The start of the tween years, nine years old, is a sweet spot between curiosity and growing independence, making it a fun, though sometimes tricky, age to buy for. Kids at this age are up for a challenge, whether that means trying a trickier craft set, playing a more complex game or stepping up their sporting interests. Pitch a gift right and you’ll not only get the whoop of joy when they first receive it, but something that will hold their interest and help them develop their skills, interests and hobbies over time.
As an experienced toy tester, I have dedicated a lot of my career to observing children play. I’ve worked in schools as a teaching assistant and in children’s publishing, where knowing what makes children tick is essential. I also have three children of my own, so I understand what works on home turf once the gift-opening frenzy is over.
When researching for this article, I aimed to strike a balance between children’s outlandish wishlists (one Christmas my son asked for a ghost for his present) and what a parent wants in their home (not a ghost). I spoke to a lively gang of nine-year-olds with varied interests and hobbies who were only too happy to shout over each other about what they want for Christmas. I also checked in with their parents on the gifts that got their seal of approval – and offered long-term value – and spoke to childhood play experts about the best presents to suit this stage of development.
Testing primarily took place at home with one nine-year-old tester, with additional help from their friends. I also spoke to other nine-year-old children and had gifts sent to them for testing and feedback, so it wasn’t just one kid’s opinion. I noted the child’s initial reaction, how they used a toy and whether they returned to it.
After testing, we had a lot of surplus toys in our house, so anything that could be donated went to the Salvation Army, which sells preloved items to raise money for its work. I played it with my older cousins on holiday, and it was fun,” says one of my nine-year-old testers. This game was pretty fast-paced and was easy to pick up, with some strategy when we played it.
Players build their “train line” by matching tiles up to a central hub – but you can sneakily block each other’s play. More advanced games, team sports and long-term creative projects give them a sense of belonging and achievement.” This set comes in its own box, making it easy to take to their mates’ houses. Materials: resin, plastic, wood, metal tin Suitable for: 6+ “I would like some really good colouring pencils.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
