By the time your child is 9 years old, they’ve reached this overlap where they are still young enough to get away with being a little child, yet old enough to morph into an argumentative tween. They’re becoming more independent now, they’re building their social circles and they’re starting to solve life using their formulae. So buying Christmas gifts for 9-year-olds can be tricky.
So, what do you get nine-year-olds for Christmas to assist their development, yet still be ‘young’ enough to pass off as a toy? Whether you have armed your kids with an activity kit, a gift card, a science lab, video games or even walkie-talkies, be sure to check out our Christmas gift guide this year (the ultimate gift guide of all gift guides) with unique educational toys for 9-year-olds from stores like Wicked Uncle and Amazon.
What do 9-year-olds enjoy?
9-year-olds are imaginative and creative. They like playing games and they like strategy, so get them something which burns the brain cells a bit. Here are some great Christmas gift ideas for 9-year-old kids.
Get them lots of books to read
Great gift ideas for 9-12-year-olds must include books, especially blockbuster series like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, as well as non-fictional bestsellers related to your child’s hobbies. Here are some top bestselling gifts for 9-year-olds as books:
Harry Potter Children’s Collection: The Complete Collection – J.K. Rowling. Buy from Amazon here*
A bluetooth speaker is just the right tech for a 9-year-old
Kids love music, so you can find them a device which can connect to your phone and play music. There are tons of options out there. We love the Amazon Echo which doesn’t just attach to our Bluetooth devices, but it’s connected to the internet and it can provide a myriad of games and skills to help with your child’s learning. Currently, my boys use their Amazon Echos to talk to each other at night and to learn about new words.
Echo Dot (4th generation) | Smart Bluetooth Speaker with Alexa | Charcoal. Buy from Amazon here*
Best building and crafts sets for 9 year olds? Try subscription boxes
Subscription boxes take the pain out of finding something educational and fun for your child to do by arriving through your mailbox with everything usually packed for you. We are a subscription box family, but our favourite so far for 9 year olds is Little Passports* and the MEL Science Kit, which is not just a fun box for kids, but a pack which includes real science experiments for inquisitive kids.
The MEL Science Kit
My then 9-year-old is a huge fan of science and so I wanted to find something that appeals to him in an educational but fun way. We found The MEL Science kit*, which is one of the most elaborate subscription boxes we’ve ever witnessed! The MEL Science kit includes a Starter Kit and VR headset with your first box and 2 – 3 experiments every month.
What are good Christmas gifts for 9 year olds? An activity book is fun and secretly educational
Good toys for 9-year-olds can include activity books, especially those which enhance learning without your 9-year-old realising they’re learning. You can get spy codeword detective books which actually help kids prepare for their 11 plus. Our favourites are:
Best games for 9-year-olds who like to compete – A strategy game encourages healthy competition
At around nine years old, kids learn logic and strategic thinking in real life and in games, so it’s important to implement strategy games in their development to enhance this way of thinking. Some great games include:
What are good gifts for 9 year olds? A simple card game always does the trick
Gifts for a 9-year-old should include card games, which are old favourites but oh so effective to keep 9-year-olds amused and thinking strategically. Some great games include Blackjack, Uno and Go Fish. Or you can simply play Snap or the solo Solitaire. Try these fancy playing cards as Christmas gifts:
9 year old birthday gift ideas – Jigsaw puzzles are timeless
Jigsaw puzzles are so much fun and they can be as easy or as hard as you want. My eldest was completing 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles for fun at 9-years-old but my second has a short attention span so he could stomach a max 500 pieces. Whatever the size, opt for a picture that relates to your child’s interests and you’ll have them hooked – it’s also a great family activity at Christmas time.
Here are some great jigsaw puzzles ranging from 500 to 1,000 pieces:
Ravensburger Pokémon 1000 Piece Challenge Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults and Kids Age 12 Years Up. Buy from Amazon here*
Best gifts for 9-Year-Olds for birthdays and holidays – Lego keeps everyone busy!
Gifts for 9-year-old boys and girls should always include Lego because of its multitude of benefits to the brain. Plus, there are limitless possibilities with Lego, so it’s definitely a gift you should have in your toy arsenal. Here are our firm favourites:
What are good toys for 9-year-olds? Robotic toys are so much fun
The Teksta Micro-Pets Adventure Park Playset* is a great example of robotic toys that help teach kids to manage interaction. Kids will enjoy invoking and inviting response from these robotic toys and it’ll keep them amused for hours.
