Best Sustainable Birthday Presents for Kids Aged 8 and Over (Australia Edition)
Choosing a birthday present for a child over eight can feel surprisingly challenging. When kids are younger, the options are endless — bright plastic toys, figurines, and building sets dominate the shelves and their wish lists. But once they reach eight and beyond, many children naturally grow out of those toys. Even LEGO, once a favourite, often loses its appeal as their interests shift toward more active, creative, or practical hobbies.
At this age, kids start gravitating toward things like scooters, skateboards, bicycles, sports gear, and outdoor adventures. But those bigger items are usually decisions parents prefer to make themselves. So, what do you give a child who’s outgrown plastic toys but still deserves something fun, thoughtful, and sustainable?
Here’s a guide to the best plastic‑free, eco‑friendly birthday gifts for Australian kids aged eight and up.
Why Choose Sustainable Gifts?
Sustainable gifts aren’t just better for the planet — they’re often more meaningful, longer‑lasting, and genuinely useful. Kids over eight appreciate items that help them explore their interests, learn new skills, or enjoy outdoor activities. By choosing plastic‑free options, you’re giving a gift that avoids landfill waste and supports healthier habits.
1. Handmade Birthday Card with Money ($20 and Up)
If your child is invited to a friend’s birthday party, ask them to create a handmade birthday card using their own artwork and handwriting. If you are a relative or close family friend, anyone in your family can help make the card, or everyone can write or draw something inside it. It’s even better if you can include a small sustainability message in the card. Don’t forget to place some money ($20 and up) inside the envelope.
Tip:
When handing over the envelope at the party, it’s a good idea to quietly let the parent of the birthday child know that the envelope contains the gift — and even mention that it includes money so they can keep it safe. Some kids get excited and tear open envelopes immediately, look at the card, and run off to play without noticing the money. In a busy party environment, a parent or helper might tidy up and accidentally throw away the torn envelope without realising money was inside.
Why is this the best sustainable gift?
The parent of the birthday child can guide their child to choose a sustainable item that will be useful in the long term. For example, they can even teach the child about saving and investing by helping them open a bank account — if they don’t already have one. Over time, as the child receives more gifts or pocket money, they can build up savings that will be useful when they finish school.
On the other hand, if you give a plastic toy, it will likely end up in the rubbish within a couple of years — wasting your money and contributing to environmental pollution. Plastic doesn’t break down, so it harms the planet and future generations. Don’t contribute to that problem — choose a gift that supports sustainability instead.
2. Gift Cards (From $20 and Up)
Gift cards are one of the most practical and sustainable choices. They avoid waste, give the child freedom to choose something they genuinely want, and allow parents to select items that suit their child’s hobbies — whether that’s sports, school supplies, or creative projects.
Great Australian options include:
Kmart, Big W, Woolworths, Coles, Officeworks, Bunnings
These stores offer everything from stationery to sports gear to DIY kits, making the gift card incredibly useful and flexible.
NOTE: Although the value on a gift card can be used to purchase a sustainable item, the physical gift cards sold in these stores are usually made of plastic, which means they are not 100% sustainable.
3. Clothing (Practical and Long‑Lasting)
Clothing is a fantastic sustainable gift — especially when you choose natural fibres like cotton, linen, or bamboo.
If you’re a close family friend or relative, you probably already know the child’s size and style. But if your child is attending a school friend’s party and you don’t know the parents well, choose clothing slightly larger than the typical size for their age. Kids grow quickly, and giving something too small means it may never be worn.
Some great options include:
These are the main types of sustainable gifts that can suit any child. Besides these, there are other options that could be considered sustainable, but they might not be suitable for everyone.
Other sustainable gift types
These types of gifts aren’t for everyone, especially kids over 10 years old.
1. Books (A Timeless, Plastic‑Free Favourite)
Books are one of the most sustainable gifts you can give. They last for years, can be shared or passed down, and help build imagination and literacy.
Popular choices for 8+ include:
If you’re unsure what they like, a book voucher from a local bookstore is a safe and thoughtful option.
2. Natural Material Craft Kits
Kids over eight love hands‑on activities, and craft kits made from natural materials are a great way to keep them engaged without adding more plastic to the planet.
Look for kits that use wood, fabric, paper, or metal instead of plastic.
Ideas include:
These gifts encourage creativity and help kids develop fine motor skills and patience.
3. Board Games Made From Sustainable Materials
Many board games today are made with recycled cardboard, wooden pieces, and minimal plastic. They’re great for family time and help kids develop strategy, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.
Look for:
These gifts last for years and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a sustainable birthday gift for a child over eight doesn’t have to be difficult. By focusing on plastic‑free, practical, and meaningful options, you can give a present that supports their interests, lasts longer, and helps reduce environmental impact.
Whether it’s a gift card, a book, a craft kit, or an outdoor experience, your thoughtful choice will be appreciated by both the child and their parents.
