20 Gifts for 9-Year-Old Girls to Surprise and Delight Her

Last updated on September 8, 2025

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Ever notice how a 9-year-old girl can switch from solving complex math problems to choreographing a silly TikTok dance in mere minutes? This delightful duality makes them some of our favorite gift recipients – they’re old enough to appreciate thoughtful presents yet young enough to express pure, unbridled joy.

We regularly refresh our recommendations to keep pace with these inspiring young recipients. Each recommendation has been tested against the world’s toughest critics: 9-year-old girls who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.

1.
First Real Jewelry Box

First Real Jewelry Box
Why we like it: Secret compartments keep friendship bracelets and lucky pennies safe from snooping siblings

Snap closure sounds official when it clicks shut. Ring rolls, tiny pockets, and movable dividers create perfect spots for every treasure. Soft faux leather feels fancy between small hands while staying tough enough for backpacks and suitcases.

Arranging collections becomes Sunday afternoon activity—friendship bracelets sorted by color, special rocks in corner pockets. Best friends bring their boxes for trading sessions. Camp trunks hold the jewelry box protecting homemade bracelets and good luck charms all summer long.

Pros
  • Snap closure keeps everything secure
  • Compartments prevent tangles and losses
  • Portable size travels anywhere
Cons
  • Fills up fast with growing collections

2.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with Phone Charger

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with Phone Charger
Why we like it: Real grown-up tech that survives spilled juice and pool splashes.

The JBL CHARGE 5 brings serious sound to sleepovers and pool parties. Twenty hours of battery means it outlasts any dance marathon. The waterproof design handles wet hands and backyard water fights. Built-in phone charging keeps tablets alive during camping trips.

Music follows her from bedroom dance practice to backyard hangouts without missing a beat. Friends connect their phones during sleepovers for playlist battles. The speaker bounces back from tumbles off nightstands. Parents appreciate one less device to charge nightly in 2025's gadget-heavy households.

Pros
  • Survives drops and water accidents
  • Charges phones during emergencies
  • Battery lasts entire sleepovers
  • Fills rooms with clear sound
  • Grows with her through teens
Cons
  • Higher initial investment than toy speakers
  • Friends might constantly borrow it
 

3.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Game

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Game
Why we like it: Adventure together while Kirby transforms into cars and vending machines.

Pink puffball Kirby explores 3D worlds using copy abilities like Drill and Ranger. Mouthful Mode transforms him into everyday objects for hilarious puzzle-solving. Second player controls Bandana Waddle Dee for stress-free co-op adventures.

Saturday mornings become exploration sessions hunting hidden Waddle Dees to build up the town. Friends take turns trying different copy abilities against bosses. The giggles start when Kirby inhales a traffic cone and becomes unstoppable.

Pros
  • Co-op without fighting over who won
  • Abilities evolve into stronger versions
  • Hidden areas reward careful exploration
  • Difficulty grows naturally with skill
  • Town building shows collection progress
Cons
  • Needs Nintendo Switch console to play
  • Some secrets require multiple playthroughs

4.
Magic Science Performance Set

Magic Science Performance Set
Why we like it: Real chemistry tricks that leave friends begging to know the secret.

Twenty experiments arrive ready to perform—color-changing potions, vanishing water, fizzing reactions. White gloves and magic wand transform bedroom scientists into confident performers. National Geographic includes everything needed plus eighty-five bonus experiments using kitchen supplies.

Secret practice happens behind closed doors until tricks work perfectly. Sleepovers become magic shows where nine-year-olds reveal invisible ink messages. Each successful performance earns requests for more—soon the whole neighborhood watches purple explosions and crystal formations happen instantly.

Pros
  • Science becomes social entertainment
  • Materials included for twenty complete experiments
  • Builds presentation confidence naturally
  • Clear instructions support independent learning
  • Bonus experiments extend play value
Cons
  • Some tricks need practice first
  • Kitchen supplies required for extras
 

5.
Shiny Red Guitar with Everything Included

Shiny Red Guitar with Everything Included
Why we like it: Glossy red finish looks amazing hanging on bedroom walls.

Three-quarter size acoustic guitar arrives with gig bag, strap, picks, and spare strings. Steel strings deliver authentic sound. Machine heads keep tuning stable. Made for ages twelve and up, the neck stretches beyond small hand spans.

First attempts end quickly when steel strings bite into soft fingertips. The guitar becomes bedroom decoration between brave practice sessions. Friends admire the shiny red color during visits. Parents promise lessons when fingers grow stronger and hands stretch wider.