The best gifts for tweens who have grown up too fast – A smartwatch will go down well
Cool toys for 9 year olds can include smartwatches and there are tons of fitness watches for kids on the market but few track where your child is and allow an opportunity for your child to call when they’re in an emergency. It may be too early to give your child a phone, but you can arm them with a smartwatch that has mobile phone and GPS tracking capabilities to ensure they’re as safe as possible when they’re out and about.
The XGO2 Xplora watch offers all three at a fraction of the price, and is completely GDPR compliant, so you know your kids are safe in the digital world. Other features include G Sensors which accurately tracks your child’s steps and which earns them Xplora coins that can be used in the built-in Gplay platform. Plus, your child can take pictures with the built-in camera and make and receive calls to pre-approved contacts. Your child can receive and respond to text messages, voice messages, and emojis.
You also get a SIM plan and a choice of four colours, as well as additional accessories like a screen protector and an extended warranty.
FEATURES
4G, 3G, 2G
Android 4.4 OS
#GOPLAY Compatible
0.3MP Camera
Waterproof IP67
700 mAh Battery
1.4” TFT
XPLORA XGO 2 – Watch Phone for children 4G – Calls, Messages, Kids School Mode, SOS function, GPS Location, Camera, Torch and Pedometer – Includes 2 Year… Buy from Amazon here*
Best toys for 9-year-olds who like outdoor games – try ball games
Gift ideas for 9 year olds should include ball games and the best toys for 9 year olds are ones which get kids’ blood pumping. Here are our favourites:
Best gift ideas and toys for a 9 Year old – SGILE Toys
SGILE is a leading toy brand which primarily sells entertaining boys and girls’ toys on Amazon. SGILE cultivates kids’ physical and mental development, so they are constantly updating and improving their products to ensure maximum enjoyment!
The best gifts for 9 year olds are presents which are thoughtful and come from the heart. Learn what your 9 year old likes and cater towards their interests while considering how best to enhance their development. The above ideas are by no means an exhaustive list, but food for thought when you do get stuck for ideas.
FAQ
Best unique gifts for 9 year olds
You can get unique and unusual gifts from Wicked Uncle. This T-shirt is awesome!
Gifts that’ll last forever or extremely close?
This article has some great ideas for gifts that will last forever, or extremely close.
What are some Christmas gift ideas for kids who like sport?
Ball games are great because they’re versatile. See above.
What are some birthday gifts for 9 year olds who like music?
Get your child involved in music by buying them an instrument. I would recommend starting with a piano first or drums and then follow their music choices to see where they naturally flock to.
What are good presents for 9 year olds who like colouring?
What is the best Christmas gift for my daughter who likes makeup and dressing up?
Other questions asked were:
best presents for 9 year old girls
best gifts for a 9 year old girl
Gifts for 9 year old girls
Top gifts for 9 year old girls
Toys for 9 year old girls can definitely include makeup sets and costumes to help them with imaginative play. You can find loads on Amazon here*
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
*Collaborative feature post
Christmas gifts for pregnant women – gift guide
*Some products are gifted and marked with a ‘*’ and some are affiliate links – as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.*
*Please also note that prices are correct at time of publish, but may vary in the future*
Christmas is coming for a pregnant mum, but the alcohol, blue cheese and egg nog are out. So, it’s about time we found some pregnancy gifts that mum can actually enjoy. But what gifts can be given to a pregnant lady during Christmas? Whether you’re scouring Etsy for handmade gifts, Amazon for same-day/next day delivery, or supporting small businesses to find special personalised gifts, I’ve got you covered.
Below is a list of gorgeous gifts for expectant mothers which also double up as a great baby shower pregnancy Christmas gift guide too!
Products for morning sickness relief
If mum is newly pregnant, then pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can be physically taxing on the body. So one of the best gifts for pregnant women is something to curb that nasty nausea! After five pregnancies, I have my running favourites, which may not always be healthy, but they have got me through the brutal sickness. These are:
Sour strawberry laces (ok, not so healthy)
Avocado with lots of lemon and salt (healthy-ish)
Ginger and Lemon tea (healthy)
Sour Morning sickness sweets (these are my favourite, especially the sour raspberry flavour!)
Getting a pregnancy pillow will not only provide mum with the comfort that she needs but it will protect the baby and allow the body to pass maximum nutrients to the growing body.
There are lots of different types of pregnancy pillows out there but the best one I’ve tried from experience is the total body pillow that protects both front and back and provides comfort between the legs too to prevent hip pain.
