26 Fun Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys Who Loves to Play

At the age of five, boys have transitioned from being toddlers or preschoolers and are on the cusp of entering the realm of “big kids.” This phase of childhood is a unique transitional period. Many five-year-olds will have begun their educational journey by starting school, and they are now developing better control over their emotions and actions. Nevertheless, emotional outbursts are still frequent occurrences as the ability to self-regulate is only in its early stages.

In terms of physical development, five-year-old boys are experiencing significant growth spurts, becoming notably taller and demonstrating improved coordination and skill in their movements. Encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle at this age helps establish positive habits that will benefit them for years to come. The gifts featured in this collection have been thoughtfully chosen to support a five-year-old boy’s developmental stage while catering to a diverse array of interests.

1. Playmobil Knights Grand Castle of Novelmore

The Playmobil Knights Grand Castle of Novelmore is a huge Playmobil set with lots of realistic, detailed features and accessories. Great for encouraging an interest in history and imaginative role-play; there are working canons and crossbows and walls that can be broken through by the knight figures included.

As well as improving imaginative and creative skills, role-playing with small figures allows children to experiment with a huge range of social situations safely and to consolidate their learning through doing this. Putting the Playmobil Knights Grand Castle of Novelmore together is also a great opportunity for a 5-year-old boy to improve his construction skills.

2. Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Game

Take the opportunity to develop or build upon an interest in sports through the Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Game. This high-quality table-top game uses a series of rods and fine motor movements to control players on the board which helps to build physical strength in the fingers, hands and wrists which will also help a 5-year-old with learning to write and improve their handwriting.

The Stiga NHL Stanley Cup Hockey Game comes in official NHL colors and logos, so it is perfect for a 5-year-old developing an interest in the NHL. It is a game that can be played socially too encouraging positive interaction, and the opportunity to learn to win and lose gracefully!

3. Automatic Baseball and Tennis Pitcher

Looking for a toy that will get young boys off their screens and into the backyard? This is the one. The sports-loving five-year-old boy that gets this awesome gift won’t want to come back inside as he practices his sports skills. This automatic baseball and tennis ball pitcher by iPlay will have him swinging for the fences all afternoon.

It’s not just the machine that comes in the set though. It also includes a baseball bat, a tennis racket and six balls. It can be set to pitch the ball in intervals of five to seven seconds, so it’s ideal for different skill levels. While young boys are practicing their batting skills or backhand serves, they’ll also be improving their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities. Most importantly, they’ll understand the value of not giving up, working hard and committing to improving their skills in whatever sport or hobby they choose. It’s a life lesson they’ll carry with them forever.

4. Franklin Sports Grow-with-Me Baseball Batting Tee

The Franklin Sports batting tee is perfect for helping 5 year old boys develop their teeball skills. The hanging tee design allows the ball to be suspended 18″-26″ high, ideal for younger players working on coordination.

As boys grow, it transforms into a traditional batting tee adjustable from 25″-36″ in height. This 2-in-1 tee is designed to grow with a child. The set includes a plastic bat, balls and batting tee so it’s an all-in-one gift. Hitting off the tee builds hand-eye coordination and baseball skills. The adjustable sizing accommodates different ages and abilities. A great gift to start teeball practice at home.

5. Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set

Technology, computing and specifically coding skills are becoming more and more in demand in today’s economy, so why not give the 5-year-old boy you’re buying for a head start? The Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set is a cute, kid-friendly robot designed to introduce children to coding skills.

Children can use the coding cars and obstacles included to learn how to control the robot, building an interest in robotics and also developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work out what the robot needs to do and how to code for this. A great, educational gift for a 5-year-old boy to build a range of skills.

6. Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsabre

A brilliant set of roleplay resources for fans of Star Wars, the Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsabre is a set of lightsabres and attachments that can be used interchangeably so that children can create their weapon of choice. It is also compatible with and connects to other Bladebuilders sets so that there are more opportunities for play.

