Kids ages 6–9 are growing fast mentally, socially, and physically. They start reading independently, grasp abstract ideas, and enjoy creative and group play. Friendships deepen, empathy emerges, and they seek approval from peers. Motor skills sharpen, and they take pride in accomplishments. Gifts for this age group balance autonomy with guidance, and encourage curiosity, connection, and confidence.
Sensory
For elementary kids, the best sensory items support emotional regulation, motor coordination, focus, and social interaction, all while offering age-appropriate challenge and engagement. Look for items that are durable, easy to clean, and portable, especially for on-the-go use.
Top Choice: GIBBON SlackBoard
- Why We Love It: AKA the GiBoard, this compact, kid-friendly balance trainer promotes coordination, focus, and emotional regulation through active play. It engages the proprioceptive and vestibular systems, allowing kids to refine motor skills, strengthen core muscles, and develop spatial awareness and self-confidence.
CloudBounce Ultra – It’s a durable inflatable sensory rocker that helps kids self-regulate through gentle motion and deep pressure. It engages proprioceptive and vestibular systems to support focus, emotional regulation, and motor development.
DJ FURBY – Furby has come a long way since its creation in the late 90s. This reboot of the
classic blends music, lights, and movement to support sensory and emotional development in kids ages 6 and up.
Books
For ages 6–9, look for books that support emotional growth, social understanding, early independence, and curiosity while building literacy skills and a love of reading. The best choices blend engaging stories with developmental depth.
Top Choice: Absurd Words: A kids’ fun and hilarious vocabulary builder
- Why We Love It: This playful, illustrated vocabulary book for kids ages 8–12, packed with over 750 quirky, clever, and laugh-out-loud words organized by theme to spark curiosity and confidence in language. Instead of dry definitions, it offers hilarious example sentences, fun facts, and etymology tidbits that help kids understand and actually use new words. Themes like “Shenanigans & Monkey Business” and “Feelings & Fizzle” group words by vibe, making it easier for kids to connect emotionally and creatively.
Everyone Can Be a Reader Series by Union Square & Co. – A thoughtfully-designed collection of books that make reading more accessible for struggling and reluctant readers, especially those with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo and The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson – If you are a parent who loves sci-fi and fantasy, you already know Leigh Bardugo and Brandon Sanderson. We love when adult lit authors diversify and get into kids books. Definitely read these with your kids. They are great primers for high fantasy and darker, more thrilling content.
STEM
Search for STEM items that support hands-on exploration, logic, creativity, and emotional resilience while building foundational skills in science, math, engineering, and technology. Look for open-ended, sensory-friendly materials that promote creativity, persistence, and joyful learning.
Top Choice: Fat Brain Toys Box and Balls
- Why We Love It: This is an open-ended, trick-shot game designed for ages 6 and up that blends physical play with spatial reasoning, creativity, and STEM-friendly exploration. With six nesting boxes and eight bouncy balls, kids invent challenges like banking shots or landing in the smallest box. With illustrated instructions and suggested challenges, the game encourages hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and imaginative design. For something more tech with magnets and modular parts, check out the Magshuto Stunt Park set, too.
How to Build LEGO series –This set of hands-on guides is designed to jumpstart imagination and creativity with LEGO pieces. Each volume offers themed instructions and expert tips to inspire imaginative models, from cars and houses to dinosaurs, robots, and animals.
STEM Robot Building Kit – This 3-in-1 STEM kit for ages 6+ includes 433 interlocking pieces to build a robot, truck, or roller. It features remote and app-based controls with gravity and programming modes, runs on a rechargeable battery, and supports creativity and coordination.
Arts and Crafts
At this age, children are developing the motor skills, focus, and cognitive abilities needed to tackle multi-step creative projects with confidence. Look for arts and crafts materials that foster fine motor development, encourage imagination, and promote emotional expression and problem-solving. As they refine coordination and grow more independent, the best kits offer a thoughtful balance of structure and open-ended exploration.
Top Choice: Latchkits Avocado Pillow Kit
- Why We Love It: This beginner-friendly latch hook kit offers a cozy, creative introduction to textile arts. Kids use pre-cut yarn and a color-coded canvas to craft a plush avocado-shaped pillow, building fine motor skills, patience, and confidence along the way. With illustrated, icon-based instructions, it’s accessible even for non-readers. There are 5 different pillow options to choose from.
Honorable mentions include:
Games
Children in this age range are transitioning from early childhood to middle childhood, which means their brains, bodies, and social worlds are expanding rapidly. Choose games that support cognitive growth, emotional regulation, social skills, and motor coordination. Prioritize options that blend challenge with creativity and foster both independent problem-solving and collaborative play.
Top Choice: The Board Game Console
- Why We Love It: Board games get a modern twist with this 24-inch interactive console. Preloaded with 12 original games, from strategy to creative play, it uses physical pieces that interact with the touchscreen for dynamic hands-on fun. Players gather around the console like a traditional board game, but enjoy enhanced gameplay through animations, sound effects, and responsive digital elements. This is a pricier option, so it would be appropriate as a gift for the whole family.
Other favorite games to grab:
- 5-Minute Dungeon
- Emotional Monster Bingo
- WHAT DO YOU MEME? Quick Quick Quick
- 7 Wonders: Architects
- Clumsy Thief
- Best Chess Set Ever
- Tightrope
- The Smurfs: Hidden Village
Stocking Stuffers
Yes, Mad Libs and Invisible Ink aren’t new, but they are classic activities that are great for this age group. We also found a few small games that would be great options for travel, quiet time, or practicing those vocab skills.
Goofy Mad Libs
Knock Knock Kids Scavenger Hunt Pad or any other their other kids activity pads
Top Secret: The Ultimate Invisible Ink Activity Book
Message in a Bottle
Tiltago
Most of the linked items can also be found on our Child(ish) Advice Holiday Amazon Storefront.
You can also check out our guides and lists from the last couple years for more development-focused toys and gifts.
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Preschool and Early Elementary
Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Elementary School
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