The Viral Make It Mini Kitchen Is Just So Cool (2024)

When girls hit 9 years old, they want to be recognized and shine for who they are. And it's fun to support that budding individuality while recognizing that they're still little at heart with a gift as unique as she is. To help promote a 9-year-old's sense of self, you can help them find fun decorations for their rooms, let them express their personal styles in clothing and accessories or nurture their interests, be it fashion design, video games, STEM or art. Plus, despite all their protests that they're beyond anything "for babies" (their words, not ours), 9-year-olds still love to play with toys and games.

That leaves a wide berth of gift options if you're looking for gifts for kids this age. Luckily, whether you're shopping for a gift for a 9-year-old girl, a gift for a 9-year-old boy or a gift for 9-year-olds in general, the Good Housekeeping Institute is on the case, keeping track of toys and gifts trends and testing out the hottest toys and gifts each year. After the Lab evaluates toys for safety and ease of use, the real tests begins: The toys are sent out to be tested by real 9-year-olds to be sure they're actually fun to be played with. We took the top-rated toys, including some current and former Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners, and added in some best-sellers and editor's picks to come up with our list for the best toys and gifts for 9-year-old girls in 2024.

Kids can't get enough of Minecraft, and they go ga-ga for axolotls. Put them together and you have the perfect gift for a 9-year-old. This one lights up in five different colors and uses batteries so you can put it anywhere you want in a kid's bedroom. No age recommendation given

If she's always on her devices, she can use this to prop up her tablet while she's sitting or lying in bed. It even has a built-in side pocket so he can keep everything in reach and get to lounging. No age recommendation given

They will learn about electricity and other STEM concepts while making a decoration for their room at the same time. This kit uses electroluminescent wire and comes with templates to make four different glowing designs. Ages 9+

Whether it's hair day for School Spirit Week or they just want to add something extra to their looks, this temporary hair color is meant to go on easily and wash out in one shampoo. This shade is "Poppy Pink," but you can also get "Branch Blue," "Viva Yellow" or "Tiny Silver." No age recommendation given

Kids love personalizing their rooms, and there's nothing more personalized than a neon sign declaring their name! To make it even more to their tastes, you can customize the size, color and font, and even choose a symbol for the end. No age recommendation given

This toy lets her easily glam up within minutes. All she has to do is pop a pattern into the stamper, paint her nails with the kid-safe polish, let them dry, then press the stamper onto her nail for a fun print. Ages 8+

You can help them upgrade their sidewalk art with these sidewalk chalk stencils, which come with 24 sticks of chalk and two holders, along with two big stencils. You can also get them in a stars and geometry theme. Ages 5+

This creative kit is both a DIY decor project and a STEM building toy in one. The pieces, which are plastic tiles with LED wires running through, can come together to make nightlights in the shape of a cat, a mouse house, a teddy bear or a squirrel — or whatever she can dream up on her own. (Good Housekeeping Institute testers say the building takes some getting used to, but is fun once you get the hang of it.) There are also sets available to make other trios of figures. Ages 8+

The kitchen comes with everything they need to make toy donuts and a smoothie. The oven features a UV light to harden their creations for playing. Ages 8+

This play set is a three-in-one logic game, marble run and STEM toy that builds spatial reasoning, planning and engineering skills. It offers 60 multi-level challenges that become increasingly difficult as she tackles each one. Ages 8+

This fashion kit is perfect for the budding designer because it comes with 50 pieces, including fabric samples and tools. She can learn to sketch her designs and make mock-ups of her ideas with the provided miniature mannequin. Ages 9+

They can take their friendship bracelets to the next level with this kit, which lets them create more intricate designs and patterns. Good Housekeeping Institute Testers loved planning out their ideas, and parents appreciated that it helps them with their fine motor coordination. Ages 6+

The set comes with two neon butterflies so she can decorate her room. There's the option to light them up with batteries, but most Amazon users prefer plugging them in. No age recommendation given.

Raining? No problem! This light-up disc hovers over bare floors, so kids can still play soccer on rainy days. It comes with bumpers to protect walls and furniture, too. Ages 3+

To think that you can now put your daughter on the same detective series you loved as a child — this starter set contains classic favorites that'll entertain aspiring detectives and longtime fans alike. Ages 8+

This combines all the best parts of a fidget toy with the mind workout of a brain puzzle. It can unfold and twist into different shapes, revealing different patterns on the inside. Then it becomes a challenge to get it back into box form again. Ages 8+

She might not be into dolls like she used to be, but she'll still love this release from Rainbow High. She can color the doll's clothes and hair over and over again, inspiring her inner fashion designer. Ages 4+

You're never too old to take a bath! This six-pack of bath bombs offers a wealth of sensory experiences: Each one turns the bath into a bubble bath, comes in a different vibrant colors and offers a fun fragrance, like Fruit Loops, citrus or banana. Best of all, each one has a surprise squishy toy inside! There are more than 50 squishes to collect in all. Ages 3+