The 25 Best Toys for 9-Year-Old Boys Tailored to Their Interests

Our top picks from LEGO, KiwiCo, Razor, Klutz, Pokémon, Nintendo, and more

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The Best Toys for 9-Year-Old Boys

The Spruce / Crea Taylor

It may be hard to keep up with the ever-changing interests and preferences of the 9-year-old in your life, but there are tons of toys out there that even the pickiest boy will love. Pro tip: Be sure to tailor the toy to their interest, whether it be STEM concepts, sports, cars or tech gadgets.

When researching toys for a 9-year old boy, we looked for picks that are age-appropriate, have adequate safety measures in place, and help them learn about the world around them. Some of our favorite options include a challenging STEM-based toy from ThinkFun, a Marvel themed guessing game from Skillmatics, and an archeology set with real fossils from National Geographic.

Here are the best toys for 9-year-old boys.

Our Top Picks

ThinkFun Gravity Maze

Gravity Maze

Thinkfun

What We Like
  • Great for kids who love puzzles

  • Single player game

What We Don't Like
  • Pieces don't snap in perfectly

The good times will roll with the Think Fun Gravity Maze Falling Marble Logic Game that’s as challenging as it is fun. This award-winning toy comes with 60 challenges in levels that range from beginner to expert.

The object is to build a tower that will take the marble from the starting point designated on the challenge cards to the target tower. To do so, it takes spatial reasoning, visual perception, planning, and other important engineering skills, which kids will build as they have fun building these mazes.

Price at time of publish: $29

Dimensions: 9.38 x 3 x 10.5 inches | Material: Plastic, paper | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

FOM Mania Fomilator

Fom Mania Fomilator

Fom

What We Like
  • Gets kids outside and active

  • Great for parties

  • Multiple ways to play

What We Don't Like
  • Requires batteries and additional solution

Turn your backyard into a foam-filled battlefield with these blasters from FOM. Simply pour the foam concentrate into the blaster, add water, and start playing. With a touch of the trigger, kids can blast thick, fluffy foam at up to 15 feet. Grab a few blasters for a new take on laser tag, or add in some food coloring for a colorful explosion. Purchase the foam concentrate on its own for additional hours of fun.

Price at time of publish: $35

Dimensions: ‎8.75 x 15.5 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

Razor Jetts Heel Wheels

Razor Jetts Heel Wheels

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Fit to any shoes

  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

  • Sturdy

What We Don't Like
  • Can be tricky for kids to get the hang of at first

Get your kids up off the couch and out the door with these fun Heel Wheels from Razor Jetts. Simply strap them onto the heels of any shoes, and off they go. For an extra cool kick, they also come with spark pads that leave a shimmering pop of flames in their dust. Kids can zip and zap around the neighborhood or local park with ease and look oh so cool while doing so.

Adults can even give them a whirl as they fit shoe sizes from youth 12 to adult 12 and will support up to 250 pounds. Note that the spark pads are removable and refills are sold separately.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: ‎13.66 x 8.9 x 5.79 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board

Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board

Toysmith

What We Like
  • Realistic looking

  • Affordable

  • Safer alternative to traditional darts

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller than a real dartboard

A toy that blends seamlessly into your 9-year-old's bedroom decor ensures he can enjoy it every single day in his own space. This realistic dartboard hangs easily on the wall without damage and comes with magnetic darts for a safer alternative to the traditional game. He can practice his aim or invite friends over for a tournament. Either way, this pick would make a great addition to any game room so the whole family can get involved in the fun.

Price at time of publish: $11

Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 x 1.5 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

K'NEX Thrill Rides Web Weaver Roller Coaster

K'NEX Thrill Rides Web Weaver Roller Coaster Building Set

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable materials

  • Inexpensive

  • Fun and challenging

What We Don't Like
  • Easy to lose track of pieces

Little thrill seekers will love building their very own amusement park rides with this roller coaster building set from K’NEX. With more than 430 pieces, it allows kids to build huge roller coasters as tall as 2.5 feet high. Color-coded instructions come with the set to build one coaster, while online directions are available to build another. Glow-in-the-dark tracks make for ultra cool thrills when the lights go down, too.

