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15 best toys for 5-year-olds as recommended by parents
From Dobble to dolls, here's our list of the best toys for five-year-olds, recommended and loved by real parents and their children.
By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Dec 13, 2023
By age five, your child will have begun to settle into school life, learn new skills, make new friends and develop their independence. As such, they will be looking for toys that challenge them, entertain them and feel a bit more grown-up than preschooler options.
You’ll also find that your five-year-old is now more focused, creative and adept at problem-solving, so toys that provide opportunities for thinking, building and role play will be a big hit at this age.
Some of the best toys for 5-year-olds are those which inspire creativity, build resilience when solving problems and develop new literacy and numeracy skills. From train sets to LEGO sets, role play to STEM toys - we've got a toy to suit every five-year-old and every budget, as recommended by real parents on the Mumsnet forums. We also consulted expert review sites, verified customer reviews and bestseller lists to ensure our recommended toys are excellent quality, great value for money and, of course, fun to play with.
So whether you're on the hunt for the perfect birthday gift or stocking up on stocking fillers as we head into the Christmas shopping season, here's our guide to 15 of the best toys for five-year-olds, tried and tested by real parents.
The Best Toys for 5-year-olds: our top three at a glance
In need of further advice and toy recommendations? Why not check out our guides to the best kids’ tablets and board games? We also have other age-appropriate guides on the best toys for six-year-olds, seven-year-olds, eight-year-olds, nine-year-olds and 10-year-olds.
1. Overall best toy for 5-year-olds: Dobble
Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 6 - 18 years | Size: 5.36 x 5.21 x 3.07cm | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Cognitive, problem solving and communication skills
What we like
A Mumsnet favourite
Great travel game
Fun for all ages
Can be bought in different themes
Encourages observation skills
What we don’t like
Some of the symbols aren’t easily recognisable, which can be confusing
There’s not a huge difference between the games
What Mumsnet users say
“Dobble is good because you can give more cards to more able players to even things up, so an adult can play against a five-year-old and still enjoy the game.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Stompythedinosaur)
Our verdict
Dobble is a rarity in the world of board games. Your whole family will love playing it too, which is why we think it’s one of the best toys for 5 year olds.
Highly recommended by Mumsnet parents, Dobble is similar to Snap. It's a game of speed, observation and reflexes to see who can find the matching symbol between two cards. Sounds simple, right? But each card is different, and only one picture matches every other card, so it’s a race to see who can spot theirs first. While other card games may only have one or two choices of games to play, Dobble has five, so your child won’t get bored easily.
Although the manufacturer recommends Dobble for ages six and above, the game's rules are simple and easy to follow, so five-year-olds will have fun looking for their matching symbol and shouting it out. The compact tin makes this game perfect for travel too.
Dobble is popular with children because it also comes in a wide range of themes that you can tailor to your child's interests, including Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars. Though some reviewers report that there isn't much difference between the themed versions and the original, one thing is for sure: it promises hours of screen-free fun.
Read our Dobble review here to see if this popular game lives up to the hype.
Read next: Discover this year's must-reads for kids with our guide to the best books for eight-year-olds.
2. Best budget toy for 5-year-olds: Galt Bubble Lab
Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Cognitive, problem-solving and communication skills
What we like
Encourages STEM learning
16-page booklet with seven experiments
Choice of other science kits in the range
Compatible with the National Curriculum
What we don’t like
Not enough bubble solution for the experiments
The bubble solution needs to be left for 24 hours
What Mumsnet users say
“If [your child] likes science, some of the Galt Science sets are perfect for that age. My five-year-old loved the rainbow science set (largely colour mixing and crystals) and the bubble set.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Equimum)
Our verdict
Galt's Bubble Lab is an affordable, Mumsnetter-approved toy that children aged five and up will love.
Featuring a host of exciting STEM experiments and tools, Galt’s science kits have everything budding scientists need to make learning fun - and who doesn’t love bubbles? The Bubble Lab has a 16-page book with instructions for seven experiments, including making big bubbles, 3D shapes, a bubble snake and water tricks. It includes all the instruments little scientists need to aid their experiments, such as a funnel, reusable straws and string.
Five-year-olds will probably need some assistance with the experiments and we'd recommend taking it outside to avoid spills and limit clean-up. Some verified reviewers say there isn’t enough bubble solution inside the kit, so you may also want some extra on standby.
The Galt science set is one of the best toys for 5 year olds to encourage STEM learning. Other popular kits include Slimy Lab and Space Lab and Rainbow Lab.
Read next: Want to boost your child's learning even further? Check out our guide to the best online tutoring for kids.
Related: Looking for a new tablet which with tailor-made kids' content and a kid-proof case? Don't miss our Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Review.
3. Best creative toy for 5-year-olds: Hama Beads
Price on writing: £16 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Problem-solving, creative and fine motor skills
What we like
Set includes 10,000 beads
Beads can be used for other craft play
Excellent for fine motor skill development
What we don’t like
Some users found the pegboards were missing from the set
Lots of plastic
You’ll probably need to buy more pegboards
What Mumsnet users say
“My daughter is five and really likes Hama Beads.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Volcanoexplorer)
Our verdict
Hama Beadsare among the best toys for 5 year olds in terms of creativity. With 10,000 beads and five pegboards in the set, children can express their creativity whilst covertly developing their fine motor skills.
Recommended for ages five and over, children (and adults) can use the colourful beads to create whatever they like by either stringing them or pressing them together. The five pegboards are shaped like a butterfly, car, flower, mouse and seahorse.
While Aquabead sets may be more appealing to five-year-olds who love water play, some parents say they fall apart easily and become sticky. Hama Beads fuse and form a much stronger bond, even if it means you have to get the iron out. With the potential to keep little ones busy for hours, what more could you ask for from the best toys for 5 year olds?
Read next: Heading off on holiday? Be sure to pack the best travel toys and top kids' cameras.
Related: Are you on the lookout for a new tablet for you or your kids? We recently reviewed the popular Samsung Galaxy A8 Tab to see how it fared.
4. Best educational toy for 5-year-olds: Orchard Toys Magic Maths
Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5-7 years | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Numeracy, personal and social skills
What we like
Teaches maths skills
Aimed at children in KS1
Designed in collaboration with teachers and professionals
What we don’t like
Parents have found children get bored once they know all the answers
The magic cards can be tricky to rub off
What Mumsnet users say
"Orchard [Toys] games are great and are educational too: Pop to the Shops, Magic Maths, Shopping List and Match and Spell.” (Recommended by Mumnset user BEE08)
Our verdict
Orchard Toys are hugely popular among Mumsnet users and it’s not hard to see why. This game combines magic and numbers to make sums fun, even for the most maths-averse of children. While there are plenty of fun maths games on the market, Magic Maths has been designed by teachers specifically for KS1. It helps to develop their numeracy and social skills whilst inspiring their imagination.
If your child is a maths whizz, they may find this game soon becomes too easy. However, it’s an excellent confidence-builder and is not only one of the best toys for 5 year olds, it appeals to the whole family. If you already have this one, why not try other educational Orchard Toys games like Magic Spelling, Shape Aliens or Match and Spell?
Read next: The best online learning resources for kids
5. Best themed toy for 5-year-olds: Playmobil Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5+ | Batteries required: Yes (215 CR123A batteries) | Educational objectives: Creative, social and fine motor skills
What we like
Features all the same van details as in the films and TV series
Includes three characters
What we don’t like
Some parents found that Velma and Daphne’s skirts pop off when they sit down
The set doesn’t include Shaggy and Scooby
What Mumsnet users say
“My son is nearly five and is really into Playmobil at the moment. I got him the Playmobil catalogue and he loves looking through it and asks for almost everything but I can see by his level of excitement which his favourites are.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user User64323)
Our verdict
Scooby-Doo fans can conduct their own investigations into supernatural mysteries with Playmobil's Scooby-Doo Mystery Van.
Just like the vehicle in the popular film and TV series, the colourful van is decorated with striking flower-power graffiti. It has rear and side doors that open, and the roof and windshield are also removable for taking the characters in and out. There’s even a light inside the van too (just remember to buy batteries).
Playmobil is one of the best toys for 5 year olds to encourage pretend play. Whether you’re buying it for the first time or adding to your child’s growing collection, there’s a huge range of different themed sets for encouraging creativity, imagination and physical development.
Read next: Discover the best toys for four-year-olds as recommended by Mumsnetters.
6. Best fashion toy for five-year-olds: L.O.L Surprise! Glitter Colour Change Pets
Price on writing: £5.50 | Buy now from B&M
Key specs
Age: 4 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Creative and imaginative play, and communication and social skills
What we like
Collectables
Accessories included
Water colour-change feature
What we don’t like
Can get duplicates
What Mumsnet users say
“My girls love them and the play value for us has been absolutely huge.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user FakeFruitShoot)
Our verdict
Launched in 2016, LOL Dolls are this generation's pocket-sized answer to Bratz and Barbie dolls. Think large heads, big eyes, cute outfits and plenty of sparkles. They are the perfect size for a kids' party gift, although some reviewers debate the cost versus value.
There are many options to choose from, but we like the LOL Colour Change Pets collection - each character comes with five surprises to unbox. To start the fun colour change feature, feed the pet water from its bottle and place the bubble stopper in. Twirl, shake and see the sparkly hair come to life.
They may seem a bit faddy, but LOL dolls have been a consistent favourite with this age range for few years now, and remain one of the best toys for 5 year olds for this reason.
Related: Update your kids' tech with the best games console and the best phone for kids according to Mumsnet users.
