Shopping for kids between 9 and 12 years old can be tricky. They’re not little kids anymore, but they’re not teenagers yet either. This is an exciting time in their lives – their minds are growing and they’re ready to try new things and go on new adventures.
When you ask these kids what they want as a gift, they usually say “I don’t know” or ask for really expensive things that cost too much money.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help! We’ve made a list of gifts that mix things we know boys this age love (like games, sports, and electronics) with new things that might interest them.
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday or holiday gift, this guide will help you find something they’ll actually use and enjoy. Let’s look at some great gift ideas that won’t break the bank.
1. JB SKRUB The Body Spray
Specially made for active kids who might start sweating more as they grow and play sports. The spray uses natural ingredients like aloe vera and healthy fats to fight odor while leaving a fresh citrus scent that isn’t too strong. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack or gym bag, making it perfect for staying fresh after sports practice or PE class.
2. ArmoGear Laser Tag Set with Vests
Turn any space into an exciting laser tag arena with this complete set that comes with four laser guns and four vests. The set lets kids team up with friends or siblings for intense battles where they can track each other down using the laser guns, which light up and make cool sound effects. Whether playing indoors or outside, this set brings the fun of arcade laser tag right to your home.
3. Uncommon Goods MLB Stadium Illustration Poster
Features detailed illustrations of all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, from the historic Fenway Park to the modern Yankee Stadium. Created by artists Seth and Maddy Lucas, each stadium is carefully drawn to show its unique features and charm. It’s the perfect wall decoration for any young baseball fan’s room and can help them learn about all the different places where their favorite sport is played.
4. Exploding Kittens LLC Bears vs. Babies Card Game
From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes this silly card game where players build weird monsters to defeat an army of cranky babies. Players collect different body parts to create the most powerful creatures they can, trying to make their monsters strong enough to win battles against the baby army. The game takes only about 20 minutes to play and is full of funny artwork that will make everyone laugh while they try to outbuild and outthink their opponents.
5. Trademark Global LLC Hookey Board
Hookey is a fun Australian ring-toss game that’s like darts but much safer since it uses rings instead of sharp objects. The game can be played alone, with a friend, or in teams, making it perfect for any number of players. It comes with its own carrying case so kids can easily take it anywhere they go, from backyard parties to family game nights.
6. Frigidaire Mini Portable Personal Fridge
Perfect for kids who want their own special spot to keep drinks and snacks cold in their bedroom or game room. The fridge can hold up to six cans and comes in four fun colors (red, white, pink, and green) to match any room style. It’s energy-efficient and just needs to be plugged in to work, giving kids a taste of independence while keeping their favorite drinks within easy reach.
7. BestOffice Gaming Chair
Just like the ones used by famous online gaming streamers, this is the perfect seat for long gaming sessions. The chair is designed for both comfort and cool looks, with special padding and adjustable features to help kids sit properly while they play. It’s available in several different colors and is sturdy enough to last through countless gaming adventures while making any gaming setup look more professional.
8. Spin Master Poker Set
Contains everything needed to learn and play poker like a pro, including 300 high-quality chips in five different colors, playing cards, and all the necessary betting buttons. The set comes with five poker dice and a dealer button, making it perfect for learning different types of poker games. It’s a great way to teach kids about strategy, math, and probability while having fun with family and friends.
9. Tosy 16 Million Color Ultimate Flying Disc
This isn’t your ordinary flying disc – it can light up in over 16 million different colors as it soars through the air. The disc only needs 30 minutes to fully charge, and then it’s ready for hours of colorful flying fun. Kids can toss it more than a thousand times on a single charge while changing between different color combinations, making it perfect for evening play sessions.
10. Plufl The Original Human Dog Bed
Think of a human-sized version of a dog bed, perfect for kids who love to lounge around in comfort. The bed is covered in soft vegan fur and has thick, cushiony sides that wrap all the way around to make it extra cozy. It even has a handy side pocket that’s big enough to hold things like a Nintendo Switch or favorite book, so everything they need for relaxing is within easy reach.
