Best Toys for a 5 Year Old

At five, children are able to stay with activities longer and take on more involved play. They are becoming more independent, while still enjoying both solo play and shared experiences with others. Toys at this stage should support building, creating, and exploring, with opportunities to return to the same activity over time.

Key Skills These Toys Support

- Problem-solving through building and construction
- Social skills through games with rules and turn-taking
- Creative expression through art and imaginative play
- Focus and task completion over longer periods
- Logical thinking and planning

What to Look For

- Building toys that allow for more complex designs
- Board games that involve rules, turn-taking, and shared play
- Art and craft materials that allow children to create finished projects
- Imaginative play materials that support storytelling and role-play
- Toys that can be used over multiple play sessions

Practical Tips for Parents

- Offer games that can be played together to support social development
- Choose building and creative materials your child can return to over time
- Support imaginative play that reflects real-life experiences
- Allow longer, uninterrupted periods for projects and play
- Follow your child’s interests when selecting toys, as preferences become more defined at this age