Best Christmas Gifts & Toys for 5 Year Old Kids
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a five-year-old can be a fun yet challenging task. At this age, kids are active, imaginative, and curious about the world around them. They are developing stronger motor skills, learning to engage in more complex play, and discovering what they like and dislike. The best gifts cater to these developmental milestones and offer a mix of fun and learning. With countless toys and products available, it’s helpful to know which ones stand out for their quality, engagement, and long-lasting appeal.
Best Christmas Gifts & Toys for 5 Year Old Kids
In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best Christmas gift ideas for five-year-olds by price range. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to mid-range interactive toys and splurge-worthy gifts that make a big impression. Each item on this list is chosen for its ability to entertain and support a child’s growth, from building imaginative play skills to encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.
Whether you’re looking for a simple yet delightful toy or a standout present, this guide will help you navigate the options and find a gift that’s sure to make their Christmas memorable. Let’s dive into the best options across different price points for every kind of young explorer, builder, artist, or inventor.
Christmas gifts for five-year-olds come in many shapes and sizes, but the best ones offer a blend of fun, creativity, and learning. At this age, kids are eager to explore, build, pretend, and discover. Whether they’re captivated by colorful toys, engaged by STEM kits, or enchanted by a bit of magic, gifts that match their curiosity and energy are sure to be cherished. From hands-on science experiments to classic toys that never go out of style, each of these ideas offers something special for a memorable Christmas.
In this guide, we’ve broken down top gift ideas into different price ranges, showcasing options that cover various interests like board games, STEM toys, action figures, marble runs, and more. From stocking stuffers to standout gifts, there’s something here for every budget. Each gift is chosen to inspire kids’ imagination, encourage creativity, and support their growth.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly toy or something unique to splurge on, these gift ideas will delight five-year-olds and keep them entertained well beyond the holidays. Let’s explore the best Christmas gifts by price range, so you can find the perfect present for every young explorer, builder, or artist on your list.
Stocking Stuffers for a 5 year Old
Here’s a list of fun and engaging stocking stuffers that are perfect for five year olds. These small, affordable items are a perfect gift if you are on a budget or need a gift exchange item for little kids or to add to a stocking. These are great gift options for encouraging creativity, active play, and learning—all while fitting easily into a Christmas stocking. I love having these great toy options on hand for birthday party gifts at the last minute as well!
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Mini Play-Doh Tubs – Small containers of Play-Doh in various colors let kids create and sculpt on the go.
Animal or Dinosaur Figurines – Tiny, realistic animal or dino figurines are perfect for pretend play and imaginative adventures.
Magic Grow Capsules – These capsules transform into fun sponge shapes when placed in water, offering a surprising and fun science activity.
Mini Coloring Book and Crayons – A pocket-sized coloring book with a small pack of crayons for on-the-go creativity.
Wiki Stix - Beyond creative play, Wikki Stix for Doodlers doubles as a stress-reducer and fidget toy. The tactile sensation of shaping and molding the sticks provides a soothing experience, making it an excellent tool to calm fidgety fingers and promote relaxation in any setting.
Temporary Tattoos – Kid-friendly tattoos in fun themes like unicorns, superheroes, or animals add a playful touch they’ll love showing off.
Mini Stomp Rocket – A small version of the classic stomp rocket, perfect for quick bursts of indoor or outdoor fun.
Silly Putty or Slime – A small tub of slime or silly putty that stretches, molds, and bounces for sensory fun.
Wind-Up Toys – Cute wind-up toys in shapes like cars, animals, or robots that kids can race or watch walk across the floor.
Mini Puzzle Pack – A small puzzle toy featuring favorite characters or animals to engage their minds with a fun challenge.
Sticker Book – Small sticker books filled with colorful stickers of animals, shapes, or favorite cartoon characters. Puffy stickers are a big hit too!
Glow Sticks – Fun for playing in the dark, glow sticks come in different colors and can double as bracelets or necklaces.
Bath Crayons – Crayons made specifically for drawing on the bathtub or tiles, making bath time more creative and enjoyable.
Scented Markers – Mini scented markers with fruity smells, perfect for drawing and smelling their favorite scents.
Miniature Puzzle Cube – A small puzzle cube or fidget toy that they can twist and turn, which helps with fine motor skills.
Bouncy Balls – Small, colorful, and super bouncy balls for endless active play around the house or outdoors. Great for hand-eye coordination too!
Kids’ Flashlight – A small, colorful flashlight designed for little hands, ideal for pretend play or exploring in the dark.
Dino Egg or Fossil Dig – A small “dino egg” that kids can break open to discover a mini dinosaur inside.
Card Games for Kids (like Go Fish) – A simple card game that’s easy to learn and fun for family playtime. Card games are a great way to disconnect from screens and can be educational for kids learning counting or colors or reading. Even big kids love these too!
Miniature Kaleidoscope – A tiny kaleidoscope that creates colorful, ever-changing patterns, capturing kids’ attention and curiosity.
