If you are in contact with this age group on regular basis, you most likely would agree that it depends on the day and situation. Well, really the hour.

So the dilemma for Christmas gift giving becomes finding a Christmas gift for this age range that does not offend their ‘grown-upness’ but still plays to their childlike tendencies. After all, a nine year old is still a kid.

To help you sort through some of thinking behind finding the right gift this group, I have put together a few tips for you.

1. Buy Gifts that Give the Kids Permission to Play

There are some very fun toys out there that are targeted towards more advanced role-playing. Two examples would be -

1. A helmet with voice activated noises and lights, yes very cool.

2. Deluxe model transformers: these have additional features that younger kids would not know how to play or would break. Playing swords with a helmet that has lights everywhere would be great fun for all ages. Anything that flies or moves would be great interactive gifts.

2. Creative Gifts

So much fun to shop for! You can find just about anything you can dream up for this age group in the creative thought line.

Block Building Set

There are block-building sets with motors so your creations actually move. You can build Lego or other Lego type toys into transforming robots. My nephew loves his ‘creature’ like this and will tell you about his dad and him building it. K’nex and Magnetix (if you do not have small children or pets in the house) are tons of fun.

Science Experiments

I found lots of science type experiments that the kids would have a great time doing. Whether it is stargazing, exploding volcanoes, or watching a larvae to butterfly you can find an activity that is specific to the interest of your child.

3. Interactive Family Games

This age group tends to be very self-critical and desperately needs the reassurance of adults in his/her life. Interactive games are a great way to strengthen these relationships.

Board Games

A fun board game I found was Gobblet. Although I have not played this game personally it looks like a fast moving fun game. I highly suggest at least one gift that is not an electronic enable a different type of family interaction.

Game Systems

And course there are game systems very targeted at this age group, so depending on the system your child has you may want to consider a new game. My family as a Nintendo wii so I am looking at the Mario driving game.

4. Electronics

Each family will have to make their own decision about the age appropriateness for their children. Very popular choices in this age group: cell phones, digital cameras, Nintendo ds and game systems: Sony ps 3 and Nintendo Wii.

No mater what you decide for a gift it is important for the child to feel special and loved. Choosing a gift that compliments their personality will let the child know that you notice them. Possibly consider a short note to the child to put in with your gift telling the child how much you love them and one or two special attributes you have noticed. Even if during gift opening that note seems unappreciated you can be assured that your note will be saved long past Christmas morning. Because aside from all the gift hype at Christmas, deep down each child just wants to know that they are loved and special.

By Rodney Grubbs
http://ezinearticles.com/

1. Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup. This interactive toy is the perfect gift for any pet loving child. This life-sized dog can obey commands and even wag its tail, which gives kids all the benefits of owning a dog without any of the hassle.

2. Kidizoom Digital Camera Pink from Vtech. For the tech oriented little girl in your life, consider the Kidizoom Digital Camera. Not only will she look stylish sporting this pink camera, but she can take real photos and video as well. Vtech has designed all version of their Kidizoom Camera to fit in small hands and be resilient enough to survive in a child’s care. This camera is a great idea for kids who want to take pictures but still are a little too young to handle more expensive cameras.

3. Bakugan Battle Arena. This Japanese style game features both collectible cards and figures which opponents can use to battle one another. This game of skill has players rolling marbles on a magnetic board to determine which figure will go into battle for them. Once two players have done this, the battles can ensue, leading to hours of fun.

4. Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime. Based on the blockbuster movie, the Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime is a great gift for a young sci-fi fan. This toy, which features both light and sound, transforms from a robot to a well-concealed vehicle with a partially automated transformation process that must be seen to be believed.

5. LEGO Mindstorms NXT. This LEGO toy is a fantastic gift for a child who loves to build. The LEGO Minstorms NXT comes with easy to follow instructions that help create a robot complete with sensors that can open the door to the imagination. This is a gift that keeps on giving with hours of discovery, entertainment, and learning to be had.

6. Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House. There is no show popular than Hannah Montana, which makes this Malibu Beach House a great gift to give this holiday season. Designed after the sets of the hit show, the Malibu Beach House is the perfect accessory for the Hannah Montana doll collection and will light up any fan’s face on Christmas morning.

7. Blokus Classic. This award winning game is fun for the whole family this holiday season. Designed for two to four players, each time Blokus Classic is distinctive, keeping players guessing and interested. This colorful game encourages logic and strategy and should be a must-have on every Christmas list this year.

8. EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles. These goggles offer hours of adventure for kids of all ages. With real infrared technology, the EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles allow users to see up to fifty feet in the dark, which can open up the night to hours of nighttime entertainment.

9. LeapFrong Learn and Groove Musical Table. For the younger children on your shopping list this year, be sure to check out this Learn and Groove Musical Table. Designed for children ages six months to three years, this table can help develop the skills young children need. With a wide selection of music and a range of actions to be performed on the table top, babies will love the Learn and Groove Musical Table.

10. Speed Racer Sky Jump Track Set. This Track Set features all the thrills of the Speed Racer movie in your own home. On this set, the cars can complete spectacular leaps and crashes, sure to thrill children of all ages.

By Sandra Maria Stammberger
http://www.ezinearticles.com/