Need Gift Idea for 8-Year-old

sounds like he will have a boring life like my 18 yr old nephew. My 8 yr old is still into toys, especially transformers, video games, legos, and cowboy stuff. Maybe he likes to watch movies? The new batman is coming out in December and is a good movie. Also KungFu Panda is a good one that my 8 yr old loves. I give money to my nieces and nephews that are now teenagers because I have no idea what to give them and have a lot of video games and stuff and don't know which ones they don't already have so easier to give them money or gift cards. Does he like to play lazer tag or go places like that? Maybe you could buy him a game card to do several activities at a place like that.

I have 8 & 10 year old nephews. They are really into Legos (the more complicated kits), Ripley's Believe it or Not books, and Star Wars, as well as video games. You can get the plug & play games that are very inexpensive, but some of the other ideas may work as well. Some others have also suggested Skateboard mags. Good idea. My 8YO daughter loves getting magazines in the mail. My nephews also love anything that shoots, i.e. Nerf guns, massive water guns, etc. Good Luck!

If he's into skateboarding, you could always buy him a cool skater helemt or pads. Last year I bought a board, my Mom & Gramma bought the saftey gear as well for my now 8y/o. Or you could buy him skateboard videos, or a skateboard magazine subscription, or clothes or toys skateboard related... You could also look around on Craigslist or such for a used cheaper playstation or some other kind of console. I got my son a PS1 with a bunch of games for like $60 on there last year for his B-day... Maybe computer games for him? Good Luck!

How about something to go along with his skateboard that his mother is getting him, like safety gear or skateboard related t-shirt. Maybe a visa gift card and then he can go to the skateborad shop himself and pick out something to go along with his sport. I know that most skateboard shops have lots of accessories to choose from. He could use the visa gift card anywhere if he decides not to use it at the skateboard shop.

L., I know that you said he didn't really like to read, but if you got him a magazine subscription to a skateboarding magazine he may like that. My brother was the same way at that age (execpt it was soccer he was crazy about). He didn't like to read but I got him a subscription to a soccer magazine and he did like that and would read it. It was like the only thing he would read, so my mom was happy with it since he was reading something. Good luck!!

Hi L.!
Around this time of year it is pretty easy to find the individual hand held video games pretty cheap ( especially if you hit a sale) My mom bought my oldest son a hand held Guitar hero game from Kohls department store for under $20.
They have all kinds, you can find different ones at any of the retailers like walmart, target ( even Toys R Us ) most take batteries, a few are the plug n play kind that plug into the television ( they use batteries too as well for the controller) So you could still get him a "video game" without the hefty sock to the wallet.
Good luck! I have some toughies on my Christmas list this year as well!!!
Merry Christmas
B.

Does he like music? Does he have an Ipod or a MP3 player? You can find MP3 players for $20-30. IF he has one, a gift card to download music.

I have 2 nephews that are around that age. Have you thought about Legos, cars, or any kind of baseball or football cards? My husband suggested Tech Decks which are minature skateboards that you can maneuver with your hands and can collect them. You could also try some of those plug in and play video games that plug in to the TV and you can play the video games on that. They have about 6 or 7 video games on one game system. I hope that this helps you! Good luck!

Good Morning

Well some don’t like used things BUT you could go to a pawn shop and get him a game console and a game. They are not that expensive there Then give him a gift card to like Wal-mart to get a new game.
This is a tough one for a kid not to be interested in hardly anything at all. Or if he likes to watch movies you could get him a gift card to a Movie rental place that way he can get movies that most interest him.

My Daughter -In-Law works for Walgreen’s and there is this game there that on the day after Thanksgiving it will go on sell for like 20.00 it is a “generic" Wii game type that has several games on it.

There are several hand held games you could get him like are you smarter then a 5th grader, and a rubics cube and many more that you could get him.
I hope this helps with some ideas for you.

Good Luck

Look into DVD's that involve skateboarding go to actionsportsvideo.com and maybe add a cool skateboard t-shirt and some wheels for the skateboard, or a gift card for a skate store. Add a bunch of goodies in a metal bucket.. Have Fun!!

Not to be stereotypical but, most "skateboarders" like artistic type stuff. You can find all kinds of artistic items at WalMart that he might be interested in??? Also, if your husband or another family member are carpentry inclined, you could make him a small skate board ramp or half pipe (the U shaped ramp).