Some great expectant mother gifts can include belly butter for that growing bump! One of my favourite kinds of belly butter is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturising lotion, which you can buy from Amazon here. This belly butter helped to prevent stretch marks on my belly, even with big babies! So I would definitely include it in the Christmas gift list!
If you’re buying for a pregnant friend, then a pregnancy journal or pregnancy planner can make for a great present as the journal allows mum to record her journey from positive pregnancy test to her due date and ultimately birth to even baby’s first Christmas! Plus, it can double up as a book to read during down times too!
Adding a nursing cover to the Christmas gift box is ideal for mums who want that extra bit of privacy when breastfeeding in public. But sometimes nursing covers can get restrictive for both mum and baby so this Eclipse Nursing Privacy Cover above (in Fairy Tree) from Bellamoon* is structured in such a way that it doesn’t swamp or cling to your baby, so they can enjoy a feed in a private airy space and without any distraction. It’s easy to put on and take off – you simply loop the strap over your head and you have a protective barrier to shield any leaks, sprays and exposure while still allowing you to have a full view of your gorgeous baby.
With fluctuating body sizes, mum will need some comfy pregnancy and nursing bras to keep her comfortable during feeding times. Add a pop of colour to mum’s wardrobe by gifting her a limited-edition Lipstick Ballet Bravado Designs nursing bra*, which is the perfect stay-at-home nursing sleep bra for those cosy sofa days during Christmas. Its pull-on styling with no back closure means that it provides light support for lounging and sleeping, plus it’s ideal for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond! RRP is £26.00 and you can also find other colours here.
Personalised baby hamper
One of the best gifts for expecting mothers is to offer a fancy gift box or expectant mother gift basket, which includes items for mum and for when the baby arrives too. My favourite of the baby hampers is this beautiful Baby Blooms My First Year Hamper*, which you can get in Blue, White or Pink. This award-winning luxury hamper (we were gifted the blue hamper) which can be personalised by adding the baby’s name, is a gorgeous and practical gift for mum and new baby.
With 5-star reviews this baby hamper should be one of the first items to add to your list of Christmas gifts for pregnant women because it contains all the necessary items, not just for those first few weeks, but to take baby right through to their first birthday – and beyond! So, what do you get in this beautiful pregnancy gift basket?
1 x Little Bunny squeaky toy with blue ribbon – suitable from birth.
1 x Little Bunny comforter with blue ribbon – suitable from birth.
1 x Little Bunny ring rattle with blue ribbon – suitable from birth.
1 x box of Little Love pyjamas containing two pairs of 100% cotton pyjamas ,age 0-6 months.
1 x Little Love bathrobe, made from 100% cotton, age 0-12 months.
1 x Little Love blanket, made from printed cotton on one side (100% cotton) and velour on the other side (75% cotton, 25% polyester). Blanket is 75cm x 100cm.
1 x 100% cotton snuggle wrap in blue, (90cm x 70cm). 3 x 100% cotton muslin squares in white, (70cm x 70cm).
1 x 28cm traditional style seated teddy bear with a subtly embossed white ribbon bow around the neck, wearing a soft white knitted jumper embroidered with 2020 in green thread. Your choice of name can also be added to the jumper (see above) – suitable from birth.
1 x 100% cotton bib rolled to look like an ice-cream in blue.
1 x pair of our special stay on socks rolled to look like a cupcake in blue.
3 x pairs of our special stay on socks rolled to look like lollipops in powder blue, cornflower blue and Babyblooms green.
1 x large, lined wicker basket, ideal for nursery storage once unpacked.
You can get next day delivery on orders placed by 3 pm (Monday to Friday only) so make sure you visit Babyblooms’ shop now to order the baby hamper now! The current price is £212.
Comfortable PJs for mum
Matching PJ’s are essential for Christmas, and Scandi born brand, Polarn O. Pyret*, have got mum and other members of the family covered. Grab some comfy grey and white striped pyjamas for the smallest and the oldest members of the family like these gorgeous organic cotton grey and white striped PJs above!
RRP is from £7.50 to £25.00 and you can get them here*!
Bed and Bath Bundle for some cute bathtime bonding!
With everything baby needs for a blissful bath time followed by a great night’s sleep, including the Bath Support, Cuddledry Handsfree Towel and the Love To Dream Swaddle UP – this bundle is a must-have for new families in 2020!
