Books, skateboard, roller blades, scooter or an experience, he could take a friend or 2 to anywhere he wants to go (within reason).

What about the gift of an experience ? A concert, paint ball, go karting, the zoo or something like that ?

I just thought that maybe a totem tennis kit might be a good present for an eight year old.

Perhaps choose an experience as his present such as go-karting, an adventure park, putt putt golf etc.

Does he like sports?? My 8 yo is big on sports. So a cricket set was our latest. And he got a new decent scooter. A jersey from his favourite football team?? He’s starting to get into trendy clothes so we generally reserve birthdays for a few brand name items like quick silver that I wouldn’t usually buy.

A canvass and paint oil set.
A siamese fighter fish in a tank.
A model plane making kit.

K’nex is a good construction kit for older boys. It does have a lot of little pieces, so he will have to pack it up carefully if there are littlies in the house. A specialty shop that sells games has a really good variety of games that will make him think. Usually located in big shopping centres. A good brand is “Thinkfun”. We have “Pirates hide and seek”, a one person game. It has 40 puzzles printed in a book. He would have to move 4 tiles to cover/uncover pictures to match to the puzzles. We also have “river crossing”, another one person game. The object is to get the little man across the river by moving the logs to fit in holes on the board. We also have “Rushhour” and “tipover”.Good luck

Books maybe ?

What about sporting things – football, basketball etc. My 10 year olds favourite Christmas present this year was a cricket set

I’m sure most boys love to play with Lego. Maybe you could treat him to a day at a fun park or a movie of his choice.

Gold Class with his friends would be a special movie treat.

An experience such as movie tickets, Laser Tag is great, vouchers, bowling or a movie night with friends.

I love to give my Nephew vouchers to Ten Pin Bowling and Laser Tag. We have also given him Rock Wall Climbing experience. He loved the Tree Top Adventure Pass where he was harnessed and he ran about the tree tops. This is a excellent gift as when they have done the kids challenge they can join the bigger ones a friend or Parent.

How about a special trip/day outing to a venue/place of his choice? Always lots of fun!

If he’s arty, how about one of the Crayola sets? Or take a look in Australian Geographic – they seem to have a lot of good products like microscopes, and sciency kits.

Perhaps something crafty like this Crayola Glow Book: http://www.crayola.com.au/browse-products/glow-book.aspx ? Or a backyard cricket set or a game of Klop (http://www.klop.com.au/)?

Depends what he is into but something he can put together, like a wood model. Bit more hands on than a typical toy. Maybe a plant for the garden, herbs veggies or fruit that he can grow himself? A special item for his room like a cool doona cover? OR a musical instrument. My little one loves my mini bongo drums/shakers

Does he like books? Maybe get him some books on his interests? Audio books are good too.

Does he like drawing or painting? perhaps a nice set of pencils [ for home only] and some colouring books may be good. Perhaps a board game that the family can all play might be worth considering too. Hope this has given you some ideas.

Movie card to use with friends