Older children — those aged eight through to their early teens — are developing their own tastes, exploring creative hobbies, and ready for gifts that genuinely respect their growing independence. The best presents at this stage aren't toys in the traditional sense; they're tools that open up new skills, materials that feel grown-up enough to take seriously, and projects that produce something worth keeping.
Our collection for older children brings together art supplies, craft kits, and creative projects from makers like Faber-Castell, Galison Mudpuppy, Studio Roof, and Bee & Bumble. Here are eight of our favourites for children aged 8–14.
Art and Illustration
Children who love to draw and make often reach a point where the materials they've been using simply don't keep up with what they want to create — and the right upgrade at the right moment makes a real difference to what's possible. The Faber-Castell 15 Piece Comic Illustration Gift Set is an outstanding example: developed in collaboration with professional comic artists, it brings together Pitt Artist Pens and Goldfaber coloured pencils in essential comic colours, a Grip Matic mechanical pencil with blue leads (the professional's trick — blue disappears when scanned), and a step-by-step guide covering shapes, shadows, anatomy, perspective, and visual storytelling. For manga and graphic novel enthusiasts aged 12 and up, it's a complete toolkit from one of the world's most respected art brands. The Bee & Bumble Faber-Castell Colouring Set takes a different approach for children who love detailed work — professional-grade coloured pencils with superior colour depth and blending, a sketch pad, eraser, and sharpener, put together by a UK family business for young artists ready to develop their own style.
Comic Illustration Gift Set by Faber-Castell
For something that produces a finished piece genuinely worth displaying, the Galison Mudpuppy Andy Warhol Soup Can Paint By Number Kit is brilliant — not an ordinary paint-by-numbers set, but an introduction to Pop Art that teaches patience, colour theory, and a little art history, with a finished canvas worthy of a bedroom wall. We also stock the Marilyn version for those who prefer that icon. And Studio Roof's Wall Art Plane: Piper takes making into three dimensions — a flat sheet of recycled cardboard with vegetable-based inks that assembles into a beautifully detailed aircraft sculpture. One makes a statement; two or three arranged together make a genuinely impressive wall installation.
Andy Warhol Soup Can Paint By Number Kit by Galison Mudpuppy
Craft, Writing, and Lettering
Some of the most satisfying gifts for older children are the ones that teach a genuinely useful skill — something they'll return to and develop over time. The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Calligraphy Pens Set is exactly this kind of gift — India ink pens in various nib widths from a brand trusted by artists since 1761, perfect for learning calligraphy, hand-lettering, or bullet journalling, and the kind of skill that genuinely sets a young person's work apart. For a different kind of making with meaning, the Bee & Bumble Scrapbooking Set is a beautifully curated kit for preserving photos, concert tickets, and memories in a 40-page kraft paper scrapbook — complete with wooden frames, rose gold border stickers, patterned craft tape, metallic gel pens in gold, silver, and white, and wooden word sentiments. The kind of gift that becomes more precious as the years go by.
Scrapbooking Set by Bee & Bumble
Two more gifts worth knowing about. The Galison Mudpuppy Frank Lloyd Wright Origami Kit brings together the ancient art of paper folding and the geometric patterns of one of history's greatest architects — 48 sheets printed with Wright's distinctive designs and detailed instructions for multiple origami forms. Portable, screen-free, and genuinely skill-building. And the Galison Mudpuppy I Read Banned Books A5 Journal — 128 lined pages with gold foil edges, a cover illustrated by Laura Korzon celebrating classic literature that has faced censorship — is the perfect gift for a young person who loves books and ideas, whether they use it for journalling, creative writing, or just carrying a little literary defiance to school.
Frank Lloyd Wright Origami Kit by Galison Mudpuppy
The gifts that tend to matter most at this age are the ones that take a young person's interests seriously — materials good enough to grow into, projects that produce something worth keeping, skills that stay with them. Browse our full range of gifts for older children, or explore by age: 8–9 year olds, 10–11 year olds, and 12 and over.
We offer premium gift wrapping using FSC-certified, sustainable paper in a choice of designs, with each gift expertly hand-wrapped in plastic-free packaging. Add a personalised message and we can send directly to the recipient — perfect for gifts that arrive ready to inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range are these gifts suitable for?
This collection is curated for children aged 8–14, though many pieces — particularly the calligraphy set, scrapbooking kit, and journals — will appeal to older teens and adults too. We've included specific age guidance in each product listing.
Are these suitable for children with no prior art experience?
Yes — each kit includes clear instructions and everything needed to get started. They're designed to be accessible whilst offering plenty of room for developing skill and personal style over time.
Which gifts work best for children who love drawing and illustration?
The Faber-Castell Comic Illustration Gift Set is outstanding for aspiring comic artists and manga fans. The Bee & Bumble Faber-Castell Colouring Set suits children who love detailed work and want professional-quality materials. The Andy Warhol Paint By Number kits are a wonderful introduction to fine art for children ready to move beyond children's craft kits.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes — we offer premium gift wrapping using FSC-certified, sustainable paper in a choice of designs. Each gift is hand-wrapped in plastic-free packaging with a personalised message, and we can send directly to the recipient if needed. You can add gift wrapping at checkout or find out more on our gift services page.
Can you help me choose between options?
Always happy to help. Use the live chat on the website or email hello@haliburtons.com and we'll suggest something tailored to the young person's interests and abilities.