Not only will kids have a blast building the coasters, but they’ll be building on important STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills as they play. Once the thrill rides are built, they can send the air-propelled, motorized coaster car (included) soaring around the tracks.

Price at time of publish: $96

Dimensions: 21 x 3 x 14 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 years and up

Micro Kickboard Cruiser

Micro Kickboard - Cruiser

Micro

What We Like
  • Sturdy and long-lasting

  • Great for beginners

  • Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like
  • Handlebars can be a bit low for tall kids

This long-lasting scooter makes the perfect gift for active 9-year-old boys who want a new way to get around the neighborhood. Micro Kickboard prioritizes a smooth ride with their lightweight yet sturdy scooters. Thanks to its weight capacity of 220 pounds, this pick can follow your 9-year-old as they grow and learn new skills. When not in use, this scooter folds in half for easily bringing to the park or to a friend's house. If your child is just transitioning to a two-wheel scooter, this pick provides easy balance and support as they race through the streets.

Price at time of publish: $145

Dimensions: ‎27.72 x 12.6 x 5.12 inches | Material: Aluminum | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Lucky Doug Solar Robot Kit 12-in-1 Science STEM Robot Kit

Lucky Doug Solar Robot Kit 12-in-1 Science STEM

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • STEM-based

  • Multiple different builds included

What We Don't Like
  • Can be difficult for young kids

With over 200 pieces and 12 builds included, your 9-year-old boy is guaranteed to have hours of fun creating their own robots with his STEM-based kit. Once assembled, the bots run on solar power, which mean no batteries or charging required! Kids can watch their robot crawl and roll as long as the sun is out.

After all of the 12 robots are built, disassembly is easy so kids can start all over again and use their imagination to create even more innovative and completely customizable bots. Perfect for independent play or for fostering collaboration with friends and siblings, this fun and challenging set secretly teaches young ones about scientific concepts as they imagine and create.

Price at time of publish: $29

Dimensions: 11.06 x 7.2 x 2.64 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Skillmatics Marvel Card Game : Guess in 10

Skillmatics Marvel Card Game : Guess in 10

Skillmatics

What We Like
  • Fast paced

  • Portable

  • Great for Marvel fans

What We Don't Like
  • Can get repetitive after all the cards are used

Spoil the superhero-obsessed 9-year-old boy in your life with this fast-paced card game designed to test his Marvel knowledge. Players take turns asking up to 10 questions to guess the mystery character on the card. They can break off into teams or play with two people going back and forth.

Even if you don't guess the character, you learn awesome trivia about your favorite heroes and villains, guaranteeing a great time each round. Even better, this game easily slips into a purse or backpack for playing in the card, on a picnic, or on the go.

Price at time of publish: $20

Duration: Not Listed | Number of Players: 2-6 | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

V.I.P. Epoch Air Remote Control Car

remote-control-car

Courtesy of Amazon 

What We Like
  • Suitable for various ages

  • Easy to control using remote

  • Perfect for independent play

What We Don't Like
  • Battery can deplete quickly

Crazy adventure awaits with the EpochAir Remote Control Car that literally takes fun to new heights. Not only can it do amazing tricks and turns on the ground, but it can climb walls, windows, and even drive on the ceiling.

An infrared remote control lets kids send the car racing forward, backward, and in 360-degree spins. Lights make for fun nighttime driving, too. It’s all the action of a traditional remote control car, with amplified add-ons that make it super cool.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.25 x 3.9 inches | Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Nintendo Switch

4.5
nintendo-switch

Walmart

What We Like
  • Can play solo or with friends

  • Multiple game options

  • Portable

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

If your 9-year-old boy loves video games, opt for the bestselling Nintendo Switch for their next gaming console. He can play solo or with friends with a few more controllers. When playing solo, the handheld device fits within a backpack or purse for gaming in the car, on a plane, or while waiting in line at the supermarket. Best of all, he can customize his experience by choosing his favorite games.

