Most important is durability and safety at this stage. Nine months introduces more active play. Toddlers Toddlers are at the stage of beginning associations. They recognize their favorite characters and would really like a Blue's Clues nightgown, or Arthur sneakers. At first those associations will seem very important, but once you get a toy home it will quickly be forgotten if it isn't fun.
Toddlers are also at the stage of exploring.
They don't want to be told about the world, they want to discover it for themselves. Toys that encourage doing will keep interest longer than toys that show. This is the age when commercials have the most effect. It's truly important to them to have what they see on television. Because it's so easy to get caught up in advertisement hype, this is an age perfect for introducing allowance and saving plans.