9 year old boy birthday - help!

[KrisM]

I can not believe how stuck I am for ideas! My parents and grandparents are asking for gift ideas and I just don't know. DS1 turns 9 this month. Right now, mostly he's into Minecraft and playing outside. Even when I ask him, he doesn't have anything on his wish list.

He likes:
reading
math
Minecraft
riding his bike, scooter, skateboard

He has a 3DS and is getting a new case and a game for it.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Do you have a Wii? A game for that would be fun.

How about an experience? My mom usually buys ds1 a pass for ds1 and dh to a local water park for the summer. That's a lot of fun! Ball game, amusement park, overnight in a hotel (room service and a pool are cool)?

[KrisM]

Do you have a Wii? A game for that would be fun.

How about an experience? My mom usually buys ds1 a pass for ds1 and dh to a local water park for the summer. That's a lot of fun! Ball game, amusement park, overnight in a hotel (room service and a pool are cool)?

We don't have a Wii or any TV game system.

We joined the local-ish pool for the summer already, assuming it ever gets warm enough! If you do something like an amusement park, which he loves, do you just take him? Just me and him or do we do it as a family? We generally go during the summer 1-2 times as it is, so would this be an extra trip? I like this idea, but am not sure how to work it.

I guess the same with the waterpark type of thing. He would love it, but how do you make it a birthday gift and not a family vacation?

[gatorsmom]

Has he seen the Minecraft Lego set? I can't link to them from my phone for some reason but Lego.com has them for $35.

Gator has been asking for the Thames and Kosmos hydrogen-powered car. It's expensive. He likes some of the other Thames and Kosmos sets too.

He's also been talking about some binoculars for watching wildlife. I'm considering getting him a telescope for Xmas. Not a very expensive one, just a starter.

[SnuggleBuggles]

We don't have a Wii or any TV game system.

We joined the local-ish pool for the summer already, assuming it ever gets warm enough! If you do something like an amusement park, which he loves, do you just take him? Just me and him or do we do it as a family? We generally go during the summer 1-2 times as it is, so would this be an extra trip? I like this idea, but am not sure how to work it.

I guess the same with the waterpark type of thing. He would love it, but how do you make it a birthday gift and not a family vacation?

Well, for our water park, it's less than 15 minutes away. He and dh will just go together for a few hours on a weekend. I just hang with ds2. He doesn't mind.

When we have done the amusement park, he is old enough now that he can take a friend and go off to ride while I hang out with ds2. He and his friend report back after every 1-2 rides. (I felt totally ok with this at age 10...maybe not quite so much freedom at 9.) We have also done things like take grandma to hang with ds2 or grandma watches ds2 and I take ds1 and a friend to the amusement park. So, really, we just do split up and make it an extra trip. I think it's awfully special too to get to have 1 on 1 time. We do b-day parties with the family but some experiences are just solo.

[crl]

My ds turns ten this summer. He has also mentioned binoculars.

I am thinking about a basketball hoop set up although I haven't priced it out yet.

My ds is a baseball fan(atic) so baseball memorabilia, books, gear, jerseys, etc are all good.

He also loves cash or gift cards so he can pick stuff.

Pool toys if the pool you joined allows them.

Puzzles, board games, blank sketch book (ds loves the hard bound ones of these and fills them with drawings and lists and baseball standings and so on).

Kindle? With gift cards for books?

Catherine

[KrisM]

Has he seen the Minecraft Lego set? I can't link to them from my phone for some reason but Lego.com has them for $35.

Gator has been asking for the Thames and Kosmos hydrogen-powered car. It's expensive. He likes some of the other Thames and Kosmos sets too.

He's also been talking about some binoculars for watching wildlife. I'm considering getting him a telescope for Xmas. Not a very expensive one, just a starter.

I'm not sure on the Minecraft Lego. He generally isn't into Lego at all, so I'm not sure it would be any interest to him.

He got a Thames and Kosmos set for Christmas and did a bit in it. But, then got sucked into Minecraft :). I think that's the real problem is that he is very much into that these days.

Binoculars of his own is a good idea. I'll look into that.


Well, for our water park, it's less than 15 minutes away. He and dh will just go together for a few hours on a weekend. I just hang with ds2. He doesn't mind.

When we have done the amusement park, he is old enough now that he can take a friend and go off to ride while I hang out with ds2. He and his friend report back after every 1-2 rides. (I felt totally ok with this at age 10...maybe not quite so much freedom at 9.) We have also done things like take grandma to hang with ds2 or grandma watches ds2 and I take ds1 and a friend to the amusement park. So, really, we just do split up and make it an extra trip. I think it's awfully special too to get to have 1 on 1 time. We do b-day parties with the family but some experiences are just solo.

