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We say this basically for every age, but five is a real favorite. Their whole personalities start to shine. We’ve seen their personality traits at every stage until now, but 5-year-olds are fun because they are just so thoroughly them. You can have serious and silly conversations. You can have hard truths slung your way and knock-knock jokes that make no sense. And above all, they know what they want and they will tell you.

That said, it makes picking out the best Christmas gifts for 5-year-olds both harder and easier. Because they can also change their mind on a dime and the thing that was beloved before might not be anymore.

At five, you’ve likely got a kindergartner on your hands. They’re hard at work learning to read and write and developing all kinds of new social skills. There’s so much that they can continue to learn through play and so many fun tools out there to do just that. The best holiday gifts for 5-year-olds provide them plenty of opportunity to learn and explore–without even realizing it! From board games the entire family can enjoy to arts and crafts supplies that get their creativity flowing, we’ve curated a list of gifts every kid will be excited to open.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Our favorite Christmas gifts for 5-year-olds

GobiDex Magnetic Travel Toys Figures Set
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$16.99

Anyone who’s survived a flight with a small kid knows the real gold is a toy that fits in your bag and actually holds their attention. This GobiDex set is eight little magnetic characters with expressive faces, ready for whatever story your kid cooks up. Swap the heads and bodies to create new characters, and prepare yourself for the start of yet another collection. They stick to the fridge, a cookie sheet, or any magnetic tiles you already own which makes them exponentially more fun. (Just be sure to keep them out of the hands of younger siblings because the parts are too small for the toddler set.)

Monster Jam™ Monstruction Build & Crash Megalodon
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$24.99

Some kids build a block tower for the sole joy of knocking it down two seconds later. This one was made for them. First they assemble the 14-piece Megalodon monster truck with the included kid-sized screwdriver, then let it it rip. Whatever it crashes into sends four pieces flying off and the delight is real. Yes, it can get rowdy. But it also keeps them locked in for an impressive amount of time. A fine trade-off, in our opinion.

Skillmatics Doctor Set
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$19.97

If you regularly find your thermometer stashed among their toys, a doctor kit is in order. We’ve seen countless versions, but recently the Skillmatics Doctor Set caught our eye. More robust than most, it comes jam-packed with 35+ pieces. Alongside the usual stethoscope, thermometer and blood pressure monitor, you get X-ray sheets to clip up and examine, a prescription pad, a medicine bottle with pretend pills (they’re made of large flat cardstock, so not to worry), and injury stickers for dramatically diagnosing everyone in the house. There’s an upside beyond the fun, since being the one in the white coat tends to take some of the fear out of their own checkups.

Play Visions FidiBitz
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$9.99

A fun new addition to the fidget toy arsenal, FidlBitz are tiny soft foam cubes that cling together without a speck of stickiness or residue, so a kid can stack, flatten and build them into whatever they dream up, in 2D or 3D, then pull it all apart and start over. That’s fun enough, but it’s the satisfying crackle when they get squished together that makes them irresistible. No batteries, no screen, and no mess on the carpet, and because they work for everyone from kindergartners to fidgety adults, don’t be surprised if you keep a pile at your own desk.

Playdoh Barbie - Motherly
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$20.70

What do you get when you combine two of the most classic toys of all time? Hours and hours of play time you’ll actually want to get in on, it turns out. The Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show Playset turns a real Barbie into the mannequin and your kid into the designer behind her. Using the ruffle maker, hair molds and a pile of stampers and cutters, they press six colors of Play-Doh into dresses, skirts, necklaces and even fresh hairstyles, then peel it all off and start a whole new collection. The packaging doubles as a design studio and a runway with a spinning stand, so every look gets its own little fashion show. It resets endlessly and works with any Play-Doh you already have on hand.

Skoot - Motherly
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$225

If you’ve ever dragged an overtired 5-year-old through an airport, you know there’s always a moment when their legs stop working. (And it’s usually when you’re trying to catch a connection.) The Skoot is built for that moment. Part suitcase, part ride-on, the steerable, scootable design is frankly brilliant. Pop it open and there’s 13 liters of storage inside, enough for a weekend of clothes and the non-negotiable stuffed animal, and it’s sized to fit in an overhead bin. The best part is the tow strap, which lets you pull your kid along while they ride once the walking is officially over. Their own luggage, their own ride, and a lot less negotiating at the gate.

