When your little boy hits nine, you start to realize how fast time is flying by (sob!). They’re no longer your little boy – they’re turning into your little man. With that comes a shift in interests, so picking out gifts can be a little more challenging. Some boys may still love dinosaurs and cartoons, but others are pushing for more grown-up toys and interests. We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas that our kids loved at this age to help you choose the best gifts for your own 9-year-old boy.
Table of Contents
Best Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys (2025 Reviews)
Christmas Gifts
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1. PROGRACE Kids' Camera — $$
Cameras are always a fun choice for kids because they all seem to love capturing memories. This action camera takes things a step further. 9-year-old boys are extremely active, and now they can record all their activities for future entertainment. Whether hiking, swimming, or riding their bike (or new hoverboard), they can use this camera to document all their adventures. It comes with attachment accessories for a helmet, bike, and other options, and it includes fun frames and other features. It can take pictures or record videos, and it’s the perfect gift for boys on the go.
![PROGRACE Kids' Camera — $$]()
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2. VTech Smartwatch — $$
Let’s face it – we’re in a world where our kids are constantly surrounded by tech gadgets. While a phone or tablet are both incredibly expensive options, a smartwatch may be a good way to give your child access to that world. It looks like an Apple Watch but comes at a much more affordable price, so you can see just how responsible your child is with tech before sinking in a ton of money. This watch comes with 55 watch faces and a game, plus you can download more from the Learning Lodge. It can take pictures and videos, too!
![VTech Smartwatch — $$]()
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3. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up – Toy of the Year Award Winner — $$
Even at nine, your little guy is likely still fascinated with marble runs and mazes. That’s what makes this such a great game. It combines fun with education, as your child boosts their logical thinking, spatial reasoning, and planning skills as they play. There are over 60 different STEM challenges, and they come in a range of difficulties, so your little boy will spend hours trying to figure out each one. Not only that, but it’s great for families to play together, and I have to admit that I find the puzzles to be fun and challenging, too!
![ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up – Toy of the Year Award Winner — $$]()
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4. Hoverboard for Kids — $$$
Riding a bike is cool and all, but what 9-year-old boy wouldn’t be delighted by a hoverboard? This super fun gadget allows your child to work on their balance and coordination as they zoom around the neighborhood. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose your little guy’s favorite. It also connects to Bluetooth devices for music and has flashing lights for added fun and better visibility for night riding. The rubber tires can handle most terrains and offer great shock absorption. Plus, it has self-balancing technology and non-slip pads for added safety.
![Hoverboard for Kids — $$$]()
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5. LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 — $$
Kids love building things, but at nine, your little guy may feel like he’s outgrowing LEGOs. However, there are LEGO sets designed for all ages. Even adults love building LEGOs, as long as they get a set that’s challenging and that turns into something cool at the end. LEGO Technic sets provide a unique building challenge, and this Ford Mustang is an awesome car. After your child finishes putting it all together, they can pull it back to see it race forward. Plus, they can use the LEGO Technic AR (augmented reality) app to watch their car on a racetrack and try different challenges.
![LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 — $$]()
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6. American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline — $$$
As your child grows, physical activity becomes even more important. Not only is it a great outlet for expending some energy, but it also can help them stay healthier – both physically and mentally. If you haven’t watched American Ninja Warrior, you should give it a try. It’s a fun show for the whole family, and kids love watching competitors take on the different obstacle courses throughout the season. This set will help you build an obstacle course in your own backyard. Your little guy can test his skills with a 34-foot slackline and attachments for six different types of obstacles. He’ll love conquering each obstacle, and you’ll love watching him master new skills.
![American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline — $$$]()
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7. Remote Control Stunt Car — $$
Remote control cars are a rite of passage for little boys, so it’s likely that your child has already had one or two. However, this remote control stunt car takes things to another level. Instead of just navigating their vehicle around the yard, they’ll be performing tricks and stunts that are sure to impress. This car has thick, textured wheels to handle any kind of terrain, and it can flip upside down and continue driving. It can also do flips, 360-degree spins, and other stunts.
![Remote Control Stunt Car — $$]()
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8. FAUX BOW 4.0 Lizardite — $$
Boys love shooting things, but they might feel like they’re starting to outgrow the suction cup bow and arrow sets around this age. My son thought this set was super cool. It’s more advanced, with arrows that can shoot up to 120 feet! (Don’t worry, though, the arrow tips are foam-tipped for safety.) The bow is designed for kids, and it even has a handle that helps them pull back to let their arrows fly. Plus, the six included arrows attach to the top of the bow for quick access and storage.
