Toys & Books

The Best Birthday Gifts for 5 Year Olds

written by MELISSA GUIDA-RICHARDS & BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN

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Graphics by: Aryana Johnson
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson

It seems like overnight my little, beautiful baby boy has turned into a big kid. He’s already hitting the 5-year-old milestones. He’s speaking really clearly, becoming aware of his gender, and telling some amazing stories. But what truly amazes me is his burst of independence. He loves getting his own snacks from the fridge, filling up his cup with water, and is no longer shy about telling his father and I what he wants to eat or do each day. He is truly becoming his own little person and wants to explore and learn on his own.

As he’s continuing to grow, I’m using his upcoming birthday as the perfect opportunity to shop for some new toys. I’m opting for toys that support his development, independence, and curiosity. Plus, he’s no longer obsessed with many of the toys I carefully picked out for Christmas and his previous birthdays.

Despite my reluctance, I have to admit that he isn’t my baby boy anymore. He is starting to grow into his own person who needs more age-appropriate toys. Like toys to not only entertain him, but also stimulate his mental growth.

Whether you have a soon-to-be 5-year-old of your own, or a little one in your life with this exciting birthday coming up, we know you’ll want to pick out the perfect gift. Age 5 is such a fun age to buy toys for. They’ve well surpassed the 3 year+ disclosure on most games, they’ve got the basics of motor skills down to a science, and their curiosity is higher than ever. Needless to say, they’re ready for some fun. 

To aid in your 5-year-old birthday gift shopping endeavors, we wanted to provide this list of the best 5th birthday gifts for any budget.

 

Gifts for 5 Year Olds Under $50

Budget gifts that kiddos will love are always our favorite. Check out these awesome gifts that will make any 5-year-old excited for under $50. These gifts were hand-picked because they inspire creativity, help development, and encourage meaningful play time. 

outer space surprise bath bombs
Etsy | Bath Essential Shop
Outer Space Bath Bombs with Surprise Toys

Children will love how these bath bombs fizz and turn their bath water different colors. Plus, each one comes with a space-themed prize inside.

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learning resources gear
Target
Learning Resources WreckerGears Toy

This toy is great for children to work on their fine motor skills and introduce engineering concepts.

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best 5th birthday gifts
Target
My First Flybar

Flybars are a blast from the past that offer fun for kids and nostalgia for their parents.

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3d dinosaur puzzle
Amazon
3D Wooden Dinosaur Puzzle

Dinosaurs are a tried-and true-gift for kids at this age, and this one's 3D appearance makes it extra special.

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Melissa & Doug
Chef Costume Set

Little ones who enjoy helping out in the kitchen will be excited to receive this adorable chef costume.

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montessori toy screwdriver box
Etsy | Panda Brothers Toys
Montessori Screwdriver Board

Montessori toys encourage independent play and this screwdriver set can help improve hand-eye coordination.

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best 5th birthday gifts
KiwiCo
Glowing Horn Unicorn Costume

Kids will love getting creative with this DIY light-up unicorn costume kit that they can later wear during many play times to come.

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outdoor explorer kit
Amazon
Outdoor Explorer Kit

Little explorers with curious minds will love this bug-catcher kit. With tools like a magnifying glass, compass, flashlight, and more, the world (or at least the backyard) is their oyster!

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Target
LEGO Classic Building Kit

LEGOS are a classic for a reason. This box of nearly 800 pieces encourages children to use their creativity.

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best 5th birthday gifts
Amazon
Kids Digital Camera

This camera is perfect for the kid who's always asking to take pictures on your phone. Encourage their interest in photography with their own digital camera.

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Melissa & Doug puzzle
Melissa & Doug
Double-Sided Seek & Find Puzzle

Puzzles are always a good idea, and this one has the added challenge of being double sided—which also means double the fun!

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fort kit
Amazon
Fort Building Kit

This fort building kit offers endless imaginative possibilities while also boosting problem solving and cognitive skills.

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best 5th birthday gifts
Melissa & Doug
Wooden Bead Kit

Littles will love creating their own friendship necklaces and bracelets with this cute kit that includes everything they need to get crafty.

