:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/par-best-gifts-for-5-year-olds-tout--cc1b07dd1b5d4459b5902b3f65b2f7bf.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Toys, Games, Books, & More")
Five is a thrilling time in a kid’s life, so their presents should be equally exciting. Whether you’re shopping for special occasions like birthdays or holidays, there are more options on the market now than ever. You could opt for toys for 5-year-olds or something practical like a nice addition to their school wardrobe. Honestly, shopping for the best gifts for 5-year-olds is a lot of fun in itself.
Regardless of what sort of gift you have in mind, it’s essential to make sure you’re selecting something that helps 5-year-olds meet their developmental milestones. This could be anything from STEM toys to help them learn, active toys to get them playing outside, or gifts that facilitate pretend play.
To find the best gifts for 5-year-olds, we consulted American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to evaluate a product’s safety, age-appropriateness, design, and overall value. We also asked 875 parents what gifts their 5-year-olds love and conducted market research to see which trending gifts are appearing on wishlists everywhere.
Recall Alert
Though the Yoto Mini is not one of the products we’re recommending on this list, we want to share the latest update on a voluntary recall for Minis purchased between 2021 and 2023. The lithium-ion batteries were found to overheat, posing potential burn and fire hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While the company sought to resolve the issue by giving customers a new smart charging cable, in December 2024 it revised that solution and is instead offering replacement batteries to prevent overheating. (In some reported cases, it seems the new cables were still posing a risk of fire.) Please visit the Yoto site for more information on how to obtain one of these replacement kits. The standard Yoto player is not affected by this issue.
Our Favorite Gifts for 5-Year-Olds
The Latest Gadgets
Technology is an inevitable fact of parenting these days, but there are many options that don’t require screen time. Some of the best gifts for 5-year-olds are interactive toys that take advantage of the latest technology, including the updated version of one of our favorite smartwatches for kids and digital pets you’ll want to play with, too.
STEM Toys
We wholeheartedly believe that learning can be fun—especially when you have toys that hide the learning component. Even 5-year-olds can explore the basics of coding with the help of adorable puppies, and Bindi Irwin can be their guide as they explore space, nature, and more with a talking microscope.
Sports and Outdoor Toys
Got an energetic 5-year-old in your hands? A ninja adventure line is sure to get them on their feet and playing outside. And here’s a tried-and-tested mom tip for you: Using this set, you can easily create the most epic American Ninja Warrior-themed party!
Board Games and Puzzles
One of the best parts of your kiddo growing up is that they have longer attention spans and can finally play games that you also enjoy. Start with these board games and puzzles to enjoy some quality time together.
Room Decor
Five-year-olds are “big kids,” and as such, they crave a space they can call their own. Room decor is also a gift that the parents of five-year-olds will appreciate, especially if they already have mountains of toys.
Books
By now you probably know that 5-year-olds are endlessly curious. Help answer some of those random burning questions with National Geographic’s “Little Kids First Book of Why.”
Building Toys
Get those fine and gross motor skills going with building toys, a favorite of kids of all ages. We curated our selection based on 5-year-olds’ interests and developmental stage.
Dolls and Dollhouses
If you played with Polly Pockets as a kid, you’ll be glad to learn they’re making a comeback. The classic toy joins a lineup of imaginative dolls, including a Rainbow High doll kids can paint with watercolors and a cat-shaped Gabby’s dollhouse.
Arts and Crafts
We have a little bit of everything for the young artists in your life: modeling clay, a different way to paint, a new spin on coloring, the cutest kit to make their own bracelets, and more.
Clothing and More
If you’re looking to please the parents as well as the 5-year-olds receiving the gifts, these options are safe bets (and just as fun). We have a bath bomb set that will make bath time a blast, comfy pajamas, and the cutest umbrella ever.
Pretend Play
And we saved the best for last: toys to inspire their imaginations and give them the chance to play to their heart’s content.
Our Review Process
In our quest to find the best gifts for 5-year-olds, we started by reviewing AAP guidance regarding child development and cross-referencing that with information from the CDC about 5-year-old developmental milestones.
From there, we surveyed 875 parents about their kids’ favorite toys and what their kids enjoy most about each toy. Between that and a ton of research on trending products for little ones, new releases, and customer reviews, we finally narrowed down the list based on the following criteria:
- Age recommendations: We carefully reviewed AAP age recommendations to ensure our product picks were safe, age-appropriate, and, of course, plenty of fun. Toys meant for older kids may be frustrating or confusing so we opted for gifts that met 5-year-olds where they are developmentally.
- Design: We considered what materials were used in each option so that we could prioritize durability and longevity. But, of course, we also considered colorful and visually appealing designs.
- Value: Having kids isn’t cheap so we opted for products that maximized value and were worth every penny.
- Ease of Use: We prioritized gifts that were easy enough for a 5-year-old to understand and enjoy independently. This includes products with simplistic interfaces and image-based instructions.
How to Find the Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds
When shopping for a little one, you want to make sure the gift you select encourages proper development and makes sense for the recipient. Here are some things to consider when looking at gifts for 5-year-olds:
- Independent play: Kids at this age are becoming more independent, so looking for toys that encourage this budding autonomy is a good idea. Consider opting for a gift that can be enjoyed without a parent, like picture books or mess-free art kits.
- Educational value: Create more opportunities for little ones to learn and explore new ideas by going for a gift with educational value, like science kits, building toys, or kid-sized versions of musical instruments.
- Encouraging activity: Help little ones burn off some of their extra energy with gifts that inspire active play, like mini sports equipment, stomp rockets, and ride-on toys.
- Personal interests: Think about what your kid likes to do when choosing a gift. For example, if your child is a big Bluey fan, choose books featuring their favorite characters.
- Usefulness: A practical gift is always a good option. Consider school clothes, backpacks, or even cute bedding to help smooth the transition to a big kid bed.
Who We Are
Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and passion for smart media usage allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families.
Hildara Araya is an editor, prenatal educator, and mother of three. She has a master’s degree in journalism and over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor focusing primarily on parenting, education, e-commerce, and sustainability.