![FAUX BOW 4.0 Lizardite — $$]()
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9. Boys Dinosaur Pajamas Glow In The Dark — $$
Fortunately for me, my kids still love pajamas with crazy designs, even now that they’re older. However, that may not be so for other 9-year-old boys. This festive set is perfect for either type of kid – the design is a little more ferocious and less cutesy – so chances are your little guy will love (or at least tolerate) these PJs. They’re made of 100% cotton, so they’re soft and comfortable, and they even glow in the dark! There are also other designs available if your child prefers something plain or wants a different design.
![Boys Dinosaur Pajamas Glow In The Dark — $$]()
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10. Gskyer Telescope — $$$
The night sky is a place full of mystery and wonder. As your little boy gets older, he may become more interested in seeing the moon and stars up close. This telescope was designed for beginners, and it’s a great way to find out if astronomy is something your child really loves. It’s affordable and comes with multiple accessories, including two eyepieces, a smartphone adapter, and a wireless remote. Not only will your little guy enjoy views of the sky, but he can also capture images to enjoy forever.
![Gskyer Telescope — $$$]()
Birthday Gifts
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1. Tree Climbing Holds — $$
Kids of all ages love climbing trees, but depending on where you live, you might not have any trees that are especially conducive to climbing. Whether the branches are too high or they’re not thick enough to hold much weight, there’s an easier and safer way to let your little boy scale to new heights. These tree climbing holds use ratchet straps to attach to the trunk of any tree (without causing any damage!). They’re secure and durable, with the ability to hold up to 220 pounds. Let your little guy safely climb to his heart’s delight in your own backyard!
![Tree Climbing Holds — $$]()
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2. Redux: The Original Glow in The Dark Capture The Flag Game — $$
Looking for a game that your child can play with all his friends? Capture the flag is a timeless classic. Not only is it a blast to play, but it also helps little boys run off some energy. This set includes 25 game pieces, all of which glow in the dark for added fun and nighttime play. The game is meant for 4-8 players and there are 16 different game variations that your child can choose from to mix it up. Some variations even allow you to add more players (up to 16), but you’d have to grab another set to make sure there are enough bracelets for everyone.
![Redux: The Original Glow in The Dark Capture The Flag Game — $$]()
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3. Mini RC Drone — $$
If your little guy loves remote control vehicles, but is looking for something more advanced than the stunt car mentioned above, this mini drone is a great choice. Controlling a flying vehicle is a whole new ballgame! This drone has a one-key start or land to help kids get it in the sky and the remote is easy to operate. It can do flips, circle fly, and auto-rotate for extra fun. Plus, the speed is adjustable and it’s small enough to fly indoors or outdoors!
![Mini RC Drone — $$]()
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4. Jekeno Glow in The Dark Blanket Game Controller — $$
There’s really nothing better than snuggling up in a soft blanket, but 9-year-old boys may think they’re too grown up for that. That’s why you have to choose the perfect blanket to entice them. This blanket strikes the perfect balance of fun and maturity. It’s covered in glow-in-the-dark controllers, and even my husband loves to cuddle up with this blanket. It’s super soft, lightweight, and machine washable for convenience.
![Jekeno Glow in The Dark Blanket Game Controller — $$]()
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5. Beat That! - The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges — $
Looking for a new game to play with the whole family? This one is sure to get your 9-year-old’s attention. It’s full of 160 different wacky challenges that are sure to delight your little boy. From bouncing balls into cups to trying to sing with liquid in your mouth, these challenges are sure to get some laughs. It’s designed for 2-8 players, ages nine and up. Not only will you have a blast playing this game, but it’ll also teach your child to believe in himself as he bets on his own abilities.
![Beat That! - The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges — $]()
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6. 3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2022) 3D Pen Set for Kids — $$
Let your child get crazy creative with this 3D printing pen. This set comes with the 3Doodler Start 3D Pen, DoodlePad/Doodlemat, 3 Mixed-Color Packs or Start+ Plastics (72 Strands), Micro-USB Charger, and an activity guide with tons of ideas. This is the only thing my son asked for this year, and I can’t wait to see what he creates with it. The pen is designed to fit perfectly in little hands, and this is a unique gift that is sure to delight your child.
![3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2022) 3D Pen Set for Kids — $$]()
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7. Magnetic Dart Board — $$
Dartboards offer a fun indoor game that’ll test your child’s coordination and skill. This set comes with a large dartboard that should be easy for kids to hit and six magnetic darts. The magnetic darts are a step up from the suction cups in sets for younger kids but don’t have the sharp tips like adult versions, making them safer for your child (and your walls!). The magnets are super strong, and the dart bodies are lightweight mesh, making it easier to hit the target.
