What do your 8/9 year olds play with lots on their own?

[Howmanysleepsnow]

My nearly 9yo always complains he has nothing to play with/ do when his siblings are playing on their own/ reading. Apparently all his toys need 2 people! Any suggestions for something he can entertain himself with that he won’t tire of quickly? Not tech (we limit time), books (he already reads a lot) or Lego (never been interested). Help!

Gravitrax?

www.johnlewis.com/esdevium-genius-square-board-game/p4495075?sku=238345097&s_ppc=2dx92700055696234776&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx7Kk0Prl7AIVlGDmCh0AogNCEAYYASABEgKqNPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This is a huge hit with my children. You can easily play on your own or in a 2 x

Mine does origami / other paper craft / junk modelling but I'm 'upgrading' to a proper air fix style plastic model kit for Christmas.

So how about thinking about activities / craft / cartoon drawing / video making rather than physical toys? Does he enjoy anything like that?

schleich figures
Marbles and run
Playmobil

We've had this issue with 10yo DSD for a few years and no matter what we've bought for solo play she still complains she's bored/has noone to play with. I've bought her a few different solo card/puzzle games off Amazon, lots of Lego, Gravitrax, craft stuff, computer games etc. But I think it may just be her personality rather than the toys!

My 9yo likes the one person games from Smart Games. Her current favourite is Jump In.

She also likes craft, particularly polymer clay.

The only things my 8/9 year old will do alone are reading, iPad games, TV and drawing/crafting. And, on the whole, she'd prefer to do all of those with other people! I think my biggest successes have been giving her access to MY craft stuff. I can buy her as much drawing/painting/craft nonsense as I like, but none of it is as interesting as mine.

I don't think this is a problem which can be solved with Christmas presents. Though if you really want to try, I'd go for something like spy kit - camera, notebook, microphone etc. He'll end up annoying you and his siblings, but hopefully not until he's entertained himself for an hour!

What flavour 9 year old is he, OP?

Active, creative, academic, practical....?

What flavour? Hmm... curious, likes science, nature, active, likes craft (quick stuff like toucan box), messy (so constant supervision with craft etc)

Stop animation, it does involve a device but I allow it. Models made from paper clay or lego. I also allow them to make documentary videos (our cat is currently President and is interviewed regularly on the latest current affairs)

Fimo clay

Lego
K nex
Football
Drawing and colouring
He makes up games with toys like a football match
Still plays with cars and animals

Sorry missed the no lego bit. Yes gravitax is great.

Yes to stop animation. Loves this but gets frustrated. He's a total perfectionist!

How about something outdoors? A basketball hoop?

Can anyone recommend a good stop motion animation that doesn’t need Bluetooth please?

A Turing Tumble?

Spirograph?

Flipbooks?

I go on about this all the time but there might be something good for him on The Kid Should See This gift guide

Solitaire?

Puzzles as well.

@ladybee28 thanks for that link loads of ideas for my DS in that

I bought my 8 year old daughter a glue gun from the pound shop and it’s been a game changer. I also gave her a bag of material and she makes all sorts of things!

Hama beads
Drawing optical illusions (you can get good ‘how to’ books)

We have given up limiting tech and to be honest I’ve not noticed any difference in his behaviour/ability etc so I try not to stress about it so much anymore.

Screwball scramble level 1 and 2, both my boys will play for ages on their own trying to complete them, they are hard and it’s quite addictive.

Both my boys (7 & 12) love Hot Wires/ Snap Circuits.. Little bit on the pricey side but in my experience well worth the money. Also an excellent STEM toy. www.argos.co.uk/product/9368334. Amazon also stock them.

Ooh, I feel your pain!

What about a Gorilla Gym? DS (9) uses/plays with his almost every day. It's pricey but we've had our money's worth from it.

But in all honesty, Lego and anything that involves a screen are the only things that will keep him properly engrossed for any decent amount of time.