What to Buy a 9-Year-Old Gamer for Christmas

A dark blue National Geographic-branded box with graphics of red and green slime on the front in front of a snowy blue background.
Credit: Product from Blue Marble | Edited by Stealth Optional

A dark blue National Geographic-branded box with graphics of red and green slime on the front in front of a snowy blue background.
Credit: Product from Blue Marble | Edited by Stealth Optional

Choosing the perfect gift for your 9-year-old gamer can feel overwhelming, especially with so many choices available. At this stage, kids are diving deeper into their gaming interests, exploring new genres, and even showing curiosity about technology and gaming accessories.

Whether they're into action-packed console adventures, imaginative sandbox games, or family-friendly board games, there's a wide variety of thoughtful gifts to match their growing enthusiasm. This guide is here to help you discover smart, age-appropriate options that combine fun, skill-building, and creativity—ensuring you find the perfect fit for your young gamer's passion, beyond what's available for 8-year-old gamers anyway.

Best Gifts for 9-year-old Gamers - Quick List

  1. TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game – A compact version of the classic game, perfect for exciting tabletop matches at home.
  2. Blue Marble National Geographic Gross Science Kit – An educational kit packed with fun and gooey experiments to spark curiosity in young scientists.
  3. BAODLON Shooting Games Toy – An engaging target practice game that combines foam darts and competitive play.
  4. Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine – A hands-on kit that lets kids build and play their own mini pinball game.
  5. Ninja Blast Hover Soccer Ball – A glowing soccer ball that glides in the air, great for active indoor fun.
  6. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game – A logic-based puzzle game combining marble mazes with creative challenges.
  7. Winyea Laser Tag Set – An exciting set for intense laser tag battles, perfect for family or group fun.
  8. Beria Tabletop Basketball Game – A compact basketball setup for thrilling one-on-one matches anywhere.
  9. E-MODS GAMING Retro Video Games Console – A nostalgic gaming console loaded with classic games for retro gaming enthusiasts.
TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game in white, blue, and orange next to its box.
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Credit: TGHIJKK | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game

This portable foosball game is an enjoyable and interactive method for children and families to unite. It's lightweight and compact, ideal for game nights, outdoor gatherings, and camping clubs. Also, it's designed for two players and promotes hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking.

Its realistic features, like the diagonal field, dual button controls, and goal bell, bring the thrill of a real soccer match to life. This portable foosball game is made from tough, safe materials, has smooth edges, and has aunty slip handles, making it perfect for your kid.

A blue National Geographic-branded box with graphics of red and green slime on the front.
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Credit: Blue Marble Store | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Blue Marble National Geographic Gross Science Kit

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Blue Marble National Geographic Gross Science Kit

This hands-on science kit combines fun and learning, making it a fantastic choice for curious 9-year-olds. It comes with materials for 15 excitingly gross experiments, like creating glowing worms or test tube vomit, along with a bonus guide featuring 30 additional experiments using common household items. The kit includes easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions, allowing kids to explore chemical reactions, polymers, and pH science in a fun and interactive way.

While things might get a little messy, the experiments provide a unique chance to build STEM skills through play. It's a perfect gift for young gamers who love hands-on activities and are eager to uncover the fascinating science behind the gross and gooey.

BAODLON Shooting Games Toy in blue and green next to its box.
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Credit: BAODLON | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

BAODLON Shooting Games Toy

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the BAODLON Shooting Games Toy

This interactive shooting game combines skill and fun, providing a unique challenge for your kid. The set consists of a shooting gallery, a foam dark gun, 20 soft foam darts, 10 floating ball targets, and five flip targets. The lightweight foam darts assure safety, and the changeable air streams allow players to adjust the difficulty by changing the floating ball height.

The game has play modes, floating targets, and flip targets, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor play. The glowing effect adds an intriguing twist, especially when exposed to sunlight. Plus, this set, made from eco-friendly, long-lasting materials, promotes friendly competition, hand-eye coordination, and infinite amusement for children aged 9 and up.

A box featuring a light brown and orange wooden pinball machine.
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Credit: Smartivity | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine

The Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine offers a hands-on blend of learning and fun, giving kids an arcade-inspired experience they can build and enjoy themselves. By constructing their own mechanical pinball machine, children can develop problem-solving skills while exploring foundational science and engineering concepts in an exciting, interactive way.

