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

By 5-years-old, boys are no longer little pre-schoolers or toddlers but aren’t quite “big kids” yet either, they’ve reached an in-between stage of childhood. By 5 many children will have started school and will be beginning to have more control over their emotions and behaviors. However, emotional outbursts will still be common as self-regulation is only just beginning.

Physically, 5-year-olds are getting much taller, and much more coordinated and skilled in their movements. Keeping children active and healthy at this age sets up good habits for years to come. The gifts included in this list take into account a 5-year-old boy’s stage of development and are carefully selected to help support this as well as appealing to a range of different 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. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Mario Mini RC Racer

Remote-controlled gadgets are a popular choice for 5-year-old boys who are often interested in technology, how things happen and why things work, as well as enjoying the experience of being in control of an object. The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Mario Mini RC Racer is a remote-controlled car, perfect for encouraging positive use of technology.

The Nintendo Mario Mini RC Racer is based on the popular Mario Kart characters to add interest to the item and can perform a range of tricks and stunts that are sure to delight most 5-year-old boys.

4. Lego City Heavy Cargo Transport Truck and Rescue Helicopter

The Lego City Heavy Cargo Transport Truck and Rescue Helicopter set features 2 vehicles in one set allowing children to build both a heavy cargo transport truck and a rescue helicopter, which can be transported on the cargo truck, from just one set of Lego. This gives a 5-year-old boy plenty of opportunities to practice following instructions and honing his construction skills.

Lego is a fantastic opportunity to build fine motor skills by working small muscles in the fingers, which in turn, is great for improving handwriting. As 5-year-olds are often learning to write and form letters correctly this is especially important. The Lego City Heavy Cargo Transport Truck and Rescue Helicopter is a great set for 5-year-old boys and is compatible with the other sets in the Lego City range and with all other Lego bricks.

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. FurReal Munchin’ Rex

Lots of 5-year-olds have or would like a pet, and lots of 5-year-old boys would probably like a pet dinosaur! Whilst a pet dinosaur might not be possible, the FurReal Munchin’ Rex is probably the next best thing. He needs taking care of just like a pet; and can be fed, taken for a walk and played with. This might be a good way to introduce a child to the responsibility that comes along with looking after a pet, or just a way for them to role-play.

Imaginative role-play that involves caring or nurturing behavior, such as taking care of a pet, also improves social skills when playing with others. This would make a great gift for a 5-year-old boy who loves animals, and specifically dinosaurs!

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. Sphero Mini Activity Kit

Science and technology skills are more and more in demand in today’s world. By exposing children to these kinds of toys and projects early on in life we can open up a whole range of opportunities to them for later in life and help to build their interest in these industries.

The Sphero Mini Activity Kit is a really clever way of combining real-world play with technology as it connects a little robot with an app, and allows children to guide the robot through a range of obstacles. This kit is a brilliant way to encourage or build an interest in robotics and makes a great, unusual gift for a 5-year-old boy.

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. Playmobil Dragons Ruffnut and Tuffnut with Barf and Belch

The Playmobil Dragons Ruffnut and Tuffnut with Barf and Belch set is based on the DreamWorks How to Train your Dragon movie and the spin-off Dragons series which will make it popular with 5-year-old boys who have enjoyed these things.

The set encourages construction skills as it needs to be put together following instructions but will give a 5-year-old boy plenty of opportunities to play imaginatively and creatively, either by acting out storylines from the movies and series or by creating their own.

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. KidKraft Racecar Side Table

Some 5-year-olds are extremely conscious of their environment and many like to make their spaces, such as their bedroom or playroom, a reflection of their interests and personality. If the 5-year-old boy you are buying for is like this then the KidKraft Racecar Side Table could be an ideal gift.

The KidKraft Racecar Side Table may match the bedroom décor of a 5-year-old boy who is interested in vehicles, or specifically race cars, and is built to last. Appropriately sized for younger children, and with a storage drawer for any bedside necessities it is an extremely practical piece of furniture, which will help a 5-year-old feel a sense of ownership over his space, and maybe even keep it tidy and organized!

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. Hot Wheels Mario Kart Circuit Track Set

Hot Wheels is a very popular brand with 5-year-old boys who love the range of stunts that these sets can provide for small toy cars. The Hot Wheels Mario Kart Circuit Track Set combines the popularity of the Hot Wheels branding with the famous Mario Kart characters so it is sure to be a real hit with many 5-year-old boys!

As well as being compatible with other Hot Wheels sets and tracks this set includes die-cast cars from the Mario Kart enterprise so it will encourage imaginative play as well as improving construction skills as children follow the included building instructions.

28. 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.

29. Lego Brick Drawer

Lego is a fantastic, open-ended resource for children around the age of 5. It’s fantastic for improving their fine motor skills, construction and creativity skills as well as building an early interest in architecture and engineering. However, the downside of Lego is that it can find its way everywhere! Ask any parent and they will tell you about the pain associated with stepping on a stray Lego brick.

The Lego Brick Drawer is a potential solution to the problem of storing Lego. It’s an attractive, fun Lego brick design available in a range of colors will appeal to children and is a perfect addition to bedrooms and playrooms where Lego bricks need to be stored neatly. Having a home for Lego should encourage a 5-year-old boy to take care of his belongings and put them away when finished playing.

30. Ben 10 Omnitrix Deluxe

Based on the popular Ben 10 cartoon, the Ben 10 Omnitrix Deluxe is a great resource for imaginative role-play if the 5-year-old boy you’re buying for is a fan of Ben 10. It features lots of phrases from the show and lights up so he can pretend that he is Ben 10 and act out scenarios from the show or make up his own.

In addition to this, the Ben 10 Omnitrix Deluxe will encourage an interest in technology because as well as lighting up it can also project pictures onto a wall. A great gift for a 5-year-old boy who is a fan of the popular cartoon.

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.

Need more inspiration?

30 Awesome Gifts to Make 5-Year-Old Girls Happy

30 Gifts That Will Engage 6-Year-Old Boys to the Max

30 Really Exciting Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys