How many toys should a 5-year-old have?

While toy stores and commercials might have you think your 5-year-old needs heaps of toys, there’s no minimum number of play things you need to occupy you child (at any age). If research on toddlers is any indication, fewer toys actually lead to longer periods of play per toy, greater focus, and more creative play.

How can toys influence a child's life?

Toys that facilitate play can help foster cognitive development. However, that’s not to say your child will suffer if you don’t purchase every toy on their wish list. After all, toys aren’t vital for kids—playing is.

What skills are 5-year-olds still learning?

Five-year-olds are learning self-control, emotion regulation, refined fine and gross motor skills, and the difference between right and wrong. Since most kids enter kindergarten at this age, they will continue to work on these skills throughout the year.

The 38 Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds of 2023

Best Toys for Five-Year-Olds — Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang

If you've ever been around a 5-year-old, you know they seem to have endless energy, and as a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to keep them busy. Toys can help do some of the work for you by providing kids with an outlet to be creative and active. The best toys for 5-year-olds are safe, age-appropriate, engage their interests, and challenge them to expand their physical, social, and mental skills.

From DIY experiments to magnetic building blocks to bikes and more, there's a toy out there perfect for every child. If you need help finding a toy that suits their interests ask friends and neighbors and look at trending items online. Other features to look for include durability, ease of cleaning, and budget. We researched popular toys with these helpful features in mind.

Here are the best toys for 5-year-olds on the market.

Our Top Picks

The Dough Project DIY Mix at Thedoughproject.com

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Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe at Amazon

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Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set at Amazon

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Insect Lore Butterfly Growing Kit at Amazon

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Kess Light Up Drop Dot Balls at Myshopify.com

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FUNBOY Rocketship Sprinkler at Funboy.com

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ThinkFun Traffic Jam Logic Game at Amazon

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Last Stop on Market Street at Amazon

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Discovery Kids Magnetic Tiles Construction Set at Amazon

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LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of The Dough Project

We love this pick since it takes a classic toy and adds a DIY challenge. Made for ages 3 and up, this kit allows you and your child to make their own playdough. It comes in six different colors and is made with all-natural and plant-based ingredients, so you know it's safe for your kid. All you need to do is add water and oil to mix up your playdough, but it does require a parent to use the stove for the recipe. The DIYing part allows kids to feel like a little chef or scientist, mixing up all of the ingredients. Meanwhile, the finished playdough will inspire hours of play for your child, allowing them to hone in on their creative skills, and help you have some quality bonding time as well.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

For active 5-year-olds, a scooter like the Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe is the perfect gift. It is sized just for your little thrill-seeker and can grow with them until they are 110 pounds. The scooter itself has three wheels so it’s easy to balance on and offers a stable ride.

There are many color options, and the handlebar is sturdy and adjustable.

Price at time of publication: $145

4.8

Fat Brain Toys

Mini Squigz are a household favorite. They’re great for all ages and interests and there’s really no limit to what you can do with them. We love that they are portable and easy to bring along on road trips and vacations. These little suckers encourage kids' imaginative play and creativity. You can easily stick them to anything, and wash them when needed.

Price at time of publication: $35

Courtesy of Amazon.

For nature lovers, this reusable butterfly growing kit is easy to use and a fun way to introduce your child to the wonders of a butterfly’s transformation. It’s a longer activity (the transformation takes a few weeks) and then you can feed and care for the butterfly before you release it.

Price at time of publication: $32

Courtesy of Kess

Sometimes the simplest toys are the best. These Light Up balls from Kess prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great toy for your 5-year-old. My son stays busy for hours with these. He adds them to his physical play (throwing, catching, bouncing) and imaginary games where he pretends they are lasers or flashlights.

These Kess balls are simple and durable and great as a sensory toy.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of FUNBOY

A backyard sprinkler is a summertime staple and provides hours of entertainment for kids. This sprinkler is in the shape of a rocket ship and features quick inflation, four water sprayers, and 360 degrees of water action. The Rocketship Sprinkler is truly a blast.

Price at time of publication: $80

Courtesy of Amazon

If your child is ready for a challenge, try the Rush Hour Logic game. The game has been sold over 50 million times and is trusted as the perfect way to build reasoning and planning skills. Rush Hour is the classic traffic jam logic game and one of the all-time most popular STEM toys and gifts for kids.

