Finding the perfect gift for kids between 8 and 12 can be tricky. They’re at that magical age where imagination meets independence, and their interests are as varied as they are! In this guide, we’ve rounded up the most exciting, unique, and engaging gifts that will delight kids (and impress parents!) – from hands-on gadgets to creative kits and adventure-ready gear. Get ready to discover a world of possibilities for the kids on your list!
Smart Toys IQ® Gears – £12.99
This engaging game offers 120 multi-level challenges that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The objective is simple yet captivating – fit all the colourful gears onto the game board to make the cogs rotate smoothly.
With its easy-to-understand rules and escalating difficulty, IQ® Gears is a fun-filled activity that’s perfect for family game nights or solo play. It’s a great way to stimulate young minds while providing hours of entertainment. Easy to pick up but challenging to master, let the madness begin! Purchase here
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – £10
Get ready for a hilariously chaotic card game like no other with this game. Players take turns flipping cards and shouting out the game’s signature five words. The moment the card matches the word, it’s a mad dash to slap the pile – last to slap collects the cards!
The first to get rid of all their cards wins, but don’t get too comfortable, special action cards like the gorilla, narwhal, and groundhog will have you making wild gestures before you can slap. Simple, fast, and endlessly entertaining, this game guarantees laughter at every family gathering or party. Purchase here
Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer – £29.99
The Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer from Smyths is a perfect choice for any budding artist or young tech enthusiast. This compact printer offers hours of fun, enabling kids to print photos, notes, and even webpages directly from their device. Using a dedicated app, they can add frames, notes, and playful AI enhancements to each picture, making each print a personal masterpiece.
With over 250 prints available and no need for messy ink—thanks to its thermal technology—photos come out instantly dry and ready for display. The set includes three markers and over 75 stickers, giving kids endless ways to personalise their creations. This portable, mess-free gadget is ideal for sparking imaginative play and creating lasting memories. Purchase here
Organic Young by Green People Clear Skin Goals Gift Set – £42.00
Give the gift of clear, healthy skin with the Organic Young by Green People Clear Skin Goals Gift Set, specially designed for teens and tweens. This certified organic skincare set features spot-controlling products that help maintain a fresh, clear complexion while being gentle on young, sensitive skin.
Formulated without harsh chemicals, each product uses natural, organic ingredients to cleanse, soothe, and prevent breakouts, making it perfect for everyday use. Purchase here
Squishmallows Take4 – £16.99
Big fans of Squishmallows will love this official game that takes the love from the soft, snuggly teddies to new levels. This card game features 84 action-packed cards and an exclusive Benny The Bigfoot plush with a stylish new hat so it’s a win-win!
The idea of the game is to complete hilarious challenges and opportunities to out-squish your opponents while getting creative so lots of laughs and fun expected! Purchase here
Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) Game – Priced £29.99
Step into an enchanting world with Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls, the thrilling cooperative game that brings together beloved heroines from Disney and Pixar classics. Perfect for family game nights, players team up as iconic characters like Moana, Belle, Violet from The Incredibles, and Maid Marian to battle against a looming darkness threatening their worlds. Each character brings unique abilities, adding strategic depth and excitement as players work together to overcome obstacles.
Packed with beautiful illustrations and immersive gameplay, this game encourages teamwork, imagination, and heroism—ideal for fans of all ages who love adventure and Disney magic. Purchase here
The Grinch Puzzles – Starting at £10.99
Celebrate “Grinchmas” with this delightful Grinch puzzle collection, perfect for family fun! Whether you’re a fan of Dr. Seuss’s classic green grouch or just love a festive challenge, these puzzles are available in a variety of sizes for all ages.
For older kids and adults, the 500-piece (£10.99) and 1000-piece (£15.99) puzzles bring a more challenging experience, making them a great holiday tradition. Purchase here
She Grows Veg Christmas Tree Seed Pack – £2.95
This festive season, grow your own mini Christmas tree with the She Grows Veg Christmas Tree Seed Pack! Perfect as a unique stocking filler, this pack contains heirloom seeds that allow families to create lasting memories together.
Simply freeze the seeds for a month, then sow them in peat-free compost. Germination takes about 3 to 6 weeks, and once they’re big enough, you can plant them outdoors or keep them inside for the holidays. Not only is this project eco-friendly, but the needles can also add flavour to various dishes!
With helpful QR codes leading to “How to Grow” videos, She Grows Veg makes it easy for beginners to enjoy gardening. Get your seed pack online at She Grows Veg.
VTech Kidi DJ Drums – £59.99
Unleash your child’s inner rock star with the Kidi DJ Drums, designed for aspiring musicians! This feature-packed drum kit offers over 30 built-in tracks, 120 sounds, and 3 exciting rhythm and timing games, making it perfect for exploring a world of music while developing their skills.
With a handy coach mode, kids can quickly level up their drumming abilities, while Bluetooth connectivity, an audio port, a recording feature, and a built-in microphone provide everything they need to create and remix their own hit songs. Plus, the drums light up, turning any jam session into a pop-up party that friends and family will love!
Do You Really Know Your Family? – £18.99
Get ready to laugh, compete, and connect with Do You Really Know Your Family? – a game that’s perfect for festive gatherings! Packed with entertaining questions and fun challenges, this game uncovers surprising facts about your loved ones while testing how well you really know each other.
Whether it’s learning quirky habits or sharing heartfelt stories, this game sparks conversations and creates lasting memories. It’s an instant hit for families looking to make their celebrations extra special! Purchase here
Nerf N-Strike Infinite Blaster – £39.99
Featuring rapid-fire motorised technology and a unique speed-load system, this blaster lets kids shoot and reload without missing a beat, keeping them at the top of their game. With a 30-dart drum that auto-loads darts directly into the blaster, it’s designed for high-action, fast-paced play that’s easy and exciting to use.
The Infinite Blaster offers thrilling fun for both indoor and outdoor adventures, making it a fantastic gift to kick off the holiday season! Purchase here
One4All Gift Card – From £10
The One4All Gift Card is a versatile and thoughtful choice for pre-teens who love to choose their own gifts. Accepted at hundreds of popular stores and online retailers, including H&M, Argos, and Game, this gift card empowers kids to pick out exactly what they want, whether it’s the latest fashion, tech gadgets, or books.
Ideal for Christmas, birthdays, or any special occasion, the One4All card offers flexibility, independence, and the thrill of personal shopping – a perfect gift to make pre-teens smile! Purchase here
Exploding Kittens: Catchables – £7.49
Get ready for non-stop laughs with this fun game! This interactive twist on the hit card game turns gameplay into a hands-on experience, challenging players to toss, catch, and react to quirky commands from the hilarious Exploding Kitten ball. Perfect for family gatherings or lively holiday parties, it’s a great way to bring energy and fun to the season. Purchase here
Smart Ball Soccer Bot – £50
This high-tech soccer ball takes the game to the next level with built-in motion sensors, LED lights, and voice commands that challenge players to master their dribbling, passing, and trick shots.
Perfect for budding footballers of all ages, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and improve soccer skills, indoors or outdoors. Fun, interactive, and endlessly engaging, this is the fabulous gift for the next Messi or Ronaldo, or anyone who loves a good challenge. Purchase here
