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.
Link coming soonGift guide · Updated 28 September 2026
Diwali gifts for 8–12 year olds
Three budgets, four picks in each. All screen-free, right for the age, and useful long after Diwali.
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Up to ₹500
Small gifts, big value
Tinkle Digest
Comics with Suppandi and Shikari Shambu. Even reluctant readers enjoy them.
Two or three digests together make a better gift.
Link coming soon3×3 speed cube
A workout for the brain, and learning to solve it takes weeks. "Magnetic" cubes turn smoothly and are easier for beginners.
Share a link to a beginner's solving guide along with it.
Link coming soonAir-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".
Link coming soon₹500–1,000
Games for the whole family
Chess set with roll-up board
Once learned, it lasts for years. A roll-up board travels easily.
Choose weighted pieces; they tip over less.
Link coming soonScrabble (original)
Builds English spelling and vocabulary through play. The whole family can join in.
For 8–9 year olds, the junior version works better.
Link coming soonWatercolour 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.
Link coming soonJunior 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.
Link coming soon₹1,000–2,000
Bigger gifts that last
Wooden mechanical STEM kit
Kits from Indian brands like Smartivity. Children assemble a working model and learn how gears and levers work.
Each kit has its own age range, so check the box.
Link coming soonAmar Chitra Katha box set
Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Indian history in comic form. An especially good gift for Diwali.
Available in both Hindi and English.
Link coming soonFootball, size 4
Size 4 is the right size for 8–12 year olds. Size 5 is for adults and feels heavy.
Get a pump with it; it comes in handy later.
Link coming soonBeginner electronics circuit kit
Snap-on parts for circuits with bulbs, buzzers and motors. A safe way to understand electricity, with no soldering.
Battery-operated toys should also carry the ISI mark.
Link coming soon