:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PatriceJ.Williams-0d77c208176847228a374c997fd641e8.jpg)
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
At five years old, boys are energetic, funny, and sweet all rolled into one small human. With such dynamic personalities, here's betting that the 5-year-old boy in your life has a ton of ever-changing interests, from early science concepts and cooking, to music and art. Those myriad curiosities mean you have a good chance of finding a gift that keeps both his brain and body busy.
No matter what you gift him, opt for a toy that encourages him to learn and prepare for school. To further develop coordination and motor skills gift him something like a scooter, bike, or ride-on toy. (Bonus: he'll get out some of his never-ending energy.) Figurines, building blocks, LEGO sets, and other toys that encourage pretend play are also great, says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York City, because they foster imagination, providing children with the tools they need to create their own worlds.
Scroll on for the best toys for 5-year-old boys that your little one will love.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Stunt Tire Play Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/commerce_default_image_icon-d30e3fe926f54a6a9f8165be26203dbf.png){kind=icon}
Dimensions: 4.25 x 17 x 10 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Can be folded up for easy storage
Easy to assemble
Trucks don't launch as well as the cars
Perfect for easy storage or on-the-go play, this buildable race track is ideal for 5-year-old boys to build and take apart over and over again for extended play. In between builds, the tracks come apart easily and pack into the included tire-shaped case for easy travel. After they created their perfect design, young boys can launch the cars and trucks and watch them race through the track again and again.
Hauck Batmobile Pedal Go Kart, Superhero Ride-On Batman Vehicle
Dimensions: 44 x 21 x 22 inches | Material: Plastic, Rubber | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Easy to assemble
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Cool and recognizable design
Pricey
Difficult to maneuver on uneven ground
Superhero-obsessed 5-year-olds will love this mini batmobile perfect for riding the streets of Gotham City (aka their own front yard). This sleek ride-on toy has a sporty three-point steering for speedy and responsive turns as well as an adjustable seat to suit variously sized kids or grow with them as they get bigger. Kids can ride in style indoors or oudoors as they fight crime and defeat bad guys.
LEGO City Fire Station
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LegoCityFireStation-bf47781783094d59b04c8375596359c5.jpeg)
Dimensions: 13.94 x 14.88 x 2.78 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Easy to follow instructions
STEM-based
Pieces are organized by project
Reviewers found it smaller than expected
This set comes together with more than 500 pieces, and it's perfect for 5-year-old boys who can't get enough of the blaze-battling heroes and Legos. Mini-figures include a fire chief, two firefighters, and a Dalmatian dog. One of the coolest features is the truck's special brick that flashes lights and plays siren sounds. The garage door opens and closes to allow the truck to come and go, and there's a separate water scooter (with its own dock) as well as a toy drone.
Disney Princess Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon Color Splash
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-toys-for-3-year-old-girls-disney-raya-water-toy-de69ce9881644167a3f8ac2f045a8e2c.png)
Dimensions: 3.11 x 17.87 x 12.76 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Recognizable characters
Perfect for play with water or without
Interactive with color-changing Sisu
Packaging is simple and underwhelming
Both boys and girls will love playing with this interactive set of figures from Raya and the Last Dragon. Perfect for play in the bath or pool, Sisu and Raya change color when submerged. Bring the adventure to land for 5-year-olds to play as action figures as they recreate the action-packed movie using only their imagination.
Treasure X Monster Gold
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/treasurexmonstercoffin3-1004040c68384193bb852f005c386abc.jpg)
Dimensions: 3.78 x 3.78 x 8.27 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Multiple ways to play
Includes slime element
Collectible figures inside
Instructions can be difficult to follow
Dive into the unknown with this Monster Gold Coffin that has treasures buried within in. Search through spiderweb slime and multiple compartments of the coffin to find collectible figures to display, trade, and collect. The only downside of this toy is you may need to buy more and more to satisfy your now treasure hunter child as they race to collect all of the monsters.
HEXBUG JUNKBOTS Dumpster Kit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JUNKBOTSDumpsterKit-eeb9518c38e74d8db0be8270c1df74f6.jpg)
Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
STEM-based
Great bonding activity
Can be difficult for young kids to assemble on their own
This is a toy that truly lets kids use their imagination and building skills. Each Junkbots dumpster includes more than 50 pieces which kids can use to construct a robot or figure. There are enough pieces to make at least four bots, which can be animated using energy and motion modules, as well as a light up core.
