These Tees Let Kids Draw Their Own Glow-in-the-Dark Designs — Over and Over Again (2024)

Nine-year-old kids have really come into their own, and they know what types of subjects and hobbies interest them — and which ones do not. They want to be appreciated for their individuality, and it's often fun to pick out gifts for kids that celebrate what makes them unique. But you also have to meet them where they're at developmentally — they're on the brink of being ready for tween gifts and can master more complicated toys and games, but they're not always 100% in control of their emotions yet. "Games like Apples to Apples or What Do You Meme provide silly, structured fun where there is no definite clear, 'right' answer," says Jennifer Rothman, LCSW. "That promotes flexibility, taking different perspectives, handling different opinions and offering more nuance in cognitive, emotional and social gains at this age."

It's not just board games that work well as gifts for 9-year-old girls or gifts for 9-year-old boys. The Good Housekeeping Institute surveys the opinions of kids each year, calling in the newest and hottest toys and sending them out to real families to be tested. The experts simultaneously evaluate the same items to ensure safety and quality. After everyone's opinions were factored in, these rose to the top as the best toys and gifts for 9-year-olds in 2024.

LEGO, Minecraft, axolotls — this is all 9-year-olds' favorite things rolled into one gift. The set is less than 300 pieces, so it isn't too much of a challenge, and it comes with a bunch of figures, including an underwater explorer, a drowned zombie, a dolphin, a puffer fish and, of course, multiple axolotls. Ages 7+

You'll never know what type of five-inch, plush animal you'll find inside these Adopt Me! eggs, and there are 12 to collect in all. And, even better for Roblox fans, each one comes with a digital code that unlocks a virtual item in the Roblox universe. Ages 6+

Everyone — from elementary schoolers to teens and college kids to even parents and grandparents — can find themselves obsessing over the puzzles in Kanoodle 3D. So it's no wonder that the game is a TikTok sensation, with lots of players posting their #KanoodleChallenge. To play, challenge cards will start a 2D pattern or a 3D shape, and kids have to figure out how to fit in the rest of their pieces using their logic and spatial reasoning. Ages 7+

What's better than getting a pack of new squishies? Getting to color in the squishies yourself! This comes with 10 cream-scented squishies that can be colored in and painted in however they like (though the paint and brushes are not included). They can make a one-of-a-kind creation! Ages 4+

Sometimes, it's hard to put into words just how much you love your 9-year-old. This journal makes it easy, with fill-in-the-blank prompts that say things like, "Every year on your birthday, I think about ______." When you finish, they'll have a one-of-a-kind gift that'll make them feel special. No age recommendation given

Now they can practice their penalty kicks even after the sun goes down. LEDs keep this soccer ball illuminated so it's easy to see at night, and if soccer isn't their sport, you can get a football, basketball, tetherball or volleyball, among others. No age recommendation given

Let them have a hand in capturing family memories with this camera, which instantly produces 2" by 2.5" photos. This set comes with extra film (which is great because each one only offers 10 exposures), plus a carrying case, but you can get just the camera for less money. No age recommendation given

Whether they want a comfy place to read or are thinking of heading out to a sleepover, this just needs to be stuffed with regular bed pillows to transform into a comfy lounger. It comes in lots of patterns, including polka dots of all colors, navy stars, black-and-white checks and an outer space pattern. No age recommendation given

If they are still flying high from the Super Mario Bros. movie, surprise them with this action figure that, when activated, has smoke coming out of his mouth! No wonder this walked away with a Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award. Ages 3+

The contest is on to see who can create the funniest meme by combining photos and caption cards. Rotating judges award points to the players, so it also helps if you know what makes your family laugh! Ages 8+

Take the classic, camp game and give it a techie twist that lets them play after dark. Now, the "flags" are replaced with glowing orbs in team colors, and teams are identified with light-up bracelets. There are enough bracelets for eight players, but you can add more with an expansion set. Ages 8+

Kids need to use their problem-solving abilities and creative-thinking skills to get through these 200 riddles. The book includes new puzzles along with famed historical ones, like the Riddle of the Sphinx, and if kids get stuck there are hints to help them. Ages 9+

Take a marble run, a maze and a 3D puzzle, mix them all together, and you have Freefall. Cups are attached to a standing frame to start the maze, and players have to figure out how to flip and move the cups so the marble drops into the target. It takes lots of critical thinking skills and logic to sort it out! Ages 8+

Even non-Nintendo fans can see that this Kirby plush is just super adorable. (And might inspire them to actually get a good night's sleep?) There's also a Heart Kirby, a Warp Star Kirby and, of course, a Waddle Dee if they want to start a collection. Ages 3+

This night light isn't just a cool lighting effect — it's 3D printed to look like the surface of the moon, giving their rooms spacey vibes. It also lights up in 16 different colors and comes in four different sizes. No age recommendation given