Pros
  • Complete kit needs nothing extra
  • Eye-catching red color
  • Motivates future music interest
  • Quality sound from steel strings
Cons
  • Too large for most nine-year-olds

6.
DIY Slime Dessert Shop

DIY Slime Dessert Shop
Why we like it: Slime creations get stored in cupcake containers that look good enough to eat.

Butter, cloud, and foam slimes come to life with pre-measured ingredients in one organized box. Donut and sundae containers transform finished slimes into display-worthy treats. Chocolate and vanilla scents make mixing sessions smell like baking day.

Birthday party guests pick their favorite texture while comparing stretch tests across the dining table. The basic mixing techniques mastered at eight evolve into creative color swirls and glitter combinations. Trading containers between friends becomes weekend currency, each homemade batch earning serious playground respect.

Pros
  • All supplies included, no shopping needed
  • Storage containers double as room decor
  • Clear instructions promote independent crafting
  • Makes three distinct slime textures
  • Sweet theme appeals to food-craft trends
Cons
  • Scents vary in strength between batches
  • Limited to three creations before refills
 

7.
Roller Coaster Challenge Building Game

Roller Coaster Challenge Building Game
Why we like it: Marbles zoom through loops and drops kids design themselves.

Sixty challenge cards start simple then ramp up to brain-bending puzzles. Tracks snap together into wild configurations with tunnels, curves, and steep drops. The marble races through completed coasters with satisfying momentum. Everything stores back in the original box between building sessions.

Nine-year-olds breeze through beginner cards before tackling expert levels. Friends compete to solve challenges fastest. After mastering the cards, builders create custom mega-coasters across bedroom floors. Younger siblings watch in awe as big sister troubleshoots why the marble keeps flying off track.

Pros
  • Instant satisfaction watching marble complete tracks
  • Works as puzzle and creative building
  • No batteries or screens needed
  • Pieces stay organized in original box
  • Kids can play completely independently
Cons
  • May complete challenges too quickly
  • Limited replay after solving all cards

8.
Bedroom Geology Lab Kit

Bedroom Geology Lab Kit
Why we like it: Rough stones become bedroom treasures through weeks of patient polishing.

The rubber barrel runs whisper-quiet while transforming jasper, agate, and tiger's eye into smooth gems. One-touch timer controls each polishing stage automatically. Four grinding and polishing cycles spread across three weeks, with enough supplies for multiple batches after the starter stones finish.

Morning stone checks become breakfast routine while crystals slowly reveal themselves. Finished gems fill small bowls beside beds or turn into pendants for best friends. The waiting builds anticipation - ideal Christmas gift for patient 9-year-olds who treasure natural collections. Some kids polish found rocks from family hikes next.

Pros
  • Creates lasting gemstone collections
  • Quiet enough for bedroom operation
  • Kids manage everything independently
  • Builds real patience through process
  • Includes supplies for multiple batches
Cons
  • Each batch takes three weeks
  • Needs dedicated counter space throughout
 

9.
Rush Hour Traffic Jam Game

Rush Hour Traffic Jam Game
Why we like it: Sliding cars through gridlock to escape feels like solving a real puzzle.

Red car needs to escape but fifteen vehicles block every path. Challenge cards show starting positions, then kids figure out the sliding sequence themselves. Like those classic sliding puzzles grandparents kept on coffee tables, except with colorful cars that click satisfyingly into grid spaces.

Mine starts with intermediate cards, moving straight to expert when confidence builds. Some puzzles crack open in three moves while others demand twenty careful slides. The escape moment – when that red car finally reaches freedom – brings genuine triumph every time.

Pros
  • Travels anywhere in included bag
  • Forty challenges last for months
  • No batteries or screens needed
Cons
  • Solo puzzle limits group play

10.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze

ThinkFun Gravity Maze
Why we like it: Towers click together until marbles race through secret pathways.

Clear plastic towers reveal marble paths while kids experiment with gravity’s rules. The game board holds everything steady during intense building sessions. Cards show the starting setup and target – figuring out what goes between becomes the puzzle. Sixty challenges mean months of fresh problems to solve.

Mine spreads challenge cards across her desk, picking difficulty levels based on mood. Sometimes towers tumble before marbles even launch, but rebuilding happens fast with sturdy pieces. The satisfying click when marbles land in target towers beats any app notification. This becomes a favorite Christmas gift for logical 9-year-olds who prefer building solutions over following instructions.