Does he enjoy movies-can you take him to something he would like (as long as it is ok with his family/mom/dad). Some kids that age get a kick out of comic books especially if they are from movies they watch or want to. Like Spiderman? it is not considered reading by that age group and it teaches them series and conversation also hand eye manipulation in turning pages and catagorizing thing from that "book". Can you find any equipment for the skateboard? Like polish for the board or stuff to keep the wheels in good shape? What about taking him to a zoo or place he would enjoy, maybe a game arcade and neat lunch without the family-you go without his family-it is nice for bonding. If you are "doing" a mall check with Mom first to see what is and is not allowed for him-so you won't be in trouble when he comes home. Get to know him 8 yr olds are really fun and have great minds! Enjoy

I have a tom-boy daughter and Bakugan is a hot toy right night. I don't quite know how to start explaining it or Pokemon is still fun. Also, my friend's 8 year old wants a pogo-stick. IF those aren't of interest why not a block buster card so he can get movies or something to go to the movies with.

I would think Toys R Us is good because they do have skate bord stuff or go to somewhere like Dick's Sporting goods that has skating accessories. Maybe you can compliment his mom's gift with a helment and maybe knee or elbow pads or find a place that can make a ramp that he can use in the driveway

I know this is going to sound a little trite, but if he isn't interested in anything and nobody seems to be giving you any ideas, I think your best bet would be to by him clothes.

After reading some of the other responses, please ignore mine.
My son lives with his father, so what do I know.

Good luck!

What about giving him $5.00 cash and then asking patents where his saving's account is and deposit the rest of what you plan on spending into his saving's account. He probably has everything he could possible need and helping his college fund in today's times is better than a toy he won't play with.

Boys this age love movies. He probably would enjoy a gift cetificate to the nearest theater.

My boys, (next month will be ages 8 & 10) are intereted in the latest movies. Maybe 'Spiderman' or 'The Incredible Hulk. I liked 'Iron Man' myself. But there's also 'Transformers' or 'Speedracer' and we just saw 'Kung Fu Panda' (our whole family of 6 liked that one a lot). Anyway, check to see what they have and don't have and what he's allowed to have.

Also, he may not like an subscription to anything 'educational' but if there's a magazine on "Skateboarding" out there - I bet that would be a winner.
Good Luck!

Safety equipment for the skateboard, gloves helmet knee pads is one thing that comes to mind. A simple tool box, a small fishing tackle box where he can keep repair parts for the skateboard, and wrenches you would use to fix it also may be good. With a toolbox the boy would not be "borrowing" dads tools. Decals and stickers, or whatever is used to customize a skateboard is also an idea. My sons also liked duct tape. It can be used to create your own toys.

I'm not sure if this would be a little different for him but my brother just turned 10 and him and his buddies love my Dinosaur Excavation Kit. It has T-Rex bones incased in excavation rock, the kit comes with the tools to dig it out and then you build the bones to make the dinosaur! The Kit won the Oppenheim Toy Gold Award in 2007 :o)

You can view it on my online catalog:
www.ubah.com/W2474

Good Luck!
S.

I would look into getting him skater typed clothing, or accessories for his skateboard, like different color wheels or things to decorate it with. You could look into a cheap mp3 player. There are some out there that are pretty cheap. You will want to check, because some you have to be a monthly member to Napster or something like that for the music to work.

How about gift certificate to the magic house, if they're local - there has to be something for everyone in there and it's not limited to a season for usage.?! I'll ask my son for anything else when he wakes up :)

Try coupons, for time with you. Maybe one for a movie, McDonalds, an overnight at your house. Maybe he doesn't play games because he never has and needs to be introduced to them slowly like at the overnight. Other ideas, ice cream, or Chuckie Cheese if you go early (I think they open at 9 or 9:30) you can go in play the games and get out before lunch. If you have coupons you can get tokens sometimes a hundred for I think $12. So it is an hour or so of fun and a soda or 2. Use one for the Science Center and there is an area where they build robots. It costs more but if you are a member I think it is free. They also at one time had specials on admission on Friday evenings. Hope this helps.

L.,
Sounds like you're in a tough position. Your new nephew may not like reading yet, but maybe he hasn't found something to read that catches his interest. My mom had the philosophy that any kind of reading is reading. He likes skateboarding, how about a magazine subscription to a scate boarding magazine or a book about skate boarding. Kansas City has some great skate parks (if you live in or near Shawnee, there is a skate park on Lackman by the Johsnson County historical musuem), you could include a coupon for an afternoon at the skate park with you. That way you could get to know each other. Also movie gift certificates or gift cards to Target/Walmart or a sporting goods store are always good. You never know when he might need new wheels or safety equipment for his board.
Good luck

wow....what fantastic ideas, ladies! One more thought: skeateboard logo clothes & hats....Pac Sun is one source for this.

