12 Favorite Gift Ideas for Older Children

Notice of limitation: It is my personal belief that Christmas is not about giving gifts but about the greatest Gift we were given through Jesus Christ. However, our family does exchange gifts as an example of the love God showed to us when He gave us His Son.

While I think I have gotten pretty good at picking out toys for children, this is the age group where I begin to lose confidence since our oldest child is only 8 years old. However, my sister-in-law says that I am really good at picking out gifts for my nephew and niece. Either she is being really nice or maybe I do know what to look for.

If you are looking for gift ideas for young children — approximately ages 7 through 12 — consider this list of my recommendations.

Items we have tried and loved

Kindle Fire 7in, LCD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB

I have mentioned our Kindle Fire over and over again. Seriously, I love it and the children do to. That is why we had to buy two and REALLY need one more.

Qwirkle Board Game

Strategy based on color and shape rather than letters. Allows readers and non-readers to enjoy. Includes 108 wooden tiles. 2-4 players. For Ages 6 and Up

 

Toys I think look really neat

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100

Received The National Parenting Center-Seal of Approval, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products, Dr Toy Best Educational Products. Contains more than 30 Snap-Together parts. Build more than 100 exciting projects. Clear and concise illustrated manual included and available online. Exciting projects include burglar alarm, doorbell and more. Larger sets are available. Ages 8 and up

Wobble Deck

Indoor and outdoor electronic balance board. Play 3 multi-level balance games. Improves sound and color recognition. Test your reactions and reflexes. Great indoor or outdoor fun. Ages 8 and up

Barnett Banshee Junior Archery Set

High-quality archery set with compound bow for beginning, youth archers from Barnett Crossbows. Set includes a multi-color target as well as two target arrows, a finger tab, an arm guard, and an adjustable sight. Bow features an ambidextrous reinforced handle and soft-touch grip for excellent handling. 18 pounds of draw with an 18 to 22-inch draw length. This is not a toy–adult supervision required; five year limited warranty.

Harrisville Designs Potholder Deluxe

Harrisville Products are designed to provide fun, challenging, educational experiences wile developing concentration, fine and gross motor control and spatial relationships and patterning. Makes 6 potholders. Sturdy metal potholder loom that measures 7 by 7 inches.
Ages 8 and up

MindWare Contraptions 50 Plank Set

No glue needed. Just simple stacking of precision pine planks. Great indoor activity. Ages 7 and up

Mine Shift

Move the Mine Walls to Master the Maze. Rotate a game tile a quarter turn to move the mine wall and allow your gemstone access. Or rotate tiles to prevent your opponent from moving. There are walls everywhere, but strategic miners can successfully make their way through to the other side. With 27 game board tiles, the set-ups are unlimited for a brand new game every time you play. 2 players.
Ages 8 and up

Perplexus Maze Game by PlaSmart, Inc.

A maze game where players must maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent sphere. Provides a three dimensional experience. Shift, flip, and twist the sphere to guide the marble. Entertaining, educational, and great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. No set-up, clean-up or batteries. Ages 6 and up

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Fingerprint Analysis Kit

CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs. Ages 10 years and up

SmartLab Toys Squishy Science, Multi Color

Anatomically correct models with realistic squishy organs. Hands-on anatomy reinforces learning. Enhances learning by focusing on the gross parts of the human body. Ages 8 and up

LEGO Creator Lighthouse Island 5770 or any Lego set

3 models in 1: Rebuilds into a boathouse with lifeboat or a seafood restaurant with fishing boat. Features light brick, rotating mirror and opening back for easier access. Includes jetty with motorboat, binoculars, stove, ladder, grill, mini-figure, 2 seagulls and 2 fish. Packaging text: Rebuilds into a boathouse or a seafood restaurant. 518 pieces total. Ages 8 and up

Have a favorite gift idea for young children?

PLEASE, leave your thought in the comments.