Best Gifts & Toys for 9 Year Old Boys in 2022
Your little man is 9 years old and is about to go through some significant changes. Middle school is on the horizon, along with everything that comes with it. Sure, your 9-year-old is still a little boy in many ways but is slowly becoming more independent and ready for challenges that prepare him for what’s ahead. By now, he’s learned to read independently and understand basic and not-so-basic math concepts, so toys and games that support his learning in fun ways make for fantastic gifts.
When shopping for gifts for boys in this age group, the focus should be on toys and gadgets that help encourage their hunger for knowledge while giving them space to let their inner child grow. In essence, what you want is lots of entertainment and a little bit of education neatly wrapped up in one package; not an easy task, especially when you’re shopping for kids who are not yet teenagers but are also not little boys anymore.
To give you the very best gifts & toys for 9-year-old boys, we’ve spent a little over 16 hours on research, making sure that every toy and gadget is well-constructed, safe-for-kids, and equally important – fun! From robots that support STEM education, to laser tag sets that encourage healthy physical activity, to remote control cars that are perfect for both outdoor and indoor play, here are some of the best gift ideas for a growing 9-year-old in your life!
- Best STEM Game: ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
- Best Lego Kit For Minecraft Fans: LEGO Minecraft The Zombie Cave 21141 Building Kit
- Best Board Game For Adventurers: Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring Board Game
- Best Robot Building Toy: Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot
- Best Gift For Nerf Fans: Kids Tactical Vest Kit for Nerf Guns N-Strike Elite Series
- Best Marble Run Gift: Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run
- Best Race Car: Pussan Amphibious Remote Control Car
- Best Interactive Learning Toy: Shifu Orboot Augmented Reality Interactive Globe
- Best Gift For Dino Lovers: National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
- Best Retro Video Game: Beijue 16-Bit Handheld Games
The Best Toys & Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys
1ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
The Thinkfun Gravity Maze is challenging fun for your 9-year-old, his friends, as well as the whole family! This gravity-powered maze game features 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, helping your boy develop problem-solving skills and improving his logical and spatial reasoning and planning. The fun logic and puzzle game also makes a great addition to any classroom or homeschool curriculum.
This 2017 Toy of the Year Award winner is one of the best gifts for kids who like puzzles, mazes, and challenging activities. It comes with a game grid, nine towers, one target piece, three marbles, and instructions, so your boy can immediately start playing.
60 challenges (beginner to expert)
Nine towers, one target piece, and three marbles
Step-by-step instructions
Develops critical thinking
Toy of the Year Award Winner
- BrandThinkFun
- Model44001006
- Weight1.61 Pounds
2Nerf Fortnite TS-1 Blaster
Fortnite is the #1 game in the world right now; if you have kids, you’ve no doubt heard all about it and seen the dances. However, like most parents, you probably wish your boy spent more time outdoors in the sunshine. The Nerf Fortnite TS-1 Blaster is the perfect solution! Based on one of the primary Fortnite weapons, this Blaster shoots safe darts for battling outside or even indoors.
This Nerf gun features pump action to shoot further than a standard blaster without requiring batteries. It holds 4 Nerf Mega Darts with eight darts included. Storage on the stock keeps you reloading faster. Bring the Fortnite fun home with this Blaster!
Official Fortnite product
Pump-action
Four-dart blasting
Storage stock
Eight NERF mega darts included
- BrandNERF
- ModelE6159
- Weight2.2 Pounds
3LEGO Minecraft The Zombie Cave 21141 Building Kit
Your 9-year-old boy is probably already a Minecraft wiz. With the Zombie Cave, the cool Minecraft stuff can come to life with Lego! Build a Lego set with classic coal, red stone, gold, and diamond ore elements from the game. When the sun goes down, Steve should look out for the zombie and baby zombie; a great way to get your child off of the screen and into imaginative play.
