Choosing the best toys for 5 year olds needn’t be a daunting task.
At the age of five children are physically stronger, can run faster, balance on one leg, and throw further, so they may especially enjoy outdoor toys. They love to win and be the best – so birthday gifts and top Christmas toys with a competitive edge can also be a good choice.
As well as physical changes, 5 year olds are going through intellectual and emotional changes too. Child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin told us, “This is a period of great intellectual growth as your child begins to grasp more abstract ideas, like numbers, time and distance”
Some children at the age of 5 are now ready to start to read. So educational toys or books that help build towards this stage are good. However, it’s important not to pressure your child into learning to read. Don’t push it unless they are interested in learning how. ‘It’s important to realise children develop at different speeds both physically and mentally,’ Dr Pat explains.
At this age children often develop their own interests – like cars, animals, characters, space, dolls, or princesses. They may even start to collect things.Children of this age will happily spend long periods of time playing with friends. So open-ended toys that allow for imaginative play, storytelling and creativity are great for just letting kids be kids and play in their own way.
Best toys for 5 year olds
Frog Frenzy
1. Frog Frenzy
Age suitability: 4+ | Batteries required: None
The aim of this game is to see who can eat the most balls. Similar to Hungry Hippos, each person has to control a colorful frog and scoop up all the balls to win. It’s simple to follow and a lot of fun for up to four players. A simple game with not a screen in sight, it will keep kids suitably entertained and adults will have fun playing it too.
‘A toy like this is easy for little kids to follow the rules and play,’ says Emily, mum to Bethany and William. ‘It is surprisingly fun for such a simple game too. Under £10, I think it’s great value and makes for a good birthday gift for a 5 year old.’
John Lewis keyboard
2. John Lewis Keyboard
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: Yes
This electric keyboard comes with 8 different instrument sounds. The 49 keys are able to play the Piano, Organ, Trumpet, E. Piano, Bass Guitar, Xylophone, Music Box and E. Guitar. This means kids can switch between traditional piano and more adventurous sounds.
‘I like the way kids can hold the sides of this keyboard to move it around the house easily,’ says Gemma, mum to Oliver and Sienna. ‘It makes it much more space saving that designs you can buy with legs.’
Junior Ride On
3. Huffy Green Machine Junior Ride On
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: No
A standard bike or a balance bike makes for a great gift idea, but we think this Junior Ride On is a much more unique present. The Ride On lets you drift, slide and do 180-degree spins, which is super fun for young girls and boys.
It comes with dual-stick steering that gives you a powerful drive and the extra wide rear wheels mean you can do fast-circling spins. A front coaster brake lets you stop whenever you like. It’s for age 5 and over and takes a maximum user weight up to 35kg. ‘This is a great toy for the garden,’ says Jenny, mum to Logan and Becky. ‘My two would love playing with all sorts of equipment outside and this would go down a treat.’
Ryans World Locker Surprise
4. Ryan’s World Locker Surprise
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
Kids seem to idolise YouTube sensation Ryan from Ryan’s World and this Locker World Surprise is just one of the many Ryan’s World-branded toys you can buy in the range.
Kids can have fun turning the lock to discover up to 14 surprises inside. These include toys such UV pen, which they can use to write on some ‘UV ooze’ – also in the locker. With lots of colorful illustrations and cubby holes to explore, kids will be suitably pleased. For any Ryan’s World fans, there’s also the Ryan’s World Mystery Treasure Chest you can find featured in our Best toys for 4 year olds round up too.
Leapfrog Globe
5. LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: Yes
This Leapfrog Magic Adventures Globe is a great way to help kids understand their place in the world and discover other countries. The 10-inch interactive globe includes a 2.7” integrated video screen on the base. Kids can use this to navigate the controls and on-board offering. Animations and action videos on the screen will keep kids engaged as the globe asks questions, offers information and sets challenges,
The on-board games include Around the World, Quiz Show and Where in the World. The latter game sees kids having to find certain countries and placed on the map – pinpointing them with the on-board stylus. ‘This interactive toy is very engaging and my kids and any children we have over for playdates we have seem to gravitate towards it,’ says Gemma, mum to Oliver and Sienna. ‘It has definitely taught my kids some useful facts about the world too.’
