These Are The Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys, Because Little Kid Stuff Just Won’t Do Anymore

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Well, you’ve put off admitting it for as long as possible, but there’s no denying it anymore: Your 9-year-old is a big kid these days. But while it’s sad to watch your baby grow up, the cool thing about 9-year-old boys is... basically everything. They’re at this incredible stage where their curiosity, sense of adventure, and sense of humor just explode. And now that they’re a “big kid,” there’s so much more they’re capable of doing.

To celebrate the tweenager in your life, we have found the best Valentine's Day gifts for 9-year-old boys that encourage discovery, learning, and, of course, lots of fun.

As a parenting writer and mom of two (including a 9-year-old and a former 9-year-old), I have some first-hand experience in this area, and I can tell you you’re not imagining things: This is the age where buying gifts starts to get a little bit harder. So I’ve looked in my own kiddo’s toybox and taken a peek at what their friends are talking about and playing with in choosing these gifts.

With this list, I wanted to go back to the basics – Valentine's Day gifts that let him unplug with the family, get out in nature, and build things with his own (still a little bit little) hands. Of course, other times, he’ll want to bliss out in front of a video game, too, so we’ve included a couple of things in here for techies as well — variety is the spice of life!

Puzzle Cube

This unique magnetic toy can transform into over 70 different shapes! Unlock the geometric secrets by exploring its kaleidoscope-like abilities. Entertaining and challenging, it’s fun as a fidget toy or as a challenging new puzzle. Combine with other Shashibo cubes for extra fun.

More: 30 Best Gifts for Teens

Mechanics Pulley Drives Kit

The pulley is one of the most important simple machines in the history of the world, allowing humans to transfer force with reduced friction. And now your 9-year-old boy can learn all about them and how they work with the hands-on experience of this kit. With eight ways to put the various drives together, they’ll find lots of ways to learn and have fun.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Box Set by Rick Riordan

Twelve-year-old Perseus “Percy” Jackson is just an ordinary kid… or so he thinks. It turns out that his father is none other than Poseidon, god of the ocean, and Percy has a great destiny as a demigod.

The complete series includes The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian.

Wireless Headphones

Whether he needs them for school, gaming, or simply because you’re tired of listening to his music, these wireless headphones are the perfect gift for 9-year-old boys who want to concentrate on their work or just tune out the rest of the world.

Bluetooth-compatible and rechargeable, they’re perfectly paired with tablets, laptops, and more.

Starlink

Ever notice that constellations never really look like the thing they’re supposed to look like? (That’s a fish how…?)

With this game, your 9-year-old boy will see if they can do any better. Draw a card to see what you have to draw in the stars, but be warned: You can only draw straight lines between stars!

Junior Archery Set

Whether he got into archery at summer camp or watching Hawkeye in The Avengers, this archery set comes with everything he’ll need to start hitting bullseyes in no time, including bow, arrows, quiver, armguard, and more.

What Do You Meme? Card Game

Some of our 9-year-old boys have only spoken in meme references for about a year, so why not channel that instinct into a night of family fun with What Do You Meme?

This game asks players to apply memes to hypothetical situations. The funniest answer wins.

Bop It! Electronic Game

Some of us remember this game from our own childhoods, and we can tell you it’s just as fun for kids today. This contraption reads out a series of commands that your child has to follow. As the game goes on, things speed up and get harder. Play solo or with the family!

Magnetic Dart Board

You’re never too young to have fun with darts… but there’s definitely an age when you’re too young to throw sharp objects with questionable aim. But this dartboard is magnetic and is ideal for perfecting his technique while keeping everyone in the house safe.

Hi-Pile Fleece

In the past, getting your kid clothing as a gift was, well, never terribly exciting for them. But they’re getting to an age where they’re starting to care about these things more.

We love the cool casual style and fluffy fleece, and because it’s L.L. Bean, we know it’s built as tough as your 9-year-old.

Disruptor Elite Blaster

There is no truer, more natural pairing in this world than 9-year-old boys and Nerf shooters, and this one is a tried and true favorite in my house. (And, let’s be honest here: boys never really grow out of giggling as they randomly shoot darts at their friends.)

