30 Terrific Gifts That Will Engage 9-Year-Old Boys

By age nine, boys are a bit too old to be considered children, but a bit too young to be teenagers, and are instead somewhere ‘in between’. They have almost reached adolescence and the term ‘tween’ or ‘tweenager’ is very much applicable. Some parents find this a very challenging stage of parenting whilst others cruise through it with very few problems.

In many ways, 9-year-olds still need the support, comfort and structure that they had from their families as children but they are also becoming much more independent and able to carry out a wide range of activities without so much adult support. When you are buying a gift for a 9-year-old this new-found independence means that an even wider range of options are available as they can have a go at more complex tasks by themselves. This list has been put together to support you in choosing a gift for a 9-year-old boy.

1. DJI Tello Mini Drone Iron Man Edition

Drones appeal to a common interest in technology and remote-controlled vehicles, and are continuing to grow in popularity. The DJI Tello Mini Drone has a built-in 5-megapixel camera so that a 9-year-old has the opportunity to capture stunning images of the environment as he flies.

The DJI Tello Mini Drone has an extremely lightweight design, a 13-minute fly-time and is also programmable to increase technology skills. Drones must be flown responsibly, with different rules governing different areas, and learning about these rules and regulations and then complying with them is a great way for a 9-year-old to develop a sense of social responsibility. This special Iron Man edition makes a fantastic gift for superhero fans.

2. GraviTrax XXL Starter Set

Marble runs are great for increasing children’s creativity and construction skills. The GraviTrax XXL Starter Set Marble Run is a modern version of a classic marble run, incorporating elements that allow children to experiment with gravity, magnetism and kinetics to make the ball keep moving. This toy is great for developing scientific and engineering understanding and skills which are becoming increasingly in demand.

9-year-olds naturally love to experiment with different concepts and are able to think much more critically than younger children so the GraviTrax XXL Starter Set Marble Run is an ideal gift for this age group. There are also expansion packs available to add further different elements to the marble run, so this could be purchased in conjunction with an expansion pack.

3. Lego Technic Top Gear Rally Car RC

Lego is a toy that lasts through childhood, but as children get older their sets get more complex and they demand more from their toys. The Lego Technic Top Gear Rally Car RC is ideal for 9-year-old boys as it is a sufficiently challenging build that can also be linked to and controlled by an app.

Featuring both movement and sound effects the Lego Technic Top Gear Rally Car RC can help to build or develop an interest in engineering as well as improving technology and construction skills. This is a great gift for a 9-year-old who has enjoyed playing with Lego throughout childhood but is now in need of something a little more challenging.

4. Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider

The Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider is a new kind of ride-on toy to cater to the growing need for excitement and adrenaline that most 9-year-olds have. With up to 30 minutes of continuous use this is ideal for encouraging some time to be spent outside, and also helps to build an interest in technology and engineering as 9-year-old boys take an interest in how things happen and why things work.

Reaching speeds of up to 9 mph the Razor 360 Three-wheeled Power Rider is designed for drifting and spinning, which helps to build a 9-year-olds skill, coordination and spatial awareness.

5. Fortnite Royale Collection Battle Bus

The Fortnite computer game has been extremely popular with teens and tweens and a 9-year-old boy is likely to have come across the game even if he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to play it himself. The Fortnite Royale Collection Battle Bus is based on the popular Fortnite game and stands 13 inches tall.

The Fortnite Royale Collection Battle Bus is ideal for using in imaginative play if the 9-year-old you’re buying for has any of the Fortnite collectible figures and enjoys small-world role-playing games, or can alternatively be used as room décor.

6. Clementoni Mechanics Lab-Police Car

If you’re looking for a gift with a specific educational element the Clementoni Mechanics Lab- Police Car could be what you need. It includes 2 models that can be put together using over 300 pieces, putting together these models will help a 9-year-old boy to learn to follow instructions.

The Clementoni Mechanics Lab Police Car will encourage or develop an interest in mechanics and engineering and is also remote controlled once it has been constructed to further improve a 9-year-old boy’s skill with technology.

7. Instax Mini 9 Camera

9-year-old boys love to have fun and experimenting with photography, taking pictures of nature, landscapes, themselves and their friends is one way that they can do this. This also boosts creativity and allows for some artistic expression and experimentation with photography skills.

