15 FUN Toys for Nine Year Olds (2024)

Days With Grey / Toys for Kids / 20 Toys for 9-Year-Olds 2023

Author: Beth

How is it that I have a nine-year-old who is about to turn ten? I know, it sounds cliche. But I blinked, and it happened. My other son will be nine in a few months. So, what do you get your nine-, ten-, and eleven-year-old other than sporting equipment, bath bombs, and video games? I found some incredible toys for nine-year-olds (and older!) that will help make your gift-giving feel more doable. And remember, age is simply a guide.

We spent a year of toy testing “big kid” toys, along with attending the NY Toy Fair this September to make this toy list top-notch. I feel confident that this toys for 9+ list will guide your holiday gift-giving.

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Table of Contents:

  1. Big kids still know how to play.
  2. What makes a good toy for a nine-year-old?
  3. Toys for nine-year-olds (and older!)
  4. More toy lists your big kids will enjoy!

Big kids still know how to play.

I will shout this from the rooftop. Nine-year-olds know how to play, and as parents, we must be intentional about carving unstructured downtime for them to do so.

I like to joke that my big kids are either wrestling or reading. But as I type this toy list, my six-, eight-, and nine-year-old are building a magnetic tile ball maze. However, it took some time for them to work out the kinks.

Remember what I like to refer to from early childhood expert Teacher Tom? It takes 15 minutes to figure out what to play, 15 to work out the kinks (arguments, discussions), and finally, we get to the 15 minutes of deep play that typically lasts much longer.

We need at least 45 minutes of dedicated time for children to have time to play. And with sports, after-school activities, and homework, finding the time isn’t as easy. This excellent article highlights why play is encouraged for all ages. (Yep, us too!) Start by picking an unstructured day a week, allowing children to remember how much they enjoy playing with timeless toys.

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What makes a good toy for a nine-year-old?

Good toys for nine-year-olds and big kids are toys that reflect their interests. This is when we can take traditional timeless toys such as Lego, magnetic tiles, and art enthusiasm to another level. Spoiler: they also do not have to be expensive! This list includes many items with a lower price point but a high potential for endless play. (And yep, I have toy storage solutions too!)

Days with Grey participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in mydisclosure policy.

Toys for nine-year-olds (and older!)

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Kanoodle

This strategy game makes a fun toy for nine-year-olds and older. It comes with a 48-page puzzle book to take on the go or play at home.

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Clay Bracelet Kit

Be still, my bracelet-loving heart. This kit will end up on one of my boy’s holiday piles so we can chat and make bracelets together over break. (manifesting.)

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Instax Camera

My tween nieces love taking pictures with their Instax camera. An excellent choice for a child who enjoys taking pictures with friends and doesn’t yet have a phone.

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Browser’s Airship

My big kid recently built this Lego set, and it’s pretty cool! The ship opens and closes. My boys admire and also play with it.

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LEGO Marvel Nano Gauntlet

My oldest felt like he did the most fantastic thing (he did!) after putting together this Nano Gauntlet all by himself. He built a shelf with my husband and displayed it proudly in this room.

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LEGO Pixar ‘Up’ House

This is a beautiful LEGO set suggested for ages nine and up. If you have a Disney-loving child, this will be well-loved!

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48 Ohuhu Markers

Next-level pens help elevate your doodler’s drawings—a beautiful set of markers for mature kids.

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3D Doodler Pen

This 3D Doodler Pen is pretty cool! It makes a great art toy to sit and chat with your big kid after school as you cook dinner.

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Pottery Wheel

If your child got into the air-dry clay, this is their next art supply to introduce a pottery wheel. Everything you need is included.

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Squishmallow

What are toys for a 9-11-year-old list without a nod to Squishmallows? Add to cart.

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Shape Shifting Box

This award-winning innovative fidget toy is super compact and easy to throw in a kid’s backpack for travel to keep them distracted and stimulated anywhere.

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Capture the Flag

My boys LOVE playing when the sun goes down. This Capture the Flag Glow in the Dark set takes running to the next level.

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Outsmarted

I was introduced to Oursmarted at the New York Toy Fair. This interactive game is for 2 to 24 players and adjusts difficulty based on each player’s age. Bring this LIVE family game show right to your living room!

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Itzi

This is a high-paced game to test how quickly you can create an object that matches the card in the center. The trick is you can only use the letters you have in front of you. It’s a fun way to get your big kid laughing!

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Micro Kickboard

Give your scooter a makeover for ages 6-12 with this epic design. The folds and the wheels light up—the perfect ride to their next playdate.

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Infinity Bracelets

I saw this kit at the NY Toy Fair, and it had my preteen heart. A great nontoy for nine-year-olds +.

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Fat Brain Trestle Tracks

I have reservations about marbles in our home, but I am becoming more open to the idea now that the boys are getting older. This is a great track to get started when you feel ready.

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Magnetic Marble Maze

Another epic marble run option is this super puzzle, where you can make your own or race with a friend.

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Goldfaber Color Pencils

Gift your artist this gorgeous set of colored pencils and leave them feeling grown up after the holidays.

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Molkky

This outdoor math game is a fun outdoor toy for big kids and adults. Be the first to knock down your pins and get 50 points to win!

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Friendship Bracelet Kit

I got this set for my oldest last Christmas, and this friendship bracelet is one that many children enjoy. However, I will say this friendship bracelet kit is for kids who like to pay close attention to details. It is tricky to get the rhythm down at first. If you have a child who can focus well to create, this is their gift!

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Eugy Tiger 3D Puzzle

These are so sweet in person! Pick from elephants, hedgehogs, Leo, whales, sharks, tigers, unicorns, and much more.

More toy lists your big kids will enjoy!

  • 20 Art Supplies for all Ages
  • Outdoor Toys for Kids
  • Stocking Stuffers and Toys Under $25

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Beth

I am a mom of three energetic boys and a 13-year veteran teacher with an M.Ed. I know that the journey of parenting is not easy, and I want to be that helping hand for you to find peace (and FUN!) amongst the chaos of parenting young kids.

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15 FUN Toys for Nine Year Olds (2024)

FAQs

What do most 8 year olds like? ›

At age 8, many kids are ready to level up to more-advanced toys and activities. A lot of 8-year-olds are playing team sports, getting involved in other clubs or hobbies, and tackling increasingly challenging projects on their own.

Do 9 year olds have crushes? ›

First crushes may occur at any time, but generally start at around 10-13 years of age. They are an important step in developing normal and healthy romantic relationships, and provide opportunities to learn how to compromise and communicate.

Do 10-year-olds like squishmallow? ›

Not all 10-year-olds are the same, after all. While one girl might love cute things like Squishmallows and cats, another might be more into crafts and art projects.

Is a 10 year old a tween? ›

Kids between 8 and 12 are called “tweens” because they are in between children and teenagers. It's very normal for kids this age to start to move from being very close to parents to wanting to be more independent. But they still need a lot of help from their parents. Kids this age go through big physical changes.

Is 10 too old to play with toys? ›

We seem to have programmed our children for desk jobs, forgetting that they are in fact, still growing – making the need for play essential. Above all, do not let programs, schools, or afterschool programs convince you that a 10-year-old is too old for play, or that your high school student does not need a break.

Is 11 too old to play with dolls? ›

There is no one "magic age" at which all children stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child. Dolls offer children a way to express themselves and their imaginations, and they can also help promote cognitive development and early literacy skills.

Is 7 too old for a play kitchen? ›

In conclusion, kids of all ages can benefit from and enjoy playing with a pretend kitchen. Children can acquire critical cognitive, social, and motor skills by being given a space for imaginative play. Choose a play kitchen that is safe, has interactive elements, and is appropriate for your child's age and interests.

Do 8 year olds get crushes? ›

The fact is that Cupid's arrow can aim low, striking kids as early as 7 or 8. And though it's easy to trivialize this experience, a child's emotions are just as real as the fervor we might experience when we're infatuated.

Is age 8 a kid? ›

Middle childhood (6-8 years of age).

Why is 8 the hardest age to parent? ›

Eight-year-olds can be stubborn, slamming doors and rolling their eyes, in their attempts to establish their independence and individuality. Acting like doing their chores is an act of torture is common, and straight-up ignoring their parents is an 8-year-old hallmark.

What do normal 9 year olds do? ›

Most children by age 9: Enjoy active play, such as bike-riding, swimming, and running games (like "tag"). Become increasingly interested in team sports. Get dressed, brush their hair, brush their teeth, and get ready without any help.

What are kids like at 9? ›

Your 9-year-old might seem to drift off like they are “in a daze” or “in another world.” But the world they are in is a new and interesting one. They begin to understand about being liked and seeking approval. They also will start to show they know right from wrong and understand rules.

Why is my 9 year old not interested in anything? ›

One of the most common reasons that kids lack motivation is trouble with academic skills. They might have a learning disorder, a language disorder, or difficulty with executive functions. The issue could also be an underlying mental health challenge like ADHD, anxiety, depression or OCD.

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