This Friendship Bracelet Kit is One of the Best Gifts For 9-Year-Olds Right Now

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Nine-year-olds are pretty great, aren't they? They're so close to claiming double digits and, quite possibly, rolling their eyes at every single thing you say, but for now—for this (mostly) blissful moment—they are still elementary-school angels.

Whether the nine-year-old in your life is into sports, crafts, the great outdoors, or a hodgepodge of this and that, we've round up an assortment of great gifts that are editor and child-approved! If it's for a birthday, the holidays, or just because, there is something for every occasion on this list! You'll also find presents at every price point, classic favorites, and trendier of-the-moment mainstays (pickleball paddles! A Nintendo switch!). Lastly, there are some very specific learnings from the nine-year-olds we surveyed that are worth sharing:

(1) They love anything that lights up/glows in the dark

(2) They're very into riddles and gag gifts and anything else that involves tricking adults

(3) They still love Bill Nye, the Science Guy (Who knew?!)

(4) They have likely already devoured The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series so don't bother with the box set

While you're shopping, you may also want to check out our best gifts for these kiddos, too:

The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls

The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys

The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds

Squishmallows Luther Blue Tie-Dye Tiger Shark

How cute is Mr. Luther Blue?! Squishmallows have pretty much taken over wishlists from ages 6, all the way to 16. I mean, I even know college students who love them! Thie new Tiger Shark will be the perfect companion to keep them company.

Friendship Bracelet Maker

Making friendship bracelets is a rite of passage around this age. We all remember the struggles that come with tying everything off how you like it though, you often need another hand there to help! This tool makes the creative process so much easier and comes with 20 pieces of thread ready to go.

Girls Limited Too Fleece Pullover

This is not a drill, Limited Too is back, people! If you remember the brand from the '90s and early 2000s, you might recall sequin purses and graphic tees. The company recently relaunched with a modern take on some classic pieces. This cozy pullover is going to be perfect for chilly days at school or hanging out at home.

Kids Instant Print Camera

They're making memories of a lifetime, why not capture the moment? Having their own camera is going to be so much and gets them away from the camera on a smartphone. All they have to do is click a button and their photo will print instantly on fun paper!

Shoe Charm Jibbitz for Crocs

Do they have a pair of Crocs they love? If so, help them accessorize them with a giant pack of charms! These pop right into the holes on crocs so they can add their own personal touch!

Initial Necklace for Girls

If she's starting to get into accessorizing, give her her own fun necklace! This one is super colorful and will feel so special with her own initial on it! This one is made of plastic beads, stainless steel, and gold plating.

Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue

If they're into gaming, the Nintendo Switch is the most coveted gaming device out right now. The Lite edition is designed to be played anywhere and is super lightweight. They can play all kinds of fun games, from Mario to Zelda.

Reusable Water Bomb Balloons

Do you have a bit of a water bug on your hands? These reusable water balloons are so fun and don't cause as much of a mess. Fill 'em up with water, seal them closed, and have fun! This set of 12 is latex free, environmentally friendly, and comes with a mesh bag to carry them all in. They will get a ton of fun uses out of these bad boys.

DIY Slime Kit

There's just something about ooey-gooey slime that kids love. While we don't love cleaning it up, it is something fun they can do with their hands and get their creativity going. This kit comes with 18 wacky colors of crystal slime, 12 types of glitter, various foam beads, fishbowl beads and more!

Hover-1 Ultra Electric Hoverboard

While classic wheels like bikes and skateboards are always popular, hoverboards definitely go at the top of the cool list. This one has a strong motor and can go up to 7 mph over a 12 mile range. You might want to throw in a helmet and some knee pads with this one.

Bounce™ Kids Smartwatch

If you want to delay that cellphone purchase but still want a way to stay in contact with them, get them a Garmin Bounce. It's a limited smart watch for kids with LTE connectivity so you can communicate with your child through text and voice messaging. It only allows up to 20 contacts, offers parental control, and real-time location tracking. It also tracks steps, sleep, activity and so much more!

