I can’t believe it—somehow I have a five-year-old. Seriously, when did that happen?! Although my preschooler loves all things pink and purple, when it comes to toys he has always gravitated toward traditionally “boy” categories—trucks, sports, and building—so my gift guide leans heavily in that direction. But of course any of the items on this list would be great for girls, too! These top picks come in a range of prices, and some make excellent stocking stuffers. (I’m looking at you, kids’ card holder!)
And please, let me know in the comments—what’s at the top of your five-year-old’s wish list this year?
1. DROCON Drone for Beginners. Little Cotton Candy is really into drones, and while we probably won’t be getting him one this year (I’m too afraid of it smashing after a few uses), this one is made to be easy to use for beginners and is very affordable compared to some that I have seen in stores and online.
2. Hoot Owl Hoot! Board Game by Peaceable Kingdom. This company makes a whole series of cooperative board games, and Hoot Owl Hoot! is totally adorable. You work together with the other players to help all the owls get to their nest before the sun goes down. It’s a nice antidote to all the competitive games out there, and is totally great for board game beginners.
3. Little Tykes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop. This junior basketball goal is perfect for little ones who are too small to play at the neighborhood hoop. I love that it grows with your kiddos as they get bigger!
4. Ideal My First Magic Set. This magic set is for ages three and up, and it’s a complete bargain—just over $15 gets you 20+ simple and fun magic tricks to keep your kiddo occupied and entertaining the whole household.
5. Wipeout Youth Dry Erase Helmet. This dry erase helmet from Wipeout Youth can protect your little one’s head when they’re on their scooter, bike, or skateboard; it comes in eight super cute colors; and best of all, it serves as another surface for your child to get creative on. Every time we go to Target, Little Cotton Candy points this helmet out, so I think we might get him one when it’s time to upsize (in pink, natch).
6. Magic Tree House Boxed Set. The Magic Tree House books are beloved by new readers all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. Following the adventures through time of children Jack and Annie, the books are fun and exciting, and give budding readers a peek into all kinds of different worlds. We’ve only read a handful that we checked out from the library, but I think it would be amazing to have this set of the first 28 installments. Bedtime reading for months!
7. LEGO City Heavy-haul Train. These days, LEGOs are king in our house. The City sets are especially popular—basically anything with wheels is going to be a hit with my car and truck-obsessed five-year-old. This set has construction trucks, a helicopter, a train and will most likely keep your little builder busy for days.
8. Wooden Toy Tool Bench. Like the rest of the internet, I have been geeking out over the new Hearth & Hand line at Target. This wooden toy bench is my favorite one ever because it looks so realistic, and it’s under $100! I’ve got to break out my measuring tape to see if there’s any possible way we can fit this into Little Cotton Candy’s ever-growing toy collection.
9. Vintage Optimus Prime. Mr. Cotton Candy, being obsessed with all things Transformers, has a giant tub full of vintage Transformer toys from the 1980s. Little Cotton Candy loves playing with them, and it’s always fun adding to the collection. This vintage Optimus Prime is in great condition and would be a hit with both the mister and the little.
10. Bicycle Classic Kid’s Card Games. At five, my little guy is really starting to get into card games. We’ve played through all the games I know, so I love the idea of picking up this set of Bicycle Classic Kid’s Card Games so we can mix it up a little. This card holder for little hands by Gamewright also makes a great stocking stuffer!
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
My daughter (5.5 at Christmas) is getting Magic Tree House books and I’ve now placed that magic kit on her wishlist.
blogger / apricot / 275 posts
I’m thinking of getting that tool bench for my 4 year old as his big Santa gift this year! I love how realistic it looks.
blogger / apricot / 431 posts
These gifts are so great! I think I might have to get that magic set for Lil’ Pizza too.