Price at time of publication: $22

Matt De La Pena

Travel through a bustling city with CJ and his grandmother as they take the bus and sightsee different people, places, and scenes. As they travel, CJ speaks to his nana, sparking important conversations and learning important lessons along the way. Perfect for preschoolers to grade school children, Last Stop on Market Street is highly decorated for its stunning story and beautiful illustrations by Christian Robinson.

Price at time of publication: $19

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnetic tiles are one of the most wanted toys for young kids—and for good reason. With these fun colorful tiles, your child will exercise their fine motor skills, shape and color recognition, and problem-solving.

This set includes 25 triangles and 25 squares and a storage bag.

Price at time of publication: $31

Courtesy of Amazon

At age 5, your child is ready to graduate from Duplo Lego blocks to real Lego kits. They can follow the directions and build a set from start to finish, then start over again. This kit creates a Mars shuttle that will inspire an interest in space exploration and pretend play and includes a rover and astronauts.

Price at time of publication: $58

Courtesy of Amazon

Let your child be the photographer with their very own camera. This one has auto-focus, a video and voice recorder, a dual camera for selfies, and even allows your child to take pictures with fun photo frames. We like how easy this is to bring with you, as it includes a lanyard to carry it.

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

Your little scientist will love this dinosaur excavation toy. For just $20, the set comes with 12 dino eggs, 12 dinosaur models, a brush and chisel, plus a card describing the history and characteristics of the dinosaur. Like a fun science project, your kid will totally "dig" this toy.

Price at time of publication: $30

Courtesy of Amazon

You can’t go wrong with a remote control stunt car that has almost 3000 positive reviews from parents. This car can drive on both sides and backward and is great for all surfaces. It flips and turns quickly and the remote gives you total control in any direction. It even has headlights!

Price at time of publication: $46

Courtesy of Kiko & GG

There’s something so great about a toy that also looks good when displayed. When you’re not using them outside for bubbles, keep these gorgeous bubble wands from Kiko & GG in your child’s room to collect smaller items. They are made from gorgeous beechwood.

Price at time of publication: $30

Courtesy of Amazon

Give traditional coloring books an upgrade with this drawing tablet. It has a 10-inch LCD screen that can be written on over 100,000 times, resulting in less waste and less mess. It’s durable, has a built-in battery that will last 6 months, and is easy to carry and travel with.

You can easily erase what you’ve drawn in one touch or save it for later.

Price at time of publication: $30

KiwiCo

Inspire your 5-year-old's creativity with an age-appropriate craft kit like this one from KiwiCo. Kids can create six paper dolls then create a closet full of clothes with the included paper, scissors, and markers. Mix and match your doll's outfits then put on a show in front of seasonal scenes for hours of creative and imaginative play that conveniently wraps up in a travel case for bringing on-the-go.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Think your child is ready to ride a bike for the first time? Try this one from Joystar. We love it because it’s designed specifically for kids. It comes with stable training wheels, a foot brake, and is durable for early falls and bumps. Parents love that it is affordable and super easy to assemble; just pump the tires and ride!

Price at time of publication: $160

Courtesy of Amazon

When it’s time for quiet, solo fun, give your child this giant book of hidden picture activities. This version has over 250 puzzles and all kinds of funny scenes to keep your kid laughing. Your little one will search and find things like hidden bananas, butterflies, sailboats, and pizza.

This book makes a great gift and is perfect for long car rides.

Price at time of publication: $13

Courtesy of Walmart

This classic card game is fun for the whole family and will make your 5-year-old feel like one of the big kids. Introduce this as your child’s first card game and they’ll get math practice as you swap brightly colored cards. You’ll be surprised at how long this keeps your kids laughing and having fun.

Price at time of publication: $11

Courtesy of Motoworx

This rocket launcher set is another favorite in my home. It’s budget-friendly and great for an active 5-year-old. We use this in our yard or take it to the park for extra fun. The kids love jumping on it and aiming the launcher to try and hit targets. The pieces are foam and plastic so it’s safe around smaller children while still being durable.

Price at time of publication: $30

4.6

Amazon

Take advantage of the latest technology with this advanced tablet made for kids ages 3 to 12. Your child will have access to over 20,000 apps, games, books, and more from their favorite characters and TV channels. For peace of mind, you can create time limits as well as filter content. If the tablet breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.

