22 Best Gift Picks for 5-Year-Old Girls

Last updated on September 18, 2025

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Welcome to age five, where “I can do it myself!” becomes the daily anthem, yet hugs and help are still warmly welcomed. These confident girls tackle everything from shoe-tying to story-writing with determined independence, while their natural creativity reaches new heights.

We continuously refresh our gift recommendations to match this pivotal stage of development. Each selection supports their growing independence while providing opportunities for both skill mastery and imaginative expression.

1.
Mermaid Treasure Bath Bombs

Mermaid Treasure Bath Bombs
Why we like it: Bath time becomes treasure hunting when jewelry appears from fizzing bombs.

Water hits the colorful sphere and immediately starts bubbling into swirls of fruit-scented foam. Within minutes, not hours, the entire bomb dissolves revealing a wrapped jewelry surprise floating where the fizz began. Six different scents mean choosing between strawberry sparkles or grape bubbles becomes tonight's big decision.

Collected rings and bracelets migrate from bathroom counters to dress-up boxes where mermaid princesses need accessories. Friends compare their latest bath treasures during playdates while planning trades. The wrapped jewelry floats perfectly for bathtub treasure dives, and saved wrappers help remember which scent came with favorite pieces.

Pros
  • Jewelry surprise extends play beyond bath
  • Dissolves quickly without losing patience
  • No tub stains or residue
  • Each bomb individually wrapped for freshness
Cons
  • Gone after single use
  • Jewelry quality varies between pieces

2.
Twister Ultimate Game

Twister Ultimate Game
Why we like it: Giggling starts before anyone even touches the mat.

The plastic mat unfolds bigger than expected - twice the size of regular Twister with extra colored circles that give five-year-olds room to actually reach spots without toppling over. The spinner clicks satisfyingly, though the Alexa option stays unused after realizing little ones prefer physically spinning themselves.

Right foot red means crawling under dad's bridge pose while left hand yellow sends everyone into impossible pretzel shapes. Solo practice sessions help master which hand is which, while birthday parties dissolve into pile-ups where nobody remembers whose turn it was. The thin mat slides occasionally on hardwood, but that just adds to the chaos.

Pros
  • Gets everyone moving and laughing together
  • Grows with kids through elementary years
  • Folds small for apartment storage
Cons
  • Mat feels thinner than expected
 

3.
Swimming Robot Turtles

Swimming Robot Turtles
Why we like it: Real swimming motions make bath time an underwater adventure.

These palm-sized turtles wake up in water, paddling five different directions through tubs and pools. Pink and green shells glide past bath toys while soft rubber flippers splash safely. Batteries already inside mean immediate swimming action.

Green turtle explores behind shampoo bottles while pink dives near the drain. Sisters race their favorites across kiddie pools during backyard afternoons. Next year brings remote-control submarines and diving games requiring steadier hands. Between water sessions, both turtles scoot across bathroom tiles.

Pros
  • Batteries included for instant play
  • Two turtles encourage sharing
  • Works in shallow or deep water
Cons
  • Small parts slip through pool drains

4.
Suitcase Dollhouse

Suitcase Dollhouse
Why we like it: Everything fits inside when snapped shut for grandma's house.

Pink walls fold open revealing furnished bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom across two stories. The Playmobil family lives inside with their orange cat, ready for immediate play. Rounded furniture pieces fit kindergarten fingers while the carrying handle makes this the rare gift that travels without losing pieces.

Morning routines unfold with mom figure cooking plastic eggs while the child brushes teeth upstairs. Car rides pass quickly when the closed dollhouse opens on backseat laps. Best friends create apartment buildings by lining up their houses side by side. The latch clicks satisfyingly shut after cleanup, teaching organization through play.

Pros
  • Stores completely inside itself
  • Survives drops and daily handling
  • No assembly or batteries needed
  • Entertains anywhere without screens
Cons
  • Only Playmobil figures fit properly inside
 

5.
Pet Palace Sticker Book

Pet Palace Sticker Book
Why we like it: Those pet stickers peel off and stick again for endless animal adventures.

Five hundred stickers fill twelve pet-themed scenes with cats, dogs, and bunnies galore. The spiral binding stays flat while small hands arrange animal families. Reusable stickers mean mistakes become experiments. Coloring pages wait when sticker mood shifts.