Spin Paint Art

I don’t know about you, but when I was a 9-year-old, if I knew a friend had a spin art set, I would spend the entire playdate scheming to get them to take it out. We’re guessing your kiddo will like it, too.

Comes with enough materials to make 20 paintings, and don't worry — refills are available.

Laser Tag Set of 4

Now your 9-year-old boy can play laser tag any time he wants with up to 3 friends. (Kids these days don’t know how good they have it!) This set comes with four sensor vests and blasters.

Playstation Hoodie

It’s the age-old problem: y]You want to get them something practical, but you don’t want them to be disappointed.

We got you: This Playstation-branded hoodie is just the thing to keep them warm on a chilly day and also serves as a nod to their love of video games. Everybody wins!

Milano Bean Bag Chair

What we love about this particular bean bag chair, which is perfect for gaming, reading, or even doing homework, is that it provides a bit more structure than a traditional, more amorphous design. Comes in a wide variety of colors.

Dog Crimes Logic Game

Who chewed up the couch? Who tracked mud through the house? Who pooped on the rug? Use deductive reasoning to find which adorable pup is the guilty party.

This cute game, which offers puzzles ranging from easy to hard, can be played solo or with family or friends.

Superhero Clog

Crocs are the footwear of choice for 9-year-old boys, and we love this pair for kids who can’t get enough MCU. In addition to thematic details and colors, they come with a series of hero-themed charms.

Toy Car Track Set

We really think this is a perfect gift for 9-year-old boys because it’s as cool as it was when it first came out 30 years ago. We loved Criss Cross Crash as kids, and now our kids do, too. This clover-shaped track sends Hot Wheels cars whizzing past, and often into, each other.

Scavenger Art

For the young artist who sometimes needs inspiration (or a bored 9-year-old boy who needs something to do), this is the perfect gift. This activity book includes 52 scavenger hunts with details on how to find items to draw and use different perspectives, lighting, shapes, and colors.

“The Ultimate Biography of Earth” by Nick Lund

This is the perfect gift for 9-year-old boys who’ve always wondered, like, how old is the Earth? When did the universe begin?

Through age-appropriate writing and whimsical cartoon illustrations, this book will teach him all about the universe, from the Big Bang to today.

City Fire Station

He’ll have a blast building this three-level Lego fire station — complete with everything from a garage to firefighters' quarters, a helicopter, and a truck.

When he’s done, he can play with the set, which comes complete with accessories and five mini-figs (plus a dog and a cat)! Building instructions are available in the included booklet or via the Lego app, which provides 3D blueprints.

Taco vs Burrito Card Game

The object of this family-friendly card game is to build your ultimate delicious taco or burrito with absurd ingredients (Gummy bears? Hot yogurt?!).

All worth points, use special cards to enhance your own dish (hot sauce!)… or sabotage other players (tummy ache!). The person with the most points at the end wins.

OYS Telescope

The galaxy is theirs with this simple — but powerful — telescope. This 70-millimeter aperture model includes a phone attachment, which will allow your child a better view than a traditional eyepiece, and give them a front-row seat to the moon, stars, and planets.

“Harry Potter” Complete Box Set by J.K. Rowling

There once was a boy who lived under the stairs in his wicked aunt and uncle’s house… until one day, a letter arrived. The whimsical, expansive, and immersive world of Harry Potter has delighted audiences for decades now, and your kiddo is finally old enough to really appreciate the books!

Scattergories Card Game

Face off against your friends to win the most points in this fast-paced, fun, and challenging game. Players flip a category card and a letter card and must think of a word that begins with the letter and fits in the category. Whoever shouts it out first gets the point.

Catapult Wars Set

Ready, aim, fire! Wait, we have to go back: Before your 9-year-old boy takes aim against the rival castle, first they’ll have to build their catapults. It’s all the fun of being a medieval battle tactician without the risk of catching an illness because you only bathe once a year!

Build and Paint Wooden Cars

Encourage their creativity and long-standing love of anything with wheels with this kit. Your 9-year-old boy can build, paint, and play with three functional wooden cars. Comes with everything they’ll need to make the cars uniquely theirs, including decals. Great for sharing or making their very own mini-fleet.

