Best Toys for 5- to 8-Year-Olds

Marble Run Game

THIS IS THE ONE. This is the stand out toy for 2024: imagination a combination mouse trap,  a marble run and a pinball machine, and it has held the attention of kids ages 5-13 at my house.

School Play Set

Oh, this set. It’s just the best. I hope you’ll consider it if you have a kid who likes to play school (with friends or with stuffies). The materials are reusable (they’re not one and done). This has everything from kid friendly lesson plans to school supplies to a timer. It’s an unbelievable hit, and something that’s consistently used at my house with ages 5 to 12.

Travel Watercolor Set

A very thoughtful gift for a budding artist, this travel watercolor set has been a 10/10 for my then-7 year old (suggested by an 11 year old friend). This is a wonderful gift for a child and opens up the possibility of easily taking art with them on the road.

Gifts to pair with a watercolor set

• Small notebook of watercolor paper
• A Child’s Introduction to Art (non-fiction book)

Pinball

A HUGE WINNER. This is the most fun pinball game we’ve ever played (and so stinking affordable compared to others). This is a kit you have to assemble first, made of durable wooden parts. The instructions were clear enough for my 8 year old to build it with only mild oversight. It is definitely our most played with toys of 2025. It’s been a 5+ fan favorite over here.

Rainbow Loom

The absolute hit of our street. This is doable and makes a great final bracelet – but let’s give an extra emphasis to doable. For the last three years, this has been a staple in my neighborhood. I’m calling this a massive longevity win for a craft kid with kids 5-14 years old constantly creating bracelets. It comes with plenty of bands and a template to help kids learn the pattern of making these.

Magic Kit

Not sure which category this belongs in, so we’ll toss it in games. It’s awesome. If you have a budding magician at home, this has been a fantastic toy for our family and the tricks are fully doable for ages 5+. Absolutely have loved this!

Electronic Slide Puzzle

Gifted this to my son for this 8th birthday and it was the biggest hit. It is more expensive than you may expect, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. It’s that good.

Vertical Marble Run

Yup, it’s the vertical version of the one already on the list but each has value. And I couldn’t choose between them. We now own all three versions of Screwball Scramble. This stand up one is awesome – think pre-made marble run meets pre-made mouse trap. It’s the best. Kids from 4 to 12 flock to it at our house. If you have either of the other two, they do hook together to make a mega course.

Walkie Talkies

These become REALLY fun for kids around age 5 years old – and also around age 40. The distance on these is at least a mile (and so cool that it’s a 4-pack). These are obviously indoor or outdoor, but I see them outside with my kids most often.

Hurry Up Chicken Butt

THIS GAME IS A RIOT. Sorry for screaming. But this is the game. Sit in a circle and play a variation on hot potato that is action packed. This game works best if all players can read so we recommend it for 6+. Because until you’ve run across a room to tap a chicken butt… you haven’t lived…

I Saw It First!

Awesome, awesome, awesome. This is been a family favorite since 2021 and I have got to get the word out better. It’s 7 double sided hexagons with over 300 animals. You draw token with an animal picture and name, and then race to find it. It’s like the most super-sized big kid version of “Spot It.” We live for this game.

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. This is a standard 6-8 year old birthday gift from me (regardless of gender).

Other snap circuit sets we love

• The Arcade Set: this is a great starter pack or expansion set
• The Beginner Set: this is the smaller version I use as a standard birthday gift

HyperTiles

My 8 year old’s 2024 “Santa” gift. These are hyperbolic-shaped tiles that clip together to make movable 3D objects. We gifted a set to a 7-year-old neighbor in the Spring because they were such a hit. They are an interesting, niche, and a highly mathematical building material that has been perfect for my kid’s engineering mind. Check this one out especially if you have a math-forward kid who builds.

Polly Pocket

Yep, she’s back. She’s amazing. She’s one of my daughter’s favorite toys and was the envy of all her friends, until they each got their own. This has been as big a hit today as it was 30 years ago. This version I linked to is a favorite of my 11-year-old. The larger hedgehog Polly Pocket is holding a smaller baby one that also opens into a tiny Polly Pocket (very meta).

Mini Simon

I loved Simon as a kid but Mini Simon is even more fun. It’s a great extra gift or stocking stuffer. It says 8+, but it was a gift for my 4 year old who loved it as much as the bigger kids.

Smart Sudoku

Fantastic new game – this has only been on the market a few months! This simpler version of Sudoku is electronic and terrific. From ages 7 to adult, this has been a huge crowd please. The computer tells you where to place the starting and you have to decode the rest. It’s super well done and got my math reluctant child finally interested in Sudoku.

LCD Microscope

This. Microscope. Kids often have a hard time seeing through the small eye piece of a traditional microscope. This takes away that variable AND everyone can see all at once. It’s absolutely fantastic – this is a strong recommendation if a microscope has been on your family wish list.

RC Stunt Car

Looking for an RC car that doesn’t instantly break? This is the one. It’s durable, holds up well, and is a hoot to drive (it’s also easy for preschoolers to drive, too). It’s really forgiving because it can flip over and keep driving. It’s fantastic.