Crafted from durable, sustainable wood, this kit has earned international recognition, including STEM certifications and toy industry awards. As a screen-free activity, it’s perfect for sparking creativity and keeping your 9-year-old engaged. It’s a thoughtful gift for kids who love building and playing all in one.

Ninja Blast Hover Soccer packaging featuring a purple background and multicolored hover ball.
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Credit: Ninja Blast | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Ninja Blast Hover Soccer Ball

  • Amazon - $19.99 / £16.99
  • eBay - $38.26 / Approx. £30.23

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Ninja Blast Hover Soccer Ball

The Hover Soccer Ball brings the excitement of active play indoors with innovative hover technology. It effortlessly glides over surfaces like wood, tile, and concrete, letting kids kick, bounce, and pass without needing a full soccer field. The built-in light-up feature adds an extra layer of fun, especially during low-light play, creating a captivating visual experience for children.

Designed with a soft foam bumper, it protects furniture and walls from damage during gameplay. Conveniently rechargeable, this hover soccer ball eliminates the hassle of replacing batteries, making it a low-maintenance, high-fun toy for active kids.

A silver square with clear blocks stacked on top with different colors inside.
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Credit: ThinkFun | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game

The ThinkFun Gravity Maze is a fantastic gift for 9-year-olds who thrive on challenges and enjoy games that spark creative thinking. Blending elements of a logic puzzle, marble run, and STEM-based play, it keeps kids engaged as they tackle 60 challenges ranging from beginner to expert. With nine towers, a target piece, and three marbles, it offers endless variety, helping players strengthen spatial reasoning and strategic planning in a hands-on, enjoyable way.

What sets this game apart is how seamlessly it combines entertainment with skill-building, allowing kids to develop critical thinking without even realizing it. Perfect for solo play or friendly family competitions, Gravity Maze strikes the ideal balance between fun and mental exercise, making it a hit with both kids and parents.

Winyea Laser Tag Set featuring black laser guns with multicolored overlay designs.
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Credit: Winyea Tag Store | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Winyea Laser Tag Set

  • Amazon - $35.99 / £70.86
  • eBay - $55.00 (4-vest set)

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Winyea Laser Tag Set

This laser tag set features a sleek, cyberpunk-inspired design that transports kids into an action-packed sci-fi adventure from the comfort of home. With synced guns and vests, players can track their health and ammo in real time, delivering an immersive and realistic gaming experience for young enthusiasts.

The set includes two guns and two vests, perfect for creating two-team battles. LED displays show lives and team stats, keeping the gameplay dynamic and engaging. With an impressive 150-foot shooting range, this laser tag set challenges kids to test their aim and strategize for long-distance duels, making it an exciting gift for active, competitive gamers.

Beria Tabletop Basketball Game in yellow, orange, and blue featuring pink and orange balls next to it.
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Credit: Beria | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Beria Tabletop Basketball Game

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Beria Tabletop Basketball Game

This tabletop basketball game is a fun, screen-free activity for your kid. It's designed to simulate the excitement of real basketball and improve hand-eye coordination while offering a stress-relieving experience. The light design makes it simple to set up and play anywhere.

It's constructed using study ABS materials with smooth edges, ensuring safe play for youngsters. The kit has two basketball boards, hoops, mini basketballs, and a scoreboard. Whether for a fast game or a party, this game offers hours of fun, making it an ideal gift for a 9-year-old who likes sports.

E-MODS GAMING handheld console in red with a karting game on the screen.
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Credit: E-MODS GAMING | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

E-MODS GAMING Retro Video Games Console

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the E-MODS GAMING Retro Video Games Console

This handheld console, preloaded with 220 classic games, offers a nostalgic introduction to retro gaming for kids in a tech-free, screen-only format. Its compact and portable design, paired with a sturdy strap, makes it easy to bring along on trips, car rides, or everyday commutes.

Equipped with a headphone jack, it allows kids to enjoy their games without disturbing others, making it perfect for quieter moments. The console charges via USB and provides up to four hours of playtime on a full charge, offering a convenient and entertaining gaming experience wherever they go.

Final Words

With so many exciting options, finding the right gift for a 9-year-old gamer can transform their holiday season into an unforgettable experience. Choose a gift that sparks joy and encourages both screen time and hands-on play!