I'm trying to find a gift for my 8 year old (3rd grade) brother, who unfortunately falls under the "kid that has everything" category. He's very bright, so it can be something for older kids as well. I bought him a Wii game for his birthday in October, which he loved, but my father and stepmother have said no more electronics for the child. He already has an ipod, laptop, camera, all of which he rarely uses. My stepmother suggested this (www.amazon.com . . .) but I can't even figure out what it is! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Edit: I should probably add that he lives in New York City, and therefore outdoor activities are pretty limited. He plays on a baseball team and hockey team, but he's all set with his gear for those activities.

At that age my nephew really like board games, he felt really grown up being able to play them with adults. Is he going through any phases of things he really enjoys? My nephew loved learning about animals and I got him a set of educational but fun books on things like dinosaurs that had different levels so he could grow with them. You could also do a magazine subscription to Highlights or National Geographic Kids, it is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year! If he is into sports they also have Sports Illustrated for kids. My nephew is now into being a Boy Scout and doing outdoor activities. If your brother is like that you can get a fishing pole, camping gear or outdoor games.

I'd hit up the science section of the toy store and get him a cool kit- the one your stepmother suggested looks cool, but there are tons of interesting and cool experiment kits for kids that age. The electricity-type ones are neat- there's "build-your-own-robot" kind of things, even. Educational and fun.

^ I agree. My brother was really into that sort of stuff when he was 8.

I just bought him a year subscription of Sports Illustrated Kids magazine. Figured I'd start there We'll probably make our way into a toy store when I'm up there to visit next week.

Another idea is some kind of crafts kit. Most of them are pretty girly, but if you look carefully you can find some that are suitable for boys as well. My male cousins at that age got some kind of plaster and molds kit to make mini statues. I also loved a wooden kit to build a bird house.

I know you've got something now, but just for future reference, my brother at that age loved those kits that you get to build a dinosaur skeleton. Also, Lego, puzzles and board games always go down well.

Helen

The Hot Wheels Wall Track is supposedly really popular this year.

^Why does the kid in that photo look like he's from 1982?

Helen

My brother is super active. He wouldnt sit still long enough to play a board game or do a puzzle. He sure loves his Wii, though! And sports. I may mail my other brother's set of Harry Potter books to him, because I know for a fact my dad makes him read daily. Thanks yall.