Raising Kids Gear and Products The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys for Fun and Creativity Inspire their creativity and independent play with books, puzzles, and more By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Family / Danie Drankwalter No longer toddlers but not yet big kids, 5-year-olds are often a giant ball of energy. The right gift can help them channel that energy and develop their physical and intellectual skills. Reviewed & Approved We love the Learning Resources Coding Critters Range & Zip toy because it challenges kids to learn new skills while engaging them in pretend play. If you're looking for an open-ended toy, try the Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack. Whether their interests lean towards STEM, sports, arts and crafts, superheroes, cars, or anything else, there’s a great gift for the 5-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 5-year-old boys. Our Top Picks Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip at Amazon Jump to Review Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Loog 3-String Guitar at Amazon Jump to Review Primary Kids Puffer Jacket in Rainbow Stripe at Primary.com Jump to Review Cupcakes and Cartwheels Make Your Own Car Race Kit at Sammyandnat.com Jump to Review Doodle Hog Dab and Dot Markers at Amazon Jump to Review LEGO City Tractor at Amazon Jump to Review PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti at Amazon Jump to Review Cupcakes and Cartwheels Shark Buddy Slippers at Sammyandnat.com Jump to Review Plus Plus Big 100 Piece Set at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip Courtesy of Learning Resources View On Amazon Affordable, durable, and easy to use, we love this STEM toy for its overall value. Made for ages 4 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 their 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. Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. Loog 3-String Guitar Courtesy of Loog View On Amazon An ideal first guitar, this beautifully crafted 3 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. Primary Kids Puffer Jacket in Rainbow Stripe Courtesy of Primary View On Primary.com 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. These Are the Best Jackets for Kids to Keep Them Cozy in All Kinds of Weather Cupcakes and Cartwheels Make Your Own Car Race Kit Courtesy of Cupcakes and Cartwheels View On Sammyandnat.com A DIY kit that’s made just for 5-year-olds, this set includes two wooden pull-back cars, flags, stickers, and more. In a clever twist, the suitcase becomes a car pit stop and can store the cars when not in use. Young kids will have fun flexing their creativity in a way that results in play. Doodle Hog Dab and Dot Markers Courtesy of Doodle Hog View On Amazon View On Doodlehog.com 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. LEGO City Tractor LEGO City Tractor View On Amazon 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. The 4 Best LEGO Subscription Boxes of 2022 PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti Courtesy of Target View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Cupcakes and Cartwheels Shark Buddy Slippers Courtesy of Cupcakes and Cartwheels View On Sammyandnat.com Get your guy in cozy mode with these super-soft slip-on shark-shaped slippers. Available in two sizes, the slip-on style has flexible sizing and is sure to look cute. The 10 Best Kids' Slippers of 2022 Plus Plus Big 100 Piece Set Courtesy of Plus Plus View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond 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. The 13 Best Construction and Building Block Toys of 2022 Lil Gadgets Kids Premium Headphones Courtesy of Lil Gadgets View On Amazon 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. The Best Kids' Headphones That Always Hit the Right Note Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Pad Amazon View On Melissaanddoug.com 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. Toys for Fine Motor Skill Development Tooth Brigade Gift Set Courtesy of Tooth Brigade View On Toothbrigade.com At 5 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. Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Razor A Kick Scooter 4.9 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com 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. The 9 Best Scooters for Kids of 2022 Rawlings Player Series Youth Baseball Glove Courtesy of Rawlings View On Amazon View On Walmart Ideal for first-time players, this baseball glove is durable, lightweight, and easy to open and close. Choose from a leftie or righty, a variety of colors, and glove sizes. Each glove comes with a soft training ball. In Kidz Black History Box Courtesy of In Kidz View On Inkidzco.com 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. The Best Books About Black History for Kids Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Fatbraintoys.com 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. Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair Pottery Barn Kids View On Potterybarnkids.com 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! RioRand Super Hero Dress Up Set Courtesy of RioRand View On Amazon 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! The 11 Best Halloween Costumes for Kids of 2022 What to Look for in Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys Activity 5-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 5-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. Also, it's a bonus to choose items that relate to their passions, whether that means sports, stuffed animals, diggers, or dinosaurs. Kids this 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 fast, 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. Final Verdict Finding the right gift can be tricky. A stomp rocket (view at Amazon) is almost always a hit since it’s fun alone or with buddies. For indoor fun, an age-appropriate LEGO set (view at Amazon) or art supplies like Dab and Dot Markers (view at Amazon) are always great choices. 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 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-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. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit