What skills are 9-year-olds learning?

At school, 9-year-olds hone their ability to research and report back on a wide range of subjects, express themselves intelligibly, and work cooperatively in groups. Their math curriculum is getting serious, with complex problems that involve word problems, fractions, multiplication, division, and data charting.

How do I choose the best toy for my child?

The easiest way to ensure you get a gift your child loves is to ask them to make a wish list. Otherwise, observe what they like playing with or subtly ask what toys they liked most the last time they went to a friend’s house. If you choose a gift that aligns with your child’s interests in crafts, sports, or a particular book or TV character, you’ll likely get it right.

When I buy new toys, should we get rid of some of the older toys?

Many families abide by the one-in-one-out rule. If your playroom or child's bedroom is crowded or clutter prohibits your children from finding toys they actually want to play with, consider asking them to choose some toys they’re willing to part with and whether they’d prefer to donate or sell them.

The 21 Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds of 2022

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Nine-year-old kids are a wonderful mix of imagination, energy, and developing interests. Because of their quickly changing and varying likes and dislikes, shopping for a toy can seem like an overwhelming task. Since most 9-year-olds can read and may have some areas of interest, you can often narrow down gifts based on their favorite characters or activities.

While it’s fun to give them toys that meet their interests, you can also challenge them to play with other toys. Kids this age enjoy some solo play, imaginative exploration, and depending on the kid, may focus more on active outdoor choices or arts and crafts.

Here, our favorite toys for 9-year-olds.

Our Top Picks

Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens Card Game at Amazon

A simple concept full of kittens, explosions, and laser beams, it’ll take just two minutes for your group to learn to play

Paint By Stickers: Under the Sea at Amazon

Simple satisfaction while working on number recognition, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

Magna Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set at Amazon

Magna Tiles are amazingly creative magnetic blocks that can provide hours of open-ended play.

ThinkFun Gravity Maze at Amazon

A fun and challenging single player game, Gravity Maze is a logic puzzle, marble run, and STEM toy combined into one.

Just Like Me Box Subscription at Justlikemebox.com

Your kiddo will love receiving their very own package full of age-appropriate books plus book-related swag.

Tech Deck Skate Park Creator at Amazon

Set up a mini skate park with TechDeck’s skate park creator. The set includes a stair, rail, ledge, and ramps.

Kids Against Maturity Card Game at Amazon

Easy to play and fun for a crowd, it’s like a kid version of Cards Against Humanity with plenty of kiddie humor

Raddish Kids Monthly Kit at Raddishkids.com

Comes with three themed recipes, a kitchen tool, culinary skills lessons, table topic conversation starters, and more.

Looney Tunes Toon Squad Space Jam Sweatshirt at Looneytunes.com

The sweatshirt features all the Toon Squad crew and is available in a range of sizes from Small to 3XL.

Slackers Ninjaline Intro Kit at Amazon

This intro slackline kit that includes everything you need to transform your backyard into an amazing obstacle course.

4.5

Fast moving, silly, and fun, this game is perfect for groups of two to five players. A simple concept full of kittens, explosions, and laser beams, it’ll take just two minutes for your group to learn to play the game. A somewhat irreverent choice, this is best for kids who appreciate odd humor.

What Our Editors Say

"My 9-year-old son and I love playing board games and card games and this is one of our favorites. I love that it is pretty easy to learn and actually entertaining for me and him. The playtime is about 15 minutes or less and my son can use age-appropriate strategy skills to figure out how to win." -Latifah Miles, Verywell Family Commerce Editor

Great for kids when they need some quiet time or a solo project, the paint-by sticker books offer simple satisfaction while working on number recognition, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Each sturdy cardstock page is perforated, so it’s easy to tear out and hang up. If sea creatures don't appeal to you, choose from a wide variety of themes.

Magna Tiles are amazingly creative magnetic blocks that can provide hours of open-ended play. This set of 100 pieces is perfect alone or as an addition to other sets. Safe, durable, and built to last for years, they are pricey, but worth the investment.

A fun and challenging single-player game, Gravity Maze is a logic puzzle, marble run, and STEM toy combined into one. With over 60 challenges from beginner to expert, the game progresses as your kid excels. The game grid, 10+ pieces, and three marbles are easy to store and fun to play.

Build a love of learning with a focus on diversity with the gift of a Just Like Me subscription box. Choose your time frame from one month to a full year and your kiddo will love receiving their very own package full of age-appropriate books plus book-related swag.

A simple survey helps get you started to find the right books for your child.

Set up a mini skate park with TechDeck’s skate park creator. The set includes a stair, rail, ledge, and ramps. Use the included fingerboard or add in others to learn and progress your tricks.

Cool alone or with a friend, these mini sets are loads of fun.

If your family likes a bit of gross-out humor, this game is lots of laughs. Easy to play and fun for a crowd, it’s like a kid version of Cards Against Humanity. The set comes with 600 question and answer cards that fit neatly in the portable-friendly box. Keep in mind that this game is all about poop humor and age-appropriate potty banter.

Kids who like to cook, or eat, will enjoy a membership to Raddish Kids. The monthly subscription service comes with three themed recipes, a kitchen tool, culinary skills lessons, table topic conversation starters, and more.

Food is not included, but that allows families to shop together and prepare meals at a convenient time. Select monthly increments up to a full year.

Looney Tunes Toon Squad Space Jam Sweatshirt

Space Jam fans will love getting cozy in their very own ToonSquad hoodie. The sweatshirt features all the Toon Squad crew and is available in a range of sizes from small to 3XL, so there’s a fit for everyone.

Kids can train like a ninja with this intro slackline kit that includes everything you need to transform your backyard into an amazing obstacle course. Easy to set up, the line stretches to 36 feet and includes seven obstacles. Increase or decrease the distance between obstacles to change the skill level.

