9 Yr Old Bday. Need Suggestions.

Just do what your son likes.
If he could care less about an outing or sleepover, then I would not.
But, maybe cook his favorite dinner or dessert????
That is also doing something nice for him without breaking the bank.

You could get him 1 yu-gi-oh card, or DS game.
Or get him a gift certificate for the store. And he can pick one himself.

Just ask him, what he wants to 'do'.... beyond a birthday gift. But if he's not into anything, then fine.
But that you'll also get him something special for his b-day gift.

Have you asked him?
Our daughter liked being able to pick a place to eat.

Or have a small sleep over.

I always asked her and followed her lead.

My daughter turns 9 in Feb, and I was also thiking of what to do. I am thinking of going over some options with her keeping in mind what she likes. Since its cold I was thinking about letting her take a couple of friends and we stay at one of the hotels in the area that has the indoor water park! Like someone else suggested, maybe go-carts, or laser tag, paintball! Good Luck!!

Have you considered easter?

Since he loves cards... how about if he woke up to a "treasure hunt" of cards hidden in clear plastic balls all over the house? Either total easter style (hidden in easy places), or treasure hunt style with clues (serious hiding is needed in that case (taped under the table, in the freezer, at the bottom of the clothes hamper).

Ask him! If he wants a small party, great. If not, no need to spend the $$ on something he isn't into.

we've had every sort of birthday celebration with the kids. Big parties, small parties, just 1-2 friends to do something fun (sort of their favorite type of party!) and there was a couple of years that I told them they could have a party or I would give them "x" amount of dollars and they could have a shopping trip and buy what they wanted. We always go out to their favorite restaurant and have a bday cake at home so they wouldn't miss that either way. There was a few years with both children that they picked the money because they had something in mind they wanted. They LOVED the shopping trip. I'm not talking a ton of money .. maybe $100. Honestly, on a party it would have cost us more so I saved money with this one too and they picked it!!

BOWLING! Kidz LOVE bowling! You can take a cake in, most bowling alleys have 'party' specials that include shoes, sodas, hot dogs, popcorn, etc. and an alley or two with bumpers for the kidz so they aren't alwayz throwing 'gutter' balls. I gaurantee the boyz will LOVE it!