Well, you’ve put off admitting it for as long as possible, but there’s no denying it anymore: Your 9-year-old is a big kid these days. But while it’s sad to watch your baby grow up, the cool thing about 9-year-old boys is... basically everything. They’re at this incredible stage where their curiosity, sense of adventure, and sense of humor just explode. And now that they’re a “big kid,” there’s so much more they’re capable of doing.

　　To celebrate the tweenager in your life, we have found the best Valentine's Day gifts for 9-year-old boys that encourage discovery, learning, and, of course, lots of fun.

　　As a parenting writer and mom of two (including a 9-year-old and a former 9-year-old), I have some first-hand experience in this area, and I can tell you you’re not imagining things: This is the age where buying gifts starts to get a little bit harder. So I’ve looked in my own kiddo’s toybox and taken a peek at what their friends are talking about and playing with in choosing these gifts.

　　With this list, I wanted to go back to the basics – Valentine's Day gifts that let him unplug with the family, get out in nature, and build things with his own (still a little bit little) hands. Of course, other times, he’ll want to bliss out in front of a video game, too, so we’ve included a couple of things in here for techies as well — variety is the spice of life!

　　1For a New Challenge

　　Shashibo Puzzle Cube

　　This unique magnetic toy can transform into over 70 different shapes! Unlock the geometric secrets by exploring its kaleidoscope-like abilities. Entertaining and challenging, it’s fun as a fidget toy or as a challenging new puzzle. Combine with other Shashibo cubes for extra fun.

　　2For Encouraging STEM Skills

　　Engino Mechanics Pulley Drives Kit

　　The pulley is one of the most important simple machines in the history of the world, allowing humans to transfer force with reduced friction. And now your 9-year-old boy can learn all about them and how they work with the hands-on experience of this kit. With eight ways to put the various drives together, they’ll find lots of ways to learn and have fun.

　　3For the Bookworm

　　Hyperion Books “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Box Set by Rick Riordan

　　Twelve-year-old Perseus “Percy” Jackson is just an ordinary kid… or so he thinks. It turns out that his father is none other than Poseidon, god of the ocean, and Percy has a great destiny as a demigod.

　　The complete series includes The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian.

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　　4For the Music Fanatic

　　ZIHNIC Wireless Headphones

　　Whether he needs them for school, gaming, or simply because you’re tired of listening to his music, these wireless headphones are the perfect gift for 9-year-old boys who want to concentrate on their work or just tune out the rest of the world.

　　Bluetooth-compatible and rechargeable, they’re perfectly paired with tablets, laptops, and more.

　　5Great for Family Game Night

　　Blue Orange Starlink

　　Ever notice that constellations never really look like the thing they’re supposed to look like? (That’s a fish how…?)

　　With this game, your 9-year-old boy will see if they can do any better. Draw a card to see what you have to draw in the stars, but be warned: You can only draw straight lines between stars!

　　6For the Sharp Shooter

　　L.L.Bean Junior Archery Set

　　Whether he got into archery at summer camp or watching Hawkeye in The Avengers, this archery set comes with everything he’ll need to start hitting bullseyes in no time, including bow, arrows, quiver, armguard, and more.

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　　7For the King of Memes

　　WHAT DO YOU MEME? What Do You Meme? Card Game

　　Some of our 9-year-old boys have only spoken in meme references for about a year, so why not channel that instinct into a night of family fun with What Do You Meme?

　　This game asks players to apply memes to hypothetical situations. The funniest answer wins.

　　8For the Competitive Kid

　　Hasbro Bop It! Electronic Game

　　Some of us remember this game from our own childhoods, and we can tell you it’s just as fun for kids today. This contraption reads out a series of commands that your child has to follow. As the game goes on, things speed up and get harder. Play solo or with the family!

　　9For the Future Pub Champ

　　CUKU Magnetic Dart Board

　　You’re never too young to have fun with darts… but there’s definitely an age when you’re too young to throw sharp objects with questionable aim. But this dartboard is magnetic and is ideal for perfecting his technique while keeping everyone in the house safe.

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　　10For Cozy Days

　　L.L.Bean Hi-Pile Fleece

　　In the past, getting your kid clothing as a gift was, well, never terribly exciting for them. But they’re getting to an age where they’re starting to care about these things more.

　　We love the cool casual style and fluffy fleece, and because it’s L.L. Bean, we know it’s built as tough as your 9-year-old.

　　11For the Boy Who Loves Sneak Attacks

　　NERF Disruptor Elite Blaster

　　There is no truer, more natural pairing in this world than 9-year-old boys and Nerf shooters, and this one is a tried and true favorite in my house. (And, let’s be honest here: boys never really grow out of giggling as they randomly shoot darts at their friends.)

　　12For the Budding Artist

　　Creative Kids Spin Paint Art

　　I don’t know about you, but when I was a 9-year-old, if I knew a friend had a spin art set, I would spend the entire playdate scheming to get them to take it out. We’re guessing your kiddo will like it, too.

　　Comes with enough materials to make 20 paintings, and don't worry — refills are available.

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　　13For the Team Player

　　Best Choice Products Laser Tag Set of 4

　　Now your 9-year-old boy can play laser tag any time he wants with up to 3 friends. (Kids these days don’t know how good they have it!) This set comes with four sensor vests and blasters.

　　14For the Gamer

　　H&M Playstation Hoodie

　　It’s the age-old problem: y]You want to get them something practical, but you don’t want them to be disappointed.

　　We got you: This Playstation-branded hoodie is just the thing to keep them warm on a chilly day and also serves as a nod to their love of video games. Everybody wins!

　　15For the Homebody

　　Big Joe Milano Bean Bag Chair

　　What we love about this particular bean bag chair, which is perfect for gaming, reading, or even doing homework, is that it provides a bit more structure than a traditional, more amorphous design. Comes in a wide variety of colors.

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　　16For the Future Detective

　　Think Fun Dog Crimes Logic Game

　　Who chewed up the couch? Who tracked mud through the house? Who pooped on the rug? Use deductive reasoning to find which adorable pup is the guilty party.

　　This cute game, which offers puzzles ranging from easy to hard, can be played solo or with family or friends.

　　17For the Marvel Fan

　　Crocs Superhero Clog

　　Crocs are the footwear of choice for 9-year-old boys, and we love this pair for kids who can’t get enough MCU. In addition to thematic details and colors, they come with a series of hero-themed charms.

　　18For the Boy With a Need for Speed

　　Hot Wheels Toy Car Track Set

　　We really think this is a perfect gift for 9-year-old boys because it’s as cool as it was when it first came out 30 years ago. We loved Criss Cross Crash as kids, and now our kids do, too. This clover-shaped track sends Hot Wheels cars whizzing past, and often into, each other.

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　　19For the Creative

　　Outset Publishing Ltd Scavenger Art

　　For the young artist who sometimes needs inspiration (or a bored 9-year-old boy who needs something to do), this is the perfect gift. This activity book includes 52 scavenger hunts with details on how to find items to draw and use different perspectives, lighting, shapes, and colors.

　　20For The Budding Scientist

　　“The Ultimate Biography of Earth” by Nick Lund

　　This is the perfect gift for 9-year-old boys who’ve always wondered, like, how old is the Earth? When did the universe begin?

　　Through age-appropriate writing and whimsical cartoon illustrations, this book will teach him all about the universe, from the Big Bang to today.