These Gifts for 8-Year-Old Girls Will Help Them Develop Their Skills (2024)

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!

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.

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. It includes dozens of beads and charms along with five snake chain bracelets.

What’s better than arts and crafts? Arts and crafts you can play with! The set comes with everything your 8-year-old girl will need to paint and decorate four fun squishy toys. Once they’re dry, they’re all set to squish to their heart’s content! (Why is it so satisfying?!)

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.

Last Christmas, my daughter had a very specific request: a jewelry box with drawers and a ballerina inside that played the theme to Swan Lake. The pressure was on. Fortunately, I found this. It’s everything her little heart wanted, and I was very pleased with the quality. It’s the ideal place for your girl to store her treasures.

Learning how to code may sound intimidating, but with the help of friendly robots, your 8-year-old girl will have no problem programming over 30 experiments. Arrange a series of cards and the little robots will do as programmed. And who knows, they may just be on their way to a full-on robot army!

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 absolutely love these pineapple-patterned roller skates. And because they’re adjustable, your child won’t outgrow them in a single season! The high-top boot design offers ankle support, which will keep them safe and comfortable while they’re having fun. (Do they come in adult sizes? Asking for a me.)

My kids (plural) have been using this one set for probably about four years and it’s still going strong. Complete with a wide variety of high quality art supplies in a sturdy, cute carrying case, it’s ideal for making masterpieces at home and on the road.

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.

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.

In this quick-paced game, two to four players have to get rid of all their tiles by making a series of runs and matches. It's easy to learn but a challenge to master! Your kiddo will enjoy figuring out their winning strategy.

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 favorite of ’80s and ’90s babies everywhere, the idea behind Simon is very simple: Watch the lights and listen to the sounds made by the machine and then repeat them. As the game goes on, the patterns get faster and more complicated. Can you beat Simon? (And if so, can you tell me how? I’ve been trying for years.)

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.

Probably the best gift I’ve ever received is the American Girl Doll I got from my uncles when I was 8 years old. I can promise, from experience, that this is an excellent choice for your kiddo. Available in a variety of styles, she comes with a journal and adorable outfit.

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.

Remember these? Don’t call it a comeback because they never left. Mix and match different styles for a fashion line that’s all her own.

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!