I need to buy birthday gift for a 9 year old, could anyone offer reccomendations?

[sparklins]

The boy is turning 9. He loves playing minecraft so I have picked up a tshirt and some joggers with that on as a side gift but would like to get something else.
He is quite academic and bright, likes to read but I am not sure what a good book would be for this age, he also loves tinkering with stuff and building lego/robot sets which he's had a few of in the past.

Budget would be around 20 and I would really appreciate any advice on what a 9yr old might enjoy!

This is a good one to dip into www.whsmith.co.uk/products/the-way-things-work-now-3rd-edition/david-macaulay/neil-ardley/hardback/9780241227930.html?utm_campaign=eq_whs_176013&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=awin&awc=3017_1644491336_8ea3ddeddff3a21659419ed2544868f4

This or another from the series, depending on his interests: www.waterstones.com/book/oceanarium/teagan-white/loveday-trinick/9781787416314

I bought a plasma ball from Amazon for my nephew of a similar age and he loved it. Ideal for a bright kid and has a bit of a 'wow' factor!

The Woodsward Chronicle Novels (a book about schoolkids who go on a Minecraft Adventure) are loved by my 8 year old. Also anything by Tom Fletcher (Danger Gang particular favourite).

Lego sets are great there are such a big range.

Board game? Something like Labrynth or Risk?

DS got a great build your own cyborg hand kit at Christmas which he loved.

*should say 8 - nearly 9 year old.

Maybe a Minecraft themed wall or desk calendar? You can get custom one from www.shutterfly.com/calendars or create via photo-calendar-software.com

Also Amazon has great National Geographic science kits, here is Science magic set www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Science-Magic-Kit/dp/B0876F6STP/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=science+kits&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1644579378&sr=8-5

and here is Chemistry set www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Stunning-Chemistry-Set/dp/B08KFND2Y1/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=science+kits&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1644579378&sr=8-6

Snap circuits electronics set - look at this the n find similar as those kits are expensive.

Books - diary of a wimpy kid, chronicals of narnia, doctor proctor, minecraft how to

A head torch 🔦

Trying to think what my academic 8yr old is into...