Thanks. I'm going to think about this. He loves rollercoasters. Maybe he and I can go to Cedar Point on our own. It's about 3 hours away. The place we usually go (Michigan's Adventure) is also 3 hours away. Nothing closer. We have very small water parks nearby that we do as a family. It costs all of $15 for the 4 of us to go (not DH). Nothing bigger that is close and he'd really enjoy the bigger places. I'll think about how to do it though, but I just worry it'll be a big issue with the other kids who would also enjoy it. Maybe because they're further away nd therefore more of a vacation than an activity, it is seeming harder to me.


My ds turns ten this summer. He has also mentioned binoculars.

I am thinking about a basketball hoop set up although I haven't priced it out yet.

My ds is a baseball fan(atic) so baseball memorabilia, books, gear, jerseys, etc are all good.

He also loves cash or gift cards so he can pick stuff.

Pool toys if the pool you joined allows them.

Puzzles, board games, blank sketch book (ds loves the hard bound ones of these and fills them with drawings and lists and baseball standings and so on).

Kindle? With gift cards for books?

Catherine

I am considering the kindle. I think about it yearly, it seems! I'm just not sure.

He's not into sports really at all. That and anti-Lego make it hard :)

Thank you for the ideas!

[brittone2]

My 9 yo likes:
little electronics kits; he got a little mini soldering kit for his bday and is doing small projects like this http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-3D-Christmas-Tree-Kit/dp/B00450DQ5W and a little thumb piano project from Radio Shack

Mindstorms
his Nook simple touch (has had it for a few years; we get a lot of use out of it).
tools
experience gifts
games for Kinect
a nice telescope was his big bday gift
magazine subscriptions-Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Urban Farming (these are obviously interest specific ;) )
books
B&N giftcards to use with his Nook
mine does enjoy Lego, so that's always an option when people ask
my parents got him a $50 MP3 player for his bday and he really enjoys that
We don't have one but he's asked for a basketball hoop before and would enjoy that
I haven't gotten him one yet but I want to get a sports bounceback for the backyard

[KrisM]

My 9 yo likes:
little electronics kits; he got a little mini soldering kit for his bday and is doing small projects like this http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-3D-Christmas-Tree-Kit/dp/B00450DQ5W and a little thumb piano project from Radio Shack

Mindstorms
his Nook simple touch (has had it for a few years; we get a lot of use out of it).
tools
experience gifts
games for Kinect
a nice telescope was his big bday gift
magazine subscriptions-Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Urban Farming (these are obviously interest specific ;) )
books
B&N giftcards to use with his Nook
mine does enjoy Lego, so that's always an option when people ask
my parents got him a $50 MP3 player for his bday and he really enjoys that
We don't have one but he's asked for a basketball hoop before and would enjoy that
I haven't gotten him one yet but I want to get a sports bounceback for the backyard

I think he'd like the soldering kit a lot. Is the tree just pieces and you need a soldering iron to make it or does it come with one? I'm guessing you need one, but it doesn't really say. that's a really neat idea.

[brittone2]

I think he'd like the soldering kit a lot. Is the tree just pieces and you need a soldering iron to make it or does it come with one? I'm guessing you need one, but it doesn't really say. that's a really neat idea.
Yes, we needed a little soldering kit. I think the one we purchased was $30 at Radio Shack, and we had some sort of coupon or discount off of that.

This is the piano kit he did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jJb3S0WGs

Velleman has a lot of little kits. I think he did an LED spinning wheel thing as well.

This book is good too. Some of it is over his head, but a lot of it has been accessible.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3433933

I've heard this is good too: Make Electronics (Learning by Discovery) by Charles Platt (http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365025102&sr=1-2&keywords=getting+started)

We're going to work on this: http://www.4-hmall.org/Product/robotics/junk-drawer-robotics-track/08431.aspx?utm_source=4horg&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=robotics_curriculum_launch&__utma=1.417199737.1365181741.1365959600.136637752 7.4&__utmb=1.1.10.1366377527&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1366377527.4.4.utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28or ganic%29|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=%28not%20provided%2 9&__utmv=-&__utmk=80432919

and then maybe SeaPerch (can be done solo or as a team)
http://www.seaperch.org/index

Just in case he's into those things too.

