So you’re looking for the best gifts for 9-year-olds? Well, I’m a mom to a 9-year-old, and I can tell you with certainty that it’s probably one of the hardest ages to shop for.
My son still wants to play with LEGOs, but also wants to play Nintendo. He asks for soccer jerseys, but also wants a Squishmallow to sleep with. It’s a really in-between phase where they’re flexing their tween muscles, but there’s still that little kid in there. They have a lot of opinions and can definitely be influenced by friends or what they see at school. (All of a sudden my son wants Oakley sunglasses??) So shopping for them is a minefield.
Lucky for you (and my kid), I look at toys and gifts all day for a living. Plus, I’ve bought my fair share of gifts for 9-year-olds in the last year. I know the latest trends in toys and what’s just downright fun. I’ve combed the internet for the best gifts for 9-year-old boys and girls, and organized them for you by interest or hobby (we know they have those!) So keep scrolling for the best gifts for 9-year-olds right now.
How We Chose These Gifts
As a mom of a 9-year-old, I have a pulse on what’s going on with this age. I chose these gifts based on what I’ve gifted myself and seen be a hit with his friends, and what’s trending right now. These are mom-tested but also kid-approved. There are no price tiers, so they are based solely on interests.
What to Look for in a Gift for a 9-Year-Old
At this age, hobbies are starting to become a bigger deal. You’ll start to see some stick, like an instrument, sport, or art. Kids are also starting to flex their independence and look for ways to do it, which is fun—and nerve-racking sometimes.
Of course, this being 2026, we can’t ignore that 9-year-olds like tech gifts too. Whether it’s the latest Nintendo Switch console, a smartwatch, or a 3D printer. Having the coolest tech goes a long way.
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Tech and Gaming Gifts for 9-Year-Olds
If your 9-year-old is a little gamer like mine, they’ll love getting—or upgrading to—the Nintendo Switch 2. The enhanced screen and gameplay will make this a worthy holiday or birthday gift. Plus, the bundle includes a full download of the Mario Kart World game
I’m on a mission to turn my kids into avid readers, and the Kindle is the first step I always recommend any parent to take. The paper-like color is easy on the eyes, and the Kindle Library includes multiple titles to explore: Big Nate, Percy Jackson, and more.
2 colors and patterns available
The filter-changing magic on this camera is what sold me (and my kid) on it. You can seamlessly move between standard, retro, or star filters, and then watch as your vibrant images print out before your eyes. You can also attach it to a smartphone and edit or save your photos.
This is the kind of gift that brings STEM and creativity right into your home. I know my kid—and his friends—will love being able to make their own toys right before their eyes—just print with one tap in the app! Parents will also feel peace of mind with the printer’s enclosed and pinch-resistant design.
6 models available
For when they need to shut out the world—and maybe you need some peace and quiet, too. Whether it’s a long travel day or just a relaxed afternoon at school, I know my kid will reach for these comfy, colorful headphones.
10 colors available
The Gizmo Watch is a family favorite here at The Everymom. As a mom of littles, I love how it’s the perfect compromise for kids who aren’t ready for a smartphone but need a way to contact us when they’re away. And for those wondering, it has no internet browsing or social media capabilities, and only parents can add contacts through the Verizon Family app.
2 colors available
LEGO and Building Sets for 9-Year-Olds
A theme park of their own that they can build at home? My 9-year-old would love all the room for imagination with this LEGO set. They can even launch the 3-car train from the summit of the toy roller coaster to trigger a tumbling lava boulder!
Any Star Wars fans reading this? Your kids need this Smart Play LEGO set that includes motion-activated engine sounds and lights, laser-shooting, refueling, and repair sounds. I love how this toy encourages fine motor skills and curiosity about engineering, while still building on an interest.
Think of this toy as a step-up from the widely loved Magna-Tiles. Older kids can use this set to build a scorpion, wasp, crab, and dragonfly. Then, they can evolve their own creature-inspired designs. If you have an animal-obsessed 9-year-old, I’d save this one.
4 sets available
With 70 tracks and connectors, 32 trick pieces, and 25 marbles, there really are endless building combinations included with this set. And the detailed instructions will help avoid any unnecessary frustration (or tears) from kids as they play.
This isn’t just any old pinball machine. It uses edible gumballs as its pinballs, a detail I know will intrigue kids to play. The toy itself helps teach basic physics concepts like force, motion, and gravity in a gamified setting.
I’ve given this gift for many birthday parties in my day. It’s the perfect no-screen, creative endeavor for a budding scientist. But also for the aspiring-Sephora tween.
Active and Outdoor Picks for a 9-Year-Old
The toy kids are always reaching for in the garage? Their scooter—every single time. And this new model is just the upgrade I’ve been waiting for. It’s foldable, with an adjustable T-bar and a kickstand.
2 colors available
The compact size of this ripstick makes it a great choice for 9-year-olds with a narrower stance. And the slip-resistant platforms make it safe (and fun) for kids who want to try out some new tricks.
2 colors available
When I was a kid, rollerskating was a go-to weekend activity for me, and I always wanted my own pair. For the 9-year-old in your life, these padded skates are comfortable and equipped with safety features.
As far as gifts go, a new bike is something you can never truly go wrong with. This one has all-terrain tires and eight different gears—it really is the upgrade of the season my kids will be anxious to get their hands on.
4 colors available
Best Board Games for 9-Year-Olds
This is one of those simple family games that is perfect for kids who prefer something low-stress and silly. Plus, the youngest kid always goes first—it’s just the rule!
3 sets available
For something a bit more challenging, this gravity brain maze game combines a marble run with a STEM challenge that will get your kids thinking. Kids will love how interactive this game is, and I love how it builds their problem-solving skills.
Another fun, modern twist on a game we’ve all been playing for ages. In this version, Properties are locations to explore for Pokémon, and Poké Balls replace Monopoly money.
CATAN Junior is set against the backdrop of a ring of tropical islands, with wood, goats, molasses, and a spooky Ghost captain. I love how social and interactive this game is. It gets my kids talking and engaging with one another, even when they don’t feel like it.
Love family game night? Here are more of the best board games for kids by age.
Best Book Series for 9-Year-Olds
In my household, Percy Jackson is required reading. There’s no series better fit for older elementary schoolers who love fantasy and magic, and there’s no series I’d rather talk about with my kid. Grab the box set to save money and get your kiddo reading!
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Harry Potter books. When it comes to series that every kid, all over the world, should read at some point, this is at the top of the list. And with the new TV show adaptation of the books coming out this Christmas, there’s never been a better time to start.
If there’s a book series out there that truly captures the oftentimes brutal realities of middle school and adolescence, it’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Grab your 9-year-old a copy to show them that they’re not alone in how they’re feeling.
The first four books from Anne of Green Gables are captured beautifully in this one-of-a-kind box set. Red-headed, big-hearted Anne Shirley is one of literature’s most beloved characters and a worthy role model for your growing kid.
Creative and STEM Gifts for 9-Year-Olds
If your kids haven’t watched CrunchLabs on Netflix—by former NASA engineer and YouTube star Mark Rober—turn it on right now, and grab this companion toy, too. The Crunchinator is inspired by Mark’s own creations and allows kids to crush objects in the most mind-blowing (and safe) way possible.
For your aspiring pop star or Broadway performer—this Karaoke machine this to my phone and plays whatever song they want by their favorite artist: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, or even Disney songs.
20 colors available
I have a budding artist on my hands, and I’ll absolutely be snagging this kit for them ASAP. With supplies for painting and drawing, this really does cover all your bases in one single purchase.
2 colors available
The best part about this baking kit? It comes with pre-measured ingredients, making it ideal for little kids who can’t wait to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, but maybe need an extra hand with attention to detail.
Gifts for 9-Year-Old Girls
This age is where self-expression starts to really shine. Style is important to many 9-year-old girls, and so is shopping at Sephora, as we all know! These picks keep that “wanting grown-up things” feeling in mind while staying age-appropriate. While these picks tend to be popular with girls, my 9-year-old boy would love to play with the fashion designer set. These are just starting points, so follow your kid’s lead.
We are a major Olivia Rodrigo household (I’m even going to her concert soon!), so this LEGO set is a must-have. The purple moon is a memorable sight for those who have seen Olivia Rodrigo sing live before.
This little pouch makes for a stylish option to store their pencils and markers at school. Plus, it can be personalized with their name so it (hopefully) never gets lost.
3 colors available
Anyone else know an elementary-aged girl with a skincare routine more complex than their own? Yeah, same. Luckily, this headband will help them keep every little strand safely tucked away while they cleanse and moisturize—and it’s cute, too!