Price at time of publication: $110

Fisher-Price

This caterpillar can be assembled in a range of different ways with each of its eight segments lighting up and being programmable to travel left, right or forward, creating countless variations. It aims to help develop planning and sequencing skills as kids plot out the code-a-pillar's movements and try to get it to reach prearranged targets.

Price at time of publication: $120

Courtesy of Amazon

Encourage imaginative play, and learning about money and math with this cash register for kids. It has a built-in solar-powered calculate and drawer for money and coins. Aside from being a fun way for your kiddo to engage in imaginative play, it'll also introduce them to counting and money recognition. The best part? The real cha-ching noise when the drawer opens!

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

This kit comes with a range of bricks in 35 different colors and includes window pieces, and 18 tires and wheel rims to create a range of vehicles. The storage bin has a retro vibe and helps to keep all the tiny pieces organized and easy to tote to grandma's house or to a friend’s place for a playdate.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

Raya and dragon Sisu are included in this set, and both change colors when immersed in water. Better yet, kids can watch Sisu's dragon tail swish and sway through water—just like in the movie.

The best part about this set is that both dolls can be played during bath and pool time, plus during regular playtime for hours of entertainment and imaginative play. You can even request stress-free packaging from Amazon so that kids can start playing right out of the box.

Price at time of publication: $45

HOMER

For an interactive gift that combines hours of play with important lessons, look to HOMER's Explore Kits. HOMER offers engaging virtual learning personalized for your child's needs and age. These kits offer additional hands-on learning that goes beyond the screen to learn letters, numbers, and feelings designed for ages 3 to 6. Your 5-year-old will be having so much fun, they won't even realize they are learning.

Price at time of publication: $35

Courtesy of Walmart

While your 5-year-old may not be ready to explore space, they can definitely learn more about the universe with their own starting telescope made for kids. The talking telescope teaches kids about outer space with 24 beautiful images from NASA already built in. There are four different languages to choose from so kids can test out their language skills and more 5-year-olds can get in on the fun.

Price at time of publication: $35

Rollplay

Your 5-year-old can ride in style with this adorable Mini Cooper ride-on toy from Rollplay. Working LED headlights, button-activated horn and engine noises, plus tires with rubber traction strips, make for hours of fun outdoors. Kids can travel up to 2.5 miles per hours either forwards and backwards and the car accommodates kids ages 3 and up, weighing up to 77 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $211

4.9

Amazon

If your 5-year-old is eager to zip up and down the sidewalk, a razor scooter can be a fun way to let them explore. Not only will boys and girls love this toy, but parents will also enjoy that it gets their kids outside and active. With safety always the top priority, you'll want to add a helmet and knee pads with this gift to keep them safe while they're cruising the neighborhood.

Price at time of publication: $66

Courtesy of Amazon

Dolls, like the Madame Alexander Peekaboos Unicat, are a great way to promote creativity and encourage your little one to use her imagination. This one is offered in three different skin tones, has a soft vinyl head and fabric body, so young children can hold the doll and play with it comfortably. It features a pink unicorn onesie with a hood that lifts up and down, making it easy to play a few rounds of peek-a-boo as well.

Price at time of publication: $30

Courtesy of Amazon

Gift aspiring medical professions their very own doctor kit, perfect for 5-year-olds. This kit from Green Toys includes everything they need for healing, including an ambulance with flip-up handle, stethoscope, reflex hammer, syringe, Tweezers, thermometer, ear scope, notepad, two sticker sheets. The best part is that everything is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. As they engage in imaginative play, 5-year-olds foster their social and fine motor skills.

Price at time of publication: $20

Skillmatics

Similar to I-Spy, Found It! challenges players ages 4 and up to find something fitting the prompts within the pictures on each card. Whoever find a pattern, something green, or something that smells good first wins that round and the game continues. Your 5-year-old could also play solo, completing the tasks on each card, boosting their logical reasoning skills as they go. This is a great portable game for car rides or a perfect indoor activity for the whole family on rainy days.

Price at time of publication: $15

Just Play

Surprise toys are always an awesome gift because you never know what you're going to get and they often start impressive collections. With Just Play's Disney Doorables, your 5-year-old can collect five, six, or seven Disney figures from the house-shaped box. These tiny figures are great for imaginative play, collecting, or trading with friends. Some even change colors when dipped in water.