Morning means arranging puppies in the park scene before breakfast. After school brings elaborate pet shop stories with friends trading favorite stickers. Next year's gifts for 6-year-olds build on these storytelling skills with chapter books and creative writing journals. Restaurant visits stay peaceful with this silent entertainer.

Pros
  • Stickers peel off and restick repeatedly
  • Spiral binding won't flip closed
  • Five hundred stickers last months
  • Coloring pages extend play value
  • Fits easily in backpacks
Cons
  • Stickers eventually lose their stick
  • Only appeals to animal lovers

6.
Mario and Friends Bedding Set

Mario and Friends Bedding Set
Why we like it: Reversible comforter flips between two Mario worlds for bedtime adventure choices.

Gaming-loving girls finally get bedroom decor that matches their interests. This complete twin set includes sheets, pillowcase, and reversible comforter featuring Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi. The microfiber fabric stays soft through countless washing machine cycles while colors remain bright after spills and accidents.

Bedtime stories star Princess Peach rescuing Mario while stuffed animals become Yoshis lined up on pillows. Morning comforter flips reveal new character layouts for fresh bedroom looks. Brothers suddenly want sleepovers in their sister's room, and she gets to explain each character's special powers during tuck-in time.

Pros
  • Reversible design offers two looks
  • Machine washable microfiber handles daily use
  • Complete set transforms entire bed
  • Fade-resistant colors stay vibrant
Cons
  • Most girls prefer princess themes
  • Limited appeal for typical playdates
 

7.
Mama Dogs with Hidden Puppies

Mama Dogs with Hidden Puppies
Why we like it: Press mama's head and watch surprise puppies tumble out.

Seven mama dogs each hide their own puppy litter inside. Dab water on mama's nose to make her cheeks blush pink, then push her head down for the big reveal. Four to six puppies slide out every time. Each family comes with its own fold-out house that opens into miniature rooms.

Kids arrange entire puppy neighborhoods on bedroom floors, creating elaborate adoption centers where friends pick their favorites. The golden retriever mama becomes the teacher while her babies attend puppy school. Resetting takes seconds - just pop the puppies back inside mama. Even skeptical aunts gasp when the surprise works without any batteries.

Pros
  • Works forever without batteries
  • Surprise resets endlessly
  • Seven complete families included
  • Houses fold flat for storage
Cons
  • Tiny puppies disappear easily in carpets

8.
Pikachu Wearable Blanket

Pikachu Wearable Blanket
Why we like it: Pikachu hood transforms quiet time into Pokemon adventures.

Every kindergartener needs something cozy for chilly mornings, and this fleece blanket becomes their favorite Pokemon character. Pull the Pikachu hood up and yellow ears appear while oversized armholes let kids move freely. Machine washing makes cleanup simple when snack time gets messy during those early reading practice sessions.

Bedroom floors become Pokemon gyms where trainers huddle under fleece discussing battle strategies with stuffed animals. Sisters share the blanket during movie nights since the roomy design covers two small bodies. The soft material muffles giggles during hide-and-seek when Pikachu crouches behind couches waiting to surprise dad.

Pros
  • Grows with kids through elementary school
  • Character hood encourages imaginative play
  • Fleece stays soft after many washes
Cons
  • Bright yellow shows stains easily
 

9.
Minnie Mouse Ears That Zip On

Minnie Mouse Ears That Zip On
Why we like it: Real costume magic hiding in everyday clothes.

School drop-off becomes Disney parade when those 3D ears bounce past classroom doors. The soft pink bow sits perfectly stuffed atop the hood while machine-washable fabric handles juice box disasters. Kindergarteners master the zipper themselves. Inside fleece keeps January recesses cozy.

Breakfast means twirling to watch bow shadows dance across kitchen walls. Walking to school transforms into Minnie's morning adventure. Playground friends spot those ears from across the monkey bars. After mastering imaginative character play at four, five-year-olds create elaborate Minnie storylines during recess. Bedtime arrives but the hoodie stays on for Minnie dreams.