Price at time of publish: $300

Dimensions: ‎14 x 8 x 3.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Gamewright Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring

Gamewright Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Fun for the whole family

  • Detailed design

  • Clearly written and illustrated instructions

What We Don't Like
  • Can get repetitive after a few games

For a board game that’s anything but boring, there’s Dragonwood from Gamewright. Full of mythical creatures, adventure, and enchantment, it’s designed for up to four players and is fun for the whole family.

The objective: To capture creatures and enchantments by rolling dice, collecting cards, and strategizing the best moves. Along the way, you’ll encounter angry ogres, giggling goblins, and other creatures that you must stomp, shriek at, or strike. It comes with 108 cards, six customized dice, and easy-to-follow instructions. Winning requires a good mix of strategy and luck.

Price at time of publish: $23

Duration: 20 minutes | Number of Players: 2-4 | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket

Stomp Rocket Ultra, 4 Rockets

 Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Easy assembly

  • Suitable for various ages

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Stand can be a bit flimsy

This classic toy has been delighting kids of all ages since its invention in the early 1990s. To make this rocket shoot into the air, simply stomp on the base as hard as you can. The harder you stomp, the higher your rocket flies. Your 9-year-old can spend hours seeing how high they can soar their rocket and practice the perfect stomp. Parents and siblings can try out their stomp as well with this warm weather staple toy that never goes out of style.

Price at time of publish: $23

Dimensions: ‎8.57 x 21.27 x 29.53 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials Set

 MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials Set

MasterChef Junior

What We Like
  • High-quality and realistic items

  • Comes with recipes

  • Adorable apron included

What We Don't Like
  • Not dishwasher safe

Budding chefs will love this set of cooking essentials from MasterChef Junior. The kit comes with an apron, cutting board, mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoon, spatula, spoon and tongs that are all actually usable. For inspiration, look to the three included recipe cards. Once your 9-year-old fins his rhythm in the kitchen, he can write his own recipe on the included blank card. Collect other MasterChef Junior sets based on baking, pizza making, and more.

Price at time of publish: $37

Dimensions: ‎13.5 x 11.8 x 5.6 inches | Material: Silicone | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit

4.5
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Fossil Dig Kit

Courtesy by Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes real fossils

  • Educational

  • Comes with tools needed for excavations

What We Don't Like
  • Requires patience

Travel back in time with this fossil excavation kit from National Geographic. Each kit comes with 15 fossils to discover and identify using the included tools: a chisel, brush, and magnifying glass. Becoming a paleontologist will require some patience from your 9-year-old, but the end result is definitely worth it. With the 16-page educational guide, kids and adults alike can learn more about dinosaurs, fossils, and archeology for an educational toy that goes beyond just the activity.

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.2 x 10 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler

LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler

Amazon

What We Like
  • Suitable for various ages

  • Detailed and recognizable design

What We Don't Like
  • Younger kids may need an adult's help assembling

This Lego set is a great choice for an expert 9-year-old builder or one just starting out with Lego building. The awesome design comes with distinct Jeep Wrangler features, including round headlights, a spare tire on the back, and foldable backseats.

While Lego sets offer a fun challenge for all levels, 9-year-olds may need help from an adult to complete this build, making this a great collaborative activity. The challenge will add to the feeling of success once the Jeep is complete and ready to display or disassemble and build all over again.

Price at time of publish: $50

Dimensions: ‎15.04 x 10.32 x 2.78 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 years and up

Diggin DodgeTag Game Set

Diggin DodgeTag Game Set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Safer alternative to dodgeball

  • Suitable for various ages

  • Perfect for active kids

What We Don't Like
  • Vest runs small

Keep 9-year-old boys active in a safe way with this alternative to the classic gym class game of dodgeball. While dodgeball is a fun action-packed game, it can often lead to injury or upset. This safer option has all of the thrill of the game without the hard rubber balls.

Kids wear mesh vests with a target on their chest that opponents try to hit with soft and safe balls. Perfect for playing together with friends or family members of various aged, Diggin DodgeTag is a great choice for outdoor play.