Crafty kids will channel the wizarding world of Harry Potter into their own homes with a book that features more than 25 crafting activities. Step-by-step photo instructions walk kids through the activities that range in skill level from easy to advanced, so there’s fun for every level.

Sprinkled throughout the book are fun facts, behind-the-scenes looks, and much more.

BeyBlade Burst Rise Hypersphere Brink Battle Set

BeyBlade let it rip! These fast-moving interchangeable tops are a blast to battle. The set includes one stadium, two launchers, and two BeyBlades. If that means nothing to you, ask a 9-year-old for more info!

Fun to play at the beach, park, backyard, or anywhere else outdoors, this four-person active game is quick to pick up and fun to play. The only drawback is it does require four players, so choose this for a kid with a neighborhood crew, a bunch of siblings, or who regularly plays with other kids.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, LEGO fans will have fun building their own LEGO brick Hogwarts book. The book opens to reveal a spell casting lesson, taken right from the Harry Potter movies. If this is a hit, there’s a whole series of LEGO playbooks to add to the collection.

For families that approve of NERF gun fun, this blaster is loads of fun since it can fire up to 10 darts in a row. It does require 4 AA batteries, which are not included, so add the batteries to your shopping list too.

A wonderful family game that’s a mix of skill and luck, Rummikub is easy, fast-paced, and suitable for two to four players. While they’re having fun, the game reinforces skills like sequencing, pattern recognition, and planning.

Fans of collectible cards will have a blast creating their very own trading cards using this creative kit. Kids will be able to make 36 of their own cards. The set includes the cards, 12 gel pens, 3 foil sleeves, and a sticker sheet.

4.5

An amazing splurge of a gift, a Nintendo Switch is a versatile gaming device that can be played solo or with a group and used handheld or on a television screen. Multi-player gaming over wifi is a snap and there are tons of games available for all age ranges. When it’s time for bed, don’t be surprised if Mom or Dad snags the Switch.

Jumpstart artistic play while encouraging fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and creativity with this Hey Clay set. Included are 18 cans of high-quality clay and access to an interactive app that provides step-by-step 3D instructions that’ll walk your artist through the creation of six alien creatures. If aliens aren’t your thing, choose from a wide variety of themed sets.

Make learning about geography fun with this colorful and beautifully made 100-piece puzzle of the United States. Highly rated, the puzzle is just challenging enough for kids to do alone and features beautiful landscapes and landmarks to reinforce their geography lessons.

Give a kid a big playground ball and get ready for the action. Fun to kick, bounce, lob, toss or play with, this playground ball will spark joy wherever your 9-year-old is.

Final Verdict

Picking the right toy for a 9-year-old can be tricky, but it’s hard to go wrong with the expensive but worth it Magna Tiles (view at Amazon), especially if they have younger siblings that will enjoy them too. For a more affordable can’t-go-wrong option, a playground ball (view at Amazon) is always useful and fun.

What to Look for in Toys for 9-Year-Olds

Interests

Because 9-year-olds have a multitude of diverse interests, the best way to ensure your gift is well-received is to find out what the recipient is into. Whether they prefer board games, sports, or crafts, there's a toy out there that they're absolutely going to love. Don't be afraid to try a gift your 9-year-old hasn't asked for, in which case the true gift is expanding their horizons.

Age-Appropriateness

Check the toy or game box for age-appropriate recommendations. When in doubt, keep in mind that kids this age tend to appreciate arts and crafts, outdoor activities, imaginative exploration, and playing independently. These almost-tweens won't appreciate a gift that's aimed at littler kids, so err on the side of maturity and challenge if you can.

Budget

Even the most perfect gift won't be quite right if it doesn't fit into your budget. The 9-year-old in your life will appreciate a present that piques their interest no matter how much it cost, and reasonably priced options abound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are 9-year-olds learning?

At school, 9-year-olds hone their ability to research and report back on a wide range of subjects, express themselves intelligibly, and work cooperatively in groups. Their math curriculum is getting serious, with complex problems that involve word problems, fractions, multiplication, division, and data charting.
How do I choose the best toy for my child?

The easiest way to ensure you get a gift your child loves is to ask them to make a wish list. Otherwise, observe what they like playing with or subtly ask what toys they liked most the last time they went to a friend’s house. If you choose a gift that aligns with your child’s interests in crafts, sports, or a particular book or TV character, you’ll likely get it right.
When I buy new toys, should we get rid of some of the older toys?

Many families abide by the one-in-one-out rule. If your playroom or child's bedroom is crowded or clutter prohibits your children from finding toys they actually want to play with, consider asking them to choose some toys they’re willing to part with and whether they’d prefer to donate or sell them.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Her kids are super active, so she’s always looking for toys that get them outside and playing for as long as possible. She’s found that chalk, scooters, and stomp rockets are perfect for one-size-fits-all fun.

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What are your concerns?

The 21 Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds of 2022

What 9-year-olds want to play with

Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens Card Game

What Our Editors Say

Paint By Stickers: Under the Sea

Magna Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set

ThinkFun Gravity Maze

Just Like Me Box Subscription

Tech Deck Skate Park Creator

Kids Against Maturity Card Game

Raddish Kids Monthly Kit

Looney Tunes Toon Squad Space Jam Sweatshirt

Slackers Ninjaline Intro Kit

Harry Potter Crafting Wizardry Book

BeyBlade Burst Rise Hypersphere Brink Battle Set

Spikeball Game Set

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Charms Class

Nerf Dino Squad Rex Rampage Blaster

Rummikub Game

Kid Made Modern Trading Card Kit

Nintendo Switch

Fat Brain Toys Hey Clay Aliens

eeBoo This Land Is Your Land USA Puzzle

Franklin Sports Playground Ball