Happy Birthday to my little Caden…who isn’t so little anymore!  In keeping with tradition, here’s his (and my) top gift ideas for a 9 year old boy…

Because I’m a mom, I can’t help but throw in a random present that is at least slightly educational.  I’m loving Disgusting Science because kids get to see and learn about the bacteria on their own body!  Ewwie!  They can collect swabs from behind their ears, in their nose, on the smelly dog, anywhere…then watch the cultures grow.  The yuck factor is enough to entice your boys! $18.95

Okay, maybe two educational toys.  Luckily, both of these toys don’t scream “education”…they still scream “boy!” Snap Circuits is a big award winner for its ability to teach electronics and still be super cool.  Kids can make over 300 projects, such as:  laser gun, musical doorbell, lamp, fan motor, speaker, and many more!

Voit XP Junior Golf Set is perfect for sons of “golfing daddies”.  Nine year olds are the perfect age to start learning golf and hanging out with dad on the golf course.  If the man’s gonna go golfing, you might as well send the kids with him.

Caden loves things that require a little bit of effort to learn. The Yomega Raider Yo-Yo would be right up his alley.  It could be paired with an instructional book that teaches tricks…perfect little gift!
Another skill-building game that Caden has LOVED is the Speed Stack cups.  Did you know there is an actual World Sport Stacking Association where they have competitions stacking cups??  Crazy.  But, it’s fun!  Look up “speed stacking” on YouTube and you will be amazed at how fast these people can move!  The cups also come with an instruction DVD.

 

Did anyone else play the game Crossbows & Catapults when they were little??  My brothers and I LOVED it and I knew it would be perfect for Caden.  He’s totally into history and wars.  So, they’ve now changed the name to Battleground Crossbows & Catapults AND its really hard to find.  Why??  I don’t know!  It’s making me crazy.  @##$!%&! (me, saying the worst swear word.)  I shouldn’t even recommend it because it’s so hard to find and even harder to find it from a seller that isn’t trying to make 5 times what its worth.  But, if you can find it…for a good price (watch eBay like a hawk), then your kiddo will totally dig it.

I can’t tell you how many of those freakin’ Air Hogs I have bought.  They are so cool…all cute and little…flying across the living room.  But, they sure don’t last long.  I don’t know why I never read the reviews on these things.  If I had, I would have totally got the Syma RC Helicopter.  It’s bigger, better, sturdier, and similar in price.

This is the year that Caden decided he needs to learn how to skateboard.  Fine.  Here’s one: Powell Skateboard…

Last, and the priciest (sorry)…the Nintendo DSi will rock any kids’ world.  I actually play the Professor Layton and the Curious Village game while I’m nursing.  It’s a great waste of time…well, actually I take that back.  It’s a puzzle game so I’m exercising my brain.  Whoo!  But, Caden loves his DS and recommends the games Scribblenauts (way fun and somewhat educational), LEGO Harry Potter, Sim City Creator, and Mario Kart.

For more gift ideas, check out this past post: Gift Ideas for 9 Year Old Boy.  And, for everyone on your list, visit the Gift Ideas tab at the top of the blog.