People w/ kids: need gift help

[RoxMonster]

I am buying holiday gifts for a 9-year-old girl, and on her wish list are "educational games and crafts." I can't ask for more info because this is through a program at a local shelter and recipients are anonymous.

I don't have kids and usually can figure out toys easily enough if they ask for Legos or something specific, but what would you say are some educational games and/or crafts that are appropriate for a 9-year-old? We plan on shopping tonight, most likely WalMart, but I'm open to go elsewhere. We have Target and Michael's as well.

Thank you!

[pierogigirl]

Snap Circuits are fun and educational (you make working circuits that can turn on a light, ring a doorbell, etc)

Crayola air dry clay with some paints or markers

Science kits (we have rocks and minerals, and several chemistry kits). You can buy Kiwi Crate/Tinker Crates individually from the website. They are crafty/science-y depending on what you buy.

Think Fun games are fun (Rush Hour is one). A lot of board games have a logic component (like Sequence, Blokus) and are fun to play. Educational games makes me think of coding, but a lot of coding kits require a device to use with them.

Edit - my niece likes diamond painting crafts. I have geography games in my class (The Scrambled States of America).

[jinkies]

Ah, I lost my whole post.

Short version, these are craft items that my DD recently received and loves:

Fidget Pencil Pen Case Pop Bubble Silicon Pencil Box Marker Pen Case Simple Stationery Bag Fidget Toy Pen Bag Office Organizer Decompression Toy smile.amazon.com/dp/B09C221JBS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YB58JGEW9F0H12CHB1X1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

*Note we have also given that pencil case with cool/cute markers and a sketch book and it's always well received.

DIY Journaling Set - Personalize & Decorate Your Planner/Organizer/Diary/Journal with Stickers, Gems, Glitter Frames & Clips, Bookmarks, Tassel Keychain - Great Gift Idea for Women and Teen Girls smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV5X9N/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_ZXBM4G91N77DPJDV47PP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Gem Art, Kids Diamond Painting Kit - Big 5D Gems - Arts and Crafts for Kids, Girls and Boys Ages 6-12 - Gem Painting Kits - Best Tween Gift Ideas for Girls Crafts Age 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-12 smile.amazon.com/dp/B08GKZX76K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_SFT6Q5TGCVT1TARF2WCS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You also can not go wrong with make your own slime kits at that age.

[jinkies]

Snap circuits are a great suggestion for an educational toy! My son LOVED them at that age. We had them packed in the attic and forgot about them, but DD recently found them and she also really enjoyed them.

[twinmomma]

National Geographic makes a bunch of great science/stem kits that have a crafty component. We've done grow your own crystals, robot building, fossils, etc. Lots of choices!

[mcmel]

I saw some science kits at the store that I would have loved as a kid. I think it was the Discovery Mindblown stuff. Mainly the T-Rex Excavation Site one. So cool.

[VillainV]

If you live near a Barnes & Noble store, they have a good selection of educational toys and games, STEM kits, puzzles, craft kits, etc.

[RoxMonster]

I do live near a Barnes and Noble. I didn’t even think of them!

Thanks so much everyone. These lists are super helpful.

[Jalapeñomel]

Another vote for snap circuits!