![Magnetic Dart Board — $$]()
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8. Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys: A Motivational Book about Courage, Confidence, and Friendship — $
Encouraging healthy self-esteem is important in all kids at every age, but 9-year-old boys definitely seem to struggle in this area. They’re in school full-time, and kids can be mean. This book can help your child understand why they’re feeling negative emotions such as frustration, anxiety, and more. Plus, it’ll help them figure out how to deal with these emotions in a healthy way as they learn how to overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and manage conflicts. Each of these stories offers an empowering and inspiring message for little boys.
![Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys: A Motivational Book about Courage, Confidence, and Friendship — $]()
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9. SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box — $
This little box may not seem that exciting, but you’ll be happily surprised when you see what it can do. It can transform into 70 different 3D shapes, and your little guy will love figuring out how to create each one. Your child will be using logic and critical thinking as they work through each puzzle. Not only that, but it’s small and compact, making it a great toy for those times when you’re on the go. Plus, it comes in different color patterns, so you can choose the one you think your child will like the best.
![SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box — $]()
Under $25 Gifts
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1. Double Ditto - A Hilarious Family Party Word Board Game — $
Another fun game for the whole family, Double Ditto is sure to catch your 9-year-old’s attention. It’s easy to learn and will test your child’s quick thinking and matching skills. It’s designed for 4-20 people, making it the perfect choice for big families or for busting out at parties. Even though it’s rated for 10 and up, that’s just because it requires reading and writing skills that may be a bit harder for young children but shouldn’t be a problem for most 9-year-olds. Plus, it’s a game that you’ll be able to play together for years to come.
![Double Ditto - A Hilarious Family Party Word Board Game — $]()
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2. LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian & The Child — $
If your little guy loves LEGOs and Star Wars, this set is sure to gain their interest. They’ll have a blast building extra large statues of The Mandalorian and The Child. These complex designs are challenging for 9-year-olds but still tons of fun to put together. The set comes with 295 pieces, and once everything is built, your child can display their creations or remove the bases to play with them!
![LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian & The Child — $]()
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3. The Don't Laugh Challenge - 9-Year-Old Edition — $
Joke books are a great way to get your child reading without overwhelming them. This joke book offers a unique take on this type of book because it’s meant as more of a game. Two players will take turns reading the jokes and trying out the different challenges, and the other player has to try not to laugh. Your little guy will have a blast using their best material, silly faces, and more to try to get you (or whoever they’re playing with) to crack a smile and earn them some points. It’s hours of fun for the whole family!
![The Don't Laugh Challenge - 9-Year-Old Edition — $]()
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4. Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit — $
Paper airplanes are the one craft project that boys can always get behind! This book offers instructions on how to create ten different types of paper airplanes. It also comes with flight-ready paper in fun and colorful designs. My kids love crafting these planes and watching them soar throughout the house, and they come up with different tests and challenges for the different designs. Plus, your little guy will be using coordination, fine motor skills, and more as they build each one.
![Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit — $]()
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5. ThinkFun Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle Logic Game — $
It can be difficult to find something that’ll keep your child’s attention while you’re traveling or on the go. That’s where this ThinkFun Minecraft Game comes in. It’s small and portable, and all the pieces are magnetic! These pieces easily stick to the board, so they won’t slide off and get lost on the plane, in the car, or wherever you are. If your child loves Minecraft, they’ll love these Minecraft-inspired challenges. And, with forty different challenges in this set, your little guy will be entertained for hours.
![ThinkFun Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle Logic Game — $]()
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6. Boy Craft Catapult Wars — $
Another arts and crafts project that’s sure to capture your little guy’s attention is the Boy Craft Catapult Wars. This kit comes with everything your child needs to build their very own catapults. They’ll be using their fine motor skills and critical thinking as they follow the directions to create these designs. They’ll also be using their creativity to decorate each one. When they’re done, they can use the included mini-bean bags and targets to test them out! They’ll have a blast launching these weapons and knocking over the fake dragon, ogre, and other targets.
![Boy Craft Catapult Wars — $]()
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7. LEGO Chain Reactions — $
If regular LEGOs don’t seem to do the trick anymore, try this Chain Reactions set. Designed by Klutz with LEGO elements, your little guy will have a blast building ten different amazing moving machines. Once they’ve finished putting everything together, they’ll get to test each one and watch the chain reactions they’ve created. There are different levels of difficulty, so your child will continue to be challenged with each one. It’s a great way to teach your little boy about cause and effect and how different mechanisms can work together toward an end goal.