Highly customizable, with plenty of accessories the Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsabre set is ideal for encouraging children’s imaginative role-play which allows them to develop a whole host of skills such as social skills, communication and self-confidence. Perfect for a 5-year-old boy who is a big fan of Star Wars!

7. Turbospoke Exhaust System

Riding a bicycle is an important milestone for children to master in and of itself and it requires a whole host of skills leading up to it too. Children need to learn balance, coordination and have plenty of strength in their core muscles and legs in order to control a bike, and once they have mastered this riding a bicycle is a great way to keep children active and healthy.

The Turbospoke Exhaust System is compatible with the majority of kids bikes and produces realistic engine sounds without the need for batteries, to keep kids engaged in bike-riding. It has an attractive design and a few different noises to choose from and would make a great gift for a 5-year-old boy who has learned, or is learning, to ride!

8. Dueling Stomp Rocket Launcher

Get ready for out-of-this-world fun with this rocket launcher game by Stomp Rocket. This exciting toy is perfect for five-year-old boys who love adventure and high-energy play. With its easy-to-use design, little ones can launch foam rockets into the sky and watch them soar through the air up to 200 feet. This rocket launcher game offers more than just entertainment, it also promotes important aspects of child development. As kids load the foam rockets into the launcher and take aim, they develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The anticipation of launching the rocket encourages problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Made with durable materials, this toy ensures endless hours of active play. The foam rockets are soft and safe, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Whether they’re playing solo or engaging in friendly competitions with friends and family to see who can go higher, this rocket launcher sparks imagination and encourages physical activity. It’s a guaranteed blast for the entire family.

9. Lego Toy Story 4 Buzz and Woody’s Carnival Mania

Based on the popular Toy Story characters Buzz and Woody the Lego Toy Story 4 Buzz and Woody’s Carnival Mania set allow children to recreate scenes from the Toy Sory 4 movie, as well as play imaginatively.

Following the instructions to construct the carnival from the movie is sure to capture the interest of a 5-year-old and improve their concentration, perseverance and construction skills. As the Lego Toy Story 4 Buzz and Woody’s Carnival Mania set is compatible with other Lego bricks, he can incorporate other sets or bricks that he has to extend the play and his imagination too.

10. Playmobil City Action SWAT Truck

Playmobil is a popular toy with the age range which is great because most of the sets are compatible with one another so characters and accessories can be shared to extend role-play scenarios and imaginative play. The Playmobil City Action SWAT truck would make a great gift for a 5-year-old boy interested in the police force or ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ type play.

The Playmobil City Action SWAT truck features lights and sounds to enhance and encourage imaginative role-play. The set itself is also an ideal way to improve construction skills as it needs to be put together following instructions.

11. SilverLit Robo Dash

If the 5-year-old you’re buying for is just longing for a pet then maybe a remote-controlled dog will do the trick. The SilverLit Robo Dash Remote Controlled Dog is a high-tech, high-quality alternative to a real, furry friend. As well as allowing for plenty of imaginative role-play and experimenting with pet care there are plenty of other learning opportunities.

Using the remote control allows children to improve their technology skills, and the SilverLit Robo Dash’s built-in object detection not only keeps the dog safe but will also build a child’s interest in how robotics work.

12. Micro Sprite Scooter

Scooters seem to remain popular throughout childhood and provide a useful way for children to get around. Many 5-year-olds love to ride their scooter to and from school, the park or just around the neighborhood or up and down the driveway. The Micro Sprite scooter is the ideal upgrade for a 5-year-old who has mastered a scooter in their younger years.

The Micro Sprite scooter is a 2-wheeled scooter, requiring more balance and control from the user, with a lightweight frame that makes it easy to steer. It has a 220 lbs weight-limit so many adults can get away with having a little test ride and grows easily with a child. A great gift to keep a 5-year-old boy active and healthy!

13. Marvel Superhero Socks Set

Have the five-year-old you’re shopping for rocking some serious style with this set of Marvel superhero socks. Designed with iconic Marvel characters, these socks are a fantastic gift choice for little boys who like their action heroes. With Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America gracing their feet, they’ll feel ready to conquer the world.

