Hottest Holiday Toys for Kids 2014: Ages 9+

For our Holiday guide to the hottest toys this season, the toy experts at Five Little Monkeys, a great local independent toy store with locations in Novato, Albany, Walnut Creek, and Burlingame, put together this list, based on what kids seem most excited about, what is showing up at birthday parties, what parents are asking for, and staff favorites!

We've also reviewed the top picks for babies and toddlers, kids ages 3 to 5, and kids ages 6 to 8.

Ages 9+ Indoor Fun

Birds Glitter Boards
A set to create fantastic sparkly pictures of birds surrounded by wonderful patterns. Use this set to create pictures of different birds surrounded by wonderful patterns, brought to life by the sequins. Designed for older children, this kit is a great way of encouraging them to be creative. $19.99

Felted Friends
Experience the magic of needle felting. With each poke, the tool's three special needles tangle the strands of wool, making it dense and compact—you'll be amazed as you watch the loose wool transform into the cutest wool animals you've ever seen. The 52-page book contains beautifully-illustrated instructions for making five palm-sized pets: a cat, squirrel, bunny, fox, and mouse (or, convert the mouse to a hedgehog). It comes complete with the felting tool, a felting foam work surface, and 6 colors of 100% natural wool roving. That's enough for a whole petting zoo of felted animals. $19.99

Big Bag of Science
This giant kit is designed to whet the appetites of budding young scientists of all ages. With more than 70 unique, fun, hands-on science activities, this kit guarantees hours and hours of science fun. Set up your own science lab. Amaze your friends and family with such activities as making water disappear, having a liquid flow uphill, making a 30' soda geyser, growing fake snow instantly, balancing 6 nails on the head of one nail and much, much more. This kit covers the three areas of science (Physical, Earth, and Life) as well as activities in Chemistry, Physics, Magnetism, Weather, Biology, Geology and Flight. The re-usable zipper bag is great for storing all components when it's time to put your lab away. $49.99

Snap Circuits Motion
If you have a budding physicist, scientist, electrician or tinkerer, chances are they’ve wondered about the effect of electronics on motion. This gift says, “Wonder no more!” What can be built? A lighted fan that changes colors, an air fountain, a motion detector, siren sounds, a mini car… the project list goes on, all the way up to 165! $79.99

String Art
String art has never been more fun, easy or artful. Simply push pins into our sturdy foam canvases and string away, no hammer or nails needed. Use our patterns or design your own. String’em, love’em, hang’em right away! Kits contains all materials needed to make three 8.5” canvases. $24.99

Ages 9+ Active Play

Retro Skateboard
The Chicago Cruiser plastic skateboards are a throwback to the vintage 1970 style boards. $49.99

Slackers Zip Line
Increase strength, athletic prowess, and balance riding just a few feet off the ground! $139.99

Squap 2
Squap 2 is taking the classic game of Squap to a whole new level! Squap 2 features two newly designed and improved Squap paddles, 3 balls including one soft beginner ball, one regular Squap ball and one high bounce Squap ball for awesome passes and more challenging play! Squap 2 is a great game for getting the whole family active! Pick up your Squap paddles, put on your game face and have a blast! $29.99

Zing Z-Curve Bow
“High action” captures the feel of this not-so-classic bow, rethought for a whole new level of performance. The unique loop ‘n’ launch system sends arrows flying through the air for more than 125 feet. Luckily, they’re safe; the bow comes with two Zonic™ Whistle Arrows and one Zartz™ Suction Cup Arrow. Looking for a cool gift? The Z-Curve is right on target. $29.99

Night Zone Football
This eight-inch foam football glows super bright with lightband technology. $14.99

Five Little Monkeys is the premier Bay Area children’s store that carries toys, books, games, music, science, and everything in between for ages 0–12. Their well-trained staff can help you find the perfect gift or help you create a birthday or holiday wish list, and they always offer free gift wrapping. Five Little Monkeys hopes to create good people by putting quality toys in the hands of children. Owner Stephanie Sala opened the first Five Little Monkeys location in Albany in 2001. Five Little Monkeys now has four convenient locations in the San Francisco Bay Area: Albany, Burlingame, Novato and Walnut Creek and online at www.5littlemonkeys.com.