The Instax Mini 9 Camera is a camera that produces prints instantly and is available in a range of colors so there’s sure to be one that fits the personality of the boy you are buying for. It has a built-in flash and comes with a selfie mirror and a close-up lens.

8. Ravensburger Bugs in The Kitchen Board Game

The Ravensburger Bugs in The Kitchen Board Game is an exciting family-friendly board game that includes a Hexbug Nano toy to add interest to the board game. The Hexbug will move around the board and the goal of the game is to be the one who traps it. Like all other board games, this will help to encourage important social skills like turn-taking, following the rules and winning and losing with emotional self-regulation.

The Ravensburger Bugs in The Kitchen Board Game is a fast-moving game that can be played in approximately 20 minutes with 2-4 players. It also features 3D elements to add interest to the gameplay. This is an ideal gift for a 9-year-old boy who likes to play board games.

9. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids with Fun Incentives

In wanting more independence and to feel grown up many 9-year-old boys like to imitate the adults in their lives. Many adults now wear fitness trackers and children express an interest in these and their accompanying apps. The Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids is a fitness tracker designed especially for kids. It has a robust design to withstand any bumps and knocks, is water-resistant up to 50 metres.

The Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids is a great way to encourage children to stay active and to use technology to develop healthy habits. It also has up to 5 days of battery life so charging isn’t a drama!

10. Nintendo Switch Lite

A cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers the same popular gaming capabilities, portability and great battery life. The difference is that it does not support output to a TV and is therefore a handheld-only device.

For many 9-year-olds this will be perfect, offering the ability to play on the go. We often think of playing video games as a simple leisure pursuit but they offer plenty of learning benefits too. Alongside increasing skills associated with technology, playing video games can increase physical dexterity in the thumb and fingers, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times and develop critical thinking skills.

11. Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Buildable Watch

Buying a watch for a 9-year-old can be a tricky business; whilst you want it to be something that he likes and can use to tell the time, little kids watches will have been outgrown and lost their appeal whilst more adult watches can be difficult to read the time from and are less likely to stand up to the rigors of childhood.

The Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Buildable Watch is a fun, robust watch that is adjustable to suit a wider age range of children and is fully customizable. With a Star Wars theme to appeal to Star Wars fans, this watch can be constructed by clipping together different colored pieces of the strap.

12. Ozobot Bit 2.0

The Ozobot Bit 2.0 is a great robot toy which is recommended by teachers for its educational value. As the world moves on and becomes more technologically advanced skills with technology, like programming and coding, are becoming more and more in demand. This robot toy helps to develop coding skills.

Coming with free apps to code and program, the Ozobot Bit 2.0 has won prizes for being the “Best Robot” at the Consumer Electronics Show and the International Toy Fair. The cool robot toys are also a great way to encourage or develop an interest in robotics and technology.

13. Nerf N-Strike Modulus Blaster

Nerf blasters have been continuously popular with boys since their invention and the Nerf N-Strike Modulus Blaster is a set that allows a 9-year-old boy to put together his own Nerf blaster with over 30 different combinations available, making it highly customizable.

The Nerf N-Strike Modulus Blaster has a targeting scope, and a clip to hold up to 10 darts. A 9-year-old boy will take great delight in testing out all of the different combinations that this set has to offer and launching darts up to 90 feet. As well as being a great deal of fun, this also helps to improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

14. Air Hogs Supernova

The Air Hogs Supernova Gravity Defying Hand-Controlled Flying Orb is more or less what its name suggests! With no remote control required the Orb appears to fly and hover in the air but is controlled by the user’s hands; improving hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

The Air Hogs Supernova Gravity Defying Hand-Controlled Flying Orb is a gift that has a real wow factor for a 9-year-old boy and helps to build an interest in technology. With a 5-7 minute fly time, the orb is suitable for use indoors and will amaze family and friends.

15. Lego Technic Heavy Duty Forklift

An enduring childhood favorite, Lego grows with children and the Lego Technic range is a great next step for children who have enjoyed playing with Lego throughout childhood but are now in need of the next challenge. The Lego Technic range specifically allows children to experiment with important physics and engineering concepts, like movement and cause and effect.

