Anonymous wrote:

American Girl books are a big hit too, but make sure that she is into American girl doll if you will go this route

sorry I was not clear: I think that the AG books are awesome but the dolls it depends, a few of DD's friends are into the dolls but many are not

second the ballet bag if she does not have one

my 8 year old love any cute but adult thing (not a toy): her own travel bag, her own nailcutter set, .... she would be happy with a gardening set, a nature explorer ,.. as long as it is cute and does not feel like a toy


American Girl books are a big hit too, but make sure that she is into American girl doll if you will go this route

My 8YO DD LOVES the Hedbanz board game - it's actually pretty fun for adults too.

My 8-yo DD just learned knitting, so cool yarns will work for her. She is also very artsy/creative, so art supplies are always good. Or legos. Or tickets to an experience (it could be a ballet, for instance, ABT is coming to the KC with Swan Lake in January - we just got tickets ourselves).

OP, several ballet companies are doing the Nutcracker soon. If she isn't already attending, maybe you could plan a special day/night together to see it. Prices vary from the Ballet Nova version at TJ MS to the Kennedy Center version.

Shopkins, logo friends if she likes putting things together, jewelry, hair accessories, Pokémon, dolls, nom noms

My 8 yo ballet loving girl adores her American girl doll with her ballet outfit. For a more sentimental gift, she absolutely adores her wind up music playing ballerina figurine that her uncle and aunt gave her. (About 6 inches tall) She also has a ballet calendar and ballet books.

Does she already have a nice ballet bag? Check before you buy.

My DD would love a gift card to Barnes & Noble to pick out her own books. Or Goldie Blox. Make your own jewelry kits are also a hit. She is also into jewelry, like a charm necklace or a disc with her first initial. (She has a few bracelets, but they get in her way and don't last on her arm very long.)

My girls love board games, stuff for their American Girl dolls and arts and crafts kits.

Mine likes Lego City. She's into transportation.
She also likes Blokus game.

Lego Friends are always popular!
My DD also loves Fur Real Friends and brain teaser-type games like Perplexus, etc.

my 8 yr old likes AGD

My niece is turning 8 in a few weeks.

She loves all things related to ballet. I'm thinking of getting her one ballet oriented thing (looking for ideas) and one thing to expand her interests (looking for ideas in this arena too).

I would love to hear thoughts from folks with kids in the same age range. Thanks!