If you’re struggling to buy a gift for a nine-year-old for his birthday, you’re not alone. Nine is a super tricky age to buy for as they’ve grown out of kiddie things, but aren’t quite a tween yet (though they may act like it!)
Nine-year-olds begin forming real social connections, making role-play come back into their lives as they “play” games that look more like “practice” for interests or future careers – such as playing soccer or organizing a show. But you’ll be pleased to know they’re still not too old for toys – they’re still enjoying being challenged by more complex games, projects, and activities.
To help make your life a lot easier, we’ve handpicked the best gifts out there that your nine-year-old boy is going to love opening on his birthday.
Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry & Watches
Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and watches will likely become incredibly important to nine-year-olds, now that they’ve established what’s “cool” amongst their schoolmates.
Whilst dressing up, and light-up shoes might no longer be top of their list, now’s the time to treat them to some brands and trends that they’ll be desperate to show off on the playground. You’re going to be the coolest relative around with our recommendations.
The North Face Fleece-Lined Parka
A warm jacket can help a nine-year-old boy enjoy outdoor activities even on cold winter days. This 100% fleece black and taupe green jacket by North Face is a jacket a boy will be proud to show his friends. With its soft fleece lining and water-repellent exterior, this parka is the perfect protection against rain and snow. This North Face jacket can keep a kid warm without restricting his movement.
Nike Dunk High Shoes
Nike Dunk High Shoes have the classic 1980s high-top look. However, these shoes are designed for a new generation of kids. These Nikes have a casually suave look and they are comfy to wear. The durable leather uppers and rubber tread can withstand the active lifestyle of a nine-year-old. A boy can be proud to receive a pair of these Nike Dunk High Shoes as a gift.
Educational
Nine is an age where they’ll likely turn their nose up at anything that seems too “kiddie-like” or easy. That’s where educational birthday gifts come in…
The nine-year-old boy in your life will revel in challenging himself with educational games. Whether it’s strategizing in Clue or solving a Rubik’s Cube, we’ve got all of the educational gifts he’ll thoroughly enjoy playing as he turns nine.
Skillmatics Marvel Card Game Guess in 10
This Marvel card game is a fun way for a nine-year-old boy to show off his super hero knowledge in a friendly competition. Players can ask up to 10 questions about a mystery character before making a guess. Whoever wins seven game cards first is the winner. This game is packed with fun facts and interesting trivia about favorite Marvel personages.
Hasbro Gaming Clue: Wizarding World Harry Potter Edition
The classic game of Clue has a new twist for this generation. Instead of wondering who was in the kitchen with a knife, this game incorporates characters and story themes from Harry Potter. Kids can choose from six Harry Potter characters and go through secret passages and magical stairwells to solve the mystery. A nine-year-old can use creative thinking and problem-solving skills while having fun with friends.
TeeTurtle Happy Little Dinosaurs Base Game
Spend up to an hour living the life of a dinosaur with this cheeky Happy Little Dinosaurs game. In this game, dinos must avoid lava pits, dodge falling meteors, and live through other disasters to make it to the end. You need a sense of humor (and a good set of survival skills) to win. This game is age-appropriate for nine-year-olds and involves up to four players.
National Geographic Play Sand
A nine-year-old can have fun playing with National Geographic’s Ultimate Play Sand. However, adults will appreciate that this sand won’t make the ultimate mess! Unlike regular sand, this play sand stays moist and sticks to itself, so it doesn’t leave a trail. Kids can mold and shape the sand into castles and other forms using six different molds. This play sand can be a fun, sensory gift for a nine-year-old boy.
The Boxcar Children By Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Boxcar Children books have entertained readers since the 1940s. This boxed set of twelve books is full of adventure and mystery to capture a nine-year-old’s imagination. A new generation can get to know Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny and join them on their expeditions. This set includes an exclusive bookmark and sticker sheet. This birthday gift can provide an avid reader with wholesome mystery stories.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run
The ThinkFun Marble Run challenges young minds to use their problem-solving skills to build a marble run. This game takes planning and some strategy, but all’s well that ends well! When the puzzle is set up correctly, a kid gets the satisfaction of watching a marble run through the labyrinth he has created. The STEM game contains 60 challenges for beginning and expert strategists. It can provide a nine-year-old with hours of fun!
Percy Jackson Book Set Series Collection
You can encourage a nine-year-old’s reading habits with this set of gripping tales. These Percy Jackson chapter books send a kid’s imagination into a fantasy world that combines famous Greek mythical figures with the modern-day world. A young demigod, Percy Jackson, has the gargantuan task of saving the world from destruction. A nine-year-old who loves action-packed stories and superheroes will enjoy the gift of this five-book series.
Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s cube began boggling minds in the 1980s, and it’s still a popular puzzle today. Matching up the six different colors can be trickier than it looks! The 3×3 cube can be a fun fidget that relieves stress and anxiety. It also puts a child’s problem-solving skills to the test. This gift is travel-size entertainment that a kid can enjoy on a plane, on road trips, or during a school break.
Electronics
A nine-year-old boy is likely going to revel in getting his hands on some cool electronics for his birthday. But we understand that a lot of parents get nervous about exposing their children to so much screen time.
There are still loads of great gadgets out there that are super fun and educational that don’t involve screens. We’ve selected the top electronic gifts out there a nine-year-old boy will have the best time playing with while keeping him safe.
Original Tamagotchi
If you are not in a position to add a furry friend to your home this year, the Original Tamagotchi can fill in the gap. This digital pet lets a child be a part of its life from the day it hatches. A kid can feed it, clean it, train it, and keep it happy. Kids can have fun playing games while learning about the responsibility of pet ownership.
Sisigad Hoverboard with Bluetooth
The Sisigad hoverboard is a fun way for kids to enjoy outdoor time. The rubber tires and foot pedals give a child a smooth ride. Also, it can connect to Bluetooth so a child can listen to his favorite jams or audiobooks while on the go. This self-balancing set of wheels encourages kids to explore the world in new ways.
Amazon Kindle Kids Space Whale
This Amazon Kindle Kids Space Whale allows kids to read thousands of stories without the distractions of videos, apps, or games. It has a glare-free, high-resolution screen so you can read without tiring the eyes. The package also includes one year of Amazon Kids+. This slim Kindle can give kids hours of reading time and still fit into a backpack pocket.
Noot Kids Headphones
If your nine-year-old loves to relax to music and listen to audiobooks, these compact Noot Kids Headphones can be the perfect birthday gift. The ear cushions are padded and lightweight while the headband adjusts to grow with your child. These headphones can fold up to fit in a backpack and come with an extra-long cord. They are compatible with smartphones, iPads, tablets, computers, and more.
Kids & Babies Toys
Though you may expect a nine-year-old boy to turn his nose up at toys, since they are soon hitting their tween years (didn’t you know?), there are tons of toys boys will love playing with at this age.
Nine-year-old boys are still going to love engineering new worlds through LEGO, fighting villains with their favorite Marvel superhero, and figuring out the puzzle of a shape-shifting boxl. We’ve found the top toy gifts he won’t be able to resist playing with as he turns nine.
Lego Technic John Deere Tractor
A kid can build this fun John Deere tractor and trailer set on his own. The tractor is realistic with a swivel seat, articulated steering, and a tipping trailer. This Lego project can challenge a nine-year-old’s building skills. However, the clear step-by-step instructions ensure that a child has a successful result. A child can put his creativity and imagination to work with this John Deere Lego set.
Nerf DinoSquad Raptor-Slash Dart Blaster
The Nerf Dinosquad Raptor-Slash Blaster proves that a gift doesn’t need to be expensive to be fun. The Nerf gun comes in the shape of a dinosaur head and the foam darts shoot out of its mouth. This fearsome Nerf blaster can fire six rounds of foam darts before needing to reload. A nine-year-old boy can go on a Jurassic hunt indoors or outdoors with this Dinoquad blaster.
Playskool Heroes Marvel Super Hero Set
A nine-year-old Marvel fan will be thrilled to own this Ultimate Super Hero Set. The set includes ten of a child’s favorite Marvel characters from the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron. A child can use these toys to reenact classic movie scenes or swap characters with friends. These ten figures are also compatible with many Marvel Super Hero Adventure sets.
Lego Minecraft The Illager Raid
A nine-year-old boy can take his favorite video game off the screen with this Lego Minecraft set. He can manage mobs, rescue villagers, and keep up with the carnivorous Ravager beast. After building, the birthday boy can change the landscape by rearranging the three main sections into different configurations. Children can enjoy construction and imaginative play with this unique Lego set.
TeeTurtle Reversible Octopus Plushie
This blue ombre reversible octopus plushie can fit right in with a nine-year-old boy’s mood. Flip it inside out to reveal a happy or upset mood. Squeeze, hug, and flip this reversible fidget toy to relieve anxiety or stress. This lighthearted gift can become an effective communication tool. When the angry face shows up, this toy lets others know that a boy needs some space.
The Original Slinky By Just Play
The Original Slinky has been around for over 75 years. This simple fidget toy can stimulate the mind and large motor skills. A kid can take it on a walk, watch it flip over steps, use it as a “telephone,” or pass it off from hand to hand. This gift can be a fun birthday party favor for a nine-year-old and his friends.
