The 45 Best Gifts For 9-Year-Olds, From Squishmallows To Bikes

The Make Clay Charms Kit has nine colors of clay that kids can fashion into over 35 variations of charms they can wear on the included charm bracelet, ensuring it appeals to creative kids. Song highly recommends clay kits, noting that the best toys for 9-year-olds: “Let creative thinking flow while honing in on rapidly improving fine motor skills. Think modeling clay kits to make any creature your child’s imagination can dream up.”

To aid in the creative process, the kit includes a clay shaping tool, a brush applicator to apply the glaze, a drying stand and jump rings and charm loops for the finished product. The 60-page instruction book guides kids with easy to follow directions for a fun experience.

Some toys stand the test of time for a reason. The rubber band bracelets of most parents’ childhood are back and popular again for today’s kids. Since 9-year-olds love to be creative and are often driven by social pursuits, the act of making friendship bracelets for peers— and with peers—is sure to be a hit. This kit includes everything your child needs to get started in a handy carrying case.

We’ve got the ‘scoop’ on a toy 9-year-olds really love. This kit pairs two beloved elements of modern-day childhood: ice cream and slime. Kids use the 25-piece kit to concoct butter, cloud and foam slimes in an array of colors and scents including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Yes, there are even sprinkles and cherry charms to put on top, and cones that showcase the masterpieces to have everyone screaming for ice cream.

With so many STEM toys on the market, it can be hard to decide what will be both fun and educational. The 3Doodler pen is a great introduction to 3-D printing for older kids. The gun heats filaments that can be shaped into jewelry, toys and décor. This starter kit includes 72 strands of filament in a variety of rainbow colors as well as stencils to guide projects. While the 3Doodler does use heat to make creations, the pen is cool to the touch so there is no risk of burns.

The words “permanent markers” may scare many parents, but as kids grow they can be trusted with more mature art supplies. Alcohol markers are loved by artists and graphic designers for their bright colors and smear-free formula. They’re all the rage with tweens and teens today and make a great birthday or holiday gift for a 9-year-old.

What’s old is new again, and Polaroid cameras and pictures are a huge hit among tweens. This Instax Mini 11 bundle has everything an eager photographer needs to start shooting and developing sweet snapshots, from the camera and 40 sheets of instant film to extra accessories including a matching camera case and a mini photo album. Although we’re pretty certain instead of being tucked away, those Polaroids will take center stage peppering their bedroom walls.

As if Squishmallows weren’t adorable and cuddly enough, these Flip-A-Mallows give kids two cuties to squeeze for the price of one. Simply flip one version into the other to switch back and forth between the two characters, which by the way are available in several versions, including this blue dragon and rainbow unicorn pictured above. Any 9-year-old is sure to flip over this gift.

This new twist on the classic bean bag chair is the perfect lounge spot for big kids and adults alike. As 9-year-olds begin to grow out of kid-sized furniture, it’s time to give their space a more mature glow up. This cozy nook is designed for reading, listening to music and even napping. There’s a pocket for a phone or book and handles to move the Plufl around easily. The Oeko-Tex certified plush cover is removable and machine washable, and the memory foam is has a Certipur-US certification, so it’s free from concerning chemicals.

Many 9-year-olds still like to have a stuffed animal to cuddle, and this sloth really elevates the experience with some big perks. In addition to being adorable, you can also place this sweet creature in the microwave to warm it up, so it becomes even more soothing to hold close. It’s filled with all-natural grain to retain warmth, and calming French lavender that infuses it with a relaxing aroma. Its filling makes the sloth feel like a weighted stuffed animal, which provides even more comfort. Don’t blame us if your kid slows to a sloth’s pace once they start snuggling this toy.

Kids this age are still all about comfort, making The Comfy Jr. the ultimate hoodie. This oversized sherpa-lined shirt feels like a hug and is available in tons of colors, patterns and beloved characters like Spider-Man and Yoda. A big pocket is perfect for keeping their hands warm or stashing their phone. Some taller kids might enjoy the adult-sized Comfy. These blankets aren’t just for home use—kids in my coauthor’s town are wearing them to school.

It’s no secret kids love stuffed animals. With Earth Rangers, adults can gift a stuffy that has a true impact on the planet. Each “adoption” kit includes an adorable plush endangered animal, an adoption certificate and poster. In the Earth Ranger’s app, kids can also use the animal they’ve adopted in the virtual word as they learn about conservation and wildlife. Proceeds from purchases through Earth Rangers are invested in raising the next generation to be conservationists and good stewards of the Earth.

