The 38 Best Gifts for Five-Year-Old Boys of 2023

No longer toddlers but not yet big kids, five-year-olds are often giant balls of energy. The right gift can help them channel that energy and develop their physical and intellectual skills.

Whether their interests lean towards STEM, sports, arts and crafts, superheroes, cars, or anything else, there’s a great gift for the five-year-old in your life. Once you've found something in their interest, consider the gift's durability, ease of cleaning, and function. Nothing will top a gift that they can use again and again every day. We researched popular options with these features in mind.

Here are our favorite picks for the best gifts for five-year-old boys.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Learning Resources

Affordable, durable, and easy to use, we love this STEM toy for its overall value. Made for ages four and up, it encourages kids to learn how to code with screen-free play. Following the included storybook, kids will solve STEM problems and build new skills. It also has a play mode, which will engage kids in pretend pet play where they feed, walk, and pet the included dogs, Ranger and Zip. Even if your kid isn't into STEM, this is a great toy to help them learn the responsibilities of caring for his own pet and allows them to build their independence and sense of responsibility. Reviewers note that the toy is very durable, and they love how it inspires fun while still being educational.

Price at time of publication: $40

Courtesy of Amazon

A fun, multi-sensory, open-ended STEM toy, these flexible building toys fold, bend, flip, and then snap together with integrated magnets. The 42-piece set includes a quick start guide to get the imaginative juices flowing.

Price at time of publication: $70

Courtesy of Loog

An ideal first guitar, this beautifully crafted three-string guitar comes ready to play. Sized just right for little hands and bodies, it comes with flashcards for chord diagrams and access to Loog’s guitar app that’s made for kids.

Price at time of publication: $89

Courtesy of Primary

Made out of 100% recycled materials, this puffer coat is perfect in chilly temperatures and a useful layer when the days get frigid. Parents love that it’s machine-washable, and kids love the navy/rainbow styling. Available in sizes from 2 to 12, there’s a puffer jacket for any size.

Price at time of publication: $68

Courtesy of Doodle Hog

A wonderful addition to arts and crafts supplies, these eight dotting markers have a simple twist-off cap, are sized just right, dry quickly, and are fully washable. The set comes with an activity guide filled with lots of fun ideas to get your little artist started.

Price at time of publication: $18

LEGO City Tractor

Introduce your kiddo to the world of LEGO with an age-appropriate kit that will be fun and frustration-free. Kids will love making their own LEGO tractor and have fun playing with the vehicle, two mini figures, and other farm gear.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Target

Your crew will have a blast with this silly, fast-moving game. Simply place the spaghetti pieces across the bowl, put the Yeti on top, and carefully remove each piece of spaghetti without the Yeti falling in the bowl. Each round takes minutes and will get lots of laughs.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of Plus Plus

Unleash your child’s creativity (and join in the fun) with this 100-piece set of oversized Plus-Plus blocks. Kids can build either 3D or 2D creations and there are enough blocks to play alone or with a friend.

Price at time of publication: $43

Courtesy of Lil Gadgets

Sized just right for kids, these headphones come in six bright colors. They include a built-in splitter, so it’s easy to share the sound. Designed with kids in mind, the max volume is set at 93 decibels, so they’re safe for little ears.

Price at time of publication: $25

Amazon

Channel excitement to use scissors into a useful learning guide. This innovative activity pad comes with a pair of kid-sized scissors. The 20-page book features a wide range of cutting activities and will help your kiddo with fine motor and cognitive skills.

Price at time of publication: $8

Courtesy of Tooth Brigade

At five years old, your kid may just be entering the wiggly-tooth phase. Help ease any concerns with a helpful book that follows three friends as they assist the Tooth Fairy. The set comes with a Tooth Tracker and a cute stuffie that has room for teeth and any surprises the Tooth Fairy leaves behind.

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

Younger kids may have trouble expressing their emotions, so this Big Feelings Pineapple can help them strengthen their social-emotional skills. The two-sided fruit comes with 26 facial expressions, from smiles to frowns; attach them to show different emotions.