Price at time of publication: $13

4.6

Amazon

Add a bit of prehistoric fun to your 5-year-old's bedroom with this dinosaur night light. Whether they are afraid of the dark or not, they will love having this adorable friend on their dresser or nightstand to hang out with through the night. Simply press the dino's head to switch between four colors and simply recharge with a USB when needed.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of Native Shoes

Spoil your 5-year-old with an adorable pair of shoes they can wear everyday. Native Shoes is dedicating to making eco-friendly lightweight shoes that prioritize comfort and breathability. The unisex Jefferson style is shock-absorbent, odor-resistant, hand-washable, and super cute. They come in kid and adult sizes and dozens of styles and colors so the whole family can match.

Price at time of publication: $40

Courtesy of Amazon

Every kid wants their own tent that they can escape and play pretend in. This fairy princess tent will let them play indoors and out with its easy set-up that makes a great gift for families that travel a lot. All you do is open the case and pop open the tent and it's ready to play in.

Price at time of publication: $22

Courtesy of Amazon

The VTech Kidizoom Action Cam is like a kid-sized GoPro that can be attached to the child's helmet, bike or skateboard. It’s sturdy and can handle all the inevitable bumps and knocks your little adventurer can dole out as they cycle, skate or even swim. With the included waterproof case it can be taken down to a depth of 6 feet underwater.

Price at time of publication: $102

Amazon

Foster your child's green thumb with this flower growing kit. This kit includes everything they need to build their own small garden indoors or outdoors, with a tin planter, plastic liner, soil, and three seed packets for Marigold, Cosmos, and Zinnia flowers. Before planting, decorate your planter and markers with the included paint and brushes. Then, get to work sowing your seeds with the shovel, watering can, and instructional booklet before watching your flowers bloom.

Price at time of publication: $25

Final Verdict

The Dough Project DIY Mix allows you and your child to make their own playdough. The playdough is made with all-natural and plant-based ingredients, so you know it's safe for your kid, and it comes in six different colors. There's also the Bravo Kids Electronic Doodle Board, which features a 10-inch LCD screen that can be written on over 100,000 times.

How We Selected the Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds

We studied the features and design of more than 70 products on the market to determine the best toys for 5-year-olds. We researched reviews from customers and competitors, while also considering design, size, features, ease of use, age recommendations, and value when deciding our picks. Additionally, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on toy buying safety for children, and consulted with David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

What to Look for in Toys for 5-Year-Olds

Interests

At 5 years old, if a kid has any specific interests, they are usually easy to spot. They might be into beloved characters, such as superheroes and princesses, specific sports, singing, dancing, or dinosaurs. They also tend to be eager to share the things that they love. This is not only cute, but it’s also very helpful when shopping for games and toys.

By considering a child’s general interests when shopping for them, you’re increasing the likelihood that they’ll enjoy a toy(and the likelihood that it will get played with). Look for products that play into their interests like a soccer ball with their favorite cartoon character on it, an activity book with a specific theme, or dress-up clothes so they can play or put on a performance for their family.

Milestones

By the time a child is 5 years old, the milestone chart starts to get a little fuzzy. “The challenge here is that while developmental milestones in the first five years of life are fairly discrete, they tend to cluster from ages five to 10 and it’s pretty hard to distinguish,” pediatrician David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, tells Verywell Family. Because of this, it’s hard to say for sure which toys and games will help with developmental growth, but based on what is known about kids in this age group, consider these concepts and skills.

Pretend play: At around 5 years old, kids tend to become more aware of things grown-ups around them use daily, like money. The Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register (view on Amazon) can reinforce what they are seeing in a fun way.
Physical development: Five-year-olds are working on strengthening and mastering balance and coordination, so a Micro Kickboard Scooter (view on Amazon) makes a great gift.
Early literacy: At 5, kids are learning to extend oral skills to reading. Since it connects simple words with pictures, the Jumbo Book of Hidden Pictures is perfect for pre- and beginning readers.

Entertainment Value

Of course, the more entertaining a toy or game is, the more (and longer) a kid will want to play with it, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re shopping. At 5 years old, kids are still really into imaginative play, so dolls, costumes, and props are all good options.

