While it’s fun to give children toys that meet their interests, you can also challenge them to play with other toys. Just be sure to consider age recommendations so the toy isn’t too overwhelming (or seem too young and childish—they’re almost tweens, after all). We carefully considered design, toy safety, value, and age recommendations when reviewing products. Here are our favorite toys for the 9-year-old in your life. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $118 Price at time of publication: $29 A simple survey helps get you started to find the right books for your child. Price at time of publication: $30 monthly Price at time of publication: $14 Cool alone or with a friend, these mini sets are loads of fun. Price at time of publication: $26 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $30 Food is not included, but that allows families to shop together and prepare meals at a convenient time. Select monthly increments up to a full year. Price at time of publication: $28 monthly Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $119 Sprinkled throughout the book are fun facts, behind-the-scenes looks, and much more. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $61 Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $32 Even if you don’t guess the character, you learn awesome trivia about your favorite heroes and villains, guaranteeing a great time each round. Even better, this game easily slips into a purse or backpack for playing in the card, on a picnic, or on the go. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $5 Price at time of publication: $300 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $37 Not only will kids have a blast building the coasters, but they’ll be building on important STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills as they play. Once the thrill rides are built, they can send the air-propelled, motorized coaster car (included) soaring around the tracks. Price at time of publication: $99 Adults can even give them a whirl as they fit shoe sizes from youth 12 to adult 12 and will support up to 250 pounds. Note that the spark pads are removable and refills are sold separately. Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $145 After all of the 12 robots are built, disassembly is easy so kids can start all over again and use their imagination to create even more innovative and completely customizable bots. Perfect for independent play or for fostering collaboration with friends and siblings, this fun and challenging set secretly teaches young ones about scientific concepts as they imagine and create. Price at time of publication: $40 An infrared remote control lets kids send the car racing forward, backward, and in 360-degree spins. Lights make for fun nighttime driving, too. It’s all the action of a traditional remote control car, with amplified add-ons that make it super cool. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $50 The objective: To capture creatures and enchantments by rolling dice, collecting cards, and strategizing the best moves. Along the way, you’ll encounter angry ogres, giggling goblins, and other creatures that you must stomp, shriek at, or strike. It comes with 108 cards, six customized dice, and easy-to-follow instructions. Winning requires a good mix of strategy and luck. Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $25 While Lego sets offer a fun challenge for all levels, 9-year-olds may need help from an adult to complete this build, making this a great collaborative activity. The challenge will add to the feeling of success once the Jeep is complete and ready to display or disassemble and build all over again. Price at time of publication: $50 Kids wear mesh vests with a target on their chest that opponents try to hit with soft and safe balls. Perfect for playing together with friends or family members of various aged, Diggin DodgeTag is a great choice for outdoor play. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $37 Price at time of publication: $24 monthly Price at time of publication: $17 The best part—this game collapses for easy storage in a convenient carrying case, perfect for bringing to the part or the beach. The sturdy weather-proofed materials are guaranteed to last for years to come, which helps justify the high price tag. Price at time of publication: $190 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $31 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $16
What to Look for in Toys for 9-Year-Olds
Interests
Because 9-year-olds have a multitude of diverse interests, the best way to ensure your gift is well-received is to find out what the recipient is into. Whether they prefer board games, sports, or crafts, there’s a toy out there that they’re absolutely going to love. Don’t be afraid to try a gift your 9-year-old hasn’t asked for, in which case the true gift is expanding their horizons.
Age-Appropriateness
Check the toy or game box for age-appropriate recommendations. When in doubt, keep in mind that kids this age tend to appreciate arts and crafts, outdoor activities, imaginative exploration, and playing independently. These almost-tweens won’t appreciate a gift that’s aimed at littler kids, so err on the side of maturity and challenge if you can.
Educational
There are so many great ways to have fun and learn something new that your 9-year old may not even realize they’re learning and playing at the same time. Look for a kit that allows your kiddo to learn or practice a new skill. You can also find a toy tailored to their favorite subject in school, such as a STEM kit for those who love science or math. Outdoor toys are another great way to teach about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Budget
Even the most perfect gift won’t be quite right if it doesn’t fit into your budget. The 9-year-old in your life will appreciate a present that piques their interest no matter how much it cost, and reasonably priced options abound.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Her kids are super active, so she’s always looking for toys that get them outside and playing for as long as possible. She’s found that chalk, scooters, and stomp rockets are perfect for one-size-fits-all fun.
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
