Between nine and twelve, many children say they are too old for toys but still love to build, collect and play. The best gifts take their interests seriously and give them something to do, alone or with friends. The groups below start from what the child already enjoys.
For builders and tinkerers
- A building kit with a small motor or gears, so the model moves when it’s finished
- A marble run or a chain-reaction kit
- A beginner’s electronics kit with clips instead of soldering
- A model kit with clear, numbered instructions. Many need glue or a hobby knife, so plan to help
Check the age on the box. Kits with small parts, magnets or button batteries can be fine for this age but are dangerous for younger siblings. Swallowed magnets or button batteries can cause serious internal injuries, so store these kits out of reach of small children and get emergency care right away if one is swallowed. Skip loose high-powered magnet sets, which are meant for ages 14 and up. For anything that runs on button batteries, choose one with a battery compartment that closes with a screw.
For curious kids
- A science experiment kit with a booklet that explains why each experiment works
- A crystal-growing kit or a rock and mineral collection
- A beginner’s microscope or a pair of binoculars
- A star chart and a red-light flashlight for evenings outside
Experiments with chemicals or heat need an adult nearby. Read the kit’s safety notes together before the first one.
For readers
- The first two or three books of a series, so they can keep going
- A graphic novel
- A book of facts about a subject they like, such as animals, space or sports
- A book light or a small flashlight for reading in bed
If you’re not the parent, ask them or the child what they’ve already read. Children this age often read a whole series quickly and want the next book.
For artists
- A sketchbook and a set of markers or colored pencils
- A how-to-draw book for a style they like, such as comics or animals
- A clay or modeling kit
- A beginner’s craft kit for bracelets, knitting or embroidery
For games with family and friends
- A strategy board game that adults enjoy too
- A deck of cards and a book of card games
- A cooperative game, where everyone plays against the board
- A book of logic puzzles or a 500-piece jigsaw
For active kids
- A jump rope or a set of juggling balls
- A ball for the sport they play
- A kite for a windy afternoon, flown in an open space away from power lines
- A helmet and pads for the bike, scooter or skateboard they already ride
- A day pass for a climbing gym or the local pool
Choose a helmet made for the activity. A bike helmet should have a label saying it meets the CPSC safety standard. Check that it fits snugly and sits level on the forehead before the first ride.
Gifts that teach a skill
- A kids’ cookbook with simple recipes, plus an afternoon of cooking together, with an adult nearby for knives and the stove
- A beginner’s sewing kit
- A first wallet with a little money and a plan for saving
- A class in something they want to learn, such as drawing, coding or swimming
Stocking-sized ideas
Gel pens, a small notebook with a lock, a pack of trading cards, a mini puzzle, a flashlight keychain, a book of jokes or riddles.
Ask first
Children this age often know what they want. Asking a parent for three ideas and choosing one keeps the surprise while avoiding a gift that goes unused.
