The Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds Who Still Love to Play

Welcome to the tween years. As you may know from first-hand experience, this stage is when young kids gradually become more independent and opinionated on their way to teendom. Luckily, at 9 years old, they still retain their sense of playfulness and youthful whimsy, which makes it fun to shop for them.

To find the best gifts for 9-year-olds, we went straight to the source: kids and their parents. We surveyed 774 caregivers along with 101 members of our staff to learn about their kids’ favorite toys, clothes, games, tech, and more. We also reviewed major trends on social media and applied our insider knowledge of the toy industry. 

Our selection of gifts for 9-year-olds includes updated versions of classics like Polaroids, Converse, and Bill Nye science kits, as well as new trending picks like Owala water bottles, Pura Vida bracelets, and more. 

Our Favorite Gifts for 9-Year-Olds

Board Games for 9-Year-Olds

Bond with your loved ones and encourage screen-free quality time with a family board game. It’s a win-win. Kids can unplug, and parents can soak up this time before the teen phase hits. We love a fresh new take on the classic UNO game or the guessing game Headbanz to inspire plenty of laughter.

Active Toys

Inspire a love of the outdoors and build lifelong healthy habits with gifts that encourage active play. We love classic outdoor toys like bikes and skateboards since they double as a means of transportation. You can also remind kids to stay hydrated while being active by gifting them a trendy, spill-proof water bottle.

Educational Gifts

Learning is a 9-year-old’s full-time job. Add some extra value to playtime with gifts that have an educational component. Consider a science kit that teaches physics concepts in an age-appropriate way. Or, for budding architects and engineers, you can’t go wrong with a fun Lego set. 

Arts and Creative Gifts

Give the kids in your life a creative outlet with a mess-free art kit. Friendship bracelets have made a major comeback after Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, so a bracelet-making set can be a lot of fun. Or, if the 9-year-old in your life is a big fan of slime, there are some great slime kits that combine art and sensory play.

Clothing and Accessories

While 9-year-olds are generally past the mommy-and-me outfit phase, a wearable gift is always a practical option. We like customizable gifts, like a bracelet that says their name or a belt bag with different patches. If you prefer a safer option, classic Converse shoes are always in style. We chose a platform version of the old-school shoe for a more modern look.

Tech Gifts

Tech-savvy kids will enjoy getting to explore their interest in an age-appropriate way. For example, a digital pet blends a love of technology with whimsical play. And if you know a kid who loves their video game console, consider getting them a rated-E game for some family-friendly fun. 

Unique Gifts for 9-year-olds

Looking for something a little outside the box? Consider a more niche gift, like a meal delivery service with kid-friendly global recipes. Plus, cooking together is a great screen-free bonding opportunity. Kids who are always on the go, be it scouts, camping trips, or sleepovers with their besties, will get a ton of use out of a practical sleeping bag.

Our Review Process

We began our search for the best gifts for 9-year-olds by surveying 774 caregivers and 101 members of our staff about the toys and gifts their kids enjoy and how they play with them. We received hundreds of responses, but we narrowed down our list considering each gift’s overall value, quality, and age-appropriateness. Our editors also attend industry events and speak to brand reps throughout the year to find the latest toys and products for kids.

Factors to Consider

• Interests: Think of what the 9-year-olds in your life will actually use based on their interests. For example, if the kid you’re shopping for is huge into horses, perhaps a toy car isn’t the move. 
• Safety: While you typically don’t have to worry about choking hazards or chewing on toys when shopping for 9-year-olds, there are some safety considerations. Make sure you check the label for the recommended age range and ensure that products are appropriately sized. For example, it can actually cause more accidents and injuries if you purchase a bike that’s too big in the hopes that the kid will grow into it.
• Family Bonding: Look for activities that encourage screen-free family bonding. Things like cooperative board games, building kits, and multi-player sports equipment like soccer balls are a good idea. 
• Value: In this economy, it’s always important to make sure the price tag matches the quality of the product. Think of how much use each product will get and be prepared to spend a little more for higher quality big ticket items like a bike. Similarly, you can save a few bucks on smaller items like a slime kit.

Who We Are

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and passion for smart media usage allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families.