Pros
  • Costume and jacket in one
  • Survives washing machine marathons intact
  • Siblings can match in different sizes
Cons
  • Hood weight pulls backward when down

10.
Paw Patrol Skye Zip-Up Hoodie

Paw Patrol Skye Zip-Up Hoodie
Why we like it: Pull the hood down and suddenly goggles appear over their eyes.

The pink hoodie transforms with one quick motion - hood down reveals Skye's pilot goggles printed right where eyes peek through. The sturdy zipper handles daily kindergarten wear while machine washing keeps colors bright through weekly laundry rounds. Lightweight fabric provides playground warmth without bulk that makes car seats uncomfortable.

Rescue missions start the moment goggles slide into position during morning dress-up. Playground friends spot the Skye outfit across the monkey bars and instant pilot teams form. The jacket stays on through art class and snack time because it feels like wearing their favorite character, just like superhero capes from years past.

Pros
  • Hood transforms into character goggles instantly
  • Machine washable for daily wear
  • Lightweight enough for indoor play
Cons
  • Character appeal may fade with age
 

11.
Moana Audio Figurine for Toniebox

Moana Audio Figurine for Toniebox
Why we like it: Place Moana on the box and her ocean adventure begins.

This collectible Moana figure carries 35 minutes of songs and story inside. Set her on the Toniebox speaker and movie highlights play instantly. The durable figurine becomes a regular toy between listening sessions, standing on shelves or joining doll adventures.

Kids belt out "How Far I'll Go" while dancing around bedrooms. The same story plays during quiet time until every word becomes memorized. Collections expand with Spider-Man and dinosaur Tonies that brothers enjoy equally, making car rides peaceful without screen battles.

Pros
  • Screen-free audio entertainment
  • Figurine works as standalone toy
  • Kids control playback independently
Cons
  • Needs Toniebox speaker sold separately

12.
Unicorn Lip Balm Friend

Unicorn Lip Balm Friend
Why we like it: The unicorn character makes lip care feel like playing with a tiny friend.

The twist-up unicorn fits right in kindergarten pockets, ready whenever lips feel dry. Sweet berry-vanilla flavor makes each application taste like dessert. The moisturizing formula protects through recess winds and classroom heating without any color or sticky mess.

Bathroom counters become unicorn stables where the magical friend waits each morning. School backpacks carry backup unicorns for after-lunch touch-ups with friends. Bedtime routines include unicorn kisses that smell like vanilla dreams while protecting overnight.

Pros
  • Kids actually remember to use it
  • No stains on clothes or furniture
  • Small enough for tiny pockets
  • Makes dry winter lips comfortable
Cons
  • Easy to lose at school
  • Single flavor might become repetitive
 

13.
Princess Raya Warrior Doll

Princess Raya Warrior Doll
Why we like it: Brave princess fights dragons and saves kingdoms between outfit changes.

Raya stands ready in her movie warrior outfit with boots and arm guards that slip right off. Her arms and legs bend for sword fights or sitting poses. The long hair brushes easily without tangling. Everything feels solid enough for daily dragon quests.

Kitchen tables become mountain peaks where Raya searches for Sisu the dragon. Her outfit changes signal new adventures - warrior clothes for battles, princess dress for peace celebrations. Friends recognize her instantly from movie nights. Years later, she'll find Raya's tiny boot and remember creating elaborate rescue missions together.

Pros
  • Movie character kids already know
  • Hair stays tangle-free through brushing
  • Clothes designed for small fingers
  • Sturdy enough for active play
Cons
  • Tiny accessories disappear easily

14.
Velcro Chuck Taylors for Kindergarten

Velcro Chuck Taylors for Kindergarten
Why we like it: Classic grown-up sneakers redesigned so kindergarteners can dress themselves.

These Converse sneakers feel like discovering the training wheels version of mom's favorite shoes. Canvas uppers handle playground dirt and classroom spills while velcro straps replace frustrating laces. The slightly wider fit accommodates growing feet without looking clunky. That familiar Chuck Taylor star stays put through countless adventures.

Morning routines become victories when small hands fasten velcro tabs independently. PE class means keeping up during races without shoes flying off. Art projects get messy while feet stay secure. After school playground visits stretch longer since bathroom trips don't require retying laces. Even fancy occasions work—one reviewer mentioned their daughter wore pink ones to a father-daughter dance.

Pros
  • Kids manage velcro independently at five
  • Canvas cleans easily with wet wipes
  • Matches dressy and casual outfits equally
Cons
  • Velcro wears out before canvas does
 

15.
Snowie the Interactive Pet Lamb

Snowie the Interactive Pet Lamb
Why we like it: A stuffed lamb that walks on a leash and giggles back.

Snowie bleats, giggles, and even snores through 25 different sounds. Pull the leash and watch her walk beside kids or press her collar for dancing moves. The included bottle triggers feeding sounds while ultra-soft fleece makes perfect cuddle sessions. Auto-sleep kicks in after three minutes.

Kids create elaborate farm stories where Snowie escapes her pen for living room adventures. The bottle becomes medicine during veterinary checkups or special treats for dance performances. Friends take turns walking her down hallways while making up sheep languages. That distinctive lamb giggle becomes the soundtrack to countless pretend play memories.

Pros
  • Walks and dances without screens
  • Super soft for bedtime snuggling
  • Simple collar button controls
  • Battery-saving auto-sleep feature
  • Encourages nurturing pretend play
Cons
  • Needs hard floors for walking
  • Goes through batteries with daily use

16.
Pretend Cake with Real Sounds

Pretend Cake with Real Sounds
Why we like it: That velcro rip when slicing sounds exactly like cutting real cake.

Six wooden slices pull apart with satisfying tears while the server creates cutting sounds against the plate. Strawberries, flowers, and candles stick anywhere on vanilla or chocolate layers. All 34 pieces nest inside their decorated storage box when bakery hours end.

Dolls celebrate milestone birthdays while practicing counting seven candles by color. Best friends debate strawberry versus flower arrangements during collaborative decorating sessions. The cake travels between playroom restaurant and bedroom tea party intact. Parents searching for engaging wooden toys in 2025 appreciate how this one holds attention through multiple play scenarios daily.

Pros
  • Velcro holds up through heavy use
  • Cutting sounds need no batteries
  • Pieces sized right for small hands
  • Storage box prevents missing toppings
  • Works for solo or group play
Cons
  • Some toppings fall off during transport
  • Candles collect lint over time
 

17.
Musical Marble Maze Builder

Musical Marble Maze Builder
Why we like it: Build colorful tracks then watch marbles trigger lights and spinning wheels.

Color-coded pieces guide assembly through three difficulty levels, starting simple and advancing to elaborate courses. The 145-piece set includes musical light cones, spinning Ferris wheel, and 10 marbles with spring launchers for racing competitions.

Kitchen timers track whose marble reaches bottom fastest while light shows flash victory celebrations. Sisters collaborate on tower sections before connecting everything for the ultimate drop. New track combinations emerge each weekend, with previous designs drawn in notebooks for future reference.

Pros
  • Color-coding simplifies following instructions independently
  • Music rewards successful track completion
  • Transitions from guided to creative building
  • Pieces stay connected during play
  • Multiple kids build different sections simultaneously
Cons
  • Requires substantial floor space for building
  • Marbles disappear under couches frequently

18.
Squishy Pink Cat Friend

Squishy Pink Cat Friend
Why we like it: Best friends argue over whose turn it is to hold her.

Eight inches of strawberry-pink softness fits perfectly in kindergarten backpacks and bed corners. The marshmallow texture springs back after endless squeezes while sturdy seams handle daily love. Olma's fruit-stamping story gives five-year-olds conversation starters during circle time.

Trading sessions erupt when classmates discover different Squishmallow collections in each other's rooms. Sisters negotiate bedtime custody agreements while the cat's patient face listens to whispered worries. Even skeptical older brothers admit she feels amazing to squeeze during homework frustration.

Pros
  • Washable without losing softness
  • Perfect size for small arms
  • Social currency at school
  • Calming sensory texture
  • Character story encourages imagination
Cons
  • Sparks collecting obsession
  • May need duplicate for sharing
 

19.
Surprise Kitten Playhouse

Surprise Kitten Playhouse
Why we like it: Build a colorful house then lift the roof for a kitten surprise.

Kids hammer together a miniature pet house using the included tool before decorating with stickers. Lifting the roof reveals which mystery kitten waits inside. The surprise resets for endless reveals. No batteries keeps playtime uninterrupted while the house transforms into a portable carrier.

Five-year-olds love showing friends their kitten reveal moment, resetting the surprise for each visitor. The plush kitten rides everywhere in its carrier-home while fish biscuit accessories fuel feeding games. Naming ceremonies with the included certificate become elaborate storytelling sessions where each kitten gets a unique backstory.

Pros
  • Repeatable surprise reveal fun
  • Works without any batteries
  • Building develops fine motor skills
  • Portable carrier for on-the-go play
Cons
  • Single kitten per set

20.
Pastel LEGO Creative Box

Pastel LEGO Creative Box
Why we like it: Soft colors turn building blocks into dreamy creations kids actually display.

Pink clouds and purple dinosaurs emerge from 333 pastel pieces that feel like spring arrived in brick form. Picture instructions guide builders through five starter models while eighteen different eyes bring instant personality. The storage box keeps soft blues, greens, and corals sorted between building sessions.

Ice cream cones become princess towers while robots transform into butterflies with rainbow wings. Sisters collaborate on pastel castles though brothers often prefer action-themed building sets with darker colors. Five-year-olds master the cat model first, then combine all instructions into one giant creature that guards nightstands wearing mismatched eyes.

Pros
  • Picture instructions perfect for non-readers
  • Pieces sized for developing motor skills
  • Works with all existing LEGO bricks
  • Trendy colors kids want displayed
  • Multiple models prevent building boredom
Cons
  • Light colors show fingerprints easily
  • Smaller pieces challenge younger siblings
 

21.
A Unicorn Blanket That Actually Glows

A Unicorn Blanket That Actually Glows
Why we like it: Bedtime becomes magical when unicorns start glowing in the dark.

The softest plush blanket suddenly reveals glowing unicorns after lights out. Just fifteen minutes near a lamp charges the special design. At 50 by 60 inches, it wraps kindergarteners completely while staying light enough to drag everywhere. The pink travel bag makes sleepovers feel extra special.

Bedtime rituals now include "charging the unicorns" under the reading lamp. Little hands pat each glowing spot, checking which unicorns shine brightest tonight. Morning means stuffing it into the travel bag for grandma's house. Brothers sometimes ask for dinosaur or space-themed blankets that glow after seeing sisters' magical bedtime routine. This thoughtful gift transforms scary darkness into gentle unicorn light.

Pros
  • Machine washable without losing glow effect
  • Travel bag encourages independent packing skills
  • Perfect weight for fort building adventures
  • Grows with child through elementary school
  • Screen-free bedtime comfort that actually works
Cons
  • Glow intensity varies by light exposure
  • Pink color limits sharing with brothers

22.
Princess Mystery Game

Princess Mystery Game
Why we like it: Belle and Elsa join the classic guessing game everyone remembers.

Fold-up boards display princess cards while players narrow choices through yes/no questions. "Does she wear gloves?" eliminates Moana but keeps Elsa standing. Double-sided character sheets rotate between different princess groups, and portable cases snap shut with everything inside.

Questions get creative when narrowing between Ariel and Merida's red hair. Giggles erupt over debates whether Rapunzel's frying pan counts as wearing something special. Rematches happen immediately after victories, with players switching character sheets and starting fresh mysteries about which princess remains hidden.

Pros
  • No reading needed for independent play
  • Travel-ready with contained pieces
  • Builds logical thinking through elimination
  • Quick rounds fit kindergarten attention spans
Cons
  • Plastic hinges might weaken eventually
  • Limited to two-player games
 

Need more inspiration?

Molly Barlett
About Molly Barlett

Gift shopping should be simple and fun! As a mom in a big family, I've wrapped countless presents and seen what really makes kids smile. That's why I created GiftExperts.

Every recommendation here comes from real testing with real kids. No paid promotions or sponsored content - just honest picks that work.

I believe finding the right gift means understanding what makes each age special. My guides help take the guesswork out of shopping. When you choose the perfect present, you're not just giving a toy, you're creating memories that last long after the unwrapping.