Price at time of publication: $11

4.9

Courtesy of Amazon

Hit the road on everyone’s favorite kick scooter. Affordable, foldable, and adjustable, the Razor A is popular for good reason. Easy to ride, the scooter comes in eight colors and will provide endless hours of fun outside.

Price at time of publication: $50

Courtesy of Rawlings

Ideal for first-time players, this baseball glove is durable, lightweight, and easy to open and close. Choose from a lefty or righty, a variety of colors, and glove sizes. Each glove comes with a soft training ball.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of In Kidz

Teach your kid all about Black history in an educational, fun, and culturally relevant way. The big-box includes workbooks, games, puzzles, and much more, mostly sourced from Black-owned businesses. If your child enjoys learning this way, there are boxes from lots of other cultures and countries available.

Price at time of publication: $49

Courtesy of Walmart

Kids will head outside once they get their very own stomp rocket. Fully kid-powered, this fun toy needs no batteries, screens, or anything besides an active kid. Run, jump, and stomp to launch each of the four foam-tipped rockets in the air.

Price at time of publication: $23

Pottery Barn Kids

Create a cozy reading, playing, or chilling-out spot with your kid’s own chair. Ridiculously lightweight, you can easily transport the chair from one room to another easily. Super soft, the slipcover can be personalized so everyone knows who sits where!

Price at time of publication: $129

Courtesy of RioRand

Build a dress-up collection in an instant with this superhero set that includes five colorful capes, masks, and matching slap bracelets. Fun alone or with a friend, your little guy will be fully outfitted and ready to save the day!

Price at time of publication: $30

Amazon

The little superhero in your life will love saving the world with Spider-Man and his Spider-Buddies. The multiverse doesn't stand a chance!

Price at time of publication: $28

Courtesy of Amazon

Spark a love for science and the outdoors with this talking microscope. There are over 60 slides with detailed photos of space, nature, and more. Bonus: the voice you hear is Bindi Irwin!

Price at time of publication: $55

Amazon

Perfect for a little one with a sweet tooth! This 28-piece set comes with several ice cream flavors, toppings, cones, a reusable menu, and more. It's just like going to the ice cream parlor without having to leave the house.

Price at time of publication: $65

4.6

Amazon

Got a kid who follows you around while you're doing chores, insisting on holding the (very heavy!) vaccuum or dustpan? Get them their own set of cleaning supplies! This Melissa & Doug set is meant for pretend play, so you may still have to clean up after your kid when they're done.

Price at time of publication: $43

Amazon

What more could a kid ask for than this giant, plush platypus! It's ultra-soft for all kinds of snuggling, with a cheery tie-dye pattern that will brighten any mood.

Price at time of publication: $25

Target

This crystal kit combines the wonder and magic of science with creativity. Kids can watch their own crystal "trees" grow right before their eyes in the colors they choose. This kit is a great introduction to chemistry and geology.

Price at time of publication: $12

Walmart

This Monster Jam Playset lives up to its name at two feet high and over four feet wide. There's plenty of space for your stunts. It also has plenty of lights and sounds. The set comes with a truck but has storage for 25 more.

Price at time of publication: $50

Walmart

Teach them how to build and repair items by encouraging imaginary play at this workbench. It features 22 pieces, including a powerdrill, hammer, and more.

Price at time of publication: $60

Target

This Lego set features a dino and other characters from Jurassic World. Kids can build their own treehouse/observation tower to keep an eye out for incoming dinos. Don't forget the getaway car!

Price at time of publication: $40

Target

Watch out, Mario and Luigi, the piranha plant is out to get you! Kids can play this board game by themselves or with friends. They roll the dice and move around the board. Don't get attacked by the piranha plant!

Price at time of publication: $20

Pottery Barn

What's cooler than superhero sheets? Glow-in-the-dark superhero sheets! From Spider-Man to Thor, these sheets include all of your child's favorite Avengers. Bonus: They are made with soft, organic cotton.

