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It’s fun to buy for these early elementary-school-aged kids because their play is generally a lot more independent from their parents, but at the same time can be more social with their friends or siblings if they have them. Their worlds really start to open up around this time, and their sense of purpose blooms as some families give their 1st through 3rd graders more responsibility around the house like regular chores or more choices over their day to day lives (what to wear, what to eat, etc.).

In short, our babies are growing up.

The best Christmas gifts for 6-8-year-olds give them a little more autonomy, spark their creative interests and are sometimes just plain fun. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites that get high marks from kids and parents alike with a promise that they’ll last a good long while.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Here are the best holiday gifts for 6-8-year-olds. There’s something here for every kid!

The best holiday gifts for 6-8-year-olds

Super Smalls Sparkle and Cherish Gemify Frames Kit

$39

Calling all bling lovers, crafters, and artists! With three frames, four puff paint colors, and a collection of colorful gems, the Sparkle and Cherish Gemify Frames Kit from Super Smalls comes with everything they need to create custom picture frames for their fave photos or artwork. The sturdy box also does a great job of keeping everything neat and organized!

Blue Axolotl Warmies

$29.99

Filled with dried French lavender, the soothing stuffies from Warmies can be microwaved for the ultimate snuggles. They’re the coziest at bedtime but at our house they’re toted along on the ride to school, warmed up for family movie night and even tucked into a sleepover bag now and then.

Majo Ideas

$24

If there’s a more engaging, inspiring or well-designed collection of activity books out there, we haven’t found it. Founded by two creative moms, each Majo Ideas sticker-based activity pack centers around a particular theme and contemporary artist (think flowers with Georgia O’Keeffe, faces with Kehinde Wiley, or circus with Alexander Calder) and includes projects like masks, games, origami that are ideal for kids ages 6 and up. Scoop them up individually or opt for a bundle!

Kid Musicians - Motherly

$10.45

Every one of their heroes was a kid at some point! From the Kid Legends series which brings the childhood stories of legends of all kinds to life, this award-winning installment showcases a diverse array of musicians with kid-friendly text and illustrations. From present-day favorites like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to past-generations icons like Nina Simone and Prince, it’s not short on inspiration.

Supermix Studio

$Prices vary

What’s better than a cozy hoodie? One they’ve designed themselves! Through the Supermix studio, kids can create one-of-a-kind essentials that–dare we say–won’t end up in the lost and found. (Because they’ll never take it off!) Set them up with a computer or iPad and let them go to town choosing and placing patches like giant smiley faces, stars, rainbows, letters, and more before submitting their design for Supermix to bring it to life. (There’s over 500 patches to choose from!) The process is completely fool-proof and incredibly fun, but the pride they’ll have when it arrives? That’s the good stuff.
(Pro tip: Give them a gift card to redeem together over the holiday break!)

Radio Flyer Stingray Pro

$79.99

Whether they’re racing across the black top or getting dizzy practicing their doughnuts, the brand new Stingray Pro from Radio Flyer is a total blast. The hands-free design gets moving as they press their feet back and forth thanks to smooth caster wheels that allow it to drift into 360 spins once they get the hang of it. The only regret is that we’re too big to take a turn.

wipalabox

$35

Headbands and tiaras are cool, but what about connecting culture and history to the ways people have adorned themselves for centuries? Wipalabox was created by a mom who wanted to do exactly that. Their immersive activity boxes are designed to teach kids about indigenous communities like the Embera Chami peoples of Colombia and the Maasai peoples of Tanzania though a story, stickers and jewelry craft. Each one comes with the materials they’ll need to create one-of-a-kind keepsakes as well as the knowledge to share with everyone who compliments their finished product.

Clixo Mars Rover Pack

$49.99

If your kiddos have aged out of Magna-Tiles but you’re still looking for open-ended play opportunities, Clixo is the answer. The flexible magnetic building set will capture the hearts of future engineers everywhere, thanks to its glow-in-the-dark treatment, all-terrain wheels and fire blasters to build Mars rovers, drones and more fun vehicles.

