21 Best Toys and Gifts for 5

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

You'll find books, DIY activities, and fun family games!

To hear them tell it, your 5-year-old isn't a "little kid" anymore, they're a "big kid"—and that's exactly why they need some new "big kid" toys, games, and other gifts to match their age! By now, they've outgrown those gifts for toddlers, and they're ready to build on the skills they've spent their earliest years learning. Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or stocking stuffer ideas, our picks for the best toys and gifts for 5-year-olds are sure to make your little one jump for joy.

By now they may be showing special interest in a particular art form, like music, photography, drawing, or fashion. We've got ideas for all of them: You'll also find gifts for budding chefs, athletes, and scientists. The best thing about the majority of these products is that they'll inspire hours of fun and learning for your kiddo, and maybe even you, too! There are certainly some fun family gift ideas that the whole crew can enjoy together, like a modern version of the classic hot potato game or a construction kit that will take your living room forts to the next level. Many of them are budget-friendly gifts under $20, such as scented glitter pens and age-appropriate cookbooks. No matter which pick you choose from this list, you can be sure it'll earn you plenty of precious smiles and hugs.

Who knew slime could be so educational? This science kit for kids is full of experiments that are equal parts fun and informative. Heck, you might even learn a thing or two as you follow along!

They'll have hours of fun making masterpieces with these magnetic tiles in the prettiest pastel colors. The only limit to what they can build is their imagination!

Coming up with activities for your little one can be exhausting. Why not let this popular book do the job for you? It's filled with fun mazes, math puzzles, picture puzzles, and more activities that your kiddo will love.

Unlock their creativity and imagination with this sweet dress-up kit that comes with the brand's bestselling play shoes, a stretchy gem necklace, sparkly heart ring, and a set of clip-on earrings.

Make some room in the kitchen for your little chef! This cookbook is filled with more than 100 recipes that are just as fun for kids to make as they are to eat!

They'll learn all about the world around them with this interactive globe that connects with a companion app. It features more than 1000 fascinating facts about animals, cultures, monuments, inventions, maps, and cuisines of the world.

Instill a lifelong love for music in your little one with this mini acoustic guitar. Your purchase includes chord flashcards and even free video guitar lessons!

Art time will be more appealing than ever when you break out these scented gel pens. One reviewer said it was a big hit for kids' party bags!

Do they have a whole menagerie of stuffed animals they want to take with them everywhere? These adorable pocket-size minis are perfect for just that! And with this quarterly subscription, they'll get three stuffies delivered to their door every three months.

Hat's off to this pick! With its wide brim and soft ties, it's the perfect sun-shielding beach hat for your little one.

They'll say goodbye to screens the second they open this outdoor explorer kit. It comes with everything they'll need to get up close and personal with nature, including a compass, butterfly net, magnifying glass, binoculars, bug containers, and more!

They can play with this golf set outdoors or even indoors on rainy days. Talk about a hole-in-one gift!

It's hot potato with a modern twist! This fast-paced game features more than 30 silly sayings and sound effects to keep the laughs coming as the potato keeps passing!

Your little detective will have a blast collecting clues and jewels with this all-inclusive treasure hunt game. This award-winning game allows for one kid to play alone or many children to work together to go for the gold.

They'll improve their balance and gross motor skills with this versatile balance board that allows for all kinds of active fun, including standing, twisting, rocking, spinning, and more. It can even be used as a sled!

They can make their own dinosaur lantern with this fun DIY kit that comes with color-changing lights and lots of decorations, including dinosaur stickers, beads, glitter dust, and more. Once their project is complete, it can serve as an exciting new night light.

Snap, snap, snap! Did you hear that? That's the sound of memories being captured on their super cool new digital camera. Budding photographers will have a ball with this one!

They'll paint and plant their own small garden with this popular growing kit. It's a great way to teach kids about the life cycle of plants, as well as how to care for something special.

Take their fort building to the next level with this unique building kit that allows them to make caves, pirate ships, castles, and any other structure they can dream up. When they're done building, top it off with a simple sheet to make their creation complete.

Oh, the places they'll go on this highly reviewed scooter that features light-up wheels. It features an adjustable bar that will allow them to enjoy this kickboard for many more years to come.

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

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