This LEGO Minecraft set is 241 pieces and comes with building elements, a furnace, and a ladder just like in the Minecraft videogame. It also includes a Steve Minecraft mini-figure, bat, baby zombie, and zombie figures. It is compatible with other Lego sets to open a whole world of possibilities.
241-pieces
Based on Minecraft Zombie Cave map
Includes Minecraft Steve, bat, zombie and more figures
Exploding TNT function
- BrandLEGO
- Model6212474
- Weight1 Ounce
4Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone
Drones are the latest craze, and the Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone is the perfect way to get in on the action. This easy-to-fly UFO-style drone launches and flies without a remote control. Instead, infrared sensors allow for hand control and help the drone easily avoid obstacles. A gentle toss gets you flying, and LED lights put on a show after dark.
The Hand Operated Drone is easy to set up and use. It charges in less than 50 minutes and flies with a gentle toss in the air. The protective webbed shell keeps fingers and furniture safe. A great gift for any 9-year-old boy who’s into flying!
Hand-controlled drones
Infrared sensors
45 minutes to charge
USB charger
Available in three colors
- BrandForce1
- Weight5 Ounces
5Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring Board Game
Every 9-year-old loves adventure. With Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring Board Game, your boy can explore the Dragonrealm beyond his home. With missions to sneak into the Witch’s Cabin or storm the Isle of Dragons, this game puts your little man in command, teaching critical thinking and decision-making skills. Who can collect the most gold and rule the realm?
The board game comes complete in a box with everything you need to play. Collect adventurer cards to roll the dice against your adversaries. This game of strategy and wit will keep you on your toes. Perfect for your next Friday game night or sleepovers!
Dice and card game
Takes around 20 minutes
2-4 players
Simple strategy board games
Ages 8+
- BrandGamewright
- ModelCSG-DRAGONW
- Weight14.9 Ounces
6Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot
For any 9-year-old with an aptitude for building and coding, the Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Solar Robot is a great gift to challenge them even further. For kids with good creativity, concentration, and engineering proclivities, this 12-in-1 solar robot kit offers tons of fun possibilities. They can build 12 different robots that operate on land or water or use their imagination to create and develop their own robot. All this while learning about how to engineer a robot that runs on solar power.
The Solar Robot kit comes with 190 easy-build pieces, accessories, and detailed instructions for 12 different builds. There are two difficulty levels of robot building, so your child can progress from easier to more challenging and then on to create his own. The solar panel runs this robot for kids without batteries. If you want to nurture STEM skills in your 9-year-old boy, this is a perfect gift!
Build 12 unique robots
Powered by a solar panel
Ranges from entry-level to advanced
Supports STEM learning
Step-by-step instructions
- BrandSillbird
- Weight1 Pound
7HUSAN Mini ATM Electronic Coin Bank
Teach your 9-year-old boy crucial money and budgeting skills with the HUSAN Kids Code Electronic Piggy Banks Mini ATM Coin Box. This piggy bank is a locked-down lockbox made of strong ABS plastic and features a security door with password protection. Give your children a lesson in saving that pays off when it’s time for ice cream!
The Electronic Piggy Bank uses three AA batteries to run an automatic bill acceptor, lighted currency volume indicator, and security keypad. The keypad works with a four-digit code that you can set and reset. With a capacity of 600 coins and 100 paper notes, this gift is perfect to teach your little one the value of saving and investment at an early age. You can also start a rainy day or college fund!
Made from high-quality ABS
Holds 600 coins or 100 notes
Makes sounds when you insert cash
Password protection
Number keypad
- BrandHUSAN
- Model10100752
- Weight16 Ounces
8Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings [2 Pack]
The classic flying disc toss-and-catch game is even better with the Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings. These rings are easier than a frisbee disc to throw and catch but can go far, making them an excellent way for your 9-year-old to test his skills with friends and family. Arm and foot catches are easy with the rings, as are different style throws.
The Flying Rings come in several different colors and float on water. Perfect for your next trip to the beach or pool, or just take them to the neighborhood park. Weighing just 33g, they are safe for young children. Share a bit of backyard game history with your boy with this gift.