Price at time of publication: $23 for standard pillowcase

Fat Brain Toys

This light and flexible modeling clay comes in a variety of colors, and the kit also pairs with an app that serves as a guide to clay modeling for kids. When the creations are finished, let them dry, and then your kids can play with them like figurines.

4.8

With the Spooner Balane Board, your kid can practice all the moves a skateboarder or snowboarder can do. The board is designed for beginners, and the company says kids as young as three can use it to simulate spins, twists, and slides.

Price at time of publication:$45

Walmart

Kids can forget the night light once they have a moon in their room. This education toy isn't your ordinary night light though, it also teaches your child about the phases of the moon. Each phase can light up with the touch of a button or remote control. Moon attaches to your child's wall.

Price at time of publication: $20

Walmart

Usually, parents will try to steer their kids clear of those claw machine games that just take their money, but now you don't have to! Bring the claw machine to your home. This cute, dinosaur-themed claw machine game comes with some prizes, but parents can refill with whatever their kids like. No money needed!

Price at time of publication: $60

Walmart

Kids can use these colorful walkie talkies with friends as they play hide-and-seek, or parents can use them to call their kids downstairs for dinner. The two-way radios are long-range, voice-activated, and equipped with a flashlight.

Price at time of publication: $31

Amazon

This head-to-head tabletop hockey game is controlled by magnets underneath the board. It teaches your kids not only coordination and dexterity, but also about how magnets work. First player to six goals wins!

Price at time of publish: $25

Amazon

This drawing set has everything your little artist needs to learn how to draw animals. It comes with 10 colored pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a sketch pad, and a learn-to-draw book. The best part? It all fits nicely into a box, so nothing will get lost.

Price at time of publication: $13

Courtesy of Target

We all know how much kids love to build forts. This set lets them build and re-build whatever their imagination creates. Rods and connectors help put the forts together. Once kids put together the frame, cover it with a sheet, and the fun begins! Plus, the rods and connectors glow in the dark!

Price at time of publication: $70

Target

This super-cool STEM toy allows children to construct their own tracks for their marbles to follow. It comes with 41 construction pieces and eight glow-in-the-dark marbles. Plus, it connects with other NatGeo Marble Run kits. Best part for parents? It comes with a storage bag to keep everything together!

Price at time of publication: $25

What to Look for in Gifts for Five-Year-Old Boys

Activity

Five-year-old boys tend to be on the move. This high activity level includes both their minds and bodies. So, look for gifts that engage them physically and/or intellectually. Cars they can zoom around their room, stomp rockets, balls, scooters, other sports equipment, puzzles, books, learning activities, art supplies, and building sets are all great options that are sure to delight busy brains and bodies.

Fun

It goes without saying that fun toys are a hit with kids of any age, but five-year-old boys especially will appreciate gifts that offer pure fun. Think anything that has a silly side, sensory details (like sounds and lights), moving parts, and pretend play elements. It's a bonus to choose items that relate to their passions, whether that means sports, stuffed animals, diggers, or dinosaurs. Kids that age also want to be independent, so it amps up the fun if they can use the toy without parent help.

Function

Getting gifts that are useful, practical, and budget-friendly is also a great option. Five-year-old boys are changing and growing quickly, so items like clothing, backpacks, and lunch bags are always appreciated. Bedding, particularly if they are moving to a bigger bed or updating their room to a more "big kid" style, can be a fun option, too.

Again, these choices become favorite gifts if you match them to the child's interests. So, for a child who is fascinated by space, get them a sweatshirt or bedspread covered in stars.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a ten-year-old son, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year-old daughter. Her kids are super-active, so she is always looking for toys that get them outside and playing for as long as possible. She’s found that chalk, scooters, and stomp rockets are perfect for one-size-fits-all fun.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested and gifted every item we feature, and they recommend them. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: