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 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 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 on those list, 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!

Trust me, I taught first grade and the toys on my toddler list are toys my six year olds played with each day because 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:

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).

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.

UNO

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

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.