11. National Geographic Experimental Geology Set
A National Geographic science kit that lets kids crack open real rocks to discover beautiful crystals hidden inside. The set comes with everything needed for crystal hunting, including ten rocks to break open, safety goggles, a magnifying glass, and an educational guide about different types of crystals. After the crystals are discovered, kids can display their findings and show off their collection to friends and family.
12. Donerton Wireless Earbuds
These high-quality wireless earbuds come with noise-canceling technology and are waterproof, making them perfect for listening to music during sports or other activities. The earbuds can play for up to 5 hours on a single charge and are controlled by simple touch commands. The sleek charging case can hold up to 80 hours of extra battery life and even shows how much power is left, plus it can be used to charge other devices like phones in an emergency.
13. LEGO Architecture Tokyo Skyline Set
LEGO set for kids to build a detailed model of Tokyo’s most famous buildings, including the Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, and the Tokyo Skytree. Unlike simpler LEGO sets, this one creates a beautiful display piece that’s carefully designed to show how the real buildings compare in size to each other. When finished, kids will have an impressive model that looks great on a shelf and helps them learn about one of the world’s most exciting cities.
14. Lightning Reaction Shocktato Party Game
Thrilling twist on the classic hot potato game where players pass around a toy that gives a small, surprising zap to whoever is holding it when time runs out. This exciting party game gets everyone laughing and is perfect for birthday parties, game nights, or just hanging out with friends. Kids especially love showing it to their friends who haven’t played before, making it a hit at any gathering.
15. Teen Archery Set
This complete archery set gives kids everything they need to start learning the exciting sport of archery. The set includes a beautifully designed bow, three arrows, a hip quiver to hold the arrows, an armguard for safety, and a paper target to practice shooting. Learning archery is a great way for kids to develop focus and patience while having fun practicing their aim.
16. Craftsman Crate Subscription
Contains hands-on projects that teach kids classic skills like wood carving, basket weaving, and other traditional crafts. Each box comes with all the tools and materials needed, plus easy-to-follow instructions that help kids create something special. The best part is that many of the tools can be used again for future projects, helping kids build their own collection of crafting supplies.
17. Best Choice Products Foosball Table
This awesome game table brings the arcade experience home by offering ten different games in one, including foosball, pool, and ping pong. Just like the classic basement game tables we all remember from childhood, this will make any kid’s house the favorite hangout spot among their friends. The table is sturdy enough for competitive play and can handle hours of fun as kids switch between different games.
18. Candlewick “Feed” by M.T. Anderson
In a world where teenagers have the internet directly connected to their brains, Titus lives like everyone else – never thinking deeply or questioning anything around him. Everything changes when he meets Violet, a girl who sees the world differently and starts to make Titus think about what’s real and what’s just noise from the constant digital stream. The book shows how technology can control people’s thoughts and why it’s important to stay curious and think for yourself.
19. Pop-A-Shot Dual Shot Sport
This fun basketball game lets kids shoot hoops indoors or outdoors, with 10 different game modes to keep them entertained for hours. The game runs on batteries and comes with a sturdy frame made of steel and nylon that will last a long time. Kids can play against friends and family to see who can score the most points, making it perfect for both rainy days inside and sunny days in the backyard.
20. DYNALOG Camera Drone
A small but mighty drone that comes with an HD camera that lets kids capture cool photos and videos from high up in the air. What makes this drone especially fun is that it responds to voice commands like “take off” and “landing,” making it easy for beginners to control. Kids can even watch the live video stream as they fly the drone, giving them a bird’s-eye view of their surroundings.
21. Backbone Mobile Gaming Controller
The Backbone controller turns any iPhone into a powerful gaming device by adding real gaming controls that snap right onto the phone. With this controller, kids can play hundreds of games from popular services like Apple Arcade and Xbox Game Pass, plus they get one month of Xbox Game Pass included with their purchase. Players can even record their gameplay, edit their videos, and share them with friends through the Backbone app while using the built-in chat feature to talk with other players.
22. Musicbee Bluetooth Hat Beanie
Find exciting combination of style and technology by hiding wireless speakers inside a cozy winter hat. Kids can connect their phone to the beanie through Bluetooth to listen to music or take calls without needing separate headphones. The best part is that the speakers can be taken out when the hat needs washing, making it both practical and cool.
23. BLACK SERIES Axe Throwing Target Set
This fun target game lets kids practice their aim by throwing plastic axes at a special bristled target board, just like the popular axe-throwing venues but completely safe for home use. The set includes three throwing axes and a target board that can be set up anywhere for solo practice or friendly competition. Since the axes are made of lightweight plastic and the target is designed to catch them safely, parents can relax knowing their kids are having fun without any risk.
24. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
Lets kids draw objects that actually stand up in three dimensions, turning their artwork into real 3D creations. The pen comes with everything needed to get started, including a special silicone mat to draw on, ten different colored filaments, and various nozzle tips to prevent clogging. Kids can create anything from simple shapes to complex models, combining art with technology in a way that brings their imagination to life.
25. Freeze2Trim Hover Soccer Ball
Floats on a cushion of air, letting kids practice their soccer moves safely inside the house. It can glide smoothly across any surface including hardwood floors, tile, short carpets, and even asphalt without causing damage. This makes it the perfect way for kids to work on their footwork skills when they can’t make it to the soccer field, without worrying about breaking anything in the house.
26. Gentle Booms Sports Obstacle Course
An awesome obstacle course set that comes with everything kids need to create their own backyard ninja training ground, including two slack lines and various fun obstacles to tackle. Kids can set it up in the basement or outside to build strength and coordination while having a blast conquering each challenge. The course is super sturdy and can hold up to 600 pounds, so kids can invite their friends over to join in the fun.
27. Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens Card Game
Exploding Kittens is a hilarious card game where players try to avoid drawing cards with exploding kittens while using special action cards to stay in the game. The game is like a funny version of Russian Roulette, where players can use cards with silly pictures and descriptions to make other players draw cards, skip their turns, or peek at what’s coming next. It’s easy to learn but keeps everyone laughing with its goofy artwork and creative ways to outmaneuver other players.
28. TeeTurtle Here to Slay
Here to Slay is an exciting card game where players lead teams of adorable hero characters on a quest to defeat three monsters. The game is easy to learn but offers plenty of strategy as players can either collect different types of heroes or focus on fighting monsters to win. Despite the fierce-sounding name, the game features super-cute artwork and can be played with up to six friends, making it perfect for game nights.
29.Harpercollins “Wringer” by Jerry Spinelli
In a small town where boys are expected to become “wringers” at the annual pigeon shoot – a job that involves killing injured birds – Palmer struggles with a tradition that feels wrong to him. Despite pressure from his community and friends, Palmer doesn’t want to hurt the pigeons and begins to question the harsh expectations placed on young boys. This powerful book explores how kids can stand up for what they believe is right, even when it means going against everyone around them.
30. Spin Master Calm 300-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
This special 300-piece puzzle comes with access to the Calm app, which plays soothing sounds and music while kids work on putting the puzzle together. Working on puzzles is a great way to improve focus and reduce stress, and this one makes it even more relaxing with its included 30-day subscription to the Calm app’s meditation guides and peaceful soundtracks. The combination of hands-on puzzle solving and calming audio creates a unique experience that helps kids unwind while exercising their minds.
31. Big Joe Bean Bag Chair
A super-soft bean bag chair filled with lightweight, fluffy beans that make it the perfect spot for gaming, reading, watching TV, or doing homework. The chair can be placed in any room, and kids love having their own special spot to relax. The best part is that when the beans get flattened over time, you can easily buy more beans to refill it and make it feel like new again.
32. SUN PATCH Reusable Under Eye Sunblock Patches
Perfect for kids who love spending time outdoors, these clever sunblock patches stick right under the eyes or on the nose to block harmful sun rays. These patches are super powerful, stopping 98 percent of the sun’s rays and staying in place for hours during sports, beach days, or any outdoor activity. Parents will love how easy these patches make sun protection, keeping kids safe without the mess of traditional sunscreen.
