41 Unusual Gifts for 9 Year Old Boys That Get Used

By the time boys hit 9, they’ve seen enough toys to know what they don’t want. That’s why I’ve stopped guessing and started gifting things that are a little more offbeat, stuff that actually gets used past day one.

Some of these gifts were surprising hits in our house, while others came recommended by friends whose kids are equally opinionated.

Think creative kits, low-key tech, games that aren’t annoying to play as a parent, and gear that holds up to rough use.

If you’re looking for unusual gifts for 9 year old boys that won’t get tossed aside after one play, these are the ones that lasted in our house.

Collage of unusual gifts for 9 year old boys including STEM kits, games, and outdoor gear

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Gifts That Held Up After Day One

These are the gifts that held up after the wrapping paper was gone, ones that got played with, learned from, and talked about days (or weeks) later.

Some are great for quiet focus, others for hands-on building or active play, but all of them were clear wins in our house.

FOLDOLOGY

This puzzle book was a total surprise hit. It looks simple at first glance, but once my son got into folding and problem-solving, he couldn’t put it down. It’s screen-free, mess-free, and somehow holds his focus for longer than I expected. Great for car rides or quiet time when you need something engaging without being loud or techy.

Mel Science

This is one of those subscriptions I was hesitant to try because of the price, but honestly, it’s been worth it. My son looks forward to each monthly box and actually remembers what he learns. The experiments feel like real science, not just crafts, and the VR element makes it even more exciting. Perfect for curious kids who like hands-on activities.

Klutz Lego Gear Bots

This book checks all the boxes: LEGO + movement + engineering. My son loved figuring out how the gears work, especially when his creations actually moved like they were supposed to. It’s also one of the few STEM kits that didn’t require a lot of extra help from me. If your kid likes LEGO but needs a new challenge, this one’s perfect.

National Geographic Earth Science Kit

I expected this to be a quick activity and done. It wasn’t. We started with the crystals and somehow ended up with a half-built volcano on the kitchen counter and baking soda everywhere. It’s messy in a real way, but that’s kind of the point. The short explanations actually helped him understand what was happening instead of just following steps, which made it feel more like experimenting than assembling.

Osmo – Detective Agency

This came out during one of those phases where he didn’t want to “do school” but still wanted the iPad. It worked because it makes him move pieces around on the table instead of just tapping a screen. He gets competitive about solving the cases, and I barely have to step in. It’s one of the few screen-based gifts that doesn’t spiral into zoning out.

Edible Candy Making Science Kit

I’ll be honest, I bought this knowing it would be chaotic. It was. Sticky counters, measuring debates, and a lot of taste testing. But he was fully invested the whole time, especially when he realized he could tweak colors and flavors. It’s not something you do in five minutes, but that’s why it stuck. He still talks about “his” candy batch like it was a business launch.

Keyboard Piano

This wasn’t meant to be a long-term thing. I thought it would be a phase. Instead, it turned into him quietly figuring out parts of songs on his own after dinner. It’s basic enough that it’s not intimidating, but not so toy-like that he outgrew it in a week. We keep it tucked against the wall, and it gets pulled out more often than I expected.

Soccer Ball

Sometimes simple wins. This one gets used constantly, for backyard games, park meetups, and even indoor footwork practice when the weather’s bad. The match-weight feel gives it a more “official” vibe, which made it more exciting for my son to use in practice. If you’re buying for a kid who’s into sports, this is a safe, useful choice that actually gets used.

Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker

I didn’t think he’d care about step counts at all. I was wrong. It turned into a daily competition with himself, pacing the hallway at night to hit his number, insisting we park farther away “for steps.” What surprised me most was how quickly he took ownership of it. He charges it, checks it, and treats it like it’s his responsibility. It’s tech, but it nudges him outside instead of gluing him to a screen.

Jump Rope

We got this during a screen-free challenge and it ended up staying in our daily routine. My son liked the digital tracker, anything with a number to beat is a win, and it was easy to adjust the length. It’s also one of the few gifts that combines fitness, tech, and fun without being a full-on gadget.