Besides being a functional gift, they will also allow young boys to express their own personal sense of style. Putting on their own socks is also easier because they just need to match the superheroes. They’re made of a soft blend of polyester and elastic, making them comfortable for all-day play. The stretchy fabric means they’ll stay up and won’t lose their shape when they’re machine washed. They also feature rubber nonslip soles to prevent falls while playing inside. With this gift, even something as mundane seeming as socks becomes an extension of their fun and unique personality.

14. ThinkFun Robot Turtles Board Game

A fun board game for 2-5 players the ThinkFun Robot Turtles offers a huge array of benefits to children and would make an excellent gift for 5-year-old boys. This board game offers all the benefits of traditional board games; teaching children to take turns, follow rules and win and lose with emotional regulation.

However, the ThinkFun Robot Turtles also helps children to learn about technology and coding, promoting those sought-after technological skills. Designed to be played with parents, children write code using cards, but no screen is needed! An ideal, educational gift for a 5-year-old boy.

15. Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes

The Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes set has been designed by aeronautical engineers and does not require batteries. For a 5-year-old boy who is interested in planes, rockets or science this set is ideal. It comes fully assembled so he can get straight into playing and the rocket planes can perform a range of stunts.

The Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes set is an ideal gift to help improve a 5-year-old boy’s scientific understanding of flight and aerodynamics; this may seem a little ambitious for age 5 but the foundations laid down in these years will help later on in life!

16. High-Resolution Shockproof Binoculars

Discover a world of learning and exploration with these high-resolution binoculars from DMbaby. This is the perfect gift for any five-year-old boy who is curious about the world and all it has to offer. The powerful magnification of these binoculars allows young adventurers to get up close to nature, observe wildlife and set off on exciting outdoor adventures.

These binoculars are made with young children in mind. They’re shockproof and highly resistant to bumps and accidental drops. They also feature rounded eyecups that are made out of rubber to offer comfort while looking through the lenses. The grips on either side have been ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in little hands and the scratch-resistant paint means they’ll stay looking new for a long time. A gift like this will encourage a sense of curiosity and an openness to learn as he checks out the birds or gazes at the stars.

17. Rubie’s Official Marvel Spider-Man Costume

Imaginative role-play and dressing up is a big part of childhood and this official, licensed Spider-Man costume will be well received by most 5-year-old boys. Whether he uses it for imaginative play at home, dressing up at parties, on special days at school or just for trips to the shop, it is sure to make a welcome addition to his dressing up collection.

Being an official, licensed product, Rubie’s Official Costume Marvel Spider-Man Costume is made of high-quality materials and has been tested to both EU and UK standards so you can be sure that it will last. By age 5 most children can manage dressing fairly well but dressing up costumes are a great way to practice these skills.

18. Lego City Fire Station Garage Building Set

As Lego is such a fantastic toy for developing fine-motor skills and imaginative play, it makes the ideal gift for a 5-year-old boy. There are plenty of different sets available to suit their needs and interests and the Lego City Fire Station Garage Building set is a great choice for 5-year-old boys who may be interested in the fire service, or at least fire engines!

The Lego City Fire Station Garage Building Set will require the child to follow instructions to complete its construction, helping to develop concentration and perseverance as well as the ability to follow instructions methodically. As many boys of this age are interested in Lego construction this may well be an ideal gift.

19. Hasbro Gaming Perfection Game

Board games are a great way to build social skills as children learn to get along with others, take turns and play fairly. However, one of the major drawbacks is that there isn’t always someone around to play with, the Hasbro Gaming Perfection Game solves this problem as it can be played both individually and with others. 

Reviewed by MENSA for Kids the Hasbro Gaming Perfection Game has plenty of learning opportunities and is especially good for developing early maths skills. It also has built-in storage as all of the pieces fit into, and can be stored in, the game itself. A great gift for a child who loves playing games but doesn’t always have another player to hand.

20. KidKraft White Modern Wooden Table with 2 Chairs

An ideal addition to a little boys’ bedroom, the KidKraft White Modern Table with 2 Chairs is likely to fit in with a range of décor themes and is built to last. A 5-year-old will get plenty of use out of this little table and chairs set, built especially to be child-sized and versatile.

