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Kids in this age range are developing skills and interests quickly, while becoming more independent and ready for new challenges. They are ready for more complicated games, reading, and artistic endeavors. And of course, they love technology. To help you shop for kids who are suddenly bigger and more mature, we’ve put together this list of our favorite gifts which touch on everything from science to games to technology to art and everything in between!

Satisfy your photographer-in-training with this retro-inspired instant camera. This updated version makes taking selfies super easy.

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With thousands of  5-star reviews, this brain-teasing puzzle game sparks confidence and challenges critical thinking skills, plus it’s Tik-Tok approved. Bonus: With the handy carrying case, it’s easy to take anywhere.

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For readers, this bestselling series features favorite fairy tale characters as they embark on frightening and funny new adventures.

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This S.T.E.M. promoting kit allows you to make, experiment, and play! Build 11 machines including a gravity powered car and a wacky boxing robot. The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve completed all of the projects in the book—open-ended prompts will inspire you to continue experimenting with your own designs and modifications.

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This Fire HD is bigger and faster than ever. It includes seemingly endless apps with kid-friendly movies, TV shows and books. It also includes a kid-proof case with a built-in stand. And of course, you can make use of parental controls to ensure safety.

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Encourage them to get outside and try a new skill with a new skateboard. You can find this 22″ version in a variety of colors and color combos.

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The Smart Track Starter Kit gets kids racing right out of the box with three exclusive Hot Wheels id die-cast cars, assorted premium track pieces, and the Hot Wheels Race Portal. Make more than 20 unique courses with this smart track. Turn your smartphone into a racing video game and connect to the track via bluetooth to create a cool racing experience.

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Join Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and go into the depths of space and time with a 96 page interactive book. Explore the science behind our planet, solar system, galaxy, universe, and more as each spread comes to life in 128 unique virtual and augmented reality experiences! VR Goggles included.

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This rock polishing kit turns rocks into beautiful gemstones that they can proudly display or turn into jewelry. Comes with everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide.

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The Force1 Scoot XL Drone responds to hand movements instead of a remote and helps develop hand-eye coordination. Launch this hands-free drone indoors with a gentle toss into the air or use the 1-button remote to launch and land. Use your hand to guide its flight, play modern catch with family and friends, and catch it “hamburger-style” once you’re done.

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Artie is the drawing robot that helps kids learn to code. Kids create the code and Artie 3000 draws the lines on paper. With pre-programmed designs, beginners can start coding right away, learning to code everything from tic-tac-toe boards to artistic masterpieces.

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The classic game got a modern update with a pen that sketches through the air. Whether you’re sketching, guessing, or watching, the results are hilarious! This family game brings big fun to any game night—perfect for 8 years old and up.

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The more portable version of the Nintendo Switch, the Lite continues to be a favorite for the young and old alike. With five colors to choose from, the lightweight game console easily links up to other Nintendo Switch systems for multiplayer games.

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For artistic types, these markers color with two different hues at once, creating a cool effect that looks like outlined letters or designs. Plus, they work on both light and dark papers.

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When in doubt, go with slime. Kids never seem to tire of it. With 18 colors of ready made slime and over 50 mix-ins, like glitter, beads, sugar paper, and glow-in-the-dark packets, the possibilities for creativity are endless with hours of fun and smiles!

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With easy-to-use parental controls this popular smart speaker allows kids to ask Alexa questions, set alarms, and get help with homework. They’ll also love the ease with which they can have Alexa play music and read them stories, plus they can call approved friends and family.

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All the fun of classic dart boards without the worry of someone getting hurt (or wall damage.) Kids can work on coordination with these magnetic darts, which reviewers say contain very strong magnets that are sure to hit the board every time.

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Part maze game, part marble game, this gravity maze requires reasoning skills and visual perception. Create towers and build a path for your marble to reach its target. Comes with 60 beginner to expert challenges that become increasingly difficult as you play through them.

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Tamagotchi is a blast from the past, and guess what? It’s back and better than ever! Equipped with a camera and touch buttons, kids will love taking care of their new virtual friend. Use the camera to help nurture your character by cooking its meals, customizing different items, exploring to find Tamagotchi friends, and more. Plus, you can even take pictures with your Tamagotchi character! 

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The original Rubik’s Cube has 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 combinations, but only one solution. By combining math, art, and science, the iconic Rubik’s Cube is still here to challenge young minds. 

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So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

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