Two-pack
Weigh just 33g each
Fly straight
Available in eight different color schemes
- BrandActiv Life
9Kids Tactical Vest Kit for Nerf Guns N-Strike Elite Series
The Kids Tactical Vest Kit will give your 9-year-old boy an edge in his next Nerf blaster battle. This vest lets your little guy ammo up and get on the move with plenty of storage for extra Nerf darts, extra magazines, and a small blaster or two. The protective eyewear and mask give him confidence and help him stay hidden from opponents. You gotta Nerf them before they Nerf you!
The Vest Kit includes an adjustable tactical vest, tactical mask, protective glasses, dart pouch, reload clip, wrist band ammo holder, and 30 Nerf darts. It is compatible with most original N-Strike blasters and with all Nerf N-Strike Elite blasters. Nerfs up!
Tactical vest holds 20+ darts
Includes a dart pouch, mask, protective glasses, and reload clips
30 refill darts included
Suitable for kids aged 5-14 years old
For Nerf Guns N-Strike Elite Series
- BrandUWANTME
- Weight9.6 Ounces
10Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run
Most 9-year-olds have seen their share of Legos and trains, but the Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run gives them something new and exciting to build. This interactive track system offers tons of freedom to experiment with engineering, gravity, magnetism, and movement. Different tiles, levels, tracks, and features let you control the speed of each ball. Build a course and race marbles or set up trick shots; the possibilities are endless!
The Starter Set comes with 122 elements to start building, including a cannon. The instructions outline nine-track designs and 24 challenges. This set is compatible with other Gravitrax sets, so you can keep the creative construction fun going. One of the best STEM toys on the market, hands down!
122 elements to start building marble runs, including a cannon
9 track designs and 24 challenges
Different tiles, levels, tracks, and features allow for ball control
Compatible with other Gravitrax sets
- BrandRavensburger
- Model27597
- Weight4.18 Pounds
11Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit
With The Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Science & Building Kit, your 9-year-old boy can construct 10 different Lego machines that spin, swing, pivot, roll, lift, and drop. This kit is a great way to teach your little guy cause and effect, the fact that one thing leads to another, and then another, and so on. Then he can combine different elements to create different chain reactions. Years of playing with Lego can help him understand the world even better!
The award-winning science and building kit comes with 33 Lego elements, six Lego balls, and assorted other elements to build all 10 machines and see the chain reactions. The kit comes with a Klutz-certified crystal clear instruction book to help you build everything. Your kids and you may also love some of these fun Lego creator sets from our list; check them out!
33 LEGO elements and 6 LEGO balls
Assorted elements to build machines
Klutz crystal clear instructions
- BrandKlutz
- Model9780545703307
- Weight1.17 Pounds
12Pussan Amphibious Remote Control Car
With the Pussan Amphibious Remote Control Car, your 9-year-old can experience extreme high-speed, flippin’ fun on land or the water. The mega-strong car body and dual-motor four-wheel drive make this remote control car capable of 180-degree flips and 360-degree spinning stunts. Great fun on land, on the sand, in the mud, on the grass, or surfing in the water. No matter where you go, this RC car can make it fun!
The RC Car comes with the car, a pistol-grip remote controller, batteries for both the car and controller, a charging cable, and an instruction booklet. The vehicle is shockproof and features dual-motor 4 x 4, rubber tires, and ultrafast controller reaction speed for maximum extreme fun.
RC car that drives on land or water
Dual motor 4×4 with all-terrain tires
180-degree flips and 360-degree spins
Batteries for car and controller with charging cable
- BrandPussan
- Weight2.29 Pounds
13Growsland Remote Control Car
The Growsland Remote Control Car is built for speed. It has wide racing tires and a spoiler to generate downforce paired with an aerodynamic racecar design. The 27MHz two-stick controller lets your boy race this 1/18 scale RC supercar around the house, with hard surfaces working the best. The LED headlights light up the road for racing action after dark. The car looks good enough to proudly display in a young race fan’s room.