Magnetic Dart Board

This dart board became our go-to indoor game on rainy afternoons. It’s surprisingly sturdy, and the magnetic darts are strong enough to stick but safe enough that I’m not worried about holes in the wall. My son likes the competitive side, and it’s fun for quick family tournaments. No setup required, just hang it and start playing.

Nerf N Strike Elite

Nerf is always a hit in our house, and this one’s been the favorite for a while. The rotating barrel keeps the action going, and it’s sturdy enough to survive both solo missions and sibling battles. We’ve had a few that jam easily, this one doesn’t. Just make sure you grab extra darts (you’ll need them).

Light Up Basketball

This was one of those “why didn’t we get this sooner?” gifts. As soon as it started glowing, he didn’t want to come inside. We’ve played after dinner more than once just because the ball makes it feel different from a normal game. It’s not a gimmick either, it’s taken proper driveway games without falling apart.

Skateboard

We started slow. Helmet, driveway, a lot of wobbling. What I liked about this board is that it didn’t feel like a toy, but it also wasn’t intimidating. He could actually control it, which meant he stuck with it instead of quitting after two tries. Now it’s what he grabs when he just wants to ride laps outside and clear his head.

Clue: Wizarding World Harry Potter Edition

If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan, this one lands fast. He already knew the characters, so learning the game wasn’t a battle. What surprised me was how seriously he took the strategy, keeping notes, accusing dramatically, replaying rounds. It still feels like Clue, but the theme pulls them in enough that they don’t check out halfway through.

MONOPOLY: Fortnite Edition Board Game

I wasn’t sure how this one would go, he loves Fortnite, but Monopoly isn’t usually his thing. Turns out, the gameplay is fast-paced and different enough to hold his attention. He liked collecting health points instead of cash, and we’ve actually played it multiple times without arguments (rare win). A fun bridge between video games and board games.

Exploding Kittens Card Game

This game is just the right amount of weird. It’s silly, fast, and completely unpredictable, which is probably why it’s my son’s favorite card game. It’s also compact and easy to pack, so we’ve brought it on trips and played it in waiting rooms. Great for short attention spans and big laughs.

Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition

This one is as chaotic as it sounds, in the best way. It mixes a card game with a full-on dodgeball match using giant inflatable burritos. We took it to the park and ended up drawing a crowd. Definitely one of those gifts that’s more about experience than pieces in a box.

Skillmatics Marvel Card Game – Guess in 10

This is one of the few trivia-style games my son actually enjoys because it’s fast and themed around his favorite superheroes. He liked playing both with friends and one-on-one with me, and it really helped build deductive reasoning (without him realizing it). It’s also small enough to throw in a bag for travel or waiting rooms.

Scotland Yard

I wasn’t sure he’d have the patience for this one at first. It takes a round or two to really understand what’s going on. But once he figured out how to hide and plan ahead, he was hooked. He loves being the one who slips away while everyone else argues over where he might be. It’s quieter than some of our other games, but it makes him think in a way most fast card games don’t.

King of Tokyo

This one gets dramatic fast. Lots of cheering, fake growling, and exaggerated monster voices. He’s obsessed with choosing his character and pushing his luck on the dice rolls. I like that it moves quickly, nobody’s stuck waiting forever, but there’s still just enough strategy that it doesn’t feel random. It’s one of the few games we’ll agree to “just one more round” of.

Poo Pocalypse

This one is just gross enough to be hilarious without being totally over the top. It’s a silly strategy game that’s heavy on puns and bathroom humor, basically, everything a 9-year-old boy finds funny. Despite the theme, it actually makes him think a few moves ahead, which is a win in my book.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

We caved on this after too many arguments over whose turn it was on the main console. Having his own meant the drama stopped overnight. It travels well, which made long car rides quieter than usual, and he switches between racing and puzzle games depending on his mood. It feels less like a flashy gift now and more like something that just lives in his routine.

Super Mario Bros.™ Wonder

He didn’t need convincing on this one. Within ten minutes he was explaining the new power-ups to me like I’d never played Mario before. What I liked was that it’s playful without being frantic, and he’ll replay levels just to try something different. It’s the kind of game that keeps him busy without turning into a full online rabbit hole.

Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch

This was supposed to be the “extra” controller. Instead, it became his controller. He likes that it looks different from the standard ones, and it’s actually comfortable for his hands, which matters more than I realized. It’s been dropped more than once and still works fine, which is honestly the real test.

Echo Dot

This ended up being more useful than I expected. He mostly uses it for music and random trivia battles, but it’s also become his alarm clock and white noise machine. I was wary of adding another device, but with the parental controls locked down, it feels contained. It gives him a bit of independence without opening the door to endless scrolling.

Gaming Headset with Mic

This headset gets a ton of use. Whether he's chatting with friends during online games or watching videos, the sound quality is great and the mic is clear. The LED lights are a fun touch, and it’s actually comfortable for longer sessions. It’s also survived a few accidental drops, always a plus.

Gaming Mouse Pad

This oversized mouse pad added a fun gamer vibe to my son’s desk setup without taking up much space. It gives him plenty of room for both his mouse and keyboard, and the lights design makes his whole area feel more personalized. Bonus: it keeps things from sliding around during intense Minecraft sessions.

Where We Dropping Boys Gaming Shirt

This was a huge hit the second he opened it. Even though he’s not playing Fortnite yet, he knows all the references thanks to YouTube. It’s soft, washes well, and has quickly become his favorite weekend shirt. A fun, low-cost gift that still feels cool.

Shape Shifting Box

This fidget toy is oddly mesmerizing. My son was completely hooked the first time he twisted it into different shapes. It’s more creative than a basic cube and has just enough challenge to keep him engaged. Great for kids who like puzzles but don’t want something overly structured.

Minecraft Boys Pants Set

Comfy and fun, this Minecraft set became his weekend favorite. The creeper design stands out, and it’s soft enough that he’d wear it nonstop if I let him.

Minecraft Creeper Personalized Custom Name Keychain

Small but meaningful, this keychain became a fun little “add-on” gift that he clipped to his backpack immediately. It’s not expensive, but kids love anything custom. A great stocking stuffer or birthday bag filler for Minecraft fans.

Electronic Piggy Banks

This piggy bank is basically a toy and a life lesson in one. My son loves entering his code to open it, and it’s helped him get excited about saving birthday money. The “safe” vibe makes it feel high-tech, but it’s super simple to use. A nice mix of fun and function.

3D Pen

This 3D pen brought out a whole new side of my son’s creativity. At first, he just followed the templates, but now he’s trying his own designs. It takes a little patience and practice, but the results are really cool, and it’s a nice alternative to screen time. We use it on weekends when he wants a project that feels a little more advanced.

Rechargeable Game Activity Cube

This little cube is packed with mini memory and logic games, and somehow, it never gets boring. My son brings it in the car, uses it while waiting at restaurants, and even plays with it before bed. It charges quickly, and the different game modes keep things interesting without being overstimulating.

LED Flying Disc – Frisbee

This disc made backyard play so much more fun, especially in the evening. The LED lights are bright and easy to activate, and it’s light enough for kids to throw easily. We’ve used it at the park, at the beach, and even at night during neighborhood get-togethers. It’s one of those gifts that looks simple but really stands out in use.

Target Practice Toy

This was a fun surprise, part Nerf-style target game, part reflex challenge. My son uses it solo and sometimes makes it into a contest with friends. It’s great for improving hand-eye coordination, and I love that it gives him a focused way to burn off energy indoors without breaking anything.

Tik Tok Famous Sweater

He wore it the moment it arrived, it’s one of those things that makes him feel a little older without being over the top.

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)

This book lives on our coffee table now. My son flips through it constantly, asking random trivia questions and spouting facts about sharks or space or history. It’s one of those books that doesn’t feel like reading, but still gets him engaged and curious. Ideal for kids who like learning in quick bursts.

Ski and Climbing Center

This winter-themed LEGO set combined all my son’s favorite things, building, storytelling, and pretending he's on an epic ski adventure. The mini figures and slopes made it easy for him to come up with scenes, and it was just the right difficulty for him to build mostly on his own. A fun seasonal set with more creative play than I thought it would offer.

