I'm stuck--gift ideas for my son's 8th birthday?

[justlearning]

I'm not sure what to get him and need to get a gift fast, preferably at a brick-and-mortar store although online would be OK.

He likes science, arts and crafts, remote-controlled vehicles, legos, outdoor toys, etc. but does not like anything related to movies or superheroes (no Star Wars, Spiderman, etc.).

Any ideas for an 8-year-old boy? The gift can be any price up to about $75 and doesn't have to be in the categories that I mentioned that he likes (he already has a lot in those categories anyways).

[swissair81]

I got my 8 year old a table top air hockey table this year. I also got one for my 8th birthday and I loved it.

[pakin]

Does he like music? How about an mp3 player? DS got this Sony mp3 player for his birthday and he loves it. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-Walkman-8GB-MP3-Player-Black/15026698

Klutz books have several science-related books that are cool. Here are some links:
http://www.amazon.com/Lego-Crazy-Action-Contraptions-Sillinger/dp/1591747694/ref=pd_sim_b_2
http://www.amazon.com/Boom-Splat-Kablooey-Science-Chicken/dp/1591746779/ref=pd_sim_b_1
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Science-Make-Widgets-Gadgets/dp/159174251X/ref=pd_sim_b_1
AC Moore carries these books and you could use coupons too.

Snap Circuit sets are also good gifts. Here are some links:
http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-SC-100-Snap-Circuits-Jr/dp/B00008BFZH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305659167&sr=8-1

HTHs.

Pakin

DS 4/2001
DD 6/2005

[hbridge]

Microscope
Telescope
Rock Polisher
Art supplies
Bug Stuff (esp. from Insect Lore: Ants, Praying Mantis, Butterflies, Frogs)
Gardening Stuff

Just a few ideas...

[essnce629]

Ezy Roller Ultimate Riding Machine
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YCP1NA

We saw some kids with them at the park and they looked like so much fun. DS1 will be 8 in August and has this on his wishlist.

DS1 has also been asking me to order the larvae for his butterfly pavillion forever.
http://www.amazon.com/Insect-Lore-Live-Butterfly-Pavillion/dp/B00004U5UF/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[SnuggleBuggles]

It's terrible but I can't remember what we got ds1 last year! When he turned 7 he got a DSlite. His grandma took him to a hotel with a cool pool (not a fancy water park, just a fun pool) and that was his highlight gift.

Beth

[plusbellelavie]

My son LOVED his Snap Circut set...and it still taken down and played with and he will be 11 Monday. We got one of the larger set and supplemented smaller sets like the radio one as a Christmas gift the same year.

[KrisM]

DS got this for his 7th birthday: http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-200-in-1-Electronic-Project-Lab/dp/B000IXPYSM/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1305665865&sr=8-16. He had done most of the Snap Circuits and wanted 'real' electronics. It's been a hit. I ordered from c-s sales on a Monday and it arrived on Wednesday.

From his friends, he got a bunch of spy things - a voice changer, Spy Science code kits, a fingerprint kit. He is loving that and I had no idea that he would :). Turns out they play FBI at recess!

He also likes Hexbugs.

[mnosky1]

My almost 8 year old DD has been enyoying these unisex toys lately:
-Magic sets
-Ant farm (And I think she'd like a butterfly set too as they are doing one in school - although I've frequently bought this gift for families with younger kids or multiple ages)
-Stomp Rockets (although is really her younger sister's toy)

I bought the gel Ant farms at petco actually (or one of those big pet stores)

Play time at snapology or classes (if you have one near you) seem to be popular for my daughters boy friends and there is a LEGO kids fest coming to some cities that looks like a fun thing.

[brittone2]

Snap circuits
rocket kit to do with adult supervision (Estes brand?)
microscope
Lego or Knex
outdoor play items (7 yo DS1 is asking for a skateboard/pads right now)
science kits like those from Thames and Kosmos
nerf stuff-nerf gun?
Board games? Blokus?
Build a robot type kits (Learning Express carries some of these).
Digital camera

eta: DS1 asked for a magic kit for Christmas. He doesn't use it often but has enjoyed having it

[justlearning]

Thank you all for your suggestions. In reading through this thread, I'm realizing that DS is spoiled because he has most of the items suggested (e.g., Snap Circuits, microscope, butterfly pavilion, stomp rocket, nerf gun, Blokus, etc.).

But he doesn't have an art farm, robot, rocket kit, or hexbugs and I think that he might really like those, so now I have some good ideas for Christmas too. :) He also doesn't have a rock polisher--I bought one from Michaels but returned it after reading poor reviews online.

Hbridge, do you have a polisher that's worked well for you? If so, what brand it is and where did you get it?

Thanks again for all your help!

[hbridge]

I wish I could give you guidance on the rock polisher. The one we have lives at Grandpa's so I haven't even used it (Grandpa does them with DC). We found it at a community Yard Sale for $5. DC had been BEGGING for one and we stumbled upon it :) .

Good luck.

[calv]

I too was going to say the hexbugs...can get a great selection at great prices on amazon! espeically if you want the habitat(s)