Try some movies. There are so many testosterone flicks out there something is bound to make him happy. Or maybe get a gift certificate for the movies. And then there is just getting a gift certificate for something like Wal-mart or Target. I hope this helps, good luck!

There are free online skateboard games that can be played on the computer, such as at: http://sk8boarding.info/play/downhill-jam. So, I assume there are superior computer games that can be purchased. If the family has a computer, they don't need an extra game console.

I did a search for 'skateboarding videos' and found a variety at: http://skateboard.about.com/od/videosreviews/tp/Top10Vide.... I also did a search for 'skateboarding movies' and found a variety at: http://www.amazon.com/skateboarding-movies/lm/76TMV5TV3AXN.

Although clothes are not usually what excites a kid on Christmas, you might find something at a sports supply store that would be 'cool' (or even protective) to wear when skateboarding. You may want to pick up something inexpensive from a place like Sports Authority and then get a gift certificate to go along with it.

There is an online skateboarding magazine at: http://skateboardingmagazine.com/blog/. Unless there is a learning difficulty, an 8 y/o that doesn't like to read probably hasn't been given any reading material that interests him. You may want to see if you can locate a skateboarding magazine and give him a subscription. The tips and ideas in those magazines might really get him reading (one of the best gifts he may ever receive).

If you can locate a skateboarding park, you can get him a gift certificate for tickets. A quick Google search gave me a list of such parks in Missouri at: http://www.concretedisciples.com/skateparksdb/display_sta....

Once you find videos, gear, stores, parks, etc. You may want to come back to Mamasource and ask other moms about comparing brands, locations, etc. for quality and safety. I never had a skateboarder in the family, so I can't help you with specifics.

I wish every kid had aunts and uncles like you!

Why don't you sit down with him with the sunday adds one day or the toys r us toy book and 'pretend' you are looking for someone else, but just listen to the comments he makes about other things he sees and might like. Toys r us is not just toys. other ideas, they have all those plug and play into your tv games like pacman and such. I had gotten one for my husband's nephew right when they came out, and he loved it! Those aren't that expensive either.

just ask yourself (and your sister in law) -what does he do all day? if it's seriously ONLY the skateboarding thing, they have those little toy finger skateboards he might like. i always thought they were kinda silly but it might just be the answer you're looking for, who knows. i forget the name but i bet you can find them online. also, i agree with the response of clothes. if he can't come up with a better suggestion when asked, that's what he gets! that's how it works in my family, lol. and all moms appreciate the gift of clothes to their children. personally i'd make sure there were some socks in there too ;) lol! good luck!

ps- what's SHE getting him???

How about a football, soccer goals, scooter or a new skate helmet?

L. - What a quandry! I don't know where you live, but here in my very small town this past summer, we had a skateboarding "expert" perform at our local park. If there are any performances like that coming up in your area, you could buy tickets and take him! I am positive he would love that.

Good luck!
M. W.

Kind of sad that the boy doesn't like to read, but I'm going to suggest a book anyway! LOL! At Sam's Club (and surely at book stores, too!) they have some really neat books like the "Ripley's Believe It or Not" book or the Guinness Book of Records. Yes, they are still books, but they are filled with very fascinating pictures and the blurbs are short enough to read that kids don't feel overwhelmed by having to read an entire book to benefit from it. I can remember being in elementary school and sometimes someone would bring in the Guinness Book of World Records and almost all the kids were fascinated with the pictures of things like the "Worlds Longest Fingernails" and such. The ones they have now with the hard cover and the color pictures are so much better than that! And it might just get him to read a little bit! Just a thought! Good luck!

Hi L., since he loves the skate board then maybe you could find some accessories that will compliment the skate board. An outfit that skateboarders would wear, head gear, anything with a skate board on it. A skate boarders cloth to keep the board shinny, a case or cover to keep it protected, or a rack of some sort to hang it up. A movie with skateboarders in it.
When my nephew was that age, he loved baseball. We got him the Movie 'The Sandlot' and he would watch that movie holding his glove. We were Heroes!
I hope I have helped you in some way.