Black Panther Marvel
6. LEGO 76186 Marvel Black Panther Dragon Flyer
Age suitability: Officially 8+ | Batteries required: No
One of the latest releases from Lego, the Marvel Black Panther Dragon Flyer is suitable from age 8 and up, but there’s no reason an adult can’t help a 5 year old put it together and have fun in the process. If your 5 year old is a Marvel fan they will love playing with it too. Once assembled, your 5 year old will love showing it off to friends and displaying it in their room too.
It includes 202 pieces and has 3 minifigures inside including a black panther, his siter Shuri and an “evil Chitauri warrior”. On board the Wakandan flyer there are 4 adjustable wings that move forward, backward and up and down. There is such a wide range of Lego to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with an entertaining piece such as this.
Super Hero Cape
7. Super Hero Cape
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
Every kid will love to be a super hero at one point or another and this Super Hero Cape lets them design their own cape. It comes with a mix of retro super hero and comic strip icons, and there are seven fabric pens in the kit, so kids can get creative and colorful designing their own cape. A practise sheet comes included too so they can have a go at working out how they want to color their cape before they actually do.
If you want to create an even more unique gift for a 5 year old, you can opt for the personalised option and have their name printed on the cape. The great thing about this cape is that the colors won’t fade and lose their vibrancy either.
VIEW AT NOT ON THE HIGH STREET | £26
Swingball
8. Swingball All Surface
Age suitability: Any age | Batteries required: No
Hundreds of these bestselling tennis toys are sold every week as parents and children alike continue to enjoy this fun outdoor game. With an adjustable pole to make it suitable for all ages, this well-loved outdoor favourite is ideal for kids, adults and competitive families alike.
The great thing about this set is that it’s so durable it can be left out in the garden for most of the year. Its base can be filled with earth or sand so it stays secure enough to the ground too. ‘This is a great way to get kids used to the idea of hitting a ball with a bat,’ says Emily, mum to Bethany and William. ‘My kids enjoy playing with it and practising their skills, and as the ball is tied to a string there is no need for us to run over to the neighbours to retrieve any rogue balls.’
Vtech Kidizoom
9. VTech Kidizoom 5.0 Megapixel Duo Children’s Camera with 4GB SD Card
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: Yes
This kid’s camera is perfect for budding snappers who are fascinated with photography and are just itching to get their hands on their own camera. Children can take photos and videos and add fun effects, stamps and frames to their snaps and store them all on the 4GB SD Card that’s included with the kit.
What we love most about this design is how robust it is and won’t get damaged by any knocks and bumps. It comes with a durable cover that comes in a pink and purple version too. Vtech sells a range of cameras for kids and it’s worth checking out the Vtech Kidizoom Studio when your child gets a little older.
Search and Find Princesses
10. Search and Find Princesses
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: Yes
From princess carriages and palaces, to sparkling jewels and animal friends, the Search and Find books comes in all themes. Children age 5 and up will love to search and find over 1,000 different things in these full colour activity books. A gift like this will keep 5 year olds entertained every time they open it and try and search inside. ‘My kids love these books and always find a character they hadn’t seen before,’ says Emily, mum to William and Bethany. ‘We’re collecting the range and have also found some similar search and find books including a fun Where’s Wally: The Search and Find for Lost Things book on paperback.’
K’nex
11. K’Nex 18025 Click and Construct Value Building Set
Age suitability: 7+ | Batteries required: No
Children will be able to create and build over 35 different models and designs with this K’nex starter kit that includes over 500 different pieces. The models vary in difficulty so kids can start off with simple designs before trying their hand at something a bit more tricky. While the box states that it’s suitable for 7 years and above, we can’t see any reason why a 5 year old can’t play with it and enjoy it just as much. ‘This toy is great for developing fine motor skills,’ says Catherine, mum to Oliver. ‘My son always asks me to help him build something new with the K’Nex every time we play with them – be it an aeroplane, car or train.’
Paper Dolls
12. Make & Colour Paper Dolls
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
This paper doll craft book comes complete with two press-out dolls. It also has pages full of clothing and accessories to colour in that the figures can then be dressed up in. Children will love releasing their creativity and playing imaginatively with this book, which is why it has made it onto our list of best toys for 5 year olds.