Additionally, they’re often learning how to read and write around this age and are usually really excited about it, so activity books or other games or toys that play into this are likely to keep them entertained.

Finally, they’re still at an age where they have all kinds of energy that they need to get out, so any toy or game that allows them to be active in some way will probably be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many toys should a 5-year-old have?

While toy stores and commercials might have you think your 5-year-old needs heaps of toys, there’s no minimum number of play things you need to occupy you child (at any age). If research on toddlers is any indication, fewer toys actually lead to longer periods of play per toy, greater focus, and more creative play.
How can toys influence a child's life?

Toys that facilitate play can help foster cognitive development. However, that’s not to say your child will suffer if you don’t purchase every toy on their wish list. After all, toys aren’t vital for kids—playing is.
What skills are 5-year-olds still learning?

Five-year-olds are learning self-control, emotion regulation, refined fine and gross motor skills, and the difference between right and wrong. Since most kids enter kindergarten at this age, they will continue to work on these skills throughout the year.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer and creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She enjoys working with start-ups and regularly covers product launches in the lifestyle, beauty, and motherhood space. She has a 3-year-old son and an infant daughter and is the co-founder of Loonie Kid, a Canadian clothing company for kids and toddlers.

Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler

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, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:

The Dough Project DIY Mix

Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set - 24 pc.

Insect Lore Butterfly Growing Kit

Kess Light Up Drop Dot Balls

FUNBOY Rocketship Sprinkler

ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

Last Stop on Market Street

Discovery Kids Magnetic Tiles Construction Set

LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle

Seckton Kids Selfie Camera

Dan&Darci Dig a Dozen Dino Egg Dig Kit

ORRENTE Off-Road Remote Control Stunt Car

Kiko & GG Reusable Bubble Wand Set

Bravo Kids Electronic Doodle Board

KiwiCo Paper Dolls Kit

Joystar Kid’s Bike

Jumbo Book Of Hidden Pictures

Mattel UNO Family Card Game

Motoworx Toy Rocket Launcher Set

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar Toy

Learning Resources Pretend Cash Register

LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box

Disney Princess Raya and The Last Dragon Water Toy

HOMER Explore Kits

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope

Rollplay Mini Cooper S 6-Volt Battery Ride-On Vehicle

Razor A Kick Scooter

Madame Alexander 12" Peekaboos UniCat

Green Toys Doctor Kit

Skillmatics Found It!

Just Play Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 7

Globe Electric Multicolor Silicone Night Light Lamp

Native Shoes Jefferson Child Lightweight Slip-On Sneaker

Kiddey Princess Castle Play Tent

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Dan&Darci Paint and Plant Flower Growing Kit

The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds to Entertain for Hours

The Dough Project DIY Mix

Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set - 24 pc.

Insect Lore Butterfly Growing Kit

Kess Light Up Drop Dot Balls

FUNBOY Rocketship Sprinkler

ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

Last Stop on Market Street

Discovery Kids Magnetic Tiles Construction Set

LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle

Seckton Kids Selfie Camera

Dan&Darci Dig a Dozen Dino Egg Dig Kit

ORRENTE Off-Road Remote Control Stunt Car

Kiko & GG Reusable Bubble Wand Set

Bravo Kids Electronic Doodle Board

KiwiCo Paper Dolls Kit

Joystar Kid’s Bike

Jumbo Book Of Hidden Pictures

Mattel UNO Family Card Game

Motoworx Toy Rocket Launcher Set

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar Toy

Learning Resources Pretend Cash Register

LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box

Disney Princess Raya and The Last Dragon Water Toy

HOMER Explore Kits

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope

Rollplay Mini Cooper S 6-Volt Battery Ride-On Vehicle

Razor A Kick Scooter

Madame Alexander 12" Peekaboos UniCat

Green Toys Doctor Kit

Skillmatics Found It!

Just Play Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 7

Globe Electric Multicolor Silicone Night Light Lamp

Native Shoes Jefferson Child Lightweight Slip-On Sneaker

Kiddey Princess Castle Play Tent

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Dan&Darci Paint and Plant Flower Growing Kit

Final Verdict

How We Selected the Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds

What to Look for in Toys for 5-Year-Olds

Interests

Milestones

Entertainment Value

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Family

More Toys and Gifts for Kids