Hey girl, today let's chat about the best gifts for 3rd graders boys and girls.
Back to school is right around the corner and if you are anything like me you like to get your kiddo a little something to kick off the new school year, you know – really pump ‘em up. As a mom of 4 - a daughter (12) and 3 boys (10, 8, and 6) - I am here to give you the top gifts for 3rd graders.
And guys, these gifts for 3rd graders aren't just for back to school either. Oh no, you can gift these for birthdays and holidays as well.
There are so many amazing gift options below from after school activities to sports gear to back to school essentials and so much more.
Let’s get this back to school party started by getting our kids excited for school with these epic gifts for 3rd graders.
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Best Gifts for 3rd Graders
1. Backpack
I don’t know about you but I never buy character backpacks since my kids’ opinions change all the time.
Instead, they get to pick out a well-made backpack in their favorite color or pattern. This way my kids can use them multiple years in a row because backpacks are expensive!
We have had the best luck with the Jansport backpack brand.
2. Water Bottle
Just like backpacks, my kids get a nice water bottle without a character on it.
My 3rd grader loves blue so this one is right up his alley. This water bottle comes in a bunch of colors so I know there is one for your kiddo.
Don’t forget the stickers, and no they are not just for girls!
3. Lunch Bag
It is small enough to fit in your kiddo’s backpack but big enough to hold all the food he would need for lunch.
It also holds this mini Thermos, which is so good by the way.
4. Watch
3rd graders love to be in the know – of everything. My kids are obsessed with knowing what time it is. Is it the same at your house?
Finally, I got my daughter this watch, which is amazing, and now her brothers all want one too.
Can you guess what my 3rd and 5th graders are getting as back to school gifts?
5. Books for 3rd Graders
Reading is so important and that is why I include a book with every gift I give.
If you are saying, but my kiddo is NOT a reader, then I would have to beg to differ! Every kiddo is a reader, you just have to find the right style of book to spark the interest.
These are great book series for 3rd grade girls.
These are great book series for 3rd grade boys.
6. Games
I love playing board games with my kids and I think they feel the same way. It is a great way for them to relax and for us to spend time together.
You can’t go wrong with Ticket to Ride or Sorry.
7. Legos
My kids are nuts over Legos. And as much as they love the Lego sets, they love the classic Legos even more. It lets them build whatever they can dream up.
Sometimes we have timed Lego challenges with a theme. It is so much fun. I had to put up a table just for Legos since my kids play with them so often.
8. Sports Balls
Encourage your 3rd grader to get outside and on the move with some sports gear that he can use right at home.
Here are a few amazing options that my kids love to use, but there are plenty more to choose from depending on what your kiddo is into.
9. Activity Books for Kids
We recently went on a road trip and I bought these books to keep my kids busy.
They were such a hit with all my kids that they asked if I could buy more when we got back from our trip.
My kids almost finished those books too. I would rather have them get used than sit on a shelf and collect dust though.
Gifts for 8 Year Old Boys
10. Pokémon
Can you tell me how Pokémon cards are supposed to work? I have been trying to figure it out for about a year now but I haven’t had much luck.
Regardless, my 3rd grader and all his friends are nuts over them so getting a fresh package of Pokémon cards is always a hit.
I got this binder for him too. Even though it is a basic binder, it is so nice and zips completely closed.
11. Sports Cards
Thanks to a family friend, football cards have become all the rage here. I mean, countless hours of football cards spread all over our living room floor with my 3 boys going through them all.
My friend says these are the best kind of sports cards to get.
And of course, don’t forget the binder for these cards as well.
12. Military Toys for Kids
My 3rd grade son is head over heels for all things military. If this sounds like your son, you have to pick up these army men.
They go great with this Destroyer set.
This aircraft carrier is also so cool.
And if you were wondering, yes my 3rd grader has all of these!
13. Spy Kit for Kids
14. Nerf Guns
I don't think I even need to tell you how much fun Nerf Guns are.
Everyone gravitates to them and your son is going to go nuts over these.
15. Remote Control Car
This remote control car is a must-have.
It can be used inside and out and flips all over the place, but hasn't left a single mark on my floors or walls.
All 3 of my boys have one and my daughter loves to give them a whirl too.
16. Walkie Talkies
17. Binoculars
Your son is going to love exploring and seeing more things than ever with these binoculars.
You don't have to go crazy and get expensive ones.
These binoculars are just right for kids and you won't be ultra concerned about him dropping and breaking them.
18. Laser Tag
Laser Tag is a blast, especially when the sun goes down.
My boys and their friends have a great time running around to try and win.
Sometimes my boys even let me play, only when they need a spot filled – ha!
19. Paper Airplanes
This paper airplane book is such a good activity for boys on a rainy day.
These airplanes end up flying really well too.
8 Year Old Girl Gifts
20. Fashion Plates
I can not even count how many hours my daughter has spent playing with these fashion plates and they are still a hit (she is 12 now).
She loves using colored pencils and gel pens to make her designs come to life.
21. Coloring Books
This coloring book is one of the best I have seen and girls love it.
I like this brand of coloring books because the paper is a bit thicker which makes it great for hanging the pictures on the wall.
22. Hair Accessories
Hair items make a fantastic gift for girls. You can go with a new hair brush, hair elastics, or headbands.
23. Stickers
Kids love stickers and there are so many to choose from. I have gotten these for my daughter a few times now.
If she likes Super Mario, I just got these stickers too and they are so good.
24. Personalized Stationery
Girls this age and up like to see their names on as many things as possible.
My daughter just gave her 8 year old friend this personalized stationery and we were so pleased with how great it turned out.
We paired it with a package of colorful pens.
25. DIY Kits for Kids
Kits make for great gifts for 8 year old girls. There are so many to choose from and will give your girl something to do for hours.
We have had amazing luck with these DIY Kits - Slime Kit and Rock Painting Kit. Since my daughter loved them so much we ended up gifting them to other girls to enjoy too.
This post was all about the best gifts for 3rd graders.
Let me know in the comments below what you plan to do with your 3rd grader this school year to make it the best one yet. This fall we plan to go apple picking, visit a pumpkin patch, and have a Halloween party with family and friends.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.