What's your 9 year old boy playing with?

[Melaniee]

Looking for some gift ideas. Thank you.

[blumom2boyz]

My oldest son is 8.5 and I have already seen a shift away from toys towards activities. Not sure how you feel about this, but something I plan on giving him at Christmas time is The American Boy's Handy Book and a compass (he already has a pocket knife). Some of his other favorite "gifts" were a hand cranked flashlight, real tools (and the book carpentry for kids), art supplies, sports gear, and water squirters. He also loves mazes and has a recent interest in origami. Hope this helps!

[Kindermama]

Not 9 but 8 and he loves his real toolkit, slingshot that he made himself, and blocks (yes, blocks!)!

[Melaniee]

Thank you. Good to know the blocks that have rarely been played with might get a second chance.

It is true, he is more towards activities than toys. I'm just trying to find something to give him that has the perception of a great gift b/c I have something for his sister at the same time. LOL. Really, he doesn't need anything.

[Melaniee]

a bump as we head towards birthday and holidays!

Any other ideas?

I think for b-day we will take a trip someplace he wants to go, maybe a gift certificate for a climbing lesson...I do think experiences are more what he 'needs' that items this year, but we do wish to have some things to put under the tree, so to speak.

Thanks!

ETA: And BOOKS! I would love some book suggestions! Both for him to read himself or for storytime, read by one of us. Please note which type of book your suggestion is intended to be. Ds is reading well at his level, which is third grade. THANK YOU!

[kanga2roo]

Quadrilla is a big hit here. Books, bike, keva blocks and knex.