PJ Masks Transforming 2-in-1 Mobile HQ
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PJ-Masks-Tower-471fa8ea8fd94b29881aa4e89946b3de.jpg)
Dimensions: 8.27 x 32.99 x 15 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 month and up
Suitable for various ages
Recognizable characters
Pricey
Fans of the PJ Masks superheroes will love the five levels of play this single toy has to offer. It stands three feet tall, can fit up to three cars (though only one is included in this set), and there's even a working elevator.
Gamewright Outfoxed! Game
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GamewrightOutfoxed-035b61dd4e694823997a96ddc689550d.jpg)
Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 2.25 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Fosters collaboration
Tests kids' logic and memory skills
Suitable for various ages
Some reviewers reported receiving a defective version of the game
This is the perfect collaborative board game for kids five and up. Two to four players have to work together to find Mrs. Plumpert's pot pie before they get outfoxed by the sly thief. The game includes an evidence scanner and dozens of clue cards. A single round lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Click N' Play Remote Control Robot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Click-N-Play-Robot-33bf3f6956184c2db68a5b8482339d4d.jpeg)
Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Multiple ways to play
Suitable for various ages
Battery life can be short
Your 5-year-old will love controlling his own robot toy that can sing, dance, walk and shoots foam discs all at the control of a remote. When you turn him on he responds "Greetings Master I await your command!", which will give your little man a thrill. He can set up a little obstacle course and watch the robot maneuver around it as he shoots off the flying discs that will wow the whole family.
"Little ones will love to control this robot—making it dance, walk, talk and fire foam discs all at the control of a remote. Every time we turn the Click N’ Play Remote Control Robot, my son is thrilled to hear it say, “Greetings Master. I await your command!”"—Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis, Product Tester
Osmo Pizza Co.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OsmoPizzaCo._-f784d788ed1b45ca867f0804686fa65a.jpg)
Dimensions: 5.55 x 2.2 x 9.15 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Fun way to learn math concepts
Connects to a tablet game for multiple play options
Collaborative activity
Can be difficult for young kids to understand
If you've been searching for an interactive game that connects to your tablet, here you go. The Osmo base (sold separately) attaches to a tablet and kids take pizza orders and give change to their virtual customers. The set includes a pizza board, more than 40 toppings, and money tiles. This is a great way to learn about adding, subtracting, and communication.
VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VTechKidiZoomCameraPix-63485989c9f0492d86d839b8d137a772.jpg)
Dimensions: 1.97 x 5.97 x 3.36 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Great starter camera
Camera makes shutter sound and includes filter options
Durable rubber exterior
Low image quality
Instead of handing over your phone or an expensive DSLR to your child, this VTech camera is perfect for them. It's durable, so no need to worry about breaking the device after a few drops, and snaps 2MP digital photos. It has more than 30 photo effects, games, and even a video mode.
Educational Insights Design & Drill Space Circuits
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EducationalInsightsDesignDrillSpaceCircuits-85fac6e058d440288d242bcfbdf4b90d.jpg)
Dimensions: 11.6 x 12.2 x 3.3 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Educational
Suitable for various ages
STEM-based
Might be difficult for younger kids to use
Needless to say your 5-year-old won't be operating an actual drill, but this STEM-based set from Educational Insights is the next best thing. It includes a kid-friendly drill that can be used to complete space-themed missions and repair circuits. Kids will love watching the bolts and connectors light up as they complete the 10 challenge cards.
Treasure X Sunken Gold Treasure Ship Playset
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TreasureX-936149f5f1374657b716787b9cc570e0.jpeg)
Dimensions: 16 x 5 x 11 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Multiple ways to play
Interactive
Great bonding activity
Playtime can be short after finishing the treasure hunt
This ship playset has 25 levels of adventure for your little boy to discover. He can explode the hatch, rescue the captain, fire the cannon, and at the end, find the gold dipped treasure. Because of the small pieces, this is a toy suited for ages five and up.
