Top Gifts for 5Yr Old: The Ultimate Guide for Parents

Ah, 5-year-olds. The age when your little one is almost a big kid but still holds on to a healthy dose of toddler energy (and stubbornness). If you’re on the hunt for the fun gifts for a 5-year-old, you’re probably navigating a world of endless options: toys that promise to spark creativity, build brains, and maybe, just maybe, keep them occupied for more than 5 minutes. No pressure, right?

Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best toys that align with children's interests and developmental needs. These toys also make excellent birthday gifts, providing both entertainment and educational value for a 5-year-old. These picks cover everything from active play to STEM learning, imaginative play, and even some quiet time activities. So, if you’re looking to surprise your 5-year-old with something they’ll actually love (and you won’t mind picking up at the end of the day), read on!

Active Play & Outdoor Toys

Because, let’s be real: no one has more energy than a 5-year-old. Active toys are perfect for engaging and energetic play for children, keeping them active and entertained for hours. These toys are also designed to withstand rough play from active 5-year-olds, ensuring they remain durable and long-lasting.

Poppyseed Play Ultimate Climbing Set

If your kid is constantly doing flips on your sofa, this Ultimate Climbing Set is your ticket to getting them to channel that energy into something productive (and a bit safer). This set includes a ramp, slide, and climbing structure—perfect for encouraging active play that develops coordination, strength, and balance. Plus, it folds up for easy storage (which is a parent’s dream). The Ultimate Climbing Set is likely to be a huge hit with children who love to climb and explore.

Ayeboovi Velcro Ball and Catch Game

Looking for a way to get your 5-year-old outside and active? The Ayeboovi Velcro Ball and Catch Game is perfect for burning off energy while improving hand-eye coordination. This set includes two velcro mitts and a soft ball, designed to stick to the mitts for easy catching (no more chasing stray balls!). It's a simple yet addictive game that’s great for playdates, family time, or just an afternoon in the backyard. Plus, the lightweight, durable design means your little one can play indoors or outdoors without worrying about broken windows (trust me, we’ve all been there). This is one of those toys that’s easy to pick up, hard to put down, and even harder to tire of. Perfect for kids who love a little competition, or just want to show off their catching skills!

Poppyseed Play Wooden Balance Board

For the kiddo who’s constantly running, jumping, or just in need of a new challenge, this Wooden Balance Board is a game-changer. It's a simple, yet versatile piece that promotes balance, coordination, and core strength. Your 5-year-old can use it for all sorts of fun activities, from balancing and rocking to imaginative play. It’s the perfect tool for getting them moving indoors—without knocking over your coffee cup in the process.

Poppyseed Play Mini Balance Bundle

If you’re looking for a complete balance and coordination package, the Mini Balance Bundle is the way to go. This set includes a balance beam and stepping stones, providing all the tools your 5-year-old needs to build an ultimate obstacle course and improve motor skills while having a blast. These open ended toys are perfect for building confidence and strength through active play, all while making sure your 5-year-old stays entertained for hours.

STEM & Educational Toys

Because, who says learning can’t be fun? A magnifying glass can turn any STEM and educational toy into an exciting tool for exploration and discovery, making learning enjoyable for children. Some of these toys are also suitable for older kids who are advancing beyond preschool age, providing them with opportunities to further develop their creativity, cooperation, and fine motor skills.

KiwiCo Baking & Fractions Project Kit

For the kid who loves to bake and also loves a good math challenge, the KiwiCo Baking & Fractions Project Kit is a sweet way to combine the two. This kit teaches kids about fractions through hands-on baking—measure, mix, and learn while whipping up some delicious treats. It’s a tasty way to introduce early math concepts, and the best part? You get to eat the results.

KiwiCo Microscope Exploration Set

Little scientists will be absolutely fascinated by the KiwiCo Microscope Exploration Set. It comes with everything they need to explore the microscopic world—like leaves, bugs, and crystals—without the need for a fancy lab coat (though I wouldn’t blame them if they wanted to wear one). It’s a hands-on way to spark curiosity and get them thinking scientifically. Plus, it’ll give you a few quiet moments while they’re investigating the wonders of the teeny-tiny world.

Fat Brain Toys Timber Planks 300-Piece Set

Want to get your 5-year-old thinking like an engineer? The Timber Planks Set lets kids build, balance, and create with 300 wooden planks. From towers to bridges, this set encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Warning: You may find yourself sneaking in some playtime after the kids are in bed—it’s that fun (and yes, you’ll be just as proud of the structures as they are).

Imaginative & Pretend Play

Because no one’s too old for a little pretend play, especially when stuffed animals enhance imaginative play for young children.

Melissa & Doug School Time Classroom Play Set

If you’ve got a kid who loves playing “teacher,” the School Time Classroom Play Set from Melissa & Doug will be an instant hit. Complete with a chalkboard, a little teacher’s desk, and all the accessories needed for running their pretend classroom, this set lets them take on the role of the educator and, maybe, give you a few assignments of your own. Who knew a toy could teach time management?

National Geographic Kids Fort Building Kit

Who doesn’t love a good fort? This Fort Building Kit takes fort-making to the next level with its poles, connectors, and easy-to-follow instructions. Your 5-year-old can build their dream hideout while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. And hey, you might even get to enjoy some quiet time while they’re in their “fortress of solitude” (or at least until they need a snack).

Magna-Tiles Downhill Race 40-Piece Set

If your 5-year-old loves building and racing, the Magna-Tiles Downhill Race 40-Piece Set is an absolute must-have! This set combines the magic of Magna-Tiles with a downhill track, allowing kids to build their own tracks and watch cars zoom down with thrilling speed. It's a great way to introduce concepts like engineering and physics, as they experiment with angles, slopes, and gravity while designing their racecourse. The magnetic tiles snap together easily, making it simple for even younger builders to get started. Whether your little one is a future architect or just loves watching things zoom, this set is perfect for hours of open-ended, creative play. And of course, the "zooming cars" are sure to win any kid’s heart!

Creative & Artistic Play

For the little artist in your life, consider a classic toy that brings back nostalgic childhood memories and is experiencing a resurgence. These toys cater to the interests and needs of young kids in early developmental stages, making them perfect for engaging and beneficial learning and play.

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

If you have a budding artist on your hands, the Crayola Inspiration Art Case is a perfect gift that will keep them occupied and inspire hours of creativity. Packed with over 140 pieces—including crayons, markers, colored pencils, and paper—this all-in-one art set makes it easy for your 5-year-old to dive into any artistic project, whether it’s a coloring book, homemade card, or free-form doodles. The best part? It comes in a convenient case, so everything stays neatly organized (and hopefully off your walls). Whether they’re experimenting with color or learning how to shade, these art kits will help them build those fine motor skills while having a blast.

Where’s Waldo? The Magnificent Mini Boxed Set

While this one isn’t technically an “art” toy, it’s definitely one that will tap into your child’s creativity and attention to detail. Where’s Waldo? challenges kids to find Waldo in intricate, colorful scenes. It’s a great activity for boosting concentration, and hey, it might give you a few quiet minutes (you know, until your 5-year-old excitedly announces they found him...again).

Screen-Free Activity

Because, sometimes, a break from screens is the best gift of all, and finding a great gift that aligns with the interests and developmental milestones of 5-year-olds can make all the difference.

Yoto Player

The Yoto Player is a screen-free audio player that lets kids listen to stories, songs, and educational content by simply inserting a Yoto Card. It’s the perfect way to entertain your 5-year-old during car rides, quiet time, or even as part of their bedtime routine. The best part? It’s fully kid-controlled, so you won’t have to worry about them accidentally “binge-watching” something they shouldn’t.

Games for the Whole Family

Pressman Charades for Kids

Ready to get the whole family involved? Whether it's a classic board game or a lively round of Charades for Kids, these engaging and age-appropriate games are perfect to break the ice and get everyone laughing. This kid-friendly version of the classic game helps kids practice communication, creativity, and social skills as they act out animals, actions, and other fun prompts. Trust me, it’s impossible not to giggle when they start pretending to be a monkey or a robot.

Zingo! Word Builder

When it comes to gifts for 5-year-olds, educational toys that also keep kids entertained are a win-win. Enter ThinkFun Zingo Builder, a game that takes the classic Zingo game and adds a creative twist. It’s not just about matching words—this version helps kids build early reading skills while developing critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills. Players will engage with colorful tiles to form words, all while building something fun with each turn. It’s ideal for kids who are ready to start learning how to read, but still want a game that feels like pure fun.

Wrapping It Up:

So there you have it, folks—a curated list of the best gifts for 5-year-olds that will keep them engaged, learning, and having fun all year round. These popular toys and gifts make for the perfect Christmas present or birthday gift, bringing joy and excitement to children during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for something active, educational, creative, or just plain silly, there’s something here for every little personality. Happy shopping, and may your 5-year-old enjoy their new favorite toy (and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a few moments of peace while they’re playing).