The RC Car comes with the remote control car, controller, and instructions to get started. The car requires four AA batteries and the controller needs two of them, so get your batteries ready as they are not included. A fast car that is easy to drive and looks good. Epic.
1/18 scale RC supercar with 8-10 mph high speed
Easy to use 27 MHz 2-stick controller
Headlights illuminate when going forward
Requires 6 AA batteries for car and controller (not included)
- BrandGrowsland
- Weight8.5 Ounces
14pindaloo Skill Toy
The Pindaloo Skill Toy is an update of the classic ball toss game for the video game generation. This addictive game is based on a simple loop principle and requires extreme focus and coordination, a great challenge for any 9-year-old boy. Once he gets the basics down, there are a ton of throwing and catching tricks to master.
The Skill Toy comes with a Pindaloo tube, two juggling balls, and caps for ball storage in the tube between Pindaloo sessions. Just loop the ball from side to side and then spend hours building up to some sick tricks. A perfect gift if you want to keep your kid entertained and physically active at the same time!
Easy to play, hard to master
Great for focus and coordination
Relieves stress
- Brandpindaloo
- Weight8.2 Ounces
15Shifu Orboot Augmented Reality Interactive Globe
Take a trip around the world in augmented reality with the Shifu Orboot Interactive Globe. This innovative educational toy comes with a free app that helps your boy visit new countries and learn about different parts of the world. With this globe, kids can explore our planet through independent discovery and develops linguistic and cognitive abilities. By building knowledge of geography and environmental science, your 9-year-old will be an informed world citizen in no time!
Featuring 400+ highlights and 1000+ facts, the Orboot free app teaches about the world across six different categories – cultures, monuments, inventions, animals, maps, and weather. It comes with a passport, stamps, stickers, and a detailed guide. With your iOS or Android device, you are one tap away from the learning journey of a lifetime.
10-inch globe
400+ highlights and 1000+ world facts
Passport, stamps, and stickers included
Works with iOS and Android
- BrandShifu
- ModelShifu014
- Weight2.64 Pounds
16National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Fossil Dig Kit puts your kid in the dirt on a dino dig with real tools and real fossils. Follow the 16-page paleontology dig-learning guide to explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, sharks, brachiopods, mosasaurs, ammonites, and more. Tools like the chisel, brush, and magnifying glass are included so your 9-year-old boy can excavate actual prehistoric fossils.
The Dig Kit comes with a large dig brick that contains 15 genuine fossils, a 16-page learning guide, a set of digging tools, and a magnifying glass. From the trusted and beloved National Geographic, this is a perfect gift for your dino crazy boy!
1 dig brick with 15 real ancient fossils
Digging toolset includes chisel and brush
1 magnifying glass
Learning guide
- BrandNational Geographic
- ModelNGSUPERFOS
- Weight1.61 Pounds
17Play22 Laser Tag Set
If you can’t go to the laser tag arena, then bring the laser tag arena home! The Play22 Laser Tag Sets is one of the best toys to get your boy and his rough and tumble friends away from the screen and playing. Play indoors or outdoors with an impressive 130-foot range and different weapon modes. Perfect for hosting a laser tag tournament!
These Laser Tag Sets come with everything you need to get battling, including four blasters and four vests. Each Blaster includes four weapon modes to change gameplay – pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and rocket. Great for one-on-one or a team battle.
4 blasters featuring 4 weapon modes and team tech
4 high-tech hit vests that light up and vibrate on hit
LED lights and sounds add to the fun
130-foot laser range
26 AA batteries required for all blasters and vests (not included)
- BrandPlay22
- Weight4.39 Pounds
18Beijue 16-Bit Handheld Games
It is a fact that most kids, especially 9-year-old boys love video games and most probably have a console or computer to play on. The Beijue 16-Bit Handheld Games Console is a rugged addition to his video game universe. Designed for kids, it comes complete with 100 16-bit retro games from adventure to strategy to puzzle games.