[ray7694]

My ds is 8 and loves is ipod touch. He plays minecraft and other apps on it. It has been a great purchase.

[ljackson]

Does he have the Guinness Book of Records? I think that is often a hit with boys that age.

[willow33]

It gets tough at this age! DS1 turned 10 this year and we bought NBA tickets for his favorite team. DH took him and went early to get autographs. He was thrilled!

DS2 is about to turn 8 and is getting a beginner guitar. He loves music and I'm hoping he will want lessons at some point.

[KrisM]

Yes, we needed a little soldering kit. I think the one we purchased was $30 at Radio Shack, and we had some sort of coupon or discount off of that.

This is the piano kit he did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jJb3S0WGs

Velleman has a lot of little kits. I think he did an LED spinning wheel thing as well.

This book is good too. Some of it is over his head, but a lot of it has been accessible.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3433933

I've heard this is good too: Make Electronics (Learning by Discovery) by Charles Platt (http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365025102&sr=1-2&keywords=getting+started)

We're going to work on this: http://www.4-hmall.org/Product/robotics/junk-drawer-robotics-track/08431.aspx?utm_source=4horg&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=robotics_curriculum_launch&__utma=1.417199737.1365181741.1365959600.136637752 7.4&__utmb=1.1.10.1366377527&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1366377527.4.4.utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28or ganic%29|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=%28not%20provided%2 9&__utmv=-&__utmk=80432919

and then maybe SeaPerch (can be done solo or as a team)
http://www.seaperch.org/index

Just in case he's into those things too.

Is this the solder kit? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15725486

Thanks for the book ideas, too. He might enjoy those.

[oneplustwo]

Hmm. Just throwing some ideas of what my two 9-yo boys like ~ although YMMV since they are heavily into Legos so their interests may be quite different . . .

small pocket knife for carving stuff and all around tool
binoculars
telescope
gardening stuff (one of my boys wants to make a flower garden that is just his own)
go kart (this has been on their wish list for a loooong time, LOL)
compass plus a cool kids wilderness survival book: http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Kid-Practical-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1569767084/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366396914&sr=8-2&keywords=kids+survivor+book
The Dangerous Book for Boys: http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Book-Boys-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0062208977/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366396965&sr=8-1&keywords=boys+book ~ my guys love this; lots of neat things in it to spark the imagination and keep them busy.

Just a few quick thoughts off the top of my head. Other things they love don't hold appeal for your DS (indoor basketball hoop, outdoor hoop).

[brittone2]

Is this the solder kit? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15725486

Thanks for the book ideas, too. He might enjoy those.
I think that's it. I'll confirm with DS1 later. He's at a class right now on the inner workings of the various generations of videogame systems, learning now they are put together, how the components have changed over time, etc. I'm sure it is making his electronics loving heart go pitter patter ;)

It was right around that price so I'm sure that's it.

[KrisM]

Does he have the Guinness Book of Records? I think that is often a hit with boys that age.

I think that would be a great idea!


Hmm. Just throwing some ideas of what my two 9-yo boys like ~ although YMMV since they are heavily into Legos so their interests may be quite different . . .

small pocket knife for carving stuff and all around tool
binoculars
telescope
gardening stuff (one of my boys wants to make a flower garden that is just his own)
go kart (this has been on their wish list for a loooong time, LOL)
compass plus a cool kids wilderness survival book: http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Kid-Practical-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1569767084/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366396914&sr=8-2&keywords=kids+survivor+book
The Dangerous Book for Boys: http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Book-Boys-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0062208977/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366396965&sr=8-1&keywords=boys+book ~ my guys love this; lots of neat things in it to spark the imagination and keep them busy.

Just a few quick thoughts off the top of my head. Other things they love don't hold appeal for your DS (indoor basketball hoop, outdoor hoop).

Ah ha! We have the Dangerous Book...way back from the Borders $1 sale! I think I know where it is and it's time to be given :). Thanks for the reminder.

Yeah, I wish he liked Legos more or sports, as those are the easiest gifts.


It gets tough at this age! DS1 turned 10 this year and we bought NBA tickets for his favorite team. DH took him and went early to get autographs. He was thrilled!

DS2 is about to turn 8 and is getting a beginner guitar. He loves music and I'm hoping he will want lessons at some point.

Great ideas. DH is a musician, so we are full up on guitars, etc. He has a fun time playing with them.


I think that's it. I'll confirm with DS1 later. He's at a class right now on the inner workings of the various generations of videogame systems, learning now they are put together, how the components have changed over time, etc. I'm sure it is making his electronics loving heart go pitter patter ;)

It was right around that price so I'm sure that's it.

