Bought for my neice's birthday as well as the starter kit for the house and a hammy. Loves it. Not educational, but it's for fun, what's wrong with that for an 8 year old. Probably a bit overpriced as a toy but it's how much they like it and appreciate and play with it that adds the value, so in an adults eyes probably looks expensive, but to them its worth every penny (of yours!) Kids should just be having fun at that age anyway. Now Christmas is coming I've just bought the car and garage to add to it all and her brother the boys version Kung Zhu arena. Amazon by far the cheapest and you can always rely on a fast delivery, keeping you well informed if not for any reason and price.