On the subject of paper dolls, you may even like to take a look at Julia Donaldson’s wonderful book The Paper Dolls, which is also sure to be a hit with a 5 year old.
Eeboo Sloth in a Hurry
13. eeBoo Sloth in a Hurry Board Game
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: No
This quick-action game gets everyone up, active and laughing. Easy to learn and play, this is a confidence building game that asks children to use their imaginations and act out scenes based on who, what and how.
Players need to take turns drawing the who and what card, and then spin for the how. It’s easy and quick for a 5 year old to pick up and lots of fun. eeBoo has a number of other board games you may also like to try including the eBoo Spottington Looking Game.
Learning Resources
14. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No | Price: £37
This toy is great for sparking curiosity and introducing children to scientific concepts such as common science vocabulary, observation, cause-and-effect and basic science lab safety. Get hands-on with the wonders of chemistry and science using real science laboratory equipment made especially for kids.
‘My boy loves anything to do with experiments and messy play,’ says Lindsay, mum to Arlo. ‘This set is the perfect way to get him interested in science as it comes with 10 activity cards to follow and all the kit you need to conduct an experiment.’
Mammoth Maths
15. Orchard Toys Mammoth Maths Game
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
This game is great for developing addition and subtraction skills, strategic thinking skills and encourages learning to take turns. It’s ideal for helping children to practice their numeracy skills, including addition and subtraction, all in a fun and appealing game with prehistoric characters.
The game can be played with up to 4 players and is good for both children beginning to get to grips with maths and those who are more confident with numbers.
Playmobil Country Pony Farm
16. Playmobil Horse Tack Shop
Age suitability: 4+ | Batteries required: No
For any child that loves horses, this Playmobil set is sure to be a hit. It includes a host of figures and characters for imaginary play including 3 figures, 3 horses, 2 lockable stables and a flexible fence. The set includes a stables to build along with accessories to make the set come to life including a ladder, a pond, ponies and horses. There are in fact 194-pieces in the set, which also comes with instructions on how to put the set together.
Na Na Na Surprise 2-in-1 Fashion Doll & Metallic Purse
17. Ari Prism Na Na Na Surprise Glam Series
Age suitability: 4+ | Batteries required: No
There’s nothing more exciting for a 5 year old than to open a gift with a shiny new doll inside such as this Na Na Na Surprise Glam Series version. That’s why we’ve included this luxury doll in our round up of best toys for 5 year olds.
This Ari Prism Prismatic Silver Dress 2-in-1 doll is one of the latest designs from Na Na Na Surprise and measures 19.05cm. It comes with a matching metallic fabric purse with a clip to attach that can be attached to a backpack.
‘My daughter loves to collect these Na Na Na fashion dolls,’ says Gemma, mum to Sienna and Oliver. ‘There are 6 dolls to collection and each one comes in their own box with window so you can see exactly what you’re buying. Each doll also has a matching purse, which gives the gift a little more value and ideal for a birthday present.’
Scruff a Luvs
18. Little Live Pets Scruff-a-Luvs Cutie Cuts
Age suitability: 4+ | Batteries required: Yes
For a 5 year old who is really into animals, this Little Live Pets Scruff-a-Luvs Cutie Cuts will be a welcome surprise.
The kit includes a ‘Messy Mutt’ inside, who is ready to be pampered just as they would in a pet salon. There’s either a Yorkie or Frenchie dog inside and the set includes some toy clippers that can trim the hair off the puppy with gentle upward strokes – you don’t need to worry as the clippers aren’t real, of course.
The pup can also be washed and groomed using the accessories in the box, which includes a straightener, comb, collar and name tag and other hair-styling goodies. Kids can then use the fur clippings to stuff a pillow that the pup can then sit on.
Micro Scooter
19. Maxi Micro Deluxe Foldable LED Scooter in Navy
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: No
Ideal for 5-year-olds and up, the Maxi Micro Deluxe scooter comes with a foldable scooter body. This makes it easy to carry, store and fold up for the boot of the car. It carries a rider height from 110cm to 152cm and has light-up LED front wheels, which makes it easy for you to see your child at dusk and also even more fun and magical for them to ride. All this and more makes it a firm favorite in our round up of best toys for 5 year olds in 2021.