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 2.5 x 10 x 12 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

eKids Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker

eKids Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Recognizable design

  • Great audio quality

  • Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like
  • Battery life can be short

Little dudes can jam out to their tunes Star Wars style with this cool Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker. It will connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a tablet or iPhone, and also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack if they want to plug in. Users report that the music plays loud and clear. The coolest part, though, is that it’s equipped with lights that glow for cool in-the-dark action, perfect for a makeshift nightlight or awesome addition to a Star Wars birthday party.

Price at time of publish: $37

Dimensions: ‎7.2 x 10.4 x 9.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: Not Listed

KiwiCo Doodle Crate

KiwiCo Doodle Crate
What We Like
  • Fosters creativity

  • Includes materials needed for crafts

  • Can purchase a subscription

What We Don't Like
  • Can't choose the individual projects

For boys who love creating new things, look into KiwiCo's subscription service specifically tailored to crafters. Every month, your 9-year-old receives everything they need for fun and inspiring art projects. Additionally, the box includes art and design techniques to go off of, an instructional booklet, and video tutorials to make the whole process seamless. You can even purchase the products individually to ensure he likes the brand first before committing to a subscription.

Dimensions: ‎Not Listed | Material: Varies by box | Recommended Age: 9-11 years old

Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit

Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit

Klutz

What We Like
  • High-quality paper

  • Multiple ways to play

  • Engaging

What We Don't Like
  • Some instructions may be difficult for young kids to follow

Help your little one build a new skill with this book from Klutz all about paper airplanes. Learn to fold 10 different designs of paper planes with the helpful instructions and high-quality paper. The paper features custom designs that make the folding easily as kids learn more about the art involved and how to fly them. Soon enough, all of the paper in your house will turn into fun and engaging airplanes. Get the whole family involved to see who can fly their creation the farthest.

Price at time of publish: $17

Dimensions: ‎10 x 0.75 x 12 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

Londji Discover The World Puzzle

Londji Discover The World Puzzle

Londji

What We Like
  • Educational

  • Fun and challenging

  • Great bonding activity

What We Don't Like
  • Can be frustrating for young kids

Puzzles challenge your mind and act as a great bonding activity for the whole family. This one from Londji features a map of the world that your 9-year-old can create using the 200 pieces. After they complete the puzzle, they then search for famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and more. As they build and search, they learn about geography, iconic landmarks, and different cultures, for an educational and engaging experience.

Price at time of publish: $32

Dimensions: ‎28.3 x 19.24 inches | Material: Recycled cardboard and pape | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

Caliber Games TowerBall

Caliber Games TowerBall

Caliber Games

What We Like
  • Simple to learn

  • Suitable for various ages

  • Convenient carrying case

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Lawn games are a great way to get the whole family together for summer parties or backyard barbecues. This one from Caliber Games will have your 9-year-old hooked (and even the adults in the family as well). Players take turns tossing balls into the four-sided tower to earn points. Play as individual or in groups for large parties.

The best part—this game collapses for easy storage in a convenient carrying case, perfect for bringing to the part or the beach. The sturdy weather-proofed materials are guaranteed to last for years to come, which helps justify the high price tag.

Price at time of publish: $190

Dimensions: ‎25 x 25 x 29 inches | Material: Polypropylene, Plastic | Duration: Not Listed | Number of Players: 2-16 | Recommended Age: All ages

Pokémon Assorted Cards

Pokémon Assorted Cards

Pokémon

What We Like
  • Packaged nicely

  • Multiple ways to play

  • Double as surprise toy

What We Don't Like
  • Duplicates are possible

Whether your 9-year-old loves all things Pokémon or is just starting out as a trainer, a pack of assorted cards make the perfect toy. In this set, he gets 50 assorted cards, doubling as a surprise toy that adds to the excitement when opening. With this many cards, he can trade with friends, start a collection, or battle other Pokémon. Be sure to grab a box or card organizer as well to keep his new collection safe. This is a great starter option or the perfect addition to an ongoing assortment.