These stocking stuffers are sure to bring smiles on Christmas morning, offering a 5-year-old daughter or son plenty to do without breaking the budget!
Christmas Gift Ideas for a 5 year Old by Price Range
Christmas Gifts for 5 year olds Under $20
Stomp Rocket Jr. - Stomp rockets are exciting, air-powered toys that launch foam rockets high into the sky with a simple stomp. They’re great for outdoor fun, helping kids burn off energy while learning about basic physics through active play. This air-powered rocket toy launches foam-tipped rockets into the sky with a simple stomp, making it an exciting way to get kids active with outdoor toys and interested in basic physics.
Coloring Book and Crayon Set - A classic gift, coloring books provide a quiet, creative activity that kids love. Look for ones with popular themes or educational content to keep things interesting. I love having these for road trips too!
Magic Tricks Set - Simple magic trick kits introduce young ones to the world of illusion and boost their confidence in performing for friends and family. A magic tricks set is a fantastic gift that introduces kids to the exciting world of illusions and performance. With easy-to-learn tricks and props like magic wands, cups, and cards, kids can quickly master simple routines that impress family and friends. Performing magic boosts confidence, encourages fine motor skills, and helps kids develop storytelling abilities as they create fun, imaginative shows. This set provides hours of entertainment and is a wonderful way for kids to practice patience, practice, and focus as they refine their skills.
National Geographic Dino Dig Kit - A dino dig kit is an interactive, hands-on gift that lets kids play paleontologist as they excavate their own dinosaur fossils. Using kid-friendly tools, they can carefully dig through the plaster “rock” to reveal dinosaur bones or figurines hidden inside. This activity is both educational and exciting, teaching kids about dinosaurs, science, and patience as they unearth their prehistoric treasures. The kit provides a thrilling mix of discovery and learning, perfect for sparking a love of history and paleontology in young minds.
Board Games (like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders) - These classic games are affordable, easy to learn, and perfect for family game nights. They help with counting, patience, and social interaction. Board games for families are perfect for vacations, rainy days, or summer vacations! Whether your family is into a fast paced card game, a classic board game that adults have loved for generations, or a new party game, this list of best board games for family game night has everyone covered! Best of all the family board games on this list are all under 20$. Family fun does not have to break the bank and I think your family is going to love a great game night!
Water bottle - Pick up a water bottle in one of the many different themes available for young kids. Its a fun way to add a practical gift in for your little girl or little guy that they will be excited about!
Kinetic Sand - Kinetic sand is a fun, tactile toy that feels like wet sand but doesn’t make a mess, making it perfect for indoor play. It’s easy to mold, shape, and squish, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills. This unique sand never dries out, so kids can enjoy hours of sensory play, building castles, shapes, and anything else they imagine.
Books - Reading to children is crucial in preparing them for kindergarten. It helps develop vocabulary, language skills, and comprehension abilities. Reading also enhances concentration, stimulates imagination, and nurtures a lifelong love for books. Furthermore, it introduces children to the structure of stories, helps them recognize letters and words, and fosters listening skills and memory. Early exposure to reading sets the foundation for academic success and cognitive development for Kindergarten students and beyond!
$20–$50 Christmas Gifts for 5 year Olds
Marble Run Set -A Marble Run Set is a fantastic choice for kids who love to build and experiment. With sturdy tracks, twists, turns, and funnels, these sets provide hours of entertainment while encouraging problem-solving and creativity. As children construct and redesign their marble runs, they learn about cause and effect, gravity, and motion in a hands-on way. These sets are perfect for collaborative play, allowing kids to build large, intricate structures or simple pathways for the marbles to race through. Marble runs engage both fine motor skills and cognitive development, making them a gift that combines fun with foundational learning.
Wooden Building Blocks - Timeless and durable, Wooden Building Blocks remain a classic gift for kids of all ages. These blocks are typically crafted from high-quality wood and come in a variety of shapes, allowing children to stack, balance, and construct endlessly. They are excellent for developing spatial awareness, coordination, and motor skills as children arrange them in towers, bridges, or other creative structures. Wooden blocks are also great for group play, helping children practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as they build together. This open-ended toy fosters imagination and offers years of enjoyment, making it a reliable choice for both play and learning.
STEM Building Toys (like Magna-Tiles or PicassoTiles) - STEM Building Toys like Magna-Tiles or PicassoTiles introduce children to engineering and design through magnetic construction. These tiles snap together to form 3D shapes, allowing kids to build everything from simple cubes to elaborate structures. As they play, children develop spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and an early interest in STEM concepts, such as geometry and balance. The tactile nature of the magnetic pieces makes building satisfying and intuitive, while the endless design possibilities keep kids engaged for hours. These sets are ideal for fostering creativity and cognitive development, making them a valuable addition to any child’s toy collection.
Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Counter - The Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Counter is a delightful pretend-play set that brings the fun of an ice cream parlor to playtime. Complete with ice cream scoops, cones, and various toppings, this set encourages kids to role-play as ice cream shop owners or customers, boosting their social skills and imagination. The set allows children to practice basic math by counting scoops and combining different flavors, making it a subtle way to introduce early learning concepts. The durable, colorful pieces are easy for little hands to manage, and the pretend-play experience helps kids practice language skills and manners as they serve up their creations. It’s a sweet addition to any play area, sparking joy and creativity.
An Art Kit is a great choice for young creators, packed with a variety of supplies like crayons, markers, paints, and brushes, offering everything kids need to explore their artistic side. Many kits include different textures and colors, allowing kids to experiment with drawing, painting, and crafting in their unique styles. As they create, children develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and self-expression, building confidence in their abilities. Art kits encourage hours of imaginative play and creativity, making them a versatile gift that inspires kids to explore and create independently or with friends.
$50 and Up Holiday Gift Ideas for a 5-year-Old
Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad - The Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad is an innovative educational system that combines digital learning with hands-on play, covering subjects like math, spelling, drawing, and problem-solving. Using an interactive approach, Osmo encourages kids to engage with educational concepts in a fun, tactile way, making screen time productive and enriching. This kit appeals to a broad age range, so it’s likely to be a hit with older siblings as well, ensuring years of use and adaptability. With activities designed to grow with kids, the Osmo Genius Starter Kit is an engaging and long-lasting addition to any home.
KidKraft Wooden Dollhouse - The KidKraft Wooden Dollhouse offers a spacious, realistic setup for endless storytelling and pretend play. Equipped with multiple rooms, furniture, and colorful details, this dollhouse invites children into a miniature world where they can role-play, build narratives, and let their imaginations soar. Its sturdy wooden construction means it can withstand years of play, making it a cherished toy for siblings and friends to enjoy together. This classic, high-quality dollhouse is perfect for encouraging creative play, spatial awareness, and social interaction, making it a valuable gift that grows with kids.
Marble Run Deluxe Set - A larger marble run set with more pieces allows for complex builds, perfect for kids who love constructing and watching marbles race along different paths. The Marble Run Deluxe Set takes marble fun to the next level, offering more pieces and complex track options for budding engineers and builders. Kids can experiment with creating intricate pathways, loops, and funnels, challenging them to think critically as they construct their marble runs. This larger set encourages children to explore concepts of gravity, motion, and cause and effect while having loads of interactive fun. Ideal for solo or group play, the deluxe set is perfect for young minds that love hands-on building projects and can entertain for hours with endless design possibilities.
LEGO Classic Building Set -The LEGO Classic Building Set provides an open-ended play experience, giving kids countless colorful bricks to bring their imaginative ideas to life. From simple towers to complex structures, this set encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills as kids build and rebuild. With pieces in various shapes and sizes, it’s a great starting point for any young LEGO enthusiast and provides endless possibilities for solo or collaborative play. LEGO is known for its durability and versatility, making this set a long-lasting staple that kids can return to again and again.
National Geographic Mega Science Lab - The National Geographic Mega Science Lab is an all-in-one science kit designed to inspire young scientists with hands-on experiments. Including activities like making volcanoes, growing crystals, and more, this lab set offers a comprehensive introduction to scientific concepts in an exciting, visual way. Each experiment encourages curiosity and exploration, helping kids understand geology, chemistry, and earth science while building foundational scientific skills. The Mega Science Lab is an educational adventure that brings science to life, making it an ideal gift for children who love to learn through discovery.
Action Figure Playsets (like a Spider-Man or Marvel Set) - Action Figure Playsets, like those featuring Spider-Man or other Marvel heroes, add excitement and adventure to playtime with detailed figures and interactive elements. These playsets enable kids to create their own stories, building imaginative worlds filled with action, bravery, and creativity. Featuring favorite characters, they’re perfect for pretend play, social interaction, and developing narrative skills as children make up missions, battles, and heroic feats. With versatile play options, action figure sets provide endless entertainment and make a dynamic addition to any child’s toy collection.
Christmas gifts for five-year-olds should be as dynamic and curious as they are. Whether it’s a STEM toy that sparks an interest in science, a classic board game for whole family fun, or a marble run that keeps them building and experimenting, the best gifts encourage growth, learning, and creativity. From budget-friendly options to impressive, long-lasting toys, this guide offers something for every interest and budget. Giving a gift that inspires joy and wonder makes the holiday season extra special, leaving lasting memories and smiles well into the New Year.
Choosing the right Christmas gift for a five-year-old can make their holiday unforgettable. Whether you go for an educational toy, a creative art set, or something to help them burn off energy, the best gifts are ones that align with their interests and developmental needs. From budget-friendly stocking stuffers to splurge-worthy learning kits, each item here provides unique opportunities for fun and growth. No matter which option you choose, the joy of giving and seeing a child’s excitement is truly the best gift of all.