36 Gifts for Highly Discerning 8-Year-Olds in 2023 (That You Haven't Seen Everywhere Else)

Kids' stuff is not typically aesthetically pleasing, but these little pods are a design-friendly addition to a bedroom or backyard. Pair one with a chapter book and envision a 2024 with minimal screen time. Maybe?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that kids love things that glow in the dark—all the better if it's something they can pass, bounce, and dunk. The real gift, of course, will be all of those blissful dusk evenings in the driveway, shooting hoops with the kids like Steve Martin and little Annie in Father of the Bride.

Cue up canned laughter, applause, a drumroll, or 13 other sound effects on this giggle-inducing device that you'll most definitely need to hide away in a bedroom drawer at some point.

How. Cool. Is. This?! Just imagine all the imagining that will take place in and around this tent-turned-time machine. Ice cream with Einstein! Hopscotch with Hamilton! Or fast-forward to the future for the first-ever Outer Space Olympics!

Whoever said you shouldn't play with you food clearly wasn't living in these marvelous modern times, when waffles can be turned into a sweet stackable tower.

Any soccer enthusiast worth his or her shin guards will appreciate this cool lamp that can light up by remote in 16 colors. Score!

The whole family can get in on the year-round fun with this set of 14 sweet metal pins tied to various seasonal activities (think "Make a Mud Pie" or "Have a Picnic").

Available in sizes 3 to 7, these retro rollers have a classic look and are on the more affordable end of the roller skate spectrum. We've even seen them in action and can confirm they can handle both the Hokey Pokey and Limbo.

Warning: You'll want to run for cover as soon as the kids get a hold of this rainbow-hued six-pack featuring classic dodgeballs, but here's a little something to ease the blow: The set comes with its own mesh storage bag and ball pump.

Some games require a parent to make sense of the rules for a solid 30 minutes before any fun can be had. However, when it's a variation on Tic Tac Toe (simply toss a Frisbee to mark your spot), you can proceed straight to playtime.

What is it with kids and their obsession with escape rooms? Part puzzle, part game, this 368-piecer says it's for ages 9 and up but we know the children in your life are advanced for their years.

Encourage your favorite graphic novel enthusiasts to create their own illustrated adventure with this set that allows a child to draw and write their own full-color, 18 page, professionally printed page-turner.

West Virginia native Emily Calandrelli (@thespacegal) is a former MIT engineer turned Netflix host (Emily's Wonder Lab) turned author. Her new-ish book, which came out in fall of 2022, includes 50 fun at-home experiments for curious kids.

Sporting grooved rubber base tracks and two convenient handles, this two-person sleigh can handle up to 250 pounds. What it can't handle: Dad making jokes about "slaying."

This dainty token of good luck may not be the showiest present of the bunch but it'll make for a memorable "first piece of jewelry that's not yarn or plastic."

Squeeze the middle of this 7-inch bear and watch it light up. Available in five candy-inspired colors, it's the sort of gift that'll have everyone in the room asking for a tummy-squeezing turn.

Collectively featuring 140 markers, colored pencils, and Crayons, this is a sound investment for kids of all sorts. Besides, any parent knows that all the markers currently hanging around the house are all dried up.

Author and outdoorsman Steve Rinella wants to empower kids with skills and knowledge related to the natural world. From identifying constellations to growing your own vegetables, his handy guide will spark both curiosity and can-do-it-ness.

What, you thought we wouldn't serve up something for the Swifties? This bracelet 12-pack will help even the ticketless feel a little closer to the Eras tour. (You can also split them up among cousins, although we can't be held responsible for outbursts such as "But I'm the one who loves Folklore!")

'Tis the age of slumber parties and sleepovers, so make sure your new little night owls are properly outfitted with a practical weekender. This one comes in six color combos (think red and navy, pink and turquoise) that are sure to cheer them up should they miss their mama.