An adorable, plush watermelon that doubles as a crossbody bag? Sign us up. This fun-loving tote is packed with personality. It has a zippered top to keep a few precious items secure, and it’s the perfect accessory for kids to wear on the go. Most kids have at least one Jellycat stuffed animal in their collection, as the brand is renowned for making the sweet and soft stuffies. This bag combines fun and function, making it fashionable for older kids to carry while out and about.

How can we support a 9-year-old’s development? Song says, “As parents, it’s an important time to teach kids how to responsibly and safely earn more independence as they venture out into the world and a little less under our constant watchful eyes.”

Give tweens a taste of freedom via an exciting scooter. In addition to being a fun ride, they can use Razor’s A3 Kick scooter to practice tricks at the local skatepark. The scooter is foldable and lightweight, making it an ideal mode of transport for kids who are starting to venture out to their friends’ houses using their own wheels. It comes in a variety of colors and has thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s one of our favorite scooters for kids over age 8.

Most kids experience a growth spurt with the onset of puberty—and parents find their bikes quickly become too small. This Schwinn bike—which comes in pink, blue, red and black—is adjustable for kids ranging in height from 48 to 60 inches. Schwinn says these bikes are designed with kids in mind, with a low step-over unisex frame and a lighter weight than similarly sized bikes.

The only thing better than a swing is a giant swing that holds you and several of your friends simultaneously. The Skycurve platform swing can support up to 400 pounds, and happy riders can sit, stand or lie on the swing to get those butterflies in their stomach. This creation takes the concept of a tree swing to new heights—all you’ll need is a sturdy branch or swing set frame to hang it on.

While some 9-year-olds are starting to lose interest in traditional playgrounds, they’re still the perfect age for physical challenges and high adventure. Slackers Ninjaline products are perfect for this age group. Not only can they be set up between two posts or trees at a wide range of locations, they are also customizable. Buy your favorite kiddo this base kit and add attachments at future holidays and birthdays. It’s perfect for backyards, parks and camping.

This T-Rex dinosaur pool toy makes the perfect sidekick for pool season—and surely makes a bigger splash than any cannonball. The realistic details on Rexy come from Poolcandy’s high-resolution “Realprint” technology.

The Ezyroller is a fun ride-on toy with a unique spin. Riders operate this sit-down, no pedal scooter by moving their legs back and forth on the foot bar to propel themselves forward. The handbrakes ensure quick stops, or they can be used to result in giggle-inducing drifting while you roll along. It’s suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, and kids can get creative by using it to race, glide on ramps or play seated basketball with a low hoop. The adjustable length and included extensions allow this toy to grow with a child and last into their teen years—and this updated Drifter-X version is just right for older kids, because those back wheels let them zoom and then float or drift around tight corners with speed.

This rock tumbler kit has over 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, so it’s pretty clear it, well, rocks. The all-inclusive kit comes with everything kids need to enter that Zen state of mind that arises from transforming rugged rocks into pristinely polished gems. A full-color learning guide gives kids details about each gemstone. Jewelry fastenings are also included, so kids can proudly wear their creations—making this kit both scientific and fashion forward.

This clever science kit lets kids create their own snow-like material. It contains everything they need, including ingredients, measuring tools and instructions to whip up snow day fun, including making their own snowballs, colored snow cones and more. They can pick up some basics on chemistry and the properties of water as they mix, stir and freeze.

“Craft kits that make ‘real’ jewelry, candles and bath bombs are big hits in my house,” says pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares. This kit makes 12 colorful bath bombs, and comes with all the necessary ingredients and an instruction book. It’s received thousands of five star reviews, and can also make bath time a bit more fun for 9-year-olds, who often begin to resist hygiene at this age.  

This National Geographic expanded kit elevates slime play to a scientific learning experience by letting kids experiment with eight amazing slime and putty variations that teach them about viscosity, phosphorescence and magnetism. A learning guide and a DIY glow-in-the-dark slime lab round out this hit of a kit.

Your 9-year-old doesn’t have to be pre-med to be fascinated by this cool and engaging 14-inch, 3D-puzzle of the human body. The 60-piece anatomy kit features a fully posable figure, as well as removable organs, bones and muscles. It’s like a very souped-up version of the game Operation. The included illustrated instruction cards provide enlightening facts about the body and its various functions.

Song appreciates this game in her own family, as well as other toys that turn on kids’ strategic thinking. “Toys that foster social interactions, strategic thinking, and fair play” are ideal she says. “One of our family favorites is Sleeping Queens.”

