BEST TOYS FOR 5 YEAR OLDS: What are the best toys for ages 5-7 years old? Come check out this NO ELECTRONICS list. Simple and basic toys perfect for big kids!

Inside: See the best toys for 5 year olds (and beyond) – open-ended toys to grow with kids.

Looking for the best toys for 5 year olds (and even older)? Here’s the list for you.

We cannot afford to undervalue toys – especially as our kids age.

There’s this belief that as kids age, toys should be more technology focused (not true) – it’s kind of like the same rumor that hands-on activities are for little kids and worksheets are for big kids (again, not true).

Our big kids need play – hands-on, imaginary, they’re doing the work play. They need to still be in the driver’s seat of their play learning – please don’t set them in the back with video games just yet. They still need real play.

Big kids need open-ended toys and here’s why.

RELATED: Read more about my thoughts on toys in this article.

What toys do 5-7 year olds need?

In my humblest opinion, there are two toy categories: “One and Done Toys” and open-ended toys. We want to fill our homes with the good, open ended toys.

“One and Done Toys” usually have batteries, they might light up, or make noise – but the big red flag: these toys do the play work for the kids.

Why focus on open-ended toys?

By giving our kids open-ended toys, we are giving them the chance to learn by doing. And that’s the most powerful learning we can give them.

At this age – our five, six, seven year olds can do some pretty amazing things with open-ended toys and you can see the learning right away. It’s not hidden.

The blocks they build with are engineering
The LEGOs are created with great imagination.
The art they make is full of emotional expression.

How do we help our 5-7 year olds have the best toys?

We need to remember that even with 5 year olds, we are still gatekeepers to the toys in our homes and we decide which toys get to stay (and which get the boot).

The toys on this best toys for 5 year olds list are awesome examples of helping our children grow through play.

BUT PLEASE REMEMBER: Look back at my OTHER LIST (toys for toddlers and toys for preschoolers). Items on those lists are for 5 year olds too – so if you see an awesome toy there, don’t for a minute think the toy is too young.

If your 5 year old doesn’t have (for example) a wooden block set – check out the one on my toddler list!

If your 5 year old doesn’t have a train set yet, try the one on this list!

FYI: I taught first grade for years, and the toys on my toddler list are toys my students played with each day. These are toys with longevity.

Remember, toys don’t have a gender

This list is GENDER NEUTRAL (as all toys are). Everything on this list is fantastic for both BOYS and GIRLS, and equally loved and used by all – don’t miss a chance for amazing learning just because of your preconceived notions.

Our girls deserve the chance to engineer just as much as our boys need the chance to create.

Here are the best toys for 5 year olds – 7 year olds:

The following list contains Amazon affiliate links. Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Stomp Rocket

There’s no more beloved toy in my backyard than this stomp rocket – from ages 2 to age 11 – shooting a rocket into air is fun for everyone.

Perler Beads

I know you made these as a kid and what fun they were. Guess what? They still are (and the only thing I use my iron for).

Kids Microscope

I’m so excited about this. This is what my 7-year-old is getting this year (I bought it early, I’ve tried it, it’s GREAT). Giving kids open opportunities to just learn with a real tool is invaluable.

Mancala

This game is fun.
The little beaded pieces are imaginary play heaven – this was the most played with game by my kindergarten and first graders

Spirograph

Did you have a spirograph? This is math and art and creating at its finest – I’m so glad they never stopped making these.

Paper Airplane Book/Ki t

We are still deep into paper airplanes at our house, all thanks to this book. This gave step by step guides that my 5 and 7 year old could follow. Thanks to this book, we are all very paper plane fluent.

UNO

Every kindergartner should be playing UNO. I know that’s a bold statement but this game does a lot of good.

Lego Gears

Have a big kid into LEGO bricks? Take it to the next level with this kit. All the pieces to make all the contraptions come with – it takes LEGO and systems and STEM to a huge level.

The Ultimate Fort Builder Kit

Have a kiddo who loves building forts? This is the kit and way better than any other kits like it. Trust me, I’ve tried others and this one is “The Ultimate” for a reason.

Blue Road

I need you to hear me out: This is a 15 foot blue racetrack. Kids can use it inside, outside, make loops, it is amazing. If you have kids who like cars, roads, races – this is shockingly low price for what it is. But you’ve got to trust me on how versatile and amazing it is.

Walkie Talkies

These become REALLY fun for kids around age 5 years old – and also around age 37. The distance on these is at least a mile (and so cool that it’s a 3 pack).

Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars is everything for jungle hunts and spy missions. When I gave these binoculars for Christmas last year, I also included a compass just for fun.

Looms and Loops

Did you do this as a kid? My son (7) and daughter (5) love it so much. It’s complicated and challenging and so fun for kids to learn.

Bop It!

The skills needed to play Bop It! and the thrill of it all makes this such an addicting game – trust me, I’m as hooked as the kids are.

LEGO Bricks

By age 5 years old, all kids should have a box of LEGO bricks for building and creating. Nothing invites invention and engineering quite like a LEGO.

Snap Circuits

Let your child build circuits and systems with this amazing hands-on learning toy. Easy to follow directions let your child learn so much about electricity.

Wooden Pattern Blocks

If your child has been to a classroom, they’ve played with pattern blocks before. Having them at home is the best – anyone else remember making giant flowers with these as a kid?

Sewing Kit

Sewing is such a lost art but it doesn’t have to be. ALL kids can benefit from learning this very real life skill.

Magnetic Tiles

Magnetic tiles are amazing for older children to build with – we have this Picasso brand (considerably cheaper and we haven’t noticed a difference). We also have this expansion pack of doors and windows that is A++.

Wooden Marble Run

This is the marble run we have – we love it. Marble runs are complicated to set up, but 5-7 year olds rock it.

Real Tools

Yes, these are real tools specially sized for kids. You can decide if your child is ready for this, but there’s no substitute for learning to working with real tools. If you’d like a little more direction with the tools, this set comes with wood and instruction.