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They’re also rapidly expanding their cognitive and social skills.
All of a sudden they can write their names (maybe read a few simple sentences!
Some might also be starting to play organized sports, quickly improving their physicality.
Our top gifts for 5-year-olds:
Some standouts?
Its so much fun the whole family will want to join in.
And when playtimes over, it folds up easily for seamless storage.
Its a total win-win.
Some designs are precoloredgreat starter stickerswhile others are blank (like a coloring book) to encourage creativity.
What our tester says:This was a lifesaver on a recent plane ride.
Plus, it was something my daughter could play with during downtime at the hotel too.
The outerwear is specially printed with color-changing graphics.
When the rain falls, the jacketand the images on itmagically transform.
Choose from color-changing clouds, hearts, and more.
What our tester says:We’re constantly getting compliments on this coat.
I think the attention delights my daughter just as much as the color-changing graphics.
Eventually, early readers can use the cubes to create their own words and even small sentences.
There are enough pieces to make pyramids, rocket ships, castles, bunkers, and more.
What our tester says:The rods are a little hard to connect, so adult assistance is key.
But that’s not exactly a drawback.
My son and I have so much fun building together.
We fill entire rainy mornings with the activity, then eat our lunch inside our little hideout.
These colorful tubes click together so your kid can make their very own maze.
When the masterpiece is complete, they can send oneor moreof the included glow-in-the-dark marbles through it.
What our tester says:My 6- and 4-year-olds are obsessed with making marble runs.
It’s one of the few activities they can (peacefully) do together.
With your help, little chemists can complete kid-friendly recipes for ice cream and sorbet.
All of the tools are includedyou need only a freezer.
The fun doesn’t stop once the ingredients run out.
You and your kiddo can continue to customize the included recipes to make all sorts of frozen treats.
What our tester says:This was a recent playdate activity for my 5-year-old and our similarly aged neighbor.
They thought it was the coolest thing ever.
PlayShifu Educational Globe
This toy will serve as your kiddos ticket around the world.
It’s a good toy for kids who are always asking for screen time.
At least he’s learning fun facts, not just scrolling through YouTube Kids.
Lewo Wooden Stacking Board Game
At this age everything’s better when it’s a rainbow.
(Some kids may even tell you it’s their favorite color!)
These stacking blocks mimic the classic toppling tower game but come in vibrant colors fit for this age group.
Play potential is endless.
What our tester says:My kids like to make parking garages for their Hot Wheels.
First, your little one will have the chance to paint their very own planter.
I love how invested he is in the process.
Lets Go!
They’re perfect for family nature walks (or strolls around the neighborhood!)
for little kids to get a closer look at planes, insects, and even blades of grass.
(You know this age group is rough on their things!)
What our tester says:My son’s current obsession is using his binoculars to scout out lantern flies.
Give them a new and undeniably fun challenge: bouncing up and down on a pogo stick.
Its the perfect outdoor activity, but you could even take it into the basement on a rainy day.
What our tester says: My son basically lives on his driveway toys, pogo stick included.
But caution: There will be a lot of Watch this!
The kit comes with all the pieces, visual instructions, and a low-speed drill to bolt everything together.
Squishmallow Mystery Box
Another instant win is this box of supersoft and squishy stuffed animals.
Theres no telling what theyll getthere are 20 exciting possibilities.
The squishies are a nice and manageable 5-inch size toonot too big, not too small.
What our tester says:You would have thought it was Christmas morning.
My kids were literally squealing over each one they pulled out.
It comes with 24 double-sided cards and 72 tiles.
You simply slide the Zinger to reveal images and fill in your card when there’s a match.
Think stickers, temporary tattoos, and more.
I think because it’s simple yet tons of fun.
Pro tip: Do this outside.
It’s so much fun but super dusty.
When else do you actually let them hit something with a mallet?!
What our tester says:My dad gets the kids winter jackets every year.
This toy gives them an outlet for that excess energy and curiosity.
Don’t worry, the rockets themselves are soft enough to use indoors without issue.
it’s possible for you to also use the toy outdoors.
It’s a total favoriteand one that most of our friends have too.
This 80-piece marker and crayon set has that wow factor, plus so much more to love.
We love that everything comes nestled into a latched carrying case for organization and portability.
What our tester says:My arts-and-crafts-loving 5-year-old went crazy for this kit.
Right around the time he got it, we discoveredkids' drawing tutorialson YouTube.
It’s been so much fun to watch his skills grow by leaps and bounds.
What our tester says:Everyone in our familyyes, even the adultshave these scooters.
They’re fun for the whole crew!
It’s a mesmerizing light show that even the adults in the house will covet.
Eventually, he dozes off in the process.
It’s been a total game changer for bedtime!
What our tester says:My 5-year-old literally jumps up and down when I take his Osmo sets out.
The pieces are detailed and well made, plus easy for little hands to grasp.
You’ll have to be prepared for constant requests for more sets to add to the collection.
But hey, at least you’ll always have an easy answer when someone asks what your child wants.
We have a whole corner of our playroom dedicated to Playmobil at this point!
Add this book to the 5-year-old’s list.
What our tester says:We love this personalized book so much.
I’ve actually seen an improvement in my child’s focus since we brought this into our home!
It couldn’t be easier to play, either.
Each players simply spins the wheel to determine what color foam stepping stone to jump to.
As expected, the game version was a huge hit!