Price at time of publish: $16

Dimensions: ‎3 x 2 x 0.75 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Cra-Z-Art Nickelodeon Super Scented Glitter Slime Studio

nickelodeon-slime-kit

Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Comes with everything you need to make slime

  • No batteries required

  • Easy-to-follow directions

What We Don't Like
  • Not every batch of slime comes out the same

Making your own slime at home often involves a huge mess and a ton of wasted ingredients. This slime maker from Cra-Z-Art and Nickelodeon simplify the process. With everything you need to make gooey slime, kids simply turn the handle after adding all of their ingredients and watch their squishy creation emerge. The instructions are easy to follow, and all of the ingredients can easily be replenished from any local supermarket. Add in glitter and essentials oils for a sparkly, scented slime that's completely unique.

Price at time of publish: $42

Dimensions: ‎14 x 3 x 12 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Portable

  • Teaches patience and problem solving

  • Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like
  • Only suitable for one person

As the fitting name suggests, ThinkFun's Rush Hour is the perfect mind game to play when sitting in traffic or killing time hands-free. The one person game involves 40 challenges based around clearing a path for one car to get through the others. Nine-year-olds challenge their critical thinking skills and patience level as they try new things, inevitably fail a few times, and try again. Parents love this pick for a battery free activity that gets harder and harder as they go for hours of challenging fun.

Price at time of publish: $22

Dimensions: ‎8.9 x 8.07 x 2.52 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up

pindaloo Skill Game

pindaloo Skill Game

pindaloo

What We Like
  • Solo game

  • Easy to store and travel with

  • Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like
  • Can be a bit difficult at first

In between homework or during commercial breaks, pindaloo is the perfect solo game to get your body and mind moving for even just a few minutes. The juggling game tests your hand eye coordination as you watch the yellow balls go in and out of the yellow tube, without it falling on the floor. Take turns with other family members to see who can last the longest. The pindaloo game comes with stands to hold the two balls and the whole set is easy to travel with and take on the go. There's even an option with LED balls to play in the dark.

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: ‎8.6 x 3 x 6.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 years and up

What to Look For in Toys For 9-Year Old Boys

Recommended Age

Ensuring your toy or gift is age-appropriate for your 9-year-old boy is a must. This guarantees the toy is safe, challenging, and fun. A game aimed at a younger age group may be too easy for boring for him, while something older than this age group can cause frustration. Be sure to check your product's recommended age before buying for best results.

Safety

Channel your 9-year old boy’s energy into an active, outdoor toy to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Just make sure to encourage appropriate safety habits while you are at it, by including a helmet, knee pads, or other protective gear with your gift.

Educational Value

Learning through play is great for any age, but especially 9-year old boys. They can play a game that is tailored to their interests or favorite subject in school to learn new facts. They can also benefit from puzzles and design challenges that engage their mind and imagination without ever feeling like school. Great toys for 9-year old boys incorporate learning right into the fun.

Your gift may also spark a new interest in your child. Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, likes open-ended toys. “For me the best ones are the ones that don’t have an automatic answer or can be solved in multiple ways. They should lead the child to a sense of curiosity where he wants to learn more.”

FAQ
  • What size bike do you get a 9-year-old boy?

    In general, a 9-year-old boy will fit well on a 20-inch wheel bike. This will accommodate a height of 4’0-4’5 inches. If the boy in question is on the shorter or taller side, adjust accordingly.

  • What should you do for a 9-year-old’s birthday?

    By the time a child is nine years old, birthdays become a big deal that they will remember when they are older. Tailor the birthday celebration to the personality of the child as well as available resources. A birthday celebration can be as simple as a family meal, a birthday cake, and a movie night. Plan a sleepover with three best friends, a pool party with the whole class, or a trip to an amusement park, the natural history museum, or an aquarium. 

  • What do you give a 9-year-old boy for Christmas?

    Boys develop at different paces and have individual personalities, so do your best to tailor your gift to his current interests. Nine-year-olds are generally at a stage where they have moved beyond toys and can use more grown-up tools to explore their passions. So if you’re looking for a gift for an avid baker who is practicing to audition for a kids' cooking competition show, offer him a grown-up set of utensils and baking molds, or an electric mixer. 

Why Trust the Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays.

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