Marble Run

My 8-year-old had this at the top of his Christmas wish list last year – and it did not disappoint. It’s a great marble run (and I’ve tried many other brands… this one is the best I’ve had). The elevator works great, the parts fit together well, and it’s easy for little hands to put together.

Art Kit

I gifted this to my daughter two years ago Christmas and it’s been such a hit, we bought a second one for the neighbor boy. This is a great set of “just your own” art supplies for big kids. Both kits are still in great condition and being used.

More art supplies big kids adore

• Gel pens (omg, seriously the best)
• Multi-colored click pens (remember these?!)

Ribbon Ninja

A neighborhood favorite! The kids on our street love this game and have played it on repeat since 2022.

Plus Plus

A legend! Plus Plus is a fantastic building toy with so much longevity and creativity. It’s a great LEGO alternative OR for kids who love any kind of building. My kids got really into Plus Plus in the 7-8 year old range, although many start using this toy MUCH earlier. This is a great starter amount that will keep a few kids playing for a long, long time.

Roller Blades

Roller blades were all the rage on our street this year with the 6+ crowd. This is the brand I got my kids – and they grow with them (so you don’t have to keep buying new sizes). It’s been a really fun, new hobby. Here’s also a link to the knee, wrist, and elbow pads we paired with these…

Temporary Tattoo Pens

Maybe not the most traditional gift to give, but walk with me for a second: My daughter got these for her birthday from her beloved aunt. They’ve been an unbelievable hit with ages 5-15 years old. When I have a gaggle of kids over and need a slam dunk, I’ve reached for the temporary tattoo pens all year. They haven’t failed me yet.

Mancala

1. This game is super fun.
2. It’s been around for thousands of years.
3. No one gets tired of playing it. It is literally the GOAT.

Stilts

Yup. Stilts. These are height adjustable so they work for a broad age/height range. My 5 year old neighbor uses them and hands them off to my 42 year old husband. Now that’s a development span…. (all kidding aside, these have been a massive hit for our entire neighborhood).

Chemistry Kit

We have this, we love this, it’s shockingly good. I was skeptical when we got this (other kits have been lack luster). This has been great. The supplies are good, the directions are great, and my kids have learned a lot.

Gifts to pair with a chemistry kit

• First Big Book of Science (National Geographic)
• The Kid’s Book of the Elements

Kids Pod Swing (indoor or outdoor)

This has been a kid favorite for years – my best friend has one and it’s the favorite hang out spot. These are sweetest, coolest – just a great little space for growing big kids. They can relax, grab a book, unwind, etc… all in the comfort of their own pod. Lots of different colors available.

Klask

Think “air hockey with magnets.” Klask is really fun for a broad age range (even younger siblings will be able to play). This has some fun twists that make it unexpectedly even more fantastic than you’d expect. It’s my favorite game to play with kids.

Gymnastics Bar

Yes, this is a pricier gift. Yes, it’s big. It’s also made a huge impact for my family having a space where the kids can flip and swing, get out big movement energy, but without literally running around the house. It’s especially awesome on bad weather days. We first borrowed this from my neighbor who bought it when her kids were 3 and 4. My kids at 8, 10, 12 loved it so we bought our own. We paired ours with this gymnastics mat underneath.

Sloth in a Hurry

This game is absolutely adorable — and so much fun. It’s an improv-style game for kids, like charades with a twist. Instead of just acting out “a dinosaur,” you might have to be a dinosaur making a sandwich on the moon. It’s creative, hilarious, and such a sweet family favorite.

Machines in Motion

I first saw this gear set in a robotics class my 11 year old took. I knew we had to own it. It gives kids a chance to build functioning, battery-free machines and it way exceeded my expectations.

Magic Canvas Dragon Art

Dragons have taken over my kids and their friends. This set has been a solid favorite birthday gift to give this year for ages 6 to 11 years old. The kit comes with 4 dragon images designed with wax. When kids use the special watercolor pallet, the colors won’t bleed into different sections. It’s incredibly forgiving and makes an incredible work of art. There are lots of styles from the brand Aquarellum to choose from.

Other dragon themed gifts we love

• 12-pack of mini dragon figurines – this is a massive favorite here
• The Dragon Atlas: Legendary Dragons from Around the World (this is a new release – published late 2024)
• Paper Flying Dragons – think paper airplanes but they’re dragons

DIY Fairy House

My daughter had this on her wish list for years… I’m so glad I finally got it for her. It was a joy to watch her build this and makes playing with it even sweeter. This ships from a small toy shop (it’s such a lovely store).

Labyrinth Game

This was the most played with Christmas purchase of 2021 – it’s been three years and this hasn’t left the family room. Not once. This labyrinth is fun for all of us. From age 5 to 65 (Grandparents too), everyone keeps trying their luck. It comes with 3 mazes of varying complexity.

Flipslide

This single-player game is very Simon and Bop-It adjacent – and that’s a good thing. My 7 year old loves it. My 11 year old is still equally as invested.