Invented by 6-year-old Miranda Evarts one night when she couldn’t fall asleep, the object of Sleeping Queens is to wake the napping nobles. The player who awakens the most queens wins. In addition to queens, the whimsical card characters include dragons, knights and kings, as well as cards featuring sleeping potions and magic wands. Bonus: Playing a round of Sleeping Queens encourages problem-solving and develops math skills.

Nine-year-olds are sure to find this card game invented by a 7-year-old kid funny and entertaining. Taco vs. Burrito challenges players to build crazy creations of each culinary delight using a range of bizarre ingredients like hot yogurt and gummy bears. Each card is worth a certain number of points, and the player who creates the taco or burrito with the most points wins—unless a point-reducing ‘tummy ache’ card gets thrown into the mix or someone gets a ‘hot sauce boss’ card, which doubles the total value of the meal. Other fun cards that spice up the game include a health inspector card, a food fight card and an order envy card. Over 17,000 happy customers have given this award-winning game a 5-star review on Amazon.

This game looks so simple, but that’s the beauty of it. Pindaloo is a game that can be played alone or with friends. The object is to launch the ball out of one end of the tube and catch it in the other—it’s harder than it looks. Pindaloo builds hand-eye coordination and can also be calming for kids with sensory needs. With one tube, kids can play solo or take turns keeping track of their catches. With two or more tubes, you can set up a game of catch.

This game, which is rated for ages 8 and up, is a fun way to build vocabulary and reading confidence in 9-year-olds. It can be played with just two people, but can accommodate up to eight players. There are multiple packs of cards rated at different skill levels, making this game adaptable for kids with varied reading abilities.

This classic game has not waned in popularity over the years—it’s still one of the best way to get laughs out of a group of kids. While there are plenty of apps and online versions that replicate this classic word game, the pen-and-paper version is perfect for taking to restaurants, on trips or completing around the family dinner table. For those 9-year-olds who are struggling with reading skills, Mad Libs Jr. is designed for ages 4 to 8 and might be a good fit.

If your kid likes air hockey or foosball, this tabletop game is destined to become their new favorite. Klask originated as a popular pub game in Denmark that has become a hit in the states. The ultimate test of dexterity and hand-eye coordination, players operate their magnetic game piece from beneath the board to maneuver the ball into their opponent’s goal. But watch out for obstacles, like biscuits sticking to your striker. This game is sure to result in many rousing rounds of family fun.

These classics from yesteryear by author Ann M. Martin have been adapted into an enticing graphic novel format that tweens love by author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier. The essence of the original series and the entertaining characters remain. Nine-year-olds will love joining Baby-Sitters Club members Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey and Dawn in their antics and adventures that are strewn across colorful pages with captivating illustrations. Grab a set of these graphic novels, so readers can join the Baby-Sitters Club journey from the beginning.

This book is specifically written to address questions 9-year-olds might have about their development and bodies. Published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Casares says it hits all the important topics just right. “I love this book,” she says. “It's a science-based puberty book developed just for kids ages 8 to 11 years old.”

Reading about characters experiencing similar life events can help many tweens normalize the changes in their bodies, friend groups and development. Casares says her own daughter has loved the themes she’s found in Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels, like this box set. “They normalize common pre-teen concerns, including anxiety, physical differences and body changes. ‘I feel so seen,’ she told me after reading the first one.” The set includes three of Telgemeier’s bestselling books.

“Books make great toys, too,” points out Song. “Choose books that let kids practice their emerging sense of humor and wit, like the Would You Rather book series by Lindsey Daly.”

Many kids are delighted by funny “Would you rather” questions, and this book extends the popular question among kids into a game. It rewards the most clever and creative answers to questions like, “Would you rather ride through the forest on a unicorn or spend a day hanging out with Bigfoot?”

This set of the first dozen of Jeff Kinney’s hilarious Diary Of A Wimpy Kid series is sure to please your young reader. The cartoon style drawings are a great entry point for new readers or for any fan of graphic novels. Kids follow the daily exploits of the hapless middle school protagonist Greg Heffley as he interacts with friends, frenemies and his family and brothers. Our deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala says her tweens have devoured this series, starting around age 8. “Honestly, the whole family loves reading it together at bedtime,” says Sala. “But my older kids really howl with laughter at poor Greg and his cast of underdog buddies. They’ve flown through the books on their own too and just finished the newly released book No. 18.”