Lego 3in1 Super Robot
Does your nine-year-old enjoy robots, dragons, and airplanes? With this Lego set, he can have all three. This Super Robot set allows a child to choose his favorite build. When he is ready to move on to something new, he can use the same 159 Lego pieces to build an entirely different model. With this 3-in-1 set, a boy can have unlimited fun.
Shashibo Shape Shifting Box
One small Shashibo cube can give a kid over 70 different shapes. Each Shape-Shifting Shashibo Box has 36 earth magnets and fascinating patterns. A nine-year-old boy can enjoy creating his own artistic designs and patterns with this cube. Also, he can attach more sets to this cube to create larger, more complex models. This birthday gift can stimulate a child’s mind to create unique 3-D models.
Lego City Fire Station
Kids can get in on the action with this firefighter Lego playset. The set comes with a multi-level Lego City fire station, a fire truck, a helicopter, two Lego City characters, and even a fire station dog and cat. Also, this Lego build includes water darts that a kid can shoot from the truck and helicopter to put out Lego flames.
Outdoors
In a world where electronics and screens are becoming more prominent, it can feel super important to get your nine-year-old playing outdoors. Luckily, we’ve found the top outdoor gifts that he won’t be able to say no to.
There are huge benefits to children playing outdoors – their general health is usually improved, they have a stronger sense of independence, and build resilience better. With our recommendations, your nine-year-old boy will be racing to get outdoors.
Estes Tandem-X Launch Set
Launching a model rocket can give a nine-year-old a new enthusiasm for science class. This Estes Tandem-X Launch Set comes with everything a kid needs to make his first step into rocket science a success. The kit is easy to build and the pre-colored parts allow a beginner to fit all the pieces together correctly. After putting in about one hour of work, your child will be ready to watch his first rocket blast off.
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike
A nine-year-old birthday boy can speed off into a new year with this sporty RoyalBaby Freestyle kid’s bike. The seat and handlebars are adjustable to match your child’s height, while the wide tires give a smooth ride. Also, the bright red paint job ensures that you can find your biker easily in a crowd. This memorable gift can give a nine-year-old hours of fun in the sun.
Arcade SkateBoard
The Arcade Skate Board looks and feels like it is made for a pro. However, it is beginner-friendly for new skateboarders to use. This board has a wide tread, good grip, and PU wheels for a smooth, fast ride. The double kick-tails allow beginners to try out their stunts and the eye-catching design lets even newbies fit in at the skate park. A nine-year-old can enjoy testing out these wheels and showing off new tricks.
Sports
Nine is a huge age for social development and what better way to nurture that than through sports? As well as gaining many physical developments, they learn important social skills such as empathy, communication, and cooperation.
Playing sports games at home will either help those who play sports as a hobby develop those skills, or for those without the confidence to be part of a team, they’ll be able to practice in the comfort and safety of their home. Check out our top sports gifts your nine-year-old boy is going to love for his birthday.
Precise 5 Club Kids Golf Set
Every pro golfer had to start somewhere. This left-handed junior golf starter set has everything a nine-year-old lefty needs to start practicing his swing and drive. The set includes a driver, putter, irons, and more inside of a handy golf stand bag. Each piece is designed for junior golfers to practice their accuracy and distance with success. This birthday gift can provide a nine-year-old with a new, exciting hobby.
Sunnydaze 10-in-1 Multi-Game Table
Foosball, pool, and air hockey are all fun games. However, who has room to fit that many game tables? With this Sunnydaze 10-in-1 Multi-Game Table, space is no longer an issue. This one table can be used for 10 different table games. Just switch out the tabletops to play your favorite games. Each top has its own storage space inside the table.
Ayeboovi Toss & Catch Ball Set
This Ayeboovi Toss & Catch Ball Set can be a fun outdoor sport at any time of year. A nine-year-old can play catch with Dad, Grandpa, a sibling, or a friend. The velcro paddle catches the ball easily for relaxing backyard fun. Also, the set is waterproof and durable so you can take it to the beach, poolside, or the park. Simply pack all the pieces in the travel bag, and you are ready for a game of catch.
Nerf Nerfoop Basketball & Hoop
The Nerf Nerfoop Basketball & Hoop is an indoor sport that mom and dad will be happy to allow. The net can hang on a door so a boy can put up a shot at any time of the day. The soft foam ball reduces noise and the possibility of accidents. A nine-year-old can practice getting “nothing but net” in the comfort of his own room.
Wrapping Up
Nine is a real tricky age to buy for. They’ve moved firmly away from ‘baby-ish’ products, but haven’t quite hit those more grown-up tween years yet.
Luckily, there’s still loads of games, toys, and activities they want to take part in. Kids turning nine are looking to develop social connections, be challenged by more complex games, and develop their interests further.
With our list of top gift recommendations across a huge range of departments, no matter what they’re iinto, you’ll be earning major brownie points with our gift guide for nine-year-old boys.
