When girls hit 9 years old, they want to be recognized and shine for who they are. And it’s fun to support that budding individuality while recognizing that they’re still little at heart with a gift as unique as she is. To help promote a 9-year-old’s sense of self, you can help them find fun decorations for their rooms, let them express their personal styles in clothing and accessories or nurture their interests, be it fashion design, video games, STEM or art. Plus, despite all their protests that they’re beyond anything “for babies” (their words, not ours), 9-year-olds still love to play with toys and games.
For Minecraft Fans
Minecraft Axolotl Light
Kids can’t get enough of Minecraft, and they go ga-ga for axolotls. Put them together and you have the perfect gift for a 9-year-old. This one lights up in five different colors and uses batteries so you can put it anywhere you want in a kid’s bedroom. No age recommendation given
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Tablet Pillow Pad
If she’s always on her devices, she can use this to prop up her tablet while she’s sitting or lying in bed. It even has a built-in side pocket so he can keep everything in reach and get to lounging. No age recommendation given
STEM Gift
KiwiCo Light-Up Wire Art
They will learn about electricity and other STEM concepts while making a decoration for their room at the same time. This kit uses electroluminescent wire and comes with templates to make four different glowing designs. Ages 9+
For Kids Who Like to Change Their Looks
Hally x ‘Trolls Band Together’ One-Day Hair Color
Whether it’s hair day for School Spirit Week or they just want to add something extra to their looks, this temporary hair color is meant to go on easily and wash out in one shampoo. This shade is “Poppy Pink,” but you can also get “Branch Blue,” “Viva Yellow” or “Tiny Silver.” No age recommendation given
Best Cosmetic Gift
Cool Maker GO Glam U-nique Metallic Nail Salon
This toy lets her easily glam up within minutes. All she has to do is pop a pattern into the stamper, paint her nails with the kid-safe polish, let them dry, then press the stamper onto her nail for a fun print. Ages 8+
Artsy Gift
ChalkScapes Mandala Stencil Set
You can help them upgrade their sidewalk art with these sidewalk chalk stencils, which come with 24 sticks of chalk and two holders, along with two big stencils. You can also get them in a stars and geometry theme. Ages 5+
STEM DIY Toy
Creatto Starlight Kitty
This creative kit is both a DIY decor project and a STEM building toy in one. The pieces, which are plastic tiles with LED wires running through, can come together to make nightlights in the shape of a cat, a mouse house, a teddy bear or a squirrel — or whatever she can dream up on her own. (Good Housekeeping Institute testers say the building takes some getting used to, but is fun once you get the hang of it.) There are also sets available to make other trios of figures. Ages 8+
For the Fashionista
Designed by You Fashion Studio Kit
This fashion kit is perfect for the budding designer because it comes with 50 pieces, including fabric samples and tools. She can learn to sketch her designs and make mock-ups of her ideas with the provided miniature mannequin. Ages 9+
For DIY Kids
Fashion Punch Style & Stitch Loom
They can take their friendship bracelets to the next level with this kit, which lets them create more intricate designs and patterns. Good Housekeeping Institute Testers loved planning out their ideas, and parents appreciated that it helps them with their fine motor coordination. Ages 6+
Creative Fashion Doll
Rainbow High Color & Create Fashion DIY Doll
She might not be into dolls like she used to be, but she’ll still love this release from Rainbow High. She can color the doll’s clothes and hair over and over again, inspiring her inner fashion designer. Ages 4+