The Lego Technic Heavy Duty Forklift is a suitably challenging build, featuring a piston engine which can be reconfigured into another arrangement, making it a 2-in-1 toy. Ideal for a 9-year-old boy who is interested in vehicles, technology or understanding.

16. Morfboard Skate & Scoot

Scooters and skateboards are both really popular with 9-year-olds as they seek out, new exciting, physical experience and seek to exercise their growing coordination and control. With the Morfboard Skate & Scoot you don’t have to choose between buying a skateboard and buying a scooter as the Morfboard is both! and transforms very easily.

With different colors available and an adjustable height, the Morfboard Skate & Scoot will suit boys of different sizes and will last for years to come. Skating and scooting help to keep kids physically active and healthy whilst increasing their coordination and balance.

17. Brio Pinball Game

Brio is a brand synonymous with quality wooden toys and the Brio Pinball Game is no exception. Made with FSC certified wood this toy represents an eco-friendlier, longer-lasting alternative to the huge array of plastic-based toys on the market. Coming from a brand like Brio it is easy to trust that the quality will be high and that this will make a lovely gift.

The Brio Pinball Game is a classic pinball game that encourages hand-eye coordination and improves children’s fine motor skills. This would make a great gift for a 9-year-old boy who likes to challenge himself and play individually.

18. Lego Minecraft The Iron Golem

The Minecraft computer game is very popular with 9-year-old boys and Lego is an all-time favorite with children of all different age groups so the Lego Minecraft The Iron Golem set combines the two to make a fantastic gift for a 9-year-old boy. Including 2 mini-figures and plenty of accessories, the set encourages lots of imaginative play based around the Minecraft game.

The Lego Minecraft The Iron Golem set also helps to improve construction skills and fine motor skills as it needs to be put together following instructions. A great gift for a fan of Minecraft, which doesn’t involve the computer.

19. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Game

The ThinkFun Gravity Maze Game is a challenging board game that can be played with family or friends. It is designed to become more challenging as the game progresses so to begin with it is extremely accessible but becomes progressively more difficult so that players can build up their skills as they play.

Not only is it fun to play, but it also helps to improve critical thinking skills and develops an understanding of physics as well as encouraging problem-solving skills. Playing together with family or friends can also help children to work on their social skills, learning to take turns, remain calm under pressure and express frustration appropriately.

20. Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker

With a design based on Star Wars, this Bluetooth speaker would make a great gift for a 9-year-old boy who loves Star Wars. Around about age 9 children start to develop their personal taste in music and may have a selection of favorite songs, or enjoy a particular genre or band. The Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker has both wireless Bluetooth technology and the opportunity to plug a line in.

A 9-year-old can use this speaker indoors or outdoors and can stream music from up to 30 feet away. With rechargeable batteries, children can use the speaker to listen to their own music and express their personality.

21. Uno Extreme Card Game with Electronic Launcher

Playing games with friends or family is a great way for children to have fun with others whilst also improving their social skills as they learn to win, lose and play fairly. The Uno card game is very popular with families as it is relatively easy to understand and fun for all ages whilst also increasing mathematical skill and logic.

The Uno Extreme Card Game with Electronic Launcher is a pack of the traditional Uno card with a card launcher that spits cards out to add excitement and interest to the game. Children will love the fast pace of the game and the novelty of seeing the cards launched out. This set makes a great gift for a 9-year-old who loves to play games.

22. Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train

Based on the popular Harry Potter books and movies the Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train is a challenging build, including mini-figures, which will encourage imaginative play. Children can act out scenes from the movies and books or can create their own imaginative scenarios.

The Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train will help to encourage construction skills, concentration and perseverance as well as improving a 9-year-olds ability to read and follow instructions. This set would make an ideal gift for children who are fans of the Harry Potter series.

23. 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen

The 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen is a novel concept for creative work and play allowing children to essentially draw in the air and create 3D models. Similar to 3D printing, this pen is completely child safe as it has no hot parts and the plastic cools very quickly.

Allowing children to get creative in this new way encourages an interest in technology and innovation as well as improving their craft and fine motor skills. The 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen makes an ideal, unusual gift for a creative 9-year-old boy.

