Don’t see what you’re looking for? We also have guides to the best gifts for 10-year-olds, tweens, and teens, as well as wonderful stocking stuffers for kids. We asked Conklin and other experts, as well as members of our staff, for gift recommendations. Most 9-year-olds are also deepening their friendships and spending more time socializing with other kids, so sports equipment and games that encourage group fun can be good choices as well.

“They feel so empowered to be able to do something that’s more adult,” Conklin said. Take it a step further by signing kids up for classes, purchasing companion books, or-best of all-personally helping them learn the basic skills needed to become more proficient and independent in their hobbies. Plus, real tools will last longer than their toy counterparts, and they can accompany kids into high school and perhaps beyond. These types of gifts can foster a desire to create and innovate, said Hilary Conklin, a professor at DePaul University’s College of Education.

When it comes to presents, you might consider giving kids this age grown-up toys and tools. Prior to this age, many kids pretend to cook meals in a toy kitchen, but at 9 they may have the coordination and cognitive ability to follow a recipe and prepare a real home-cooked meal. By age 9, a lot of kids are ready to take on more-grown-up roles and responsibilities.

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