If you have any trips on the calendar this year, this is the travel set your kiddo (and you) will want to have on hand. It’s compact and includes body wash, cream, and a perfume. I don’t know about you, but Sol de Janeiro is one of my go-to brands, too.
Any little fashionistas in your life will love this design kit that introduces kids to basic skills like sketching, fabric, layering, and basic sewing. And as a parent, I’m happy to see it doesn’t require any sewing—simpler and safer for beginners.
The ultimate friendship bracelet kit! Seeing something like this totally brings back memories of friendship bracelet making at sleepaway camp with my friends. Any 9-year-old girl would be happy to receive this and share with friends.
8 colors available
Upgrade her favorite emotional support water bottle! This collab between Loveshack Fancy and Stanley has totally caught my attention. I may just have to grab one for me and my kid.
3 colors available
A good crossbody is an essential for everyone these days, kids included. If their current bag is so stained and torn you can’t stare at it anymore (same), this Owala bag is a great alternative. There’s even a compartment for their water bottle.
5 colors available
Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys
As the mom of a 9-year-old boy, I can tell you this age is where toys and sports and gadgets start to blur. They can still love toys but feel like they’re ready to age out of them too. My little one is still into LEGOs but many of his peers only want to play Fortnite or practice football. From my experience with this age, the below picks are guaranteed hits.
I don’t know about you, but I’m counting down the days until Avengers: Doomsday this December. And with some Marvel-obsessed kids on my hands, this LEGO set was an instant-save for me and my family. It includes Doctor Doom, Yelena, Red Guardian, and more.
This game totally expands the club experience, inviting you to meet, play, and recruit new club members while also allowing you to improve your play on and off the field. For the football fanatics out there (who also happen to be gamers), this gift is a no-brainer.
For those late-night matches, this glow-in-the-dark football is the perfect companion for your kids. It provides 30 hours of light and is easily inflated with a pump. The sporty kids will love how this adds to their game.
For the Pokémon lover, this is the ultimate interactive toy that allows kids to create and perform their own Pokémon movements. Plus, it comes packaged in a display case that doubles as a stand for the toy when it’s not being used.
With this toy, your kids can take to the skies, literally. And the light show is just an added bonus. The focus it takes to operate a drone safely makes this toy perfect for 9-year-olds—lots of fun, and a little challenge.
What drew me to this basketball hoop is its options for single and pair play, meaning that even when the weather is bad and outdoors isn’t an option, kids can play together. The audio feature also means that points scored are counted out loud and accompanied by cheering.
4 colors available
What better toy to round out this list than the Nex Playground? It may be a bit pricier, but it includes 5 starter games and a 3-Month Play Pass that unlocks 30+ games. The gamer in your life will love interacting with characters from Barbie, Peppa Pig, and more.
3 styles available
Name a 9-year-old boy who isn’t obsessed with the ever-popular “ice cream shorts.” Plus kids love a novelty sock so these Baseball 101 Lifestyle socks are a fun gift you know they’ll use.
FAQs About Gifts for 9-Year-Olds
What’s a good budget for a 9-year-old’s gift?
It really depends on who you are shopping for and your family. When looking for a birthday gift for my kid’s friend I like to stay in the $25-30 range. But again it all depends on you.
What do 9-year-olds want most?
In my experience, 9-year-olds want things that feel like they are for teenagers. The coolest LEGO set, the “sickest” video game, or the bag that gives off teen vibe. They secretly still love toys but they’re starting to see what it feels like to be more grown up.
What’s a good gift for a 9-year-old girl vs. a boy?
For me, it all starts with interest rather than with girl versus boy. The same toy that makes a great boy gift can make a great girl gift, and vice versa. If we’re looking at interests for this age, I find that the best gifts for 9-year-old girls are probably something related to beauty or bags (according to my son, that’s all the girls in his grade want). For boys, their interest lies more in video games or sports.
Is a 9-year-old too old for toys?
My answer is a hard no! They may think or say they’re too old for toys, but nothing could be farther from the truth. But of course there are toys that they may be aging out of, so take their need for maturity seriously. They’re creative and independent so focusing on toys that foster those qualities, like a STEM or art kit, is a great idea at this age.
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with over 14 of years experience in content strategy and brand building. She grew up in Brazil and when she’s not talking about the ‘90s, she’s dreaming about the beach and Brazilian pão de queijo. She loves dancing, yoga, and chasing around her son, Lucas.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
Product images in feature graphics linked within the article.