24. Bey Rail Rush Battle Set

Beyblades are a popular spinning toy, which can be customized with many different, compatible parts. 9-year-olds are likely to enjoy both the collectible and customizable nature of the Beyblade range as well as the opportunity to ‘battle’ using Beyblades. As well as informal ‘battles’ there is a game that children can learn to play with official rules and plenty of strategies.

The Bey Rail Rush Battle Set is ideal for battles, practice, or gameplay and is designed for easy use. The set is compatible with other products from the Beyblade range, ideal if the 9-year-old you are buying for is interested in Beyblade in particular or strategy games in general.

25. Sphero R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid

Star Wars is a very popular interest with 9-year old boys and the Sphero R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid is a cool gift that plays into this interest. Based on the popular Star Wars robot character of R2-D2 this product encourages an interest in technology and robotics.

The Sphero R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid can be controlled with an app that is both iOS and Android compatible and can carry out a range of different actions. One of the most unique features of this robot toy is that it can both watch and react to the Star Wars movies which is sure to delight a 9-year-old boy!

26. Snap Circuits Electronics Discovery Kit

The Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Discovery Kit pretty much does what it says on the box! It is a great science, technology and engineering kit allowing children to safely explore electronic circuit construction and operation, discovering how they work best. However, the Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Discovery Kit is made with circuit-safe technology to keep kids safe so there’s no need to worry about electric shocks and children can work independently.

With more than 200 projects detailed in the enclosed booklet, there is plenty for a 9-year-old to do, keeping them busy and building their problem-solving skills.

27. Nerf N-Strike Mega Mastodon

A Nerf blaster with a built-in motor, for a 9-year-old what’s not to love? The Nerf N-Strike Mastodon is the first motorized Nerf blaster with a 24-dart drum, and a set of darts included in the set the 9-year-old boy you’re buying for can get started right away.

Nerf blasters are a popular gift and interest for boys this age, but this is one he is not likely to own yet. Whilst some parents worry that Nerf blasters may encourage violence or aggression most studies have found that this is not the case and many suggest that this kind of play is a useful outlet for such behavior. Playing with Nerf blasters has the added benefit of improving spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

28. Lego Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Roller Coaster

The Lego Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Roller Coaster is a challenging Lego set to build so it is perfect for a 9-year-old looking for something a bit more difficult. It is also a 3-in-1 set meaning that there are three different models that can be built using the same pieces. In addition to this, it is compatible with other Lego sets so play and building can be extended as required.

With four mini-figures included, the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Roller Coaster allows for the construction of fairground rides which are a popular play motif with children this age and encourages plenty of imaginative play both individually and with friends.

29. Build Your Own Robot Arm

Perhaps you’d like to buy the 9-year-old boy in your life a specifically educational toy, if so, the Build Your Own Robot Arm looks to be a good bet; having won ‘educational toy of the year’ it has plenty to offer and is reasonably priced too.

The Build Your Own Robot Arm is a great way to develop an understanding of technology and robotics further without requiring the use of any tools! There are very clear instructions included so that a 9-year-old boy can get on with this project relatively independently, and the set can also be used to make other kinds of models too. The perfect, educational gift for a 9-year-old boy.

30. Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Rod Hockey Tabletop Game

Take the opportunity to develop or build upon an interest in sports through the Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Game. This high-quality tabletop game uses a series of rods and fine motor movements to control players on the board which helps to build physical strength in the fingers, hands and wrists which will help with improving handwriting.

The Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Game comes in official NHL colors and logos, so it is perfect for a 9-year-old boy with, or developing, an interest in the NHL. It is a game that can be played socially too encouraging positive interaction, and the opportunity to learn to win and lose gracefully!

Final words

As 9-year old boys are developing a more independent, self-sufficient approach to activities and there is such a wide range of options available, choosing a gift for a 9-year-old boy can be a real joy. As you have browsed this list you have hopefully found some options that suit the skills, interests and personality of the boy you are buying a gift for.

Some of these suggested gifts may not have been something they would have considered or asked for, but at 9-years-old most boys are interested in new experiences so they will be pleased with the opportunity to try something out for the first time.

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