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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-yrar-old gal will get them on the right track to become bold, creative, and curious young ladies.
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, appropriately, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
Your 8-year-old girl will love making charm bracelets, necklaces, and more with this kit, whether they want to make gifts for friends and family or just add some panache to her own wardrobe, Includes dozens of beads and charms along with five snake chain bracelets.
Just My Style You*niverse Crystal Growing Unicorn
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.
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.
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.
Your master builder will enjoy putting together this feature-packed Lego Friends bus just as much as they love creating adventures for the mini-dolls (included). Now, to find an RV with a slide on the back IRL…
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.
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).
Spin Master Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet
Like a Tamagotchi, but better! This box projects a pet right in front of her so she can pet it, coo over it, and play with it IRL. My daughter recently got one and, months later, she still plays with it all the time. Honestly, I get it.
The road to stardom is grueling and plagued with perils and heartaches … so skip it and just pretend to be a star with this awesome microphone! Your would-be diva can play all of her favorite songs from streaming services with Bluetooth to sing along. With an 8-hour battery life, the party can go on and on.
This toy has been a hit with kids for a few years, and with good reason: it’s so cool. Put all the ingredients into the cauldron, and in a puff of real smoke, your child’s magical new friend will emerge. The perfect gift for 8-year-old girls who want to feel like a sorceress.
Tangerine Cutie Patootie Foodies
Tangerine is an eco-conscious brand that believes art is for everyone, and with how adorable (and approachable) this art kit is, we’re in full agreement with that. The kit combines creativity with a touch of whimsy, making every project an adventure in making her world more colorful and fun! It’s packed with vibrant colors and nifty materials, making it easy for her to craft adorable, tiny foods that look good enough to eat.
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.
Roller Derby Candi Girl Lucy Adjustable Roller Skates
Rebel Girls Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Fairy tales are fun, but the heroines aren’t always particularly inspiring. In this unique book of bedtime stories, your 8-year-old girl will learn about extraordinary women throughout history, with short biographies and gorgeous illustrations. There’s even space in the back of the book for them to write their own story.
This is the perfect gift for 8-year-old girls who know there’s nothing more magical than science. These 50 experiments are captivating and designed to be done as magic tricks. She’ll bend metal with water, make a coin float, and more.
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.
Uncommon Goods Paint Your Own Squishies
Squishies seem to be having a moment with school-aged kids and, honestly, we get it. They’re just so satisfying. This gift doubles as an activity and a toy: your 8-year-old girl will be able to paint and play with a rock star hedgehog and a bunny latte!
UKAP Bunny Slippers
Sure, cozy slippers are great in and of themselves, but make them bunny slippers? Now there’s a present she’ll love. This pair comes in a variety of colors and we know she’ll love hopping around the house in them.
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! Yes, Barbie was the smash hit of the summer, and we love that “Stereotypical Barbie” can come home with us. We love the movie-realistic gingham dress and features that look just like Barbie actress Margot Robbie.