The Handheld Games console features a 3-inch HD color screen and comes loaded with 100 classic 16-bit games. A rechargeable battery allows for 4 hours of play on one charge. A great gift for young gamers, plus you don’t have to worry about what your boy is playing or seeing online.
100 classic 16-bit games in 1 console
3-inch HD color screen
Rugged, kid-friendly design
Rechargeable battery and charging cable
- BrandBeijue
- Weight6.1 Ounces
19Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone
If your 9-year-old is into drones or video games, the Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone is great on the go. This lightweight mini drone with rotor protection guards keeps your kid flying indoors, outdoors, and in almost any situation. Auto-hover keeps it in place, and one-key takeoff makes takeoffs and landings smooth. Durable and with three-speed modes, this drone is great for beginners.
The Mini Drone is a rugged quadcopter that sits in the palm of your hand. It comes packaged with a 2.4vGHz console-style remote controller, spare propellers, repair tools, a user manual, and a USB charging cable; everything your little guy needs to start playing right out of the box!
Fully capable palm-sized drone
Easy to fly with features like altitude hold and one-touch takeoff
Durable drone with rotor protection
- BrandPotensic
- ModelUS-A20-Green
- Weight6.7 Ounces
20GAMZOO 2-in-1 Remote Control Racer
The 2-in-1 Remote Control Racer is an excellent gift if you know your kid loves vehicles and you want to give him options. Your 9-year-old can choose between a racecar or an off-road truck and construct the car out of snap-together pieces. Then he can race it on any smooth surface using the remote controller. Perfect for a boy who wants to be an engineer, builder, or a racecar driver!
The Remote Control Racer comes with 335 pieces that build either the racecar or truck RC vehicle. It also comes with a remote controller for when it’s time to drive.
2-in-1 remote-controlled vehicle – racecar or off-road truck
335 pieces snap together to build an RC vehicle
Drive the vehicle with the remote controller
6 AA batteries required for RC vehicle and controller (not included)
- BrandGAMZOO
- Weight1.5 Pounds
21Joyfun Walkie Talkies for Kids
Roger that! 10-4! Over! Keep in touch with your 9-year-old with the LOOIKOOS Walkie Talkies for Kids. Great for playing inside or outside with family and friends, these walkie talkies will get your boy ready for adventure. Explore the great outdoors, play hide-and-seek all over the neighborhood, or have a late-night conversation with your best friend. Safety features like a flashlight and voice-activated transmission help your child learn to be responsible as they explore. A fantastic game for two kids, three kids or the whole family!
The Walkie Talkies come equipped with 22 channels and operate on FRS/GMRS for private conversations. The units feature a backlit display, a built-in flashlight, and voice activation. With noise reduction, high-quality sound, and belt clips, these are perfect for your boy.
3 walkie talkies – durable and designed for kids
Up to 1-mile range and 22 channels with privacy features
LCD backlight display and built-in flashlight
4 AAA batteries required (not included)
- BrandLOOIKOOS
- Weight12.4 ounces
22LEGO Technic WHACK!
The Lego Technic WHACK! is different from most Legos sets. It’s a rugged crash action racecar with a powerful pull-back motor, sturdy bumpers and wide, grippy tires. After your 9-year-old builds the car, he can race his friends, pull off extreme stunts and crash with style. The engine even pops out on impact! Your little racer can construct a cool car and then see what it takes to total it in a crash… and then rebuild it again. WHACK!
This 135-pieces Lego set needs to be assembled, but a 9-year-old should be able to handle it. Combine this set with other Lego Technic sets to build up and crash apart a garage full of Lego vehicles.
Pull-back motor for impressive acceleration
Low-profile tires and wide rims
Pop-out engine
135 pieces
Compatible with all LEGO building sets
- BrandLEGO
- Weight1 Ounce
23Mattel Games UNO Minecraft Card Game
The Mattel Games UNO Minecraft Card Game puts a new twist on that familiar and fun, family-friendly kids and adult card game, Uno. The deck features characters from the popular Minecraft computer game. In addition, this game introduces the Creeper Card, which deals damage as your opponents scramble to match cards. When you’re down to your last card, don’t forget to yell, “UNO!”