Hasbro Connect 4 Game
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HasbroConnect4Game-4bbf8d4f69f64965ae3ef1931261a0dc.jpg)
Dimensions: 2.13 x 10.51 x 10.51 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Teaches strategy
Suitable for all ages
Perfect for playing together
Materials can be flimsy
The iconic game Connect 4, which you probably also played as a kid, teaches children about strategizing and predicting, as well as the importance of winning and losing gracefully. Parents will be glad to know that just like in the old days, you can still release the chips so they fall from the rack with a satisfying clatter.
LEGO Juniors Shark Attack 10739 Building Kit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/914idTMk8xL._SL1500_-7c2d75e292714ea7a86e4c82c901d9b1.jpg)
Dimensions: 1.81 x 8.07 x 7.52 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Great bonding activity
Inexpensive compared to to other Lego sets
Designed for younger builders
Kids may need help assembling
If you haven't introduced him to the world of Lego sets, now is as good of a time as any. This set is for lovers of the movie Ninjango and lets tiny hands create a training area with weapon stand, breakable blocks, spinning training dummy, motorbike with detachable flame, and a shark car with movable fins and dual flick missiles.
Hot Wheels Track Builder Total Turbo Takeover Track Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HotWheelsTrackBuilderTotalTurboTakeoverTrackSet-8382d692599b4401a79ac968875a8e48.jpg)
Dimensions: 3 x 24 x 15 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Easy to assemble
Interactive
Compatible with other Hot Wheels tracks
Only comes with one car
Some users found it hard for the included car to go through the track
This car toy set can be used with other Hot Wheels sets, and 5-year-olds can customize their own layout by setting up races and stunt challenges, such as a boulder avalanche and two loop-de-loops. It also comes with a pullback launcher and two-way booster that enables cars to move in both directions, as well as one die-cast Hot Wheels car.
Plus-Plus Construction Building Toy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plus-PlusConstructionBuildingToy-2bcda62a9c094e05a25760f9acce6abd.jpg)
Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Easy to store
Multiple ways to play
Fosters imagination
Pieces may be too small for younger children
Plus-Plus construction kits are made up of flat, jigsaw-type pieces that can be used to build both 2D and 3D creations. Just think of it as a Tetris game brought to life. This set comes with 240 brightly colored pieces as well as two baseplates. A clear carrying tube corrals the pieces when not in use.
Lakeshore Learning Materials Lakeshore Ultimate Fort Builder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LakeshoreLearningMaterialsLakeshoreUltimateF-155767606a744cca854f7b5f05114eae.jpg)
Dimensions: 10.63 x 5.51 x 18.11 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Versatile
Easy to assemble
High quality materials
Extra materials needed to complete your fort
If you are looking for a toy for a 5-year-old that will inspire creativity and help hone those STEM skills this fort builder is the ultimate buy. Like peanut butter and jelly, kids and forts just go together perfectly. Yes, they could build a structure using dining room chairs or a table, but this versatile fort-building kit makes it way more entertaining, with poles, connectors, and an illustrated guide with inspiring ideas like a castle or igloo.
Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MarkySparkyBlastPadRocketLauncher-268aef43fa8743e892d4f44e273e70bb.jpg)
Dimensions: 14.41 x 10.67 x 2.64 inches | Material: Foam | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Perfect for outdoor use
Engaging
Material can be flimsy
There are only so many times you can play soccer or frisbee in the park. This stomp rocket provides an engaging alternative outdoor toy for kids five and up who will love leaping onto the launcher and seeing how high they can get the foam missiles to fly (in some cases, more than 200 feet).
CoolSand 3D Sandbox
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/D6JV39SWAAAb3Hf-358b6992edb940f2898fbebaf594deee.jpg)
Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 2.25 inches | Material: Plastic, CoolSand | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Long playtime
Easy to clean and store
Sand box can be flimsy
Boys will enjoy this sandbox which has them searching for dinosaurs in moldable sand. He can dig, learn, and explore all while looking for the extinct creatures. But no need to worry about this being a messy toy. The sand sticks to itself, not hands or clothes.
Obuby Walkie Talkies for Kids 3 Pack
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ObubyWalkieTalkiesforKids3Pack-77d961e671b349ca8792250187559dc9.jpg)
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Great for playing together
High audio quality
Lots of channels to choose from
Multiple buttons may be difficult for young children to get the hang of
Whether the kids are in the backyard or playing around the house, this set of walkie talkies will get tons of play time. It's lightweight, buttons are designed for small hands, and it has a range of close to two miles. There's even a built-in flashlight.
Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kits
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ShakespeareYouthFishingKits-48dfc8408b7b4c84b3be026a4e620b73.jpg)
Dimensions: 31 x 5 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic, Aluminum | Recommended Age: Not Listed
Lightweight and easy to travel with
Perfect introductory fishing rod
Easy to use
Line can tangle easily
Budding anglers are sure to get excited about fishing with one of these rod-and-reel combination sets, which come with designs such as Marvel's Captain America, Disney's Cars, and Thomas the Tank Engine (there are 12 options total). The 30-inch length is comfortable for small hands, and the rod has a round knob, thumb button, and finger guard to help kids practice proper casting techniques.
Plus Plus USA Go! Monster Trucks Play Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plus-plus-usa-go-monster-trucks-865de550422d485bba66586e591d9db9.jpeg)
Dimensions: Not Listed | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Sustainable materials
Designed to foster fine motor skills
Multiple ways to play
Can be difficult for young children to assemble
Sure it's a great car toy, but this set also lets encourages imaginative and creative thinking, as kids can learn to create their own cars in 2D or 3D. It's a great way to instill patience and appreciation for building your own inventions.
What to Look For in Toys For 5-Year-Old Boys
Recommended Age
Even though they may think they’re big kids, 5-year-old boys are still pretty young and might not be ready for certain toys. Games with mature themes and overly complex products aren’t a good idea for this age group. Make sure to glance at the age rating on the toy you’re considering to make sure it’s an appropriate fit, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association.
Educational Value
As 5-year-old boys advance to kindergarten, they’ll be learning to read, write, tell time, and count. A toy that helps advance any of these skills in a fun, interactive way will definitely be appreciated not only by the young boy in your life, but by his parents, too. He'll be ready for kindergarten before you know it.
Activeness
It often seems as though 5-year-olds are balls of energy, so a toy that helps to get them up and moving is always a good thing. Consider products that will encourage young boys to play outside, run around, and otherwise expend energy as they explore and create. As a bonus, these toys help solidify gross motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City. Additional research was done by Megan McCarty, a writer for The Spruce and MyDomaine with over 13 years of experience in both print and digital media. She regularly contributes to design-focused outlets such as Architectural Digest, Domino, House & Home, and Hunker.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JuliaFields-54a1bbe7012645f5912e85df4a83af4c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/boy-excited-at-gifts-452413433-5af5eddbeb97de003db29cbc.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-15-best-toys-for-4-year-olds-4151610-recirc-20d3c8e8f8744e11a141b1aac0e95a28.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/children-using-a-digital-tablet-on-a-train-686812574-5aff1464ae9ab800366ad921.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-v1-The-32-Must-Have-Toys-for-Christmas-2021-4150709-recirc-19eba2a103254774bd6aeea6b32e51fc.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-17-best-toys-for-3-year-olds-4151644-recirc-57aca8a174024117a50cf537ce1f7f22.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/baby-boy-playing-with-toy-car-184439587-59dd01ebaf5d3a0010ccbe02.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/happy-family-enjoying-in-backyard-858434448-5be37457c9e77c005128a05d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/boy-playing-with-toy-sitting-on-floor-at-home-1046583030-5c5da14646e0fb0001f24e2e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91rCij35qL._SL1500_-59c3e756c412440010d55d3b.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-21-best-gifts-for-6-year-old-boys-4150332-recirc-7e7c6bc75654475389e5aca1e2ea5ade.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-22-best-gifts-for-7-year-old-boys-4150333-recirc-eef616710db9406ab834c27edff6b808.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-22-best-toys-for-2-year-old-boys-4151589-recirc-55fecfab5c1241fca20dfd7b929b4b47.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-904801652-5c211dda46e0fb00012fc2b6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smiling-young-girl-riding-scooter-in-driveway-659856893-5b10b1d904d1cf003702029c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1160542031-b922e4f5e4e548c19aa1f6b7e626b19f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-v1-The-24-Best-Gifts-for-3-Year-Old-Boys-in-2021-4150185-recirc-e368609dd9214c649298f4a3f2f2a01b.jpg)