Youth Kansas City Chiefs Jersey

Have a football fan in the house? Get them their favorite player's jersey to wear on game day or rock in the halls at school. You'll get some instant cool points for this one.

Colby Roller Rabbit Blue Floral Backpack

Nine-year-olds are busy! From homework, to sports practice, to her bestie's sleepover, it's a lot to keep up with. Make sure she has an ah-dorable bag like this one to help get her from place to place with ease.

Super 3D Pen

Turn their drawings into amazing 3D art! It has different controls to adjust the speed, temperature, and filaments so they can bring their vision to life. This kit comes with everything needed to create the coolest 3D art.

Funtastic: The Can't-Put-It-Down, Need-it-Now Activity Book

Are they always looking for something new to do? We might be a little biased, but this book is full of incredible activities to entertain everyone. From building flower crowns and terrariums, to creating fun, kid-friendly recipes, there are plenty of creative things to do no matter the season!

Water Marbling Paint Kit

This is another really cool and unique way to have some fun! They will learn all about marbling paint with this kit that comes with a helpful instruction booklet, 6 colors of paint, 20 sheets of paper, 3 needles, a pipette, spreader, measuring spoon, and the tray.

Owala Kids FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle, 16 oz

Whether they've got a sports practice to get to or they just get extra thirsty at school, having a cool water bottle is obviously very popular right now. We love the FreeSip from Owala because it's basically spill and leak-proof! Not to mention it comes in an array of fun colors.

Multicolored Basketball

With the Chance brand, there's no such thing as one-ball-fits-all. With a variety of colors and patterns—camo! flowers!—you're sure to find the gifting equivalent of a slam dunk. This glow-in-the-dark option is pretty fun too.

Marshmallow Snack Pack

Watch their eyes light up as they realize it's all marshmallows and none of those good-for-nuthin' whole-grain oats.

Binoculars for Kids

If you haven't noticed, birding is having a bit of a moment (yes, even with younger hatchlings!). This lightweight telescoping twosome comes in 12 fun colors and will also appeal to spies-in-training.

Custom Woven Friendship Bracelet

When you're a kid, there's just something so special about owning a piece of jewelry with your name on it—even more so when your name is not commonly sourced on the souvenir rack. (We see you, Madilyn!)

Electronic Drum Sets

When they want a drum set but you're not a) ready to invest or b) willing to give up the square footage, this roll-up alternative (complete with—praise be—headphones!) is a sound choice.

Inflatable Fort Tent

This 6 1/2-foot-wide fort, which comes in 16 styles (including a barn!) and inflates in less than 30 seconds, is a serious upgrade from the sheet-draping tactics of old. (Note: You'll need a square box fan; not included.)

Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Available in 13 colors, this handy instrument will take karaoke singalongs from ho-hum to Eras-Tour epic.

Toy Foam Axe Throwing Game

Axe and ye shall receive! This backyard version of a popular bar game will appeal to the little lumberjacks in your life.

Sound Activated Party Lights

Thanks to the handy remote, this soon-to-be slumber party/dance party staple can cue up more lighting options than any European nightclub: red, green, blue, red/green, red/blue, green/blue, or all the colors at once, which we refer to as "Ibiza mode."

Special Edition Electric Scooter

Let the good times roll! Featuring a non-slip deck, cool holographic finish, and sturdy aluminum frame, this electric scooter has close to a perfect five-star rating (!!!) after 30,000 Amazon reviews, which is truly a feat on this here internet where people tend to be cranky.

Pickleball Paddles Set Of 2

Introduce them to America's fastest growing sport with this stylish beginner's set of pickleball paddles suited for all ages.

UNO Emojis Card Set

We surveyed a few nine-year-olds to see what emoji they'd give this classic-with-a-twist card game and the results are in: 60 percent smiling emoji, 25 percent heart eyes emoji, 14 percent thumbs-up emoji, and 1 percent unicorn for no clear explainable reason.

Comic Book Making Kit

It's not a bird. Nor is it a plane. Rather, it's a super thoughtful gift that allows budding authors to write and illustrate their own 18-page professionally printed comic book. Just go ahead and work out your royalties should they become the Dav Pilkey of their generation.

Mini Drone for Kids and Beginners

Our friends over at Good Housekeeping named this drone their favorite for beginners and who are we to argue with the purveyors of the time-tested GH Seal?

Glow Sticks Bulk Pack

Is this the most aesthetically pleasing gift? No. Will it last them through the year? Also no. But they're going to love this 100-pack so much that none of the rest matters, really.

L.L. Bean Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag

If your happy lil' camper doesn't already own one, maybe it's time?! While there are plenty of trendy patterns to be found, we are unapologetically partial to this unisex style that feels plucked from a Wes Anderson movie set. (Coonskin hats and vintage binoculars optional, but always encouraged.)

Skee-Ball

For a beach boardwalk-inspired bundle, pair this old-school arcade favorite with cotton candy and a stuffed seagull that may or may not steal your French fries.

The Price is Right Plinko Challenge

Parenting is a bit like Plinko, come to think of it. You send your kids off into the world and hope for the jackpot best. While your children may not appreciate your Bob Barker impression, they will quickly come to love this classic take on one of television's most popular games.

Bill Nye's Virtual Reality Science Kit

Featuring your child's favorite 67-year-old science influencer, this set includes safety goggles so you just know the 30 hands-on experiments are legit.

Soccer Ball Night Light

Soccer enthusiasts will get a kick out of this novelty nightlight that can be lit in 16 colors.

The Delish Kids Cookbook

Geared toward culinary-minded kids ages 8 to 12, this colorful compendium includes 100 fun recipes spanning both the sweet (mason jar ice cream!) and savory (English muffin pizzas!). Bonus: It's a perfect training ground for a future career in the Country Living Test Kitchen.

Buildzi Building Block Game

Up to 8 players (in other words, you're not off the hook, Uncle Gary!) can join in on this fast-stacking game that helps reinforce both kids' STEM skills and adults' nostalgia for Tetris.

Indoor Basketball Hoop with Electronic Scoreboard

Doesn't every kid dream about having one of these in their room? (Tip: Place a hamper under it and maybe, just maybe, those dirty clothes will find their way to it.)

The Challenging Riddle Book for Kids

It says it's for kids but they're going to enjoy quizzing you so maybe give it to them after you've had at least one cup of coffee.

L.L. Bean Retro Fleece Jacket

This super-soft, high-quality fleece comes in a variety of colors, but we're partial to this safety-guard shade of orange.

Schylling Joke Box

Kids simply love a good ol' classic gag. It should also be noted that this gift's enjoyability is inversely proportional to the adults' willingness to act startled (that's even if, hypothetically, the floating eyeball or bandaged finger does not look 100 percent authentic).

Pogo Stick

First, some trivia: The "Pogo" in Pogo stick comes from a hybrid of its German inventors' names: Max Pohlig and Ernst Gottschall. These days, there are plenty of Pogo sticks on the market, but a lot of the so-called "kids" sticks can't hold more than 80 pounds. This one, designed for kids ages 9 and up, has an easy-grip handle and can accommodate bouncers up to 160 lbs.

Bluetooth Mini Boombox

What's not to love about this rainbow-rhinestoned radio?

Book of How

Why does ice cream cause headaches? How does a flamingo stand on one leg? How did the ocean get so salty? Curious kids will enjoy learning how the world works in this 352-page fact-filled compendium.

But wait, there's more!

Don't miss our best gifts for 10-year-old girls and 10-year-old boys, as well as the best gifts for 8-year-old kids.

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