Cute baby blankets
Cute baby blankets are a must for mum because they are so versatile and they keep both mum and baby warm. Opt for a couple of blankets in your Christmas gift for an expecting mother like the gorgeous Bamboo Knitted Baby Muslin Blanket from moKee, which is a nursery must-have and is only £9.00!
Include a soft and comfortable blanket like this travel essential, the moKee Tuck Baby Blanket which comes in five different colours and costs £29.00.
Your baby will love it against their skin!
Nappy Disposal Bin
Nappies are going to be the bane of a new mum’s lives, but nappy disposal needn’t be a nuisance. The Korbell Nappy Disposal Bin* is a stylish yet practical option for any nursery from Cheeky Rascals. This completely hands-free nappy bin promises to contain all nappy odours within its 100% biodegradable liners, making the more un-glamourous parenting tasks a breeze!
The unique double-seal protection instantly hides all odours keeping the nursery smelling clean and fresh – it’s safe to say this durable and easy-to-clean nappy bin is a must-have for any pregnant mum!
Newborn Gift Box
Once the baby comes, you may look for a nice congratulations present for the baby. I recently ordered this beautiful Baby Boy gift set for a friend of mine who just had a baby boy and I love it so much, I had to include it in the Christmas gift list (I just hope she doesn’t see this guide before she gets her present next week!)
Baby carriers are great because not only do they promote close contact with the baby but they all ensure that mum’s arms are free so she can actually get other things done. There are so many different types of baby carriers around, but I love the Izmi Baby Carrier* because it supports development in three ways:
Movement
When carried, babies experience an automatic, deep relaxation which does more than soothes them, it actually helps to reduce stress and aids digestion.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the hormone which is linked to love and connection which is released in both men and women during positive interaction and contact with their baby.
Skin to Skin
Skin to skin contact can boost Oxytocin levels but it has also been shown to stabilise your baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature.
The Izmi baby carrier is also adaptable and combines the functionalities of a soft structured fabric sling with the support of a buckled carrier to support baby from newborn to 18 months old, which means you can enjoy ample cosy quality time together with baby!
Click here to buy the Izmi Baby Carrier here now from £80.00 now in 5 different colours with a booster cushion and storage bag included in the price!
First year picture frame
A great keepsake for mum is to immortalise the memory of baby’s first year in pictures! I was gifted the exact same 5-piece baby keepsake gift set by my family and it’s such a lovely way to keep memories of our beautiful baby in her first year. With this 5-piece set you get:
We take sleep for granted but once kids come along it’s all we wish for! So, getting mum a comfortable bed for baby to sleep in is one step further to helping mum sleep better, even if it’s only broken sleep for the first few months. We were gifted this gorgeous SnuzPod 4 bedside crib*, but already had the SnuzPod 2 gifted by my best friend, so we were already SnuzPod lovers. So what does the new SnuzPod 4 have that aids better sleep?
The SnuzPod allows you to sleep better, feed easily and be closer to your baby
The new ComfortAir breathable system means that it can help the baby regulate their temperature for a good night’s sleep.
You get a New 3D breathable mattress to and a new machine-washable mesh liner.
The SnuzPod 4 has a gentle reflux incline option and lightweight lift-off bassinet for use around the home
The SnuzPod 4 fits more beds than any other traditional bedside crib (new max. height 73cm)
The SnuzPod 4 also meets the new bedside crib safety standard BS EN 1130:2019
Make sure to follow safe sleep rules by ensuring all four sides are up as having one side open may be a safety hazard for baby.
The Snuz brand also stocks the SnuzCloud* which is a sleep aid that helps comfort and settles your baby to sleep. The SnuzCloud has four soothing sounds: a heartbeat, pink noise, lullaby and waterfall as well as two light options: a calming pink glow and a soft white night light.
The SnuzCloud is soft, plush and portable which means it can attach to your crib, cot, pram or car seat so you can help baby settle wherever you go!
Go one step further with your gift ideas this season and help with the dreaded night-time nappy changes! The SnuzPouch* is an award-winning baby sleeping bag with a genius nappy change zip to limit all disturbances for babies (and parents!)
Prices start at £29.95 for 0-6 months 1.0 Tog and 2.5 Tog. You also get a range of different patterns and colours which you can find here.
The above Christmas mum and baby-specific gift list is not exhaustive, but I’ve included all the items I would want for Christmas if I had my own wish list.
Is there anything I’ve missed that should be on the list? Share your favourite mum and baby Christmas gift list in the comments below!
Ravensburger Pokémon 1000 Piece Challenge Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults and Kids Age 12 Years Up. Buy from Amazon here*