DS would like that class! How fun!

[pakin]

How about a MaKey MaKey kit? http://www.makeymakey.com/
We played it at our library. It was fun.

Thinkgeek.com and Amazon have Minecraft stuff.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/minecraft/

HTHs.

Pakin

DS 4/2001
DD 6/2005

[oneplustwo]

Does he have the Guinness Book of Records? I think that is often a hit with boys that age.

I forgot about that one! One of my sons asked for it for Xmas; they both LOVE it and still read it all the time, so I second that idea!

Thought of a couple other things. My boys love their Minecraft tee shirts (the periodic table one: http://www.amazon.com/Periodic-Table-Of-Minecraft-T-shirt/dp/B00856U7G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366403178&sr=8-2&keywords=periodic+table+of+minecraft+shirt). For Xmas they got two books on optical illusions that they still can't put down:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Ultimate-Book-Optical-Illusions/dp/1402734042/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366403022&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ultimate+book+of+illusions

http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Deception-Artists-Optical-Illusion/dp/140275101X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366403130&sr=8-1&keywords=masters+of+deception

[oneplustwo]

One more idea that might be up your DS's alley. Does he have a chess set?

[KrisM]

Thanks for the Minecraft stuff link. something there might be good! He did get a t-shirt for Easter and it was a hit.

He has a chess set - competed in his first tournament last weekend, even!

Optical illusions books look really cool and that will go on my list for sure.

And, speaking of Guinness Book of World Records. I wish they listed all the records, as this is my nephew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1zEyXmD0qM

[new_mommy25]

When DS turned 9 we bought him a bow and arrow which was his big gift that he really wanted. I also bought him a few books. He was most excited about #2 of Stickman Odyssey which had just come out but he didn't know about it. And a nerf water gun which DH happened to find on clearance at Target. Then we got him a few other small things like MLP figures (yes, I have a brony), new gym bag for his martial arts gear, and a tshirt.

I got my nephew this minecraft plush for his birthday last month and he LOVED it. http://www.amazon.com/Minecraft-Creeper-Display-Official-Product/dp/B009PAXP4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366438069&sr=8-1&keywords=minecraft+plush And I got him this tshirt because I thought it was funny. http://www.amazon.com/Official-Licensed-Minecraft-Creepers-T-shirt/dp/B0087J5362/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1366438121&sr=8-34&keywords=minecraft+shirt+creepers

Maybe a bunch of books or even an amazon/bn card so he got go shopping? If he is into mythology like my DS then the D'Aulaires book is really great.

New helmet or stickers/grips for scooter? Skateboard? DS loves his Razor 360. http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Rip-Rider-360-Drifting-Ride-On/dp/B000WZEX4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366438266&sr=8-1&keywords=razor+360

[essnce629]

DS1 is 9 1/2. He's very into Minecraft and Lego.

Some things I have gotten him in the past year or that I've thought of for his next birthday:

Minecraft t-shirt
Basic Kindle (we've been sharing one, but I think he needs his own)
Binoculars
Cricket magazines (he got Muse, Odyssey, and Cricket for Christmas and reads Dig at school)
Digital camera and beginner photography book
Board or card games (Forbidden Island, Dominion, Monopoly, Labyrinth, Rat-A-Tat-Cat)
World Book of Guinness book
39 Clues book series
Origami book and origami paper
Extreme dot-to-dot book
Kids cookbook and kid-safe knives
Gift certificate to kids cooking class

[brittone2]

DS1 confirmed that the RS soldering kit is indeed the one he has :)

With the current events situation, I hate posting this, but he's had a lot of fun with this book and the sequel. He has to get preauthorization for some of the projects though ;) so YMMV with how you feel about it.

http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538/ref=pd_sim_b_3

[KrisM]

Thanks for the help! We went with:

trip for 2 to Cedar Point. He is very excited! He and I will go this summer.

learn to solder kit. He wasn't excited, but I do think he'll like it.

Mythbusters kit because he likes it.

Build your own trebuchet kit - he was pretty excited for that

books - Alec Flint, Dangerous book for boys, and Spyology. All of them got some attention

Boogie Board - I think he'll have fun with this. He hasn't done much yet.

From others, he got the Luigi's Mansion DS game, a DS case big enough for his 3DS xl, Kidz Bop CD, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie book.

I think overall he was disappointed that there wasn't more, or something big. But, he's happy with what he got. I think it's a tough age.