Selecting an appropriate gift for a nine-year-old presents a unique conundrum. At this transitional age, children crave challenges that stretch their abilities while still deriving pleasure from play. Zoë Phillimore, an experienced toy tester and mother of three, consulted a diverse group of nine-year-olds and their parents to identify the most successful presents. The testing process was meticulous, involving initial reactions and long-term engagement.
Among the top recommendations was Mexican Train dominoes, a game that requires players to build a train line by matching tiles, with the option to obstruct opponents. It was praised for its simplicity and strategic depth. Equally well-received were Staedtler Norix coloring pencils, which glided effortlessly across paper and offered a broad spectrum of colors. One young tester remarked that the pencils made his artwork appear more sophisticated.
Creative pursuits were also catered to, such as the Cotton Twist banner kit, which allows children to sew their own design, thereby honing fine-motor skills. Additional gifts included a popcorn maker, Lego Fortnite sets, and a trendy water bottle. According to early years consultant Laura Moore-Williams, peer-based play is invaluable at this stage, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement. These gifts collectively support development and enjoyment.
Sources: theguardian.com
The words in bold are from the article.
| 1. conundrum | a. desire |
| 2. transitional | b. tactical |
| 3. crave | c. encouraging |
| 4. meticulous | d. thorough |
| 5. obstruct | e. sharpened |
| 6. strategic | f. priceless |
| 7. sophisticated | g. intermediate |
| 8. honed | h. advanced |
| 9. invaluable | i. dilemma |
| 10. fostering | j. block |
1.i 2.g 3.a 4.d 5.j 6.b 7.h 8.e 9.f 10.c