Are you looking for the perfect gift for your kids? As my kids get older, I have to get more creative about holiday gifts and birthdays. This post includes a well-researched list of practical gifts for kids.
Montessori believes children find joy through work. So, you may not find a list of toys for 8-year-olds or the best toys for a 12-year-old girl. What you will find are practical gifts for boys and girls.
You may find some items listed unusual gifts, but trust me, these gift ideas for kids will go a long way in engaging a child and igniting a desire to learn more.
Gift Ideas for 8 to 12-Year-Olds
Root Beer Home Brew Kit
I can’t wait to see the look on my boys' eyes when they open up this kit!
Not only does this kit makes gallons of naturally-carbonated creamy and delicious root beer it also allows kids to explore the science of CO2 produced as a by-product of yeast metabolism.
Flint & Striker
My son has been asking for this set for years! I think this year marks the right tone for the gift to my 9-year-old!
Whittling Kit
The gloves hooked me on finally getting after a whittling kit for my boys. Kids get to carve a spoon igniting their desire to want to carve more!
Hot Glue Gun Kit
My oldest spends hours with his glue gun inventing creations with cardboard, straws, craft sticks, and loads of other items.
Swiss Army Knife
My middle received his first swiss army knife when he was seven. I will always recall watching him little away at a branch in our backyard...for hours. He'd create all sorts of items. It was fascinating to observe his mind at work.
"Compact, agile, and ready to face any adventure head-on. Our range of Swiss Army Knives has been established since 1897 and continues to be an icon of utility and smart design.
At their heart, pocket knives are a survival tool; multitaskers that deliver in any situation. At their most evolved they have surpassed basic function to pioneer space travel and restart engines."
Headlamp
Headlamps aren't made simply for camping. Headlamps provide all sorts of fun indoors and outdoors! Think: scavenger hunt, hide and seek, and so much more.
Hydration Backpack
Kids love the idea of this backpack. It is comfortable and has a cool functional mechanism that is so easy to use! Plus, bonus, no whining about carrying water bottles AND kids stay hydrated!
Metal Detector
This gadget provides hours of entertainment and excitement. Kids immediately take on the adventure and treasure hunter hat. Plus, there really are treasures to be found!
Binoculars
We recently visited The Wild Life Sanctuary in Colorado and these binoculars came in
Other Gift Guides for Kids
- Easy & Inexpensive Teacher Christmas Gifts
- Your Go-To for Gifts for Boys
- Montessori Toys: A Gift Guide for Elementary
- My Top Picks for Holiday Gifts for Montessori Teachers