This game comes with a 112-card UNO deck with cards featuring Minecraft characters and images. The classic game UNO with a Minecraft look and a new way to play, what could be better?
112-card UNO deck featuring Minecraft characters and images
Minecraft-themed special rule for enhanced gameplay
Updated instructions
- BrandMattel Games
- Model5.6 Ounces
- WeightFPD61
24ToyVelt Punching Bag for Kids
Get your active 9-year-old ready to rumble with the ToyVelt Punching Bag for Kids. It is a great way to get out some energy, stay fit, and improve coordination for other sports. Modeled on pro-equipment, this tough, freestanding bag bounces back with every kick or punch. Its durable material can take even the toughest punches. A pair of kid’s boxing gloves make for a real boxing feel. Keep your guard up! Bob and weave!
The Punching Bag kit comes with the bag, boxing gloves, weighted base, pump, and bar that adjusts in height from 31-43 inches. It is easy to set up and a great way to introduce your boy to training for boxing or MMA.
Durable black and red punching bag with pump
Boxing gloves in black and red
Adjustable height from 31-43 inches
- BrandToyVelt
- Weight2.77 Pounds
25Small Discoverer Outdoor Exploration Set
Get your 9-year-old exploring the forest beyond the backyard with the Outdoor Exploration Set. Get him off the screen and outside – identifying birds and bugs, orienteering with a compass, and developing his leadership skills. Hiking and exploring the outdoors gives your boy so many opportunities to learn and grow, and this set can help him capitalize on that chance.
The Exploration Set is a trail-ready kit that includes 4×30 mm binoculars for kids, 3×60 mm magnifying glass, an LED hand-crank flashlight, a whistle, a compass, and a backpack. Let him put together an expedition pack and start your next adventure!
High-quality optics, 4×30 mm binoculars for kids and 3×60 mm magnifying glass
LED hand-crank flashlight and whistle
Comes with a compass
Backpack for exploration and storage
- BrandSmall Discoverer
- Weight14.4 Ounces
26WWE Chad Gable
If your 9-year-old boy is a fan of WWE wrestling, then he will love this WWE Chad Gable Championship Title Belt. The sleek medallions will make him feel like his favorite star and champion, Chad Gable! Your child will love putting this belt over his shoulder and strutting his stuff, just like the superstars in the ring.
This Championship Belt features medallions and an adjustable, leather-like strap. Your child can wear the championship belt, just like their favorite wrestling ring stars. Are you ready to rumble?! An 8-year-old boy would also love it!
WWE Championship Belt replica belt
Adjustable strap
Just like the WWE Superstars wear
- BrandWWE MATTEL
- ModelDPN38
- Weight9.2 Ounces
27UWANTME Electronic Shooting Target
The UWANTME Electronic Shooting Target is the fastest way to make an expert Nerf blaster marksman out of your boy. Four targets automatically rebound when knocked down and the unit makes firearm and broken glass sounds. Play with friends and challenge bragging rights with multiple game modes. Great for a rainy day or any day, these targets give your 9-year-old girl or boy a tactical advantage in his next Nerf battle.
The Shooting Target base unit comes with four targets and features a three-digit digital display for a three-round competition for two players. Start shootin’ today!
4-target shooting gallery
Solo and multiplayer modes
Three rounds of competition
Sounds of simulated gunfire and broken glass
- BrandUWANTME
- Weight1.2 Pounds
28CUKU Magnetic Dart Board
The CUKU Magnetic Dart Board uses durable, safe, magnet darts (no sharp tips here!) to fly straight and stick to the board. The sturdy game board is two-sided for traditional darts or accuracy games. Hit a bullseye on your next family game night!
The Dartboard measures 13 inches across, comes with 12 magnetic darts in three colors, and a hook that makes it easy to hang in any room or outdoors. Introduce your 9-year old boy to the classic game of darts, and who knows, maybe someday he can challenge The Hammer!