Pros
  • Progressive challenges grow with ability
  • Visual physics makes learning tangible
  • Compact design fits small spaces
  • Independent play without screens
  • Pieces withstand enthusiastic experimentation
Cons
  • Marbles roll under furniture easily
  • Table space required for setup
 

11.
Dylan & Rylie Mega Craft Kit

Dylan & Rylie Mega Craft Kit
Why we like it: Every compartment holds a different crafting adventure waiting to happen.

Compartments organize 1000+ pieces—pompoms, beads, foam shapes, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, markers, and stickers. The sturdy box keeps supplies sorted even after months of use. Basic and intricate materials mix together for any project imagination demands.

After-school creativity flows differently each day—friendship bracelets Monday, painted bookmarks Tuesday. Friends raid different compartments during sleepovers, discovering supplies they've never tried. Nine-year-olds plan elaborate projects combining multiple materials or grab quick supplies for spontaneous creations.

Pros
  • Supplies stay organized in compartments
  • Endless project combinations possible
  • Screen-free creative exploration time
  • Grows with artistic skill development
Cons
  • Small pieces require careful cleanup

12.
Razor Light-Up Electric Scooter

Razor Light-Up Electric Scooter
Why we like it: Glowing deck lights make every ride feel like zooming through the future.

Push off three times, squeeze the throttle, and cruise at kid-safe speeds. Six LEDs glow underneath while the deck wire lights up the ride. Battery lasts a full hour—enough for serious neighborhood adventures. Steel frame handles drops, airless tire never goes flat.

Friends gather to watch the light show roll past driveways at dusk. Racing shadows becomes the after-dinner game while parents chat on porches. Each rider discovers their signature move—wide turns, gentle curves, straight-line speed runs. These twilight rides become the summer stories kids tell at school.

Pros
  • Lights create instant sidewalk celebrity status
  • Hour-long battery outlasts most play sessions
  • Kick-start prevents accidental takeoffs
  • No flat tires ever
  • Hub motor needs zero maintenance
Cons
  • Requires charging between riding sessions
  • Weight limit caps at 120 pounds
 

13.
Hair Chalk Color Kit

Hair Chalk Color Kit
Why we like it: Rainbow streaks today, normal hair tomorrow—creative freedom without consequences.

Ten twist-up chalks transform boring ponytails into rainbow masterpieces. Five vibrant shades mix with five metallics, creating endless combinations. Wet the hair, apply color, let dry—even dark hair turns electric blue. Each chalk delivers 80 applications before running out.

Saturday morning experiments begin with single streaks behind ears. Confidence builds toward full rainbow bangs by afternoon. Sleepovers become salon sessions where friends practice ombre techniques. School spirit days mean team colors without commitment. In 2025, parents appreciate temporary transformations washing out Sunday night before Monday classes.

Pros
  • Washes out with regular shampoo
  • Works on dark hair too
  • Twist-up means no mess
  • Lasts through multiple makeover sessions
  • Doubles as face paint
Cons
  • Stains pillowcases before washing out
  • Light colors need multiple coats

14.
Magnetic Fidget Cube Set

Magnetic Fidget Cube Set
Why we like it: Two cubes that glow, click, and bend into endless shapes.

Strong magnets let each cube transform between puzzle and infinity configurations with satisfying clicks. The UV flashlight charges up glow-in-the-dark surfaces for nighttime building sessions. Both cubes work independently or connect together for bigger constructions.

Fingers find rhythm folding infinity patterns during math homework while minds stay focused. Friends pass shapes back and forth, each adding their own twist to geometric designs. The magnetic clicks become background soundtrack to reading time, keeping restless hands occupied.

Pros
  • Grows from fidget toy to geometry puzzle
  • Two-pack enables sharing or bigger builds
  • Glow feature adds bedtime appeal
  • Durable plastic handles daily manipulation
Cons
  • Small pieces if cubes come apart
  • UV flashlight needs replacement batteries eventually
 

15.
Build-Your-Own Grocery Store Set

Build-Your-Own Grocery Store Set
Why we like it: Nine-year-olds run their own organic market with real working features.

Eight hundred pieces build steadily into a two-floor store complete with bakery counter and produce section. Mini-dolls stock shelves, scan items, and load the delivery truck. Working doors slide open while shopping carts roll through aisles filled with tiny milk cartons and vegetable crates.

Store manager duties rotate between sisters each afternoon. Recycling gets sorted into proper bins while customers debate prices. The bakery runs out of croissants during morning rush. Best friends create commercials for weekly specials using stop-motion between shelves.

Pros
  • Building takes perfect weekend afternoon time
  • Environmental themes match school lessons naturally
  • Four characters mean everyone gets roles
  • Accessories stay interesting for months
Cons
  • Needs dedicated display space once built
  • Tiny food pieces vanish easily

16.
Intex Transparent Pool Tubes 3-Pack

Intex Transparent Pool Tubes 3-Pack
Why we like it: Three matching tubes mean everyone gets their own pool throne.

The see-through design transforms ordinary floating into underwater spy missions and treasure hunting adventures. At 30 inches across, these tubes hit the sweet spot between babyish inflatables and adult-sized floats. Smooth inner seams eliminate the scratchy edges that ruin pool days.

Pool relay races actually work when everyone has matching equipment. The transparent colors create rainbow effects underwater while mermaids peek through their "windows." Best friends coordinate synchronized flips without arguing over who gets the special float. That third tube becomes surprisingly valuable during birthday pool parties.

Pros
  • Three tubes eliminate sharing battles
  • Transparent design enables creative underwater games
  • Survives multiple summers of rough play
Cons
  • Takes significant lung power to inflate
 

17.
Trolls Remix Rescue Game

Trolls Remix Rescue Game
Why we like it: Design thousands of custom Troll characters while adventuring with friends.

Character creation offers endless hairstyles, outfits, and colors for personal Troll avatars. Four players adventure together on one screen using hair-whip attacks instead of punching. Musical rhythm challenges break up platforming levels.

Weekend sleepovers turn into Troll fashion shows before tackling levels together. Younger siblings collect gems while older kids chase completion stars. Dance battles replace boss fights, keeping action friendly but exciting.

Pros
  • Local multiplayer without online subscriptions
  • Non-violent combat using hair powers
  • Works for different skill levels simultaneously
Cons
  • Needs Nintendo Switch console to play

18.
Puzzle Storage Mat

Puzzle Storage Mat
Why we like it: Half-finished puzzles finally have somewhere to live between sessions.

The felt surface grips puzzle pieces during assembly while the inflatable tube keeps everything secure when rolled. At 46x26 inches, even ambitious 1500-piece projects fit comfortably. The drawstring bag holds the rolled mat plus sorting trays.

Saturday's rainy afternoon puzzle becomes Sunday's quiet morning activity without starting over. Mine rolls hers carefully after bedtime, knowing tomorrow's pieces will be exactly where she left them. The name tag lets sisters mark their current projects - no more arguments about whose castle scene got moved.

Pros
  • Protects days of puzzle work
  • Clears tables instantly for meals
  • Simple rolling system kids master quickly
  • Stores flat under beds easily
  • Handles puzzles through teenage years
Cons
  • Rolling requires gentle, patient movements
  • Inflatable tube needs occasional air checks
 

19.
The Fuzzies Stacking Challenge

The Fuzzies Stacking Challenge
Why we like it: Fuzzy balls wobble into towers that collapse spectacularly.

Soft fuzzballs stack impossibly high using tiny tongs that test steady hands. Challenge cards push players toward riskier moves. Fifteen-minute rounds keep energy high. The washable balls bounce back from endless drops and dramatic tower crashes.

Giggles erupt when fuzzballs tumble across the table. Players hold their breath placing the final piece. Sisters dare each other to stack blindfolded. Victory poses follow successful towers while friends capture epic collapses on phones.

Pros
  • Quick rounds between homework and dinner
  • Everyone plays together without screens
  • Builds focus through silly fun
Cons
  • Fuzzballs escape under every couch

20.
Swarovski Heart Jewelry

Swarovski Heart Jewelry
Why we like it: First jewelry that stays on past bedtime without mom asking.

The infinity heart sits perfectly against school uniforms and party dresses. Genuine Swarovski crystals catch light differently than mall jewelry—she notices immediately. Rose gold and rhodium finishes mean matching various outfits. The branded box becomes permanent dresser decor.

Best friends exchange matching pieces during intense fourth-grade bonding moments. She adjusts the pendant repeatedly, checking mirror angles before school pictures. Older cousins comment approvingly at family gatherings. That first "Where did you get that?" from a sixth-grader becomes legendary.

Pros
  • Authentic crystals she recognizes from mom's
  • Survives through middle school easily
  • No gift wrapping needed ever
Cons
  • Requires remembering to remove before swimming
 

Need more inspiration?

Molly Barlett
About Molly Barlett

Gift shopping should be simple and fun! As a mom in a big family, I've wrapped countless presents and seen what really makes kids smile. That's why I created GiftExperts.

Every recommendation here comes from real testing with real kids. No paid promotions or sponsored content - just honest picks that work.

I believe finding the right gift means understanding what makes each age special. My guides help take the guesswork out of shopping. When you choose the perfect present, you're not just giving a toy, you're creating memories that last long after the unwrapping.