Yoto Mini

$119.99

From bedtime to chill time, the Yoto Mini makes a fantastic companion. A portable version of their best-selling audio player, it allows kids to listen to a huge and ever-growing library of bestselling audiobooks, music and singalongs, educational activities and kids podcasts through super cool content cards they can insert themselves. And we have to say, their library of content is pretty much the best in the game. There’s classics titles like The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter–but it’s the addition of music like KPop Demon Hunters and Wicked that make it a standout. It even comes with a record your own card that’s perfect for personalized books they can’t get enough of. And if that’s not enough, it also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, white noise machine and ok-to-wake clock. You can purchase the player solo, or choose from one of their bundles to save a few bucks.

Stanley Jr DIY Pull Back Sports Car Building Kit

$21.99

Few things give kids (and adults!) a deeper sense of pride than building something with their own hands. Thanks to the awesome DIY Kits from Red Toolbox’s Stanley Jr., you can let your kiddo take the lead, stress-free. The easy-to-assemble woodcraft kits are made from quality pre-drilled wood (so no worries they’ll get frustrated by pieces that don’t fit) and require just a hammer, screwdriver and wood glue to complete. Tap into the app for simple visual instructions and finish it off with a custom paint job.

Tangerine Cutie Patootie Foodies

$38

There’s something completely irresistible about mini foods–especially ones they make themselves! This polymer clay kit from Tangerine comes with everything they’ll need to create a tiny feast. Follow the directions provided or go rogue, creating anything they can dream up. When their creations have baked, they can mount them to the included magnets for the whole family to enjoy.

Unhide Shleepy Robe

$79

The marshmallow soft Shleepy robes from Unhide feel like wrapping up in an actual cloud. We’re thoroughly obsessed with the adult version, so it’s only fair to extend such luxury to our minis!

SuperSmalls Book of Gems

$25

Science and sparkle lovers are sure to spend hours pouring over this jewel-filled compendium from Super Smalls. Filled with eye-catching photography, it explores gems from all over the world through science, history, storytelling and fun facts. It’s the kind of book that stays firmly planted on the coffee table instead of ever making it to the shelf. Will it inspire them to become a gemologist? A jeweler? The next Louvre heister? Only time will tell.

honest-history-magazine

$17.95

Learning has never been so cool with this colorfully illustrated magazine that focuses on historical moments but makes them attainable and fascinating for our elementary school kids. They’ll give you a story of one historical figure and then gives kids the full context around who they were and what world they lived in. They explore topics like the race to space and the rivalry between Tesla and Edison. Individual issues start at $17.95.

Ink-a-do Tattoo Pens

$7.99

When it comes to elementary schoolers, there’s no canvas more appealing than their own body. If they’re regularly busting out the markers to doodle on their arms, these fine-tipped felt pens are a great alternative. They’re made with water-based inks that easily wash off with just soap and water.

L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Tube

$129.99

As a 20+ year Vermont resident raising two second-generation Vermont children, trust me on this one. Accept no substitutes when it comes to investing in a snow tube. L.L. Bean has this game on lock. Originally designed for use at commercial tubing parks, they feature a semirigid polyethylene base which not only makes their slide unparalleled but also helps them stand up to some pretty heavy-duty use. I’m also a big fan of their tow strap which is easy enough to hold onto even with mittens and cuts down on the chance they’ll lose their grip when dragging it back up the hill (crisis averted).

Stomp Rocket X-Treme

$19.99

The thrill of sending things flying through the air never gets old–but it can get more exciting. Stomp Rocket X-treme Rockets are just like the ones they’ve known and loved but launch way higher–up to 40 stories in fact! They’re so much fun we actually have to beg our kids for a turn.