The table can be used for arts and crafts, games and more, and will keep a 5-year-old boy in a good, ergonomic position for drawing and learning to write and is ideal as a space for completing homework! The KidKraft White Modern Wooden Table with 2 Chairs is easy to assemble and comes with full instructions.

21. Jurassic World Real Feel Mosasaurus

Dinosaurs are a really popular interest with 5-year-old boys, many of whom can name and identify a surprising number of the creatures. Storing all this information is a good thing though as it keeps their brains active, and forms all sorts of neural pathways and connections that are useful in later life. If the 5-year-old boy you’re buying for is interested in dinosaurs then this is an interest worth encouraging.

The Jurassic World Real Feel Mosasaurus is a large model of a Mosasaurus, a pre-historic water creature, with real feel technology so it is soft and pliable rather than made of hard plastic. Inspired by scenes from the Jurassic World movie this model is designed to inspire imaginative play.

22. Top Race Remote Controlled Dog

Robots and robotics are really popular with 5-year-old boys and as this kind of skill is more in demand in today’s society it is a good idea to encourage this interest early on! The Top Race Remote Controlled Dog is like having a robot pet, not only can you use the remote control to make him sing, dance and move but he responds to voice commands too.

The Top Race Remote Controlled Dog will delight a 5-year-old boy as he learns the voice commands need to have the dog perform tricks and is the ideal gift for a boy with an interest in robots or pets.

23. Tomy Pop Up Pirate Game

The Tomy Pop Up Pirate Game is great to play with all the family as it is suitable for a range of ages, and can be played by up to 4 players at a time. However, it is also perfectly possible for a child to play with the game pieces alone so it doesn’t always require extra players to be around.

The game requires players to poke little swords into holes in the barrel until eventually one of them triggers the pirate character to pop up. Being able to put the sword pieces into the right holes requires dexterity and helps improve fine motor skills.

24. Geospace The Original Deluxe Bungee Boing

5-year-olds are still pretty physical creatures and have plenty of energy that needs burning off during the day. Sometimes that energy has to be burnt off at home and the Geospace Original Deluxe Bungee Boing is an ideal way to do this, it is a beginner’s pogo stick allowing children to bounce without the need for intensive balancing.

The Geospace Original Deluxe Bungee Boing is safe for younger children as it has a stable, flat bottom to allow children to work on their balance and coordination safely. The flat bottom also means that the Bungee Boing can be used indoors without risking damage to the flooring. A great gift for a 5-year-old boy who has heaps of energy and loves to show off his physical skills.

25. John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor

Based on the popular John Deere designed tractors the John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor has light-up wheels and encourages imaginative small-world play. Imaginative small-world play is key at age 5 as it is a way of children sorting out the vast array of knowledge and information that they receive from the world every day and filing it away in their brains.

The John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor can be used indoors or outdoors and makes a great gift for 5-year-old boys with an interest in vehicles or farms and farming.

26. Tomy Screwball Scramble Classic

A classic family game that can be played alone or with others, the TOMY Screwball Scramble Classic encourages coordination and improves fine motor skills as the child navigates small balls through a range of different obstacles.

The Tomy Screwball Scramble also encourages all of the social skills that we see associated with playing board games, like learning to follow the rules, take turns and win and lose graciously with appropriate emotional self-regulation. A great gift to keep a 5-year-old busy whilst working on his fine motor skills and dexterity.

Final words

When it comes to buying a gift for a 5-year-old boy there really are a lot of options! Luckily, 5-year-olds still have quite wide and varied interests, so the ideas listed here may give you some pointers in picking out a gift by presenting options you hadn’t considered or didn’t know about.

Many of the options are educational and improve important skills for school whilst not seeming like obvious schoolwork, so they are bound to be a hit with parents and children alike, and all of the gifts presented here have contributions to children’s development. We hope that this list has been helpful, as you consider which gift to pick out for the 5-year-old boy you have in mind.

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