Drone Home Game

Your 9-year-old boy and their friends are aliens, racing to blast off in a functional drone. Move pieces down the ramp and lift off, but be careful: Everyone else wants to get there, too! Get all your aliens airborne first to win.

VIP Box of Sensory Toys

A near-universal truth about 9-year-old boys is that they’re fidgety little guys. But that’s just their natural state! They can’t help it. Embrace their chaotic energy with this monthly subscription box full of sensory and fidget toys. From squeeze toys to putty to conversation cards, they’ll find lots of ways to feel calm and have fun.

“The Don’t Laugh Challenge”Joke Book

We call them “Dad jokes,” but, really corny, eyeroll-worthy yuks are part of boy culture. As such, your 9-year-old boy will love (torturing you) with classics like “Why was the janitor late for school? They overswept!” *insert rimshot sound effect here*

Kids Subscription Art Boxes

With this monthly subscription box, your child will receive everything they need to make a unique art project. Easy-to-follow instructions teach your 9-year-old boy skills and technique, but give them the freedom to be creative: There’s no wrong way to make art!

16-Color Paint Marker Set

These paint markers are a preferred brand of professional artists because of their smooth application and precise control. This set of 16 is ideal for a young artist, especially one who spends all his spare time drawing his favorite cartoon and comic characters.

“How to Draw Everything” by Peter Gray

Easy-to-follow instructions take your child step-by-step through each new project. They’ll learn to draw everything (OK, not everything, but a wide variety of people, plants, and animals).

From astronauts to knights, toucans to Dracula, this book will help your child perfect their technique and encourage a love of drawing.

RipStik

It’s not a skateboard. It’s not a snowboard. But it’s sort of like if a skateboard teamed up with the mechanics of a snowboard to allow for new and exciting movement on the pavement. Its pivoting deck and 360-degree inclined caster tracks are perfect for superior foot control and cool tricks.

Shooting Foam Dart Target

This target is perfect for the Nerf-loving 9-year-old boy… as well as their long-suffering siblings, parents, pets, and other household items who are tired of being fired upon by darts. Take aim and fire — the board will read out your score!

Suspend Family Game

Calm nerves and steady hands are the keys to winning this game from toymaker Melissa & Doug. Build a midair sculpture piece by piece, constantly tipping the balance and making the next move all the more precarious! Your 9-year-old boy can play alone or with up to three other players.

Gravity Maze Logic Game

This gravity-powered game comes with 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, from beginner to expert, to encourage logic, STEM learning, and fun!

Build towers in different configurations to get the marble to go from the starting position to the target. These puzzles will entertain and challenge kids and adults alike.

Creator 3-in-1 Surfer Beach House

It’s a surf shack! A pool house! A lighthouse! It’s all three! This set provides hours of building and play for your 9-year-old boy/Lego maniac, and even comes with two mini-figures to have adventures in their beachside house.

30-Inch Student Guitar

You’re never too young to start your journey to becoming a rock god. This guitar is perfect for learning the basics and is just the right size for smaller hands. It even comes with a pick and extra strings.

Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle

Did you know that Darth Vader had a castle? He did! It’s massive, imposing, and a bit scary (as you’d probably expect), and can be found on the planet Mustafar. But your kiddo can build his own with this awesome Lego set.

Includes a TIE fighter and six mini-figures including — who else? — Vader himself.

How We Select Gifts

Gifting is more than just giving someone a present. It’s an act of love, a way to show you care, and there’s nothing quite like seeing your 9-year-old boy beam with excitement when he’s received the perfect present.

As a team that’s been working directly in product review journalism for eight years, we have the insight, expertise, and passion for helping our readers find the absolute best gift. We think about the psychology behind product purchases and what makes a good gift for your preschool daughter versus your teenage nephew.

How We Chose the Best Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys

We use our team of experts in tech, beauty, parenting, home, lifestyle, and more to recommend the best products in these categories that we know your recipient will love. As a parenting writer, mom of two, and auntie to a whole gaggle of kiddos, I have first-hand experience finding gifts for 9-year-old boys.

Like all our writers, I use industry research and keep a pulse on what’s new and noteworthy. And, of course, I take my own product testing (and gifting) into consideration, as well. Finding the perfect gift for 9-year-old boys is hard. We make it easy.

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