Lego Holiday Adventure Camper Van

$29.99

Of all the LEGO series, it’s the City sets that our kids seem to delight in the most. The builds themselves are challenging but not overly so and after it’s built the fun just keeps going. A recent hit is the Holiday Adventure Camper Van which is designed to open, giving full access to the interior kitchenette, bunk beds, and dining space. (Yes, there’s also a toilet which is bound to be a real hit.) They can even take the two Minifigures and baby outside to gather around the campfire for a family singalong!

Jiggy Junior Maximalist by Lisa Perry

$29

Puzzles have a calming effect on the brain, and we could all use a little more of that, right? We love the quality pieces and frame-worthy design of the stunning puzzles from Jiggy and their kid-friendly versions are just as magnificent. Each one is made to order and features art from women all over the world which makes it hard to pick a favorite– but if we had to, we’d go with the colorful snack montage by Lisa Perry.

no-stress-chess

$21.99

From building cognitive skills like problem solving, critical thinking and concentration to improving memory and building confidence, chess is more than just a board game. And while it can obviously be played at a super high level, it’s not hard to get started with the basics. This innovative approach can teach even the youngest players (and their parents!) through a set of action cards to learn the moves and powers of each piece. As they get the hang of it, you can ditch the cards and play without them.

Hedbanz 2nd Edition

$15.97

The simple “Who Am I” game gets a fast-paced upgrade with Hedbanz. Sure, family game night will involve a lot of yelling, but it’s the good kind–promise.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls- 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World

$12.39

Since the overwhelming success of their 2016 Kickstarter, Rebel Girls has graced the bedtime story routine of millions of young girls (and boys!) in 49 languages in over 85 countries. Their 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World was released in 2020, but we’ve been sharing it with our kids non-stop lately. At a time when immigrant rights are being trampled and families are being torn apart, it’s important to highlight the brave and bold contributions of women who left their birth countries to forge something better. Including the art of over 70 talented women and nonbinary artists from 29 countries, it’s one book that is sure to get their gears turning on how they can make their mark as well.

Whoosh Aquatic Front3Q web web - Motherly

$40

From playground rocks to their Pokemon card collection, kids have got a lot of important goods to haul around. These crazy rad scooter/bike bags are made from durable nylon and easily clip to the front of their ride. With features like a reflective panel, inner zip pocket with key tether, and loops to attach an extra light, it’s both practical and safe.  (And think of it this way–you won’t be the one with three pounds of rocks in the bottom of your bag that they need you to hold for them.)

mongoose-expo-youth-scooter

$179

If your kiddo has mastered and outgrown their three-wheeled ride, it could be time to upgrade. The BMX style scooter from Mongoose features air-filled tires and hand brakes that allow them to take it where skate-style wheels can’t go. Bumps, jumps, and even trails are no match for this free-styling ride.

Spot It Classic

$14.99

This easy-to-play, super portable game is a family favorite. And while there are five different ways you can play, they all come down to one simple objective–call out the matching symbol before anyone else. It’s perfect for game night, waiting rooms, camping or even in the car.

Gabb - Motherly

If you’re starting to give your kiddo a little more independence, the Gabb Wireless watch is the extra peace of mind you need. The durable but still sleek design offers all the features you’d expect like calling, texting, GPS tracking and an approved contact list (up to 100!) but it goes the extra mile with additional capabilities like Focus Mode, Gabb Go, and Gabb Move. Unlike other styles, this one doesn’t feel babyish at all and is cool enough they’ll be happy to use it until they’re old enough for an actual phone.

Pricing: $149.99 plus service

Thousand Jr. Kids Helmet

$60

If it’s time to upgrade their bike helmet, gift them one they’ll actually want to wear! Each retro-inspired helmet includes a pack of super cool reflective stickers so they can easily customize it to their own personal style. As far as fit, it comes in one size and adjusts via a dial at the base of the head. Details like the integrated visor, comfy vegan leather straps and extra ventilation are the icing on the cake.

A version of this story was published November 1, 2021. It has been updated.