up after the holidays.
Eugy Tiger 3D Puzzle
These are so sweet in person! Pick from elephants, hedgehogs, leopard seals, whales, sharks, tigers, unicorns, and much more.
What makes a good toy for big kids?
Good toys for nine-year-olds and big kids reflect their interests. This is when we can take traditional, timeless toys such as Lego, magnetic tiles, and art enthusiasm to another level. Spoiler: they don’t have to be expensive! This list includes many lower-priced items with high potential for endless play. (And yep, I have toy storage solutions too!)
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