Grandma's Bag of Stories, by Sudha Murty
Short Indian stories, one at a time. Perfect for children who are just starting to read on their own.
Sudha Murty has more books for this age, so you can build a series.
Gift guide · For girls
Gifts for girls aged 8–12
Story books, dress-up and craft are big favourites with girls this age. We've added some science and sports picks too, because girls love those just as much.
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Up to ₹500
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
The first book of the magical series. Once they start, children will ask for all seven.
Available in Hindi (Paras Pathar) and English.
Malory Towers, by Enid Blyton
Friendship, pranks and adventures at a boarding school. A favourite series for girls who love stories.
If they like the first book, the full 6-book set is worth it.
Air-dry clay kit
Make diyas, rangoli pieces and small models. No oven needed; it dries in the air.
Check that the box says "non-toxic".
Hair accessories set (clips, scrunchies)
A set of colourful clips and scrunchies. The return gift girls like most.
Avoid metal clips with sharp edges.
Kids' peel-off nail polish set (water-based)
Water-based, peel-off nail polish: no remover needed, it simply peels off. A safer choice for children.
Look for 'water-based' and 'non-toxic' on the label; don't give adult nail polish.
₹500–1,000
500-piece jigsaw puzzle
Completing a picture together as a family. Builds patience and focus.
For 8–9 year olds, start with 200–300 pieces.
Junior badminton set
Two light rackets and shuttles. Play in the lane, on the terrace or in the park.
Pick a light racket. Heavy ones tire the wrist.
Watercolour set + A4 sketch book
A Camlin or Faber-Castell student set with a thick-paper sketch book. Thick paper stops watercolours from spreading.
Brushes in 3 sizes are enough.
Bead jewellery-making kit
String beads into bracelets, necklaces and keychains. Handmade jewellery also makes lovely gifts for friends.
Keep beads away from toddlers in the house.
Beginner embroidery kit
Hoop, threads and a printed design: everything to learn a first embroidery in one box.
Choose a kids' kit with a blunt needle.
Kids' play makeup kit (washable, non-toxic)
Light, washable makeup made for children, for dress-up and dance shows. A favourite gift for girls.
Do a patch test on the arm first and read the ingredients. Adult makeup isn't made for children's skin.
DIY lip balm and bath-bomb making kit
Make your own lip balm and bath bombs: a bit of science, a bit of beauty. Older children love the pride of making it themselves.
Do the melting step with an adult.
Kids' analog watch (Titan Zoop or similar)
Learning to read time on a real dial, and the pride of a first 'real' watch. Titan's kids' brand Zoop is trusted.
Choose a water-resistant one with a strong strap.
₹1,000–2,000
Science experiment kit (Butterfly Edufields or similar)
30–50 experiments in one box, linked to school science. Indian brands, some with Hindi and English instructions.
Check the number of experiments and the age on the box.
Wooden mechanical STEM kit (Smartivity or similar)
Children assemble a working model and learn how gears and levers work. Kits from the Indian brand Smartivity are popular.
Each kit has its own age range, so check the box.
₹2,000–5,000
Harry Potter box set (7 books)
The whole series in one box. Few gifts build a reading habit better.
Buy the full set only if they enjoyed book one.
Adjustable inline skates
Size-adjustable skates that last 2–3 years. The most popular hobby in any housing society.
Always buy a helmet and knee and elbow pads with them.
Lehenga-choli or festive ethnic set
A designer ethnic set for Diwali and weddings. Girls love dressing up in it.
Look for cotton lining and embroidery or sequins that don't scratch.
Above ₹5,000
Gift guides
Diwali Gifts for 8–12 Year Olds
Five budgets, with hand-picked options in each.
21 picksReturn Gifts Under ₹300
Instead of plastic toys that break in a day, small gifts that get used.
11 picksGifts for Boys 8–12
Boys this age love all kinds of toys: cars, blasters, building sets and sports.
16 picksScreen-free Diwali activities
10 things to do together at home
10 ✓More categories
Books
Hindi and English stories, comics
STEM & science kits
Experiments, robotics, telescopes
Games, puzzles & toys
From carrom to Nerf
Outdoor & sports
Cycles, skates, cricket, football
Art & craft
Colours, clay, embroidery, jewellery
Fashion & beauty
Ethnic wear, watches, kids-safe makeup
School essentials
Bags, tiffins, bottles, study lamps