Stomp Rocket Space Collection
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$29.99

Stomp Rockets are one of those toys that check all the boxes. They’re simple, battery-free, great for a wide range of ages and endlessly engaging. Their NASA collection includes three foam renditions of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V Rocket, and the SLS Rocket which can be launched up to 100 feet by the sheer force of a well orchestrated stomp. (It’s as satisfying as it sounds.)

Wild + Rae Cowgirl Boots
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$88

The Cowboy Carter tour may have ended, but cowgirl boots are forever. Mini fashionistas are sooo going to flip over the sparkly and fun styles from Wild + Rae. They’re made from real leather with legit arch support and an easy-on zipper so you can be sure they’ll wear them until their toes are scrunched. (And they’re not slippery either!) The best part? They come in matching styles for moms, too.

Crayola Inspiration Art Case
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$29.99

A top-rated favorite year after year, Crayola’s Inspiration Art Case comes with 140 crayons, markers, and colored pencils to create an endless collection of masterpieces. We love how the neatly packed case encourages them to keep their supplies organized–the fact it’s travel-ready is just a bonus!

Prevelo Alpha 2
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$509

What’s more classic than finding a shiny new bike under the tree? Prevelo’s award-winning Alpha series offers six different sizes to span from the balance bike stage all the way through elementary school, but for first time two-wheelers, check out the Alpha Two. It’s incredibly light and proportionally smaller than most other 16″ bikes on the market. With that in mind, it makes an excellent ride for newbies and otherwise cautious kiddos as they have plenty of comfort and control. It’s also equipped with hand brakes only (no coaster brakes here!) which are easy for small hands to grab. It comes in four great colors (silver, blue, pink, and red) each of which feature matte black forks which look super sharp in our opinion!

My Sticker Dress Up Dolly's Dolls
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$12.99

There’s no wardrobe we’re more fascinated by than Dolly’s. Packed with 500 shimmery, glittery stickers, this is the sticker book for the smallest Dolly fans (and their mamas).

My First Karaoke
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$33.90

Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I honestly enjoy the song stylings of 5-year-olds. (Well, to a point.) They’re earnest, unselfconscious, and generally hilarious. Add a speaker and microphone and who knows? You may have the next superstar on your hands. The two-part kid-centric set up from My First connects to your phone or computer and includes both a powerful speaker and a dynamic microphone which can go anywhere the party is. (AKA, wherever the karaoke machine shows up, honestly.)

Bumpas Weighted Stuffie
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$39

From long days at school to navigating more complex emotions, being five can be pretty exhausting. Add a bit of calm to their downtime snuggles with the soothing stuffies from Bumpas. The lovable monsters feature weighted arms that can settle on their shoulders and stay put, hands-free while they decompress. They’re great for kiddos with anxiety or sensory issues, but also a treat for any kid who just needs a hug. (That’s all of them!)

Handy Famm 5-Function Tool Box
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$39.99

Get them involved in your next home project with this kid-friendly tool set from Handy Famm. The two-piece set includes Lola the Bird (a tape measure, level, and angle finder) and Stretch the Giraffe (a hammer with nail storage). And no, they’re not just cute–they’re the real deal! With ergonomic shapes that are easy for small hands to hold, they offer a safe way for kids to help with jobs big and small.

Kinetic Sand Kpop Demon Hunters Ramyeon Cup
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$12.99

Sensory play with a side of pop culture obsession. Kinetic Sand’s Kpop Demon Hunter-themed Ramyeon Cups are one of this year’s top requests. Twist the grater to make the noodles, then use the lid to mold and create the toppings. The included chopsticks are a great way to practice dexterity and fine motor skills and unlike slime this one’s far easier to clean up!

Britannica's First Big Book of Why
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$18.79

Who decided being a know-it-all is a bad thing? This colorful compendium offers answers to all your kindergartner’s burning questions like “why do elephants have trunks?” and “why are clouds different shapes?” so they can flex their knowledge at share time. The clear and digestible answers are verified by Brittanica experts and span a wide variety of topics.

Gamewright Outfoxed!
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$24

At 5, you can start to phase out games of chance like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders (you’re welcome) in favor of games that start to work their strategic thinking. Outfoxed is a favorite among parents and kids alike for its engaging game play that tests their thinking skills without being overly difficult. If Clue and Guess Who had a baby, this is the game that would result. It’s even fun for adults to play!

Boogie Board - Motherly
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$26.99

The reusable LCD drawing boards from Boogie Board are a super fun way for your kindergartner to doodle and practice their writing skills. Four texture tools (which conveniently attach to the board) help them master writing their letters and numbers as well as create temporary masterpieces that disappear with the press of a button. It’s perfect for restaurants and travel, too!

Mudpuppy Dinosaur Park 100 Piece Glow in the Dark Puzzle
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$13.99

100-piece puzzles are great for 5-year-olds. Not so hard it’s discouraging but easy enough to complete without help. One of our top picks? The glow-in-the-dark designs from Mudpuppy which make the finished the product even more impressive!

Kiwico Veterinarian Starter Kit
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$29.95

Perfect for veterinarians-in-training, this engaging kit from KiwiCo comes with all the tools they need to keep their stuffies in tip-top shape including a working stethoscope, syringe, and other essentials as well as a reusable check up form to record their assessments. To deepen their learning, it also includes wooden organ and muscle systems as well as a buildable light table and animal cards to examine fractures.

Squishy Bubble Bath Bombs for Kids
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$29.99

Handmade in Minnesota from from natural ingredients, the surprise Bubble Bombs from Two Sisters make bath time extra fun. Unlike regular bath bombs, these colorful, scented bombs fill the tub with bubbles as they dissolve. And the best part? Each one has a squishy treasure hidden inside!

Opinel Le Petit Chef Complete 3 Piece Kitchen Set
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$57

If your 5-year-old has expressed an interest in getting involved in food prep, why not let them? Cutting, chopping and prepping fruits and veggies is a great way to get little ones involved in cooking (with supervision of course). This set from the iconic French brand Opinel offers the real thing with safety measures that keep it age-appropriate.

Clixo Dino Adventure Pack
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$49.99

What is Clixo? Well, a better question might be what isn’t it? A flexible, magnetic and modern-twist on building toys, Clixo sets invite kids to create any 2D or 3D structures they can dream up. The pieces, which are made from a durable and eco-friendly material they can bend and twist, feature secure magnets at the ends that click together with an impressive hold. Their recently-released dino pack allows kids to create a variety of brightly colored dinosaurs both real and imagined.

Lego Creative Food Friends
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$9.99

While building with LEGO is second nature to most five-year-olds, kits with too many steps can get overwhelming. That’s why we’re loving these quick-hit silly food friends which offer both open-ended building and the satisfaction of completing a model in just a few minutes.

Screen Shot 2021 10 27 at 3.13.46 PM - Motherly
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$24.99

Or, simply let the imagination flow with this open-ended LEGO set. Your kiddo can come up with endless possibilities thanks to this 484-piece box of blocks. It’s sure to keep them (and you, be honest!) busy for hours.

Mudpuppy Go Shark - Motherly
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$9.99

The classic childhood game gets a thrilling makeover that’s perfect for shark lovers. With ten colorfully illustrated shark species, it’s a fun way to learn about numbers, colors and their favorite sea-faring predator.

ooly Switch-Eroo Color Changing Markers
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$14.95

What’s more fun that a brand new set of markers? A brand new set of color changing markers. Each color has a secret alter-ego that’s revealed when they doodle over top with the other end!

The Story Orchestra - The Nutcracker
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$15.99

If “The Nutcracker Suite” is on constant refrain in your house, too, your kiddo will love flipping through the dreamy illustrations and pushing on the pages to hear Tchaikovsky’s music come to life—all on their own.

A version of this story was published November 10, 2021. It has been updated.