22 Best Gift Picks for 5-Year-Old Girls

Last updated on September 28, 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.
Stephanie's Lakeside LEGO House

Stephanie's Lakeside LEGO House
Why we like it: Every room opens wide for easy play after building success.

Three mini-dolls arrive ready for lakeside adventures with their friendly dog. The house spreads across two levels with jet skis docked outside. Basketball hoops, campfire circles, and furnished rooms create distinct play zones. Special starter plates guide first-time builders through 215 pieces in thirty focused minutes.

Stephanie shoots hoops while Mia grills pretend hot dogs. The modular design lets small hands rearrange rooms and swap furniture between floors. Olivia walks the dog past the campfire to the jet ski dock. Sisters often split the house apart, each claiming favorite activity zones for parallel stories that eventually merge.

Pros
  • Starter plates prevent building frustration
  • Open design reaches every corner easily
  • Multiple activities prevent play boredom
  • Grows with standard LEGO Friends sets
Cons
  • Jet skis tip without careful balancing
  • Small pieces scatter during enthusiastic play

2.
Paint Your Own Unicorn Magnets

Paint Your Own Unicorn Magnets
Why we like it: Twelve unicorns waiting for rainbow colors and sparkly glitter.

The wooden shapes feel sturdy in small hands while paint brushes reach every corner. Each unicorn becomes unique with included paints, glitter glue, and mixing palette. Finished magnets stick firmly on fridges, holding artwork and important kindergarten papers.

Purple unicorns get golden horns while dragons shimmer with green scales. Best friends paint matching sets during afternoon playdates. Each completed magnet joins the growing collection on the dishwasher, creating magical kingdoms that rearrange during snack time storytelling.

Pros
  • Everything needed comes in the box
  • Magnets actually hold papers on fridges
  • Enough pieces for sharing with friends
  • Glitter stays contained during painting sessions
  • Wood won't break like plastic crafts
Cons
  • Paint colors run out quickly
  • Needs newspaper underneath for spills
 

3.
Classic Metal Slinky

Classic Metal Slinky
Why we like it: Metal spring walks down stairs all by itself like magic.

This palm-sized metal spring creates that familiar slinkity sound when it moves. The 2.75-inch width fits perfectly in small hands while the metal construction survives enthusiastic stretching. No screens, no batteries - just pure mechanical fascination.

Five-year-olds line up books into makeshift staircases, carefully placing the Slinky at the top before watching it flip-walk to the bottom. Friends take turns making it dance between their hands. That metallic rhythm becomes the background music to afternoon experiments with gravity.

Pros
  • Never needs batteries or charging
  • Metal survives years of play
  • Teaches physics through pure fun
Cons
  • Can tangle with rough handling

4.
Hello Kitty Rainbow Water Bottle

Hello Kitty Rainbow Water Bottle
Why we like it: Rainbow colors and Hello Kitty make staying hydrated feel like a friendship adventure.

Hello Kitty and friends smile from swirling rainbow colors on this 28-ounce bottle. The shatterproof plastic bounces back from backpack drops while the screw-on flip-top keeps everything sealed. Dishwasher-safe construction means those bright characters stay vibrant wash after wash.

Morning routines become special when filling Hello Kitty at the kitchen sink before school. Classmates spot the rainbow design across the cafeteria, sparking instant connections over shared character love. That satisfying flip-top click becomes the sound of independence - taking drinks without asking for help.

Pros
  • Survives playground drops and backpack tumbles
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy parent cleanup
  • 28 ounces lasts all school day
  • Characters create instant friend connections
  • Flip-top encourages drinking independence
Cons
  • Heavy when full for small hands
  • Screw lid challenges developing motor skills
 

5.
Sparkly Supergirl Costume with Tutu

Sparkly Supergirl Costume with Tutu
Why we like it: Red sequins catch sunlight while capes fly behind running superheroes.

This Supergirl costume combines sparkly sequins with a twirly tutu skirt and removable cape. The shiny bodice features the classic S emblem while the red ruffle skirt invites constant spinning. A matching mask completes the superhero transformation for dress-up adventures.

Five-year-olds strike power poses before racing through hallways saving stuffed animals from danger. The cape detaches during snack time, then clips back for afternoon rescue missions. Friends take turns being villains while Supergirl practices flying leaps off the couch.

Pros
  • Sequins and tutu combine perfectly
  • Cape removes for safer play
  • Works beyond Halloween for dress-up
  • Easy for kids to dress themselves
  • Authentic DC Comics character design
Cons
  • Add tights for cold weather
  • Mask elastic might need adjusting

6.
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
 

7.
Soft Modeling Clay for Crafts and Slime

Soft Modeling Clay for Crafts and Slime
Why we like it: Four pounds means craft time doesn't end with "we need more!"

This white modeling clay squishes perfectly in kindergarten hands without the struggle of harder clays. The huge tub contains enough for months of animals, pretend food, and slime experiments. Individual packets keep unused portions fresh while projects air-dry overnight into keepsakes.

Morning sculptures become afternoon tea party decorations after drying on windowsills. Friends make matching friendship charms during playdates while discussing unicorn powers. The clay mixes with glue and shaving cream for beginner slime batches - a skill that becomes more sophisticated as fine motor control develops. Leftover bits roll into tiny beads for tomorrow's bracelet project.

Pros
  • Soft texture suits developing hand strength
  • Makes both sculptures and slime
  • Individual packets prevent waste from drying
  • Four pounds lasts multiple months
  • Air-dries without special equipment needed
Cons
  • White shows dirt and color transfer
  • Slime-making needs additional supplies purchased separately

8.
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
 

9.
Barbie Unicorn Doll with Fantasy Hair

Barbie Unicorn Doll with Fantasy Hair
Why we like it: Turquoise hair meets unicorn magic in one sparkly doll.

This Barbie transforms between unicorn princess and regular doll with clip-on tail and removable horn headband. Her turquoise fantasy hair handles daily brushing marathons while glittery boots and ombre bodice stay put during dress-up sessions.

Morning unicorn adventures gallop through imaginary kingdoms before the headband comes off for school scenarios with other dolls. That vibrant hair becomes the salon's main attraction during afternoon styling sessions. Both unicorn pieces store in the toy box between transformations.

Pros
  • Removable unicorn parts for versatile play
  • Durable hair withstands constant brushing
  • Works with existing Barbie collections
Cons
  • Clip-on tail needs careful handling

10.
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
 

11.
Gabby Comes Home

Gabby Comes Home
Why we like it: She goes everywhere - car rides, sleepovers, and secret bedroom adventures.

Gabby arrives ready for action with her signature cat ears headband and soft curly hair that handles endless brushing. Arms and legs pose for sitting at tea parties or standing for dance shows. Her clothes stay on through active play without constant adjustments.

Kitchen adventures start when Gabby helps make pretend cupcakes for her cat friends. Bedtime stories feature new episodes kids create themselves. Parents say brothers often join the fun - 5-year-old boys gifts rarely include dolls but character familiarity breaks those boundaries. That portable size means restaurant entertainment sorted.

Pros
  • Hair doesn't tangle like cheaper dolls
  • Clothes stay put during play
  • Small enough for car trips
  • Brothers actually play along too
Cons
  • Cat ears slide off sometimes

12.
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
 

13.
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

14.
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
 

15.
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

16.
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
 

17.
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

18.
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
 

19.
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

20.
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
 

21.
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

22.
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
 

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.