Books for 9 Year Old Boys That Keep Them Reading

If you’re looking for something screen-free that still captures their imagination, this list is full of exciting books that match the curiosity and energy of 9-year-old boys. From graphic novels to laugh-out-loud adventures, these are the titles my son couldn’t put down.

Board Games for 9 Year Olds That Families Actually Enjoy

Board games are always a hit in our house, and this list features the ones that consistently get pulled off the shelf. These picks combine strategy, humor, and creativity, perfect for family nights or independent play.

FAQs About Gifts for 9 Year Old Boys

What are some unique gifts for a 9 year old boy?

The gifts that stood out most at this age were the ones that let him build, compete, or experiment. The 3D pen, magnetic dart board, and marble run all lasted longer than expected because they felt slightly more grown up without being complicated.

What are good tech gifts for a 9 year old boy?

We’ve had better luck with tech that still involves doing something, like Osmo or a Fitbit, rather than passive screens. Anything that mixes movement, puzzles, or problem solving tends to stick longer.

Last Updated on 11 February 2026 by Clare Brown

12 Comments

Malin - Sensational Learning with Penguin says:

9 November 2018 at 3:18 pm

Nice guide! I like the look of that coding robot, and the dart board! Although I’d say that at 9, I was already using a ´proper´dart board. This will leave less holes in the wall though, lol!
I also like the look of the chemistry set, although I’m not sure if our boy is ready for that level of learning yet. Would like to add too that we’ve got a big keyboard and that’s something I’m very happy we bought, some years ago. Music is important to us! xx

1. freddiesmummyuk says:
  
  9 November 2018 at 3:48 pm
  
  A proper dart board!! Well to be honest I was thinking that, but I like my walls too much!! Thats great to know about the keyboard too, I am sure we are all going to love it 🙂 x
  
Peachy and Clementine (@peachy_diary) says:

9 November 2018 at 7:58 am

I wouldn’t mind getting some of these for myself. Great list! Very thorough.

Jo (A Rose Tinted World) says:

8 November 2018 at 9:22 pm

Some great ideas here. I know a couple of children in this bracket. The girl of the two wants a friendship bracelet maker but these may help choosing a boy present. Thank you!

Lucky Ladder says:

8 November 2018 at 8:10 pm

Never considered that a dartboard can help brush up maths skills – great idea! My son’s only three, so too young right now, but I might try to get one for myself in the house under the guise of helping my own terrible maths skills!

Melanie says:

8 November 2018 at 4:50 am

Thanks for this! My nephew is 9 and I always wind up giving him Legos.

Virtually All Sorts (@AllSortsHere) says:

6 November 2018 at 10:50 pm

Love the look of Harry Potter cluedo. I reckon our 9yo daughter would love the science one and the botley one too.

Becky Roversi says:

5 November 2018 at 8:11 pm

Some great ideas! I think I might want Harry Potter Cluedo!

Becky Roversi says:

5 November 2018 at 8:10 pm

Some great ideas. I think I might want Harry Potter Cluedo!

LanaPummill says:

29 October 2018 at 1:06 am

My oldest son is 5 years old so I think most of these are still a little too old for him. However, he has mentioned Fortnite and Hello Neighbor a few times to me (thanks to YouTube), but I think he is still a bit too young for those. Am I wrong? Awesome post.

1. freddiesmummyuk says:
  
  29 October 2018 at 8:44 am
  
  Fortnite is so addictive, and is rated a 12. I gave in about 6 months ago with my 8 year old (as all of his friends were playing it) BUT it is all he talks about. DON’T DO IT!! Hello Neighbour I think is only rated a 7, so that might be a bit better. 🙂 xx
  
  1. LanaPummill says:
    
    29 October 2018 at 2:23 pm
    
    Thank you! I appreciate the advice! 🙂

41 Unusual Gifts for 9 Year Old Boys That Get Used

Gifts That Held Up After Day One

FAQs About Gifts for 9 Year Old Boys

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