A tough anodised stem and grippy footplate makes it easy to scoot and stop, so kids can balance and glide with ease. The 3-wheel scooter comes in a range of colors too including purple, pink, blue and red. Meanwhile the adjustable handlebars grow with the child, so you can be reassured that they’ll be able to make good use of it for a good few years after they turn 5.
Britains Farm in a Box
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
Country kids as well as those accustomed to the town will love this quirky Farm in a Box toy. Inside the box kids can have fun making and playing with the 1:32 scale tractor and trailer as well as the milking parlour, stables and farm backdrop. There are also two gates, two cows and two calves in the box. ‘A traditionally-inspired toy such as this makes a real change from all the techy toys you can find these days,’ says Emily, mum to Bethany and William. ‘It’s fun to put together and makes for the ideal backdrop for any farm animal figurines a child may collect.’
Little Cooks Co
21. Little Cook Co Kids Baking Kit
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No
While it’s not a toy as such, a subscription to a Little Cook Co Kids Baking Kit makes for a great gift for a child – and one that keeps on giving month after month at that. Once you subscribe, kids will receive a box each month with everything included inside to make either a sweet treat or a savory one.
Inside the box kids will receive all the dry ingredients needed to make a specific recipe – be it jammy biscuits or doughnuts – with details and step-by-step instructions also in the box. All the dry ingredients come pre-measured so there’s no need to faff about worrying about having to measure everything. There’s also a little record book and stickers in the box and a little extra such as seeds for planting, for example.
VIEW AT LITTLE COOKS CO | £8.33 per box
My Living World Bug Explorer Activity Kit
22. My Living World Bug Explorer Activity Kit
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: No | Price: £12.99
This bestselling kit is great for kids who love to spend time in the garden hunting for critters and children who are fascinated by bugs! This kit will help children capture and study bugs to help their interest in the natural world grow. Learning about the garden and how to care for all the insects, animals, flora and fauna you may come across outside is great for their wellbeing too. The box contains a host of insect hunting tools and a fact-filled guide too, which is why we’ve included it in our round up of best toys for 5 year olds.
Glow Stars
23. Brainstorm Toys Glow Stars and Dinosaurs
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No | Price: £4.99
No kid’s room is complete without a bunch of glow stars adding interest and magic to their ceiling. We love these Brainstorm Toys Glow Stars and Dinosaurs, which is a themed take on classic stick on stars. The company also sells other themes such as Fairies, Planets, Mermaids and Unicorns, which we think would all go down well as a great gift for a 5 year old.
‘These stickers are really easy to peel off and stick and won’t lose their stickiness,’ says Jenny, mum to Logan and Becky. ‘My kids enjoyed helping me put them on the walls and ceiling of their bedroom and turning off the lights to see the stickers glow in the dark.’
Squishville
24. Squishville Rainbow Dream Squad
Age suitability: 3+ | Batteries required: No | Price: £14.99
Little kids love to squeeze and play with sensory toys – be it a squishy mashem or a pot of slime – which is why we think a Squishville makes for a fail-safe fun toy for a 5 year old. Squishville by Squishmallow is a plush toy world of playsets, vehicles and characters to collect. There are five characters in the ‘Wildlife Squad’ for example, each with their unique design. Not only do they look cute, but they are very squishable and fun to play with. The Rainbow Dream Squad is a 6 pack of mini 5cm ‘squishmallows’ to collect, which is currently particularly popular with 5 year olds.
Play Like Mum
25. Play Like Mum Daisy Chain Destiny Travel System Dolls Pram
Age suitability: 5+ | Batteries required: No
You’ll be hard pressed to find a 5 year old who doesn’t like pushing a toy around the room – be it a mini shopping trolley, buggy, cart or pram. We love the Play Like mum range, which includes this Daisy Chain Destiny Travel System Dolls Pram, and it’s a firm favorite in our round up of best toys for 5 year olds. Available in either classic blue or pink, kids will love pushing this traditional-style dolls pram around the house and garden.
It comes with adjustable handles that can be moved from 54-87cm to suit the child, and the pram also converts into a pushchair. There’s a host of accessories you can add to later down the line too, including a tote bag, umbrella and even the Susie Interactive Doll.
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Best toys for 5 years olds
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