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.
Quick soap box
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 to do so.
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 that they continue to play with year after year.
TOYS FOR 2025
Gah, these toys are the best. UPDATED for 2025. These are the best toys for kids.
Remember who I like to refer to as 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 have time to play. And 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 every week, allowing children to remember how much they enjoy playing with timeless toys.
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. This is something on our list for the holiday season, and it has received fantastic reviews.
Guiness Book of World Record 2026
Is this the best book ever? My boys would say so. I still remember my disbelief when I saw the longest fingernails photo when I was a child.
Tecti
My tweens love fidget toys. This Tecti fidget toy has a big kid design that is perfect for my tweens.
Snow Cone Machine
Umm. Yes, please. No notes.
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.
Goodr Sunglasses
Goodr has entered the tween chat room. And I can see why! With so many fun styles and colors, they are also my favorites for playing tennis.
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 is another interactive AI game that tweens enjoy playing. Play before the lights go out at bedtime, or on your next road trip.
Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Have a tween who enjoys graphic novels and comics? This is a beautiful collection of Calvin and Hobbes books that your child will read for many years to come.
Flybar Pogo Stick
How high can you jump with this? Your tween is ready to test it out. Something everyone can enjoy!
Snoopy Woobles
Woobles has a Snoopy crochet kit?! SOLD.
Bracelet Maker
This bracelet maker has 1992 Beth written all over it—bracelet making for days and days in between Debbie Gibson songs.
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, but it has 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 riding their bike, it can be helpful 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.
Oil Pastels
Invite your child to take their art to the next level with these oil pastels. They twist up and come in a variety of packs.
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
We introduced the Kindle to the boys around seven. Their interest in reading took off (even if they weren’t fluent) because I could not keep up with the number of books they wanted to read or look through.
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 boy’s 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 yet have a phone.
Browser’s Airship
My big kid recently built this Lego set, and it’s pretty cool! The ship opens and closes. My boys admire and also play with it.
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, this will be well-loved!
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 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 is a high-paced game to test 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.
Molkky
This outdoor math game is a fun outdoor toy for big kids and adults. Be the first to knock down your pins to win, and you’ll earn 50 points!
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 are toys that 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 also do not have to be expensive! This list includes many items with a lower price point but a high potential for endless play. (And yep, I have toy storage solutions too!)
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