13-inch reversible dartboard
12 safe magnet darts in 3 colors
Hook included for easy installation
Teach your child the classic game of darts
- BrandCUKU
- Weight1.95 Pounds
Why Trust Us
To give you the very best toys for 9-year-old boys, we've scoured the internet for the coolest, most interesting games and activities for kids this age. We've also consulted with parents-members of our team who gave us some fantastic gift ideas based on what their own kids love playing and doing the most. As always, we aim to give you the most accurate and honest reviews so you can get the best deals for your money so we've included a variety of well-constructed toys and games that make for fantastic gifts for 9-year olds in your life.
Who This Is For
This guide is for parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and anyone else who has a 9-year old boy in their life whom they want to make happy! Whether you're looking for STEM toys that teach basic engineering skills, games that'll teach your boy to be more adept at outdoor activities, or simple but fun lego kits that your little guy can build new worlds with, we've got you and your 9-year-old covered.
How We Picked
What makes a toy great? One, it should be as fun as possible, and two, it should either teach a new concept or help fuel a child's interest in a subject. This is how we picked products for this guide - if a toy or a game checked at least one of these criteria (ideally both) and it was well-constructed and kid-safe, it ended up on our list. We also tried to include a wide variety of toys and gifts that not only accommodate varying budgets but also different interests and preferences.
Features To Look For In Toys & Gifts For 9-Year-Old Boys
At 9 years old, your child is about to start middle school. It is an independent age and one in which they are making more friends, facing challenges concerning academics, and asking increasingly difficult questions about the world around them. With their heightened curiosity and longer attention span, the mind of a 9-year-old is in a state of constant and rapid development. At this stage, most children are more vocal about their feelings and able to express their views and thoughts on numerous topics of interest.
Toys and playing contribute significantly to the overall development of every child, which is true for 9-year-olds as well. Through play, boys this age develop skills such as critical thinking, communication and teamwork, coordination, creativity, and vocabulary. But at this age, play can also be a mental escape from increasing academic, athletic, or social pressures. So, while kids need educational toys, they also just need to blow off some steam and have some fun.
Choosing a gift for a 9-year-old does not need to be a difficult task. Something new and engaging will be welcome. Strike a balance between fun and a toy that delivers a developmental benefit. Still not sure which toy to buy? Focus on the following features and you should have no problem picking out a fun toy for your 9-year-old boy.
Interest - Most 9-year-old boys have their preferences set but are still open to new experiences. It is, therefore, good to know what the child is interested in, but don’t be afraid to encourage them to try something new. You can also ask their parents or ask them directly to figure out if they have a gift in mind. Bear in mind that 9-year-olds are no longer little kids so most will prefer something a little more fun and challenging than their younger counterparts.
Durability - Boys this age are often rough on toys. Great toys are durable and made with more robust materials such as wood, steel, or specialty plastic; basically, materials that are likely to hold up better and last longer. Of course, all toys made for children must be kid-safe and made from non-toxic materials.
Budget - Exciting toys and great gifts don't have to cost a fortune; in fact, many of our top choices are very budget-friendly. Instead of going for the most expensive toy, we recommend striking a balance between price and quality; look for toys that fit your budget and that teach kids new things in a fun way.
Gifts & Toys For 9-Year-Old Boys FAQ
Q: What type of toys do 9-year-old boys like?
A: Most 9-year-old boys have one thing on their mind – fun. Mentally, they are bright and curious, on the cusp of rapid development and ready to explore their environment and to challenge their skills if it means they can have some fun. The best toys provide mental and physical stimulation in a fun package. Construction kits with a new twist, competitive games, anything they can program, interact with, or control is a good gift for a boy this age.
Sources:
- 9-Year-Old Child Development Milestones - Very Well Family
- Fun Learning Ideas For 9-Year-Olds - Oxford Owl
- Middle Childhood (9-11 Years Of Age) - CDC