![LEGO Chain Reactions — $]()
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8. Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars — $
If your little guy loves cars and painting, this kit is a great gift idea. It comes with pieces to build three different race cars. With the included paint and stickers, your child can decorate and design these cars any way they want. While your little boy may want to proudly display their finished designs, the wheels do roll, so they can also play with them and race them around the house.
![Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars — $]()
Educational Gifts
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1. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Battery Making Kit — $$
National Geographic makes tons of different STEM kits, and all of them provide your child with hours of fun while they learn something new. This battery-making kit is one of our favorite options because of its more useful applications. It teaches your little guy all about electricity – including not only how to create a complete electrical circuit, but also how these things work. They’ll get to power a clock using potatoes, use coins to create a battery, and more!
![NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Battery Making Kit — $$]()
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2. Interesting Facts For Curious Minds — $
While it may seem annoying when your child is constantly asking you questions, it’s actually a really great thing. You want your little guy to be curious so he continues to think and learn about the world. You can help inspire him to keep his curiosity alive with this book. It’s full of 1,572 different facts covering a range of topics from science and history to pop culture and everything in between. Let your child slake their thirst for knowledge with these interesting facts, and they’re sure to be entertained for hours.
![Interesting Facts For Curious Minds — $]()
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3. 12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit — $
Another awesome STEM activity for your child, this solar robot kit was a huge hit with my son. He loves all things robotic and was thrilled that he got to build his own. The best part? There are twelve different designs, so your child can keep learning as they build each one. This little robot is solar-powered, so you won’t even need to buy any batteries. Each design is challenging, but the instructions are clear enough that they probably won’t even need any help (mine didn’t).
![12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit — $]()
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4. 4M Solar System Planetarium — $
If your little guy loves space and is interested in learning more about the planets, this Planetarium is a great choice. It’s a fun arts and crafts project that allows them to build the display and even paint the different planets (accurately or however they want). Once everything is put together and your child has attached the planets, they’ll love watching each rotate through its orbit. Plus, it even glows in the dark! The included wall chart will also teach them facts about each planet.
![4M Solar System Planetarium — $]()
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5. Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game — $$
Looking for a fun and educational game that your little guy can play at home or on the go? Look no further than this cube. It’s a memory and brain game that’ll improve your child’s skills, including logical thinking, memory, fine motor skills, coordination, and more. The game itself is easy to learn and there are four different types to play. These challenges will keep your child’s attention for hours, and it’s loads of fun for adults, too!
![Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory & Brain Game — $$]()
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6. Guess in 10 States of America — $
Skillmatics is a company that’s known for combining learning and fun. They offer multiple different Guess in 10 games with different themes for all ages. At 9 years old, your little guy is probably learning about geography and their country. This set will help them learn different facts about the 50 states of America. It’s a quick game, only taking about 20 minutes to play, and the cards are all beautifully illustrated. If your child already knows the states or needs to learn something else, you can easily pick up a different variation that’s more suited to their needs.
![Guess in 10 States of America — $]()
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7. Star Wars Affirmation Cards — $
Building self-esteem, resilience, empathy, and other skills are very important for everyone but extremely useful for 9-year-old boys. This deck of affirmation cards can help your child without them even realizing it. Each of the 52 cards features scenes from the film and a positive message. It uses examples from different characters in the films that went through specific struggles and shows kids how these characters dealt with these obstacles. These positive messages will help with your child’s personal growth, and it’s a great way to open meaningful conversations.
![Star Wars Affirmation Cards — $]()
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8. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher for Kids — $$
Think you have a future astronaut in the family? Let your little guy learn all about rockets with this National Geographic kit. It comes with everything your child needs to build and decorate their very own rocket and launcher. Once they’re done, they can choose from three different flight modes to launch their rocket into space. It has helicopter-like rotor blades for a safe landing, and it can get up to 200 feet in the air with the highest setting. The instructions are easy to follow, and thanks to the design, it can be launched over and over again!
![NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher for Kids — $$]()
Best Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys
The best gifts for 9-year-old boys are both education and fun. They keep your child’s interest and help him to grow and boost skills – whether they’re physical, mental, or educational. Our three top favorites are the LEGO Technic set, the Beat That! Game, and the Star Wars Affirmation Cards. Each of these offers something different that your little guy is sure to love. However, any of the gifts on this list are great choices for boys this age and are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Only a year away from double digits, your 9-year-old boy is growing up fast! With all the new ideas, opinions, and interests, your little man is constantly changing. While this can feel overwhelming, just remember to talk to and listen to your child. By giving him gifts that align with his current interests, you’ll show how much you care, and you’ll be encouraging him to keep thinking for himself, boosting his confidence and self-esteem.
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