Another idea is maybe leatherwork? I remember loving this when I was about that age--and actually, my boys have enjoyed the little bit they've done so far, too--they've all made themselves little change purses so they don't have to carry their piggy banks to the bookstore any more!
Tandy has an online catalogue, or some storefronts, too, depending where you live.
Or art supplies? Copper tooling? Knot-tying? Decorative wood-burning (whatever that's actually called!)? Pottery? Weaving? Model-making? When I was 9, I was all about making stuff, rather than playing with stuff--I know all kids are different, but I think there's something satisfying about feeling like you're producing something useful and beautiful, and at that age, he'll be able to do it mostly on his own, which is an even better feeling.
peace
minnie
