Watching your son morph from preschooler to kindergartner is amazing. Your sweet little boy is becoming a (still sweet) little man, and providing awesome toys for 5-year-old boys is a cool, fun way you can support his progress.
“At age 5, boys are making the transition from preschool to grade school. It’s an important shift in their lives, and their toy boxes also begin to change. At this age, boys are able to understand the world around them, so licensing begins to play a bigger role in their toys,” says Marissa DiBartolo, the senior editor of Toy Insider.
“Five-year-old boys are typically open to imaginative play involving costumes and pretend. When choosing toys for 5-year-old boys, parents can opt for items allowing space for open-ended, imaginative play,” suggests Creative Kidstuff sales and marketing director Happi Olson.
You’ll also want to indulge their need to run around and expend energy. “Parents often want their children to sit still, but the human body is not designed to remain still all the time. Allowing children to move freely and encouraging their bodies to move how they need to will result in an overall, more relaxed and regulated child,” says Nicole R. Ross, a creative arts psychotherapist for Joining Hands Creative Counseling & Wellness.
So what kinds of toys for 5-year-old boys should parents look to buy their highly energetic, imaginative and ever-growing sons? Check out some boy-approved tips from kindergarten pals Caleb and Jesse.
- Green Toys Dump Truck
Toy trucks like the Green Toys dump truck are great for imaginative play. “This is my funnest toy because I can put seashells in it and stuff,” explains Caleb, who likes to play with his dump truck on the boardwalk at Coney Island.
- Qubes Dinosaurs
Encourage learning with toys like these Qubes dinosaurs. “Did you know dinosaurs used to be alive once? I saw a real one but just a skeleton of one at a museum my mom took me to that had a cafeteria. I like to play with them but my toy dinosaurs are small, but I make believe they are big and that our plants are trees,” explains chatterbox and prehistoric enthusiast, Jesse.
- Lego Classic Creative Bricks
Toys like Legos are a classic for a reason. “I built a tower and it was tall. Me and my mom made a pencil but it didn’t write, but she said it wasn’t supposed to so that was OK,” says Caleb.
- Pokemon Trading Cards
Cards like Pokemon will be something your 5-year-old will collect for years to come. “Pokemon is my favorite movie. I like to look at the cards after bath time. Charizard is my favorite Pokemon because he uses rock smash and can fly,” says Jesse.
- Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad
Stickers are a wonderfully portable art activity, made all the better with booklets like the Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad. “I like stickers but I don’t like to trade them. My favorite sticker is this big elephant with really big ears,” says Jesse.
- Transformers Optimus Prime Bicycle
Get kids outdoors and active with toys like this Transformers bike. Newbie bike riders Caleb and Jesse both like to ride their bikes in their local park. “My dad is teaching me how to ride and go really fast,” says Caleb. “Someday I’m going to race Caleb on my bike and definitely win,” adds Jesse.
- Melissa & Doug Police Officer Role Play Set
Teach your kids about different jobs using dress-up sets like this Melissa & Doug police version.”We have a big pirate chest at home filled with costumes and stuff. My favorite is of a policeman because my dad’s one. I also like to dress up like Darth Maul,” says Caleb.
- Janod Helicopter Magnet Puzzle
Encourage critical thinking with puzzles — the Janod helicopter magnetic puzzle is a great option. “I have around 80 million magnet puzzles. They are awesome. I play with them in the car,” says Jesse.
- Fisher-Price Imaginext Pirate Ship
“Pirates are the coolest. I like to fire the canons on my pirate ship and make my sister’s Barbie dolls walk the plank,” says Caleb. This Fisher-Price pirate ship encourages imaginative play.
- Zingo!
Jesse loves to play Zingo! “I like to play this game because I like the thing that the tiles come out of and the pictures on the cards. I play this game with my friends when they come to my house and also when my babysitter comes because sometimes my mom and dad have to go to the movies and I can’t go because it’s not a cartoon,” he says.
- Razor Scooter
“I can go super fast on my scooter but I’m not allowed to ride it on the sidewalk,” says Caleb. Razor scooters can help kids burn off energy and improve balance.
- Spalding Basketball
For a more “grown-up” toy, try gifting a full-size Spalding basketball. “My grandpa got me a real basketball like the Nets use and we play together. It’s not a toy cause I’m growing up,” says Jesse.
Want more toys ideas? Check out 25 Popular Toys for Ages 2 Through 10.
Corey Kagan Whelan is a freelancer writer specializing in all things mom living in New York. She still has her grown son’s favorite toys tucked away, for another little boy to love someday.