This versatile and inviting indoor hammock swing is the ideal indoor playroom addition. How kids use it is up to them: It’s a restful haven to gently sway back and forth while reading a good book; a secluded spot to tuck into and study; and a fun place to bounce, swing and even spin around in upside down. Handmade with cotton fabric and available in several colors, once you hang this hammock swing from your ceiling, it may become a tween’s favorite spot to hang out.

Take your tween’s love for this video game beyond the small screen with this explorer kit that lets them to build an IRL Minecraft fort, complete with mazes and tunnels. Once they assemble the panels with pixelated grass and dirt graphics, they can use the fort to inspire active play. The structure can become anything a kid can dream up, from a fortress for Nerf gun battles to a home base for tag.

While big kids might not want to admit they still need a night light, the subtle glow of this 3D printed moonscape is a great option to keep those nagging nighttime fears at bay. Not only is it an accurate map of the the moon’s surface, it’s also fully customizable with a variety of colors and light patterns that are set with the included remote. This lamp can be used while plugged in, but it’s also rechargeable if kids prefer to move it away from the wall.

If you know a 9-year-old who loves to bake, up the ante on their culinary skills with this Tiny Baking set, which is sure to hone their dexterity and present a fresh challenge in the kitchen. All 17 components of this set are indeed tiny and can be employed to make 20 recipes, ranging from deep dish pizza to vanilla cupcakes. The recipe book adds a scientific element to the baking endeavors by explaining the food chemistry that’s involved to bring each recipe to fruition. It’s a tiny gift that’s sure to result in big fun.

Don’t let bad weather put a damper on shooting hoops. This indoor basketball arcade game lets kids go head-to-head with an opponent to see how many shots they can make. The LED scoreboard ensures the accurate tracking of points, and players can choose between 16 game variations and six audio selections that include music, an announcer, noises from a crowd and swish basket sounds. The set folds for easy storage and can be rolled away on its wheels.

Given its more than 13,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it’s clear National Geographic’s Mega Fossil Dig Kit is a winner. Kids excavate fossils from a brick using the included tools: a chisel, brush and magnifying glass that affords them a closer view of each specimen. The 16-page learning guide provides details on each fossil and how it was formed, giving young paleontologists more appreciation for the 15 prehistoric fossils they’ll find. From dinosaur and shark fossils to brachiopods and ammonites, these genuine treasures are millions of years old, and the lucky recipient of this kit gets to unearth them and bring them to light.

The Echo Show is the video-equipped version of Amazon’s smart home products, which are powered by “Alexa.” This AI-powered device can tell jokes, offer homework help, as well as video call a grandparent or friend via an approved contact list. It’s got the controls parents need for peace of mind including a Parent Dashboard, explicit language filters, adjustable age restrictions and bedtime limits. The Echo Show Kids also comes with one free year of Amazon Kids+, which gives kids access to thousands of audiobooks, games and videos.

Tech designed with safety in mind is key for this age Casares says. She recommends items like this smart watch with cellular service (purchased separately) to foster a sense of independence without giving kids too many features that may overwhelm them. This watch is perfect for quick calls from the playground or checking in on the walk to school. Parents approve contacts and set time constraints for usage on this watch, which helps kids learn to naturally establish their own digital boundaries as they grow up.

While most parents worry about screen usage, it is no secret that tech is here to stay. From school-issued devices to gaming with friends, technology is a large part of how today’s kids interact with their world. The Digiroo is a tablet case—available for iPads only at this time—designed by a mom with screen health in mind. The adjustable height means kids can view their school work or games with reduced stress to their neck and spine, and the sturdy legs pass the “poke test” when kids are playing, meaning it won’t fall over.

Many 9-year-olds are asking for their first phone for gaming rather than making calls, but some parents just aren’t ready to take that leap. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a great option for mobile gaming that makes long trips or rainy afternoons a bit more bearable. When choosing tech, it’s important to think about the game choices as much as the system itself, says Casares. “Opt for age-appropriate, collaborative video games that are free from violence or sexually suggestive content,” she says. It is possible to add streaming apps such as Disney+ or YouTube to a Switch, but Nintendo’s parental controls allow adults to choose the apps kids have access to.

These headphones from Altec Lansing are the perfect combination of kid-friendly features and grown-up style. Available in a variety of bold colors, these over-ear headphones are not only waterproof, they are sound-canceling and have built-in volume limits to protect tiny ears. Worried about kids remembering to charge wireless headphones? The best feature of this pair is that they can be used both ways—wirelessly or as standard headphones with the included aux cord. See more of our favorite headphones for kids.