Mini Vehicles

Anyone remember Micro Machines? I gave these to my 12 year old (yes, 12 year old) for his birthday this year, but I’m adding them to this earlier list because they’re wonderful. Big kids still like toys. He loves these. I’m so glad we have them now, but do wish we’d found them years ago. Better late than never.

Shut the Box

I know this looks unassuming, but this game is so addicting! It’s technically a math game: roll the two dice, add the numbers, and shut the box with the sum on it. It’s more than just that, of course, and I’m going to go play a few rounds after I type this.

Pop It! Game

Need a simple toy or gift? Try this. It reminds me of the bubble wrap popping game on iPhones of year’s past. All my kids (7-11 years old) have been massively entertained.

Pocket Microscope

Not ready for a full blown microscope (or don’t have the space)? I get it. We LOVE this pocket version (and so do all my kids ages). It comes to the park with us a lot.

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. My 7 year old loved this at Grandma’s house, she bought him his own set for our house.

Chipzi

Please, please – take a chance on this game. This is a brand new game which is why there aren’t many reviews. I first played a demo of this game in 2024 and was delighted to finally get it in 2025. There are 11 games you can play with these chips – none of them require reading so it is a wide age range accessible game and fun for literally the whole family.

Botley

I know robot toys are all the rage right now, and although it might break my “trendy” rule… have you met sweet Botley? This is a great intro to coding and robots, and really holds a big kid’s attention. My kids have loved playing with this.

Paper Airplane Book/Kit

We have been deep into paper airplanes at our house for four years now, all thanks to this book. The step-by-step guide is easy for kids to follow (and for adults who are less than paper airplane proficient).

Paper Airplane Launcher

If you have a paper airplane fan, take them up a notch with this simple launcher. My 7 year old has loved this upgrade.

Magnetic Tiles

Magnetic tiles are amazing for older children to build with. In fact, we didn’t get our first set until my oldest was 6. We have this Picasso brand (considerably cheaper and they are compatible with other brands) and it’s been fabulous. Magnetic tiles are a great “grandparent gift” – there are lots of expansion packs to add to this gift or keep it growing for future holidays.

Expansion packs we own for magnetic tiles

• Car bases with wheels
• Magnetic tile roads
• Race track (with driving car)
• Marble run

Magic Clay

This clay is awesome – it’s nothing like the messy, gooey, traditional clay or play dough (which is a sensory tool vs this is a crafting supply). The texture is cool, what kids can make is cool, it’s a great little set. It’s not like play dough, slime, or school clay. This is different and awesome for big kids.

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. Tools are for all genders – all kids can build. All kids can create. Real tools have been a real big hit with kids in my neighborhood, ages 5-12.

Logic Case

I love a single-player logic game that keeps kids quietly entertained and this is a fantastic option that’s screen and battery free.

Snap Circuit Game

This is a brand new toy for 2024. If you have a child who loves Snap Circuits, this game version is so cool. My kids (and husband) all have a blast playing.

Light-Up Tracing Pad

A thin, lightweight board that helps kids trace their art. My older kids (7 and 9) really enjoy drawing with this. It’s been a big hit.

Wooden Pattern Blocks

I am a huge fan of pattern blocks – open ended building, art, and creativity with a massive side of math? Yes, please. Pattern blocks are fantastic for kids to play with, but while they’re a fixture in classrooms, they’re so under utilized at home. Let’s change that. This set is magnetic, comes in a storage bag, and is so easy for kids to play with. Please trust me – kids love these.

Rush Hour, Jr

One of the best single player logic games on the market. I love this style of toy for kids – something that only needs one player and doesn’t rely on siblings, friends, or parents. They can quietly reach for this logic puzzle and get their play needs met.

Other single player logic games

• Smart Farmer: My kids’ favorite logic puzzle game since age 5.
• Cats in Boxes: A newer single player logic game that is fantastic
• IQ Twist Brain Teaser: Tetris-esque logic game

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. This can be solo or with a partner.

Super Stadium Baseball Game

Oh em gee… this is so much fun. This is one of those hidden gems that not many folks know about. One person is the batter, the other is the pitcher. One launches little marbles and the other actually swings the bat. I wish I could better explain this game. I didn’t believe in it until we got it… now I’ll shout it from the mountains how fun this toy is.

Razor Trike

Do not let the word trike fool you. This thing spins 360 and is epic. Being able to ride it has become a right of big kid passage in our neighborhood. This beloved “trike” has been in play almost every day for seven years. It’s wild, big kid excitement and so cool.

Perler Beads

I know you made these as a kid and remember what fun they were. Guess what? They’re still fun (and the only thing I use my iron for). Perler beads are something the kids on my street (5-13) bounce back and forth to all the time, and have done this dance for years.

Other “old school” art kits

• Shrinky dinks
• Rainbow scratch paper
• Friendship bracelets

Labyrinth Balance Board

Think balance board meets ball maze. This is a great toy for gross motor development – my kids often balance while I’m reading aloud. It’s something we’ve had for years now that I plan on keeping a long time.