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personalized tea party set
Etsy | Meadow Love Craft
Personalized Tea Play Set

There are few things as fun as an afternoon tea party with their favorite stuffed animals. Gift this personalized tea set for the ultimate tea party experience.

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best 5th birthday gifts
Amazon
Blokus Xl Strategy Board Game

Board games are entertaining fun for the whole family, and Blokus helps kids practice spatial reasoning and problem solving.

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alphabet affirmation flashcards
The Black Toy Store
Alphabet Affirmation Flashcards

This set is perfect for practicing self-love and reinforcing the alphabet.

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Gifts for 5 Year Olds Over $50

If the budget can be stretched a bit but we still want to stay under the $100 mark, there are some great present options out there. Some of our favorite options are STEM gifts that will help little ones learn and get excited for all of the fun lessons they’ll get in school. 

diy kaleidoscope kit
Etsy | Dreamer Kids
DIY Kaleidoscope Kit

Encourage outdoor play and creativity with this one-of-a-kind gift. Kids will love making their very own Kaleidoscope either with the included plastic flowers, or anything they find in nature. It's easy for kids to make and is sure to be a gift they don't want to put down.

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l.l. bean duffle bag
L.L. Bean
Kids' Duffle Bag

The perfect duffle bag for camp, sports, sleepovers or anything else your big kid is into.

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personalized art kit
Etsy | Personalized Planet Co.
Personalized Art Kit

Give little artists a gift they're sure to love with this personalized art kit. With two lines of personalization on the front and filled with the essentials like colored pencils, crayons, and more, they'll want to start creating right away.

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Amazon
Plugo Word-Building Game

A fun game that's also educational, this word-building set includes nine different games for kids to practice phonics, spelling, grammar, and more.

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Melissa & Doug pretend play kit
Melissa & Doug
Top & Bake Pizza Counter Play Set

We're big fans of pretend play toys for kids of all age groups here at The Everymom. This play set by Melissa & Doug is perfect for helping kiddos learn real-life skills within hours of entertainment.

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Target
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0

Introduce coding concepts to kids with this next generation of the award-winning Botley robot toy.

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Kiwico
Young Chemist Boxes (3-Pack)

Gift this three-crate KiwiCo set for hands-on learning and DIY fun. Designed by childhood development experts and educators, KiwiCo's STEAM activities make it easy for parents to offer their kids something new and engaging with each box.

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healthy roots doll
Healthy Roots
Zoe Doll

The Zoe Doll is a beautiful representation of Black children, and helps teach Black kiddos and parents how to style Black hair.

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kids telescope
Amazon | Gskyer
Kids Beginner Telescope

There are few things more interesting than outer space. Get your 5-year-old learning about the solar system with this telescope that was designed specifically for kids.

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Gifts for 5 Year Olds Over $100

If higher ticket items fit in the budget this year, consider these options that the 5-year-old you’re shopping for will love. We know it can be tough to spend money on gifts that will only be used a handful of times. We guarantee these will be one of their go-to’s from now on. 

scooter
Target | Micro Kickboard
Scooter with LED Lights

The perfect ride to grow with your kid, Micro Kickboard's scooter is made for ages 5-12. It has an adjustable handle and smooth gliding ride. Plus, this version comes with LED light-up wheels.

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retrospec bike with training wheels
Retrospec
Kids' Bike

This kids' bike intended for 4 to 6-year-olds is the perfect investment gift. Kiddos can learn how to ride a bike with the removable training wheels. We love that the wicker basket makes this bike oh-so cute and that it's available in several colors, too.

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Walmart
Hot Wheels Track Set

For the car-loving kids in your life, this Hot Wheels Track Set is sure to be endless fun—and it's over 3-feet tall!

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Apple
iPad mini

Tablets offer endless entertainment and educational options for children. A 5-year-old's birthday could be an occasion to gift them one of their very own (with limits, of course).

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Target
Little Tikes Climb 'n Slide Trampoline

Little trampolines make the days a lot more fun (and bedtime a lot easier for parents).

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