The key here is 8 years old.
Every mom needs a step stool to reach that top shelf.
There are plans for simple 'one step' stools all over the net.

Here is a link to some:
http://www.woodworking.wizkids.co.uk...tical%20S.html


"Mekon" wrote in message
...
I have a 8 yo boy visiting tomorrow and thought he might like to make
something for his mother for Christmas,

Does anyone have a suggestion for something he can make?
I don't need plans, I can figure out what needs to be done, once I have
the
idea.

Mekon