Toys For Boys: "Brain Power" Projects

The best toys for 9-year old boys are ones that keep them occupied effortlessly, while satisfying their need to explore and discover. They're brain-bending and challenging in the best ways, encouraging children to delve deep into their imaginations for solutions to creative, all-day projects.

Some of these toys are even perplexing, providing kids with weeks of fulfilling distraction from the usual drone of a television or mind-numbing dullness of repetitive Internet games. They're enriching, amusing, and simply fun to figure out!

Snap Circuits SC-300

This is a jumbo set for industrious, imaginative kids! It's nothing but circuits and snaps that create over 300 projects.

Little lads will learn how to build a working radio, make a burglar alarm, set off an alarm clock, structure a doorbell, and tons more. There are precise, concise instructions available in each set, with back-up guidelines downloadable on the Snap Circuits website.

The bonus for parents is that there's no mess to clean up! All of the snaps are easily hooked to the central system and stored safely back in the box after playtime.

Perplexus Epic

At first, this little game looks like a single labyrinth with a solitary objective. However, upon closer inspection, you'll see the ball has over 125 barricades with twists and turns to make the mission more difficult.

And what is this mission? Get the steel ball from beginning to end with a series of flips and rolls. It may seem easy, but the utmost concentration and a determined attitude are required for this challenging, 3D adventure.

Why the name? Because Perplexus is perplexing! It's similar to defying gravity as the ball races along each track, and just when you think you've solved it, a new barrier throws a wrench in your progress. However, the feeling of accomplishment afterwards is one in a million!

Spirograph Deluxe Design Set

This is a classic! Most parents will remember this set fondly as one of the most artistic, brilliant devices from their childhoods.

There are 45 pieces that include 19 wheels, 2 rings, a storage case, 3 colorful pens, spiro-putty, and so much more. Plus, design paper is provided so kids can make countless, decorative swirls in vibrant colors!

The spirals will vary in size when drawn and the hues are vivid, enchanting onlookers with how complex each design seems. Children (and adults who wish to relive their younger years) can spend hours doodling, creating new drawings in bold, beautiful tones.