My son is 8 1/2 and also is into skateboards and video games. He also loves Nerf guns and is really into books w/ cool facts like "Ripley's Believe it or Not" and "World Records" He still likes some building toys (Legos and some of the other more advanced building stuff) He likes his skateboarding magazines and a roll out keyboard he got last year is still a big hit. He does have an ipod which he loves and is great for the car. We do buy him used games from Gamestop too so they're not as expensive. He also likes Roblox, an online chat community for kids and the membership fee is $5.00 a month. My parents got him a paper airplane kit last Christmas which he really liked and still plays with. I also saw a remote control car that climbs walls that is supposed to be one of the best toys this year. If you do a search for "best toys 2008" you might find some things in his age group. If nothing else, give them a receipt and he can pick out something else. It is a hard age to buy for because everything they want is so expensive. Hope this gives you a few ideas! Happy Holidays!

My suggestion is if he is in to skate boarding, even though your preference is to give him something more educational, would be to support this hobby of his. Skateboarding is a great pysical activity and can be a fun past time for kids! My son is all about skateboarding, and I know from first hand the amount of money that can be used to "keep up" with it. If his mom is getting him a new skateboard for Christmas, you could always get him a gift card to a local skate shop for "extra" items he would probably love to have!! There is also a web site ccs.com that has lots of things he would also like, this is where my some has ordered shoes, skateboards, backpacks, etc. from. Also, there are mini skateboarding "toys" (like 4" skateboards with misc. assessories, at Wal-Mart that have been a hit with skateboarders, even if he does not have them he would end up loving them. Hope this helps.

Is there a magazine about skateboarding? I have no idea but if so that could serve a dual purpose of something he is interested in and get him to read. Good luck.

I would just keep in mind that maybe you could concentrate on finding a possible new interest. If he doesn't proclaim any interests he hasn't found his "thing" yet so I would just try to find something unique that he hasn't tried yet. Maybe a magic set, a model car, or I love giving day passes to do things (ie. science city, paradise park, or maybe there is a skate tournament or park)

Here is a skateboarder magazine
https://www.circsource.com/store/Subscribe.html?magazineI...

I know there is a site for clothes that are worn by skateboarders, But I cannot remember what it is called and I have not gotten an email from them lately., If I find it I will post it

Found it http://www.skatewarehouse.com/MA.HTML
This is what my son liked when he went through that phase.

Helmet & knee/elbow pads to go with the new skateboard!

Wow, I can't believe he is already so uninterested at 8. My suggestion would be a gift card to a skate shop if that is all that he is interested in, or a jacket or other skate apparel with the logo of his fav brand.

One thing I think is cool is those games you just hook into the tv. It looks like a joystick and has the games programed in and is pretty reasonably priced, I think under 20 dollars at walmart. They have things like pac man, but I think star wars and stuff too. Good luck! Boys are super hard to buy for.

If he's into skateboarding and you live in the St. Louis area, maybe you could find a store that specializes in skateboard accessories and get him a gift certificate for that. I think Mid River's Mall has one and I think there's one on Hwy. K in O'Fallon. Not sure of the names, sorry.

My grandson is also a skateboard fanatic and a few of the things I got him over the years are: Toy Hawk pro skater videos, Extra cool wheels and bearings (They wear out fast)skate board shoes(made to grip skateboard better then tennis shoes)a "all in 1" tool to work on skateboards. Good luck hope this helps.

L.,
My kids are into skateboarding too, and not much else. They love to have cool skateboard shoes, and clothes. You can go to Kohls and get Tony Hawk clothes (a hoodie for cold would be nice), or skate shoes like Vans or DC or Element. Also the kids love to get "finger boards". They are small skateboards that you can buy at like Walmart or Toys R Us and they are only about 3-4 inches long and they kids play with them on table tops. There is a skateboard store at the Great Mall in Olathe, can't remember the name but it has skateboard everything there. Good luck!!!

How about skating posters or memobilia of some sort? Maybe a skating magazine so then he would want to read.

Good luck,
D.

With him liking skateboards, how about a helment or some pads or something like that. Maybe a kit to make a skateboard ramp (a small one) or something along those lines. I always find it so hard to come up with ideas, hope this helps though :)

I have an 8 year old son, and this age is hard, cause all he wants are the big pricey electronics for Christmas. But one thing he does like getting are gift cards to McDonalds, Burger King, and the Movie Theater. My son sees every movie that comes out for kids in the theater. He also owns most of them on DVD also. Also in the stores they do make skateboarding toys. They have miniture skateboards and ramps.
Good Luck.