7. Best STEM toy for 5-year-olds: Hape E6021 Quadrilla Race to the Finish Wooden Marble Run
Price on writing: £32 | Buy now from Amazon
Age: 4 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Logical thinking, problem-solving and construction skills
What we like
Encourages logical thinking and problem-solving
Can be expanded with larger sets
What we don’t like
Costly
Children may need help to initially build the run
What Mumsnet users say:
“My boys loved the Quadrilla one. It’s sturdy as it’s wooden and has loads of little ‘trick’ pieces which send the marbles in different directions.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Bettybantz)
Our verdict
Marble runs are not only hugely entertaining but are a great way to encourage problem-solving too. Your child will love working with you to construct and piece each element of the run, before setting the marbles free and watching in awe as they whizz around the path at speed.
This Hape set is made from brightly coloured birch and rubber wood - making it one of the best toys for 5 year olds in terms of sustainability and longevity. We love the addition of the spinning windmill and spiral feature, the latter causing marbles to spin in tight circles before dropping down the shoot.
With larger expansion sets available, there’s no end to the fun that can be had playing with marble runs, learning some valuable skills in the process.
Related: Keep little hands busy with the best fidget toys of 2023.
8. Best portable toy for 5-year-olds: Polly Pocket Unicorn Party Playset
Price on writing: £36 | Buy now from The Entertainer
Key specs
Age: 4 years+ | Size: 10.1 x 36 x 30.8cm | Weight: 500g | Material: Plastic | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Creative and imaginative play, and communication and fine motor skills
What we like
Over 25 surprises
Set includes two dolls
Encourages imaginative play
What we don’t like
Confetti inside can be messy
Pricey for what it is
What Mumsnet users say
“Polly Pocket is very popular with my granddaughter.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Redshoeblueshoe)
Our verdict
Packed with over 25 surprises, Polly Pocket fans will be squealing with excitement when they open this Unicorn Party Playset. One of the best toys for 5 year olds in terms of portability, the playset includes two micro dolls (Polly and Lila), two unicorns, a dragon and a carriage, as well as some clothes and jewellery for dressing the dolls.
The unicorn case that houses it all has sparkly wings that open and a handle for fun on the go, but some reviewers have said it's hard to close.
These tiny dolls have been around for years and a huge range of different themed sets are now available, all with fun accessories and moving parts so children can lose themselves in pretend play. Polly Pocket is a sparkly, space-saving alternative compared to other doll houses, such as the famous Barbie Dream House.
Related: Discover the best laptops for kids and the top-ranking kids' smartwatch according to Mumsnet users.
9. Best LEGO toy for 5-year-olds: LEGO 60346 City Barn & Farm Animals Toys
Price on writing: £45 | Buy now from Very
Age: 4 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Cognitive, problem-solving and fine motor skills
What we like
Fun to build and play with
Picture based instructions
Includes working hoist
What we don’t like
Costly
What Mumsnet users say:
“LEGO City sets are great for [this] age group.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter MummyJ12)
Our verdict
If you've a budding builder on your hands, your entire guide to the best toys for 5 year olds could just consist of different LEGO sets. We've whittled it down to this LEGO City Barn set, which provides a great transition from classic bricks or LEGO DUPLO to more detailed sets.
With easy-to-follow picture-based instructions, this expansive set includes a barn, greenhouse, tractor with trailer and loads of accessories, helping five-year-olds act out a wide range of fun role-play scenarios set on their very own farm. Children will love the independence of bringing their creations to life, with the freedom to follow each step without adult assistance.
We love the addition of a working hoist that allows children to lower and raise the bucket, whilst the LEGO piglets may well be the cutest LEGO animals we’ve ever seen.
Read next: The best kids' headphones to buy right now.
10. Best tech toy for 5-year-olds: Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot Activity Set
Price on writing: £68 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5 years+ | Batteries required: Yes - 5x AAA | Educational objectives: Encourages exploration of STEM, builds numeracy skills, and develops creativity and imagination
What we like
Encourages STEM learning
Botley can do a sequence of up to 150 steps
Children can personalise their robot
Botley’s eyes light up in the dark
What we don’t like
Not suitable for use on carpet
Some reviewers found fault with the wheels
What Mumsnet users say
“My son liked the Botley Coding Robot at that age - slightly more expensive but often [included in] offers.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Littlestpogo)
Our verdict
Coding in today's tech-savvy world is an incredibly handy skill. Nurturing an interest in programming could be the key to a bright future, which is why we're recommending Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set as a high-quality STEM toy and one of the best toys for 5 year olds to teach the basics of coding.
Designed for children aged five and over, Botley can be programmed to do a sequence of up to 150 steps in six directions, with codes to transform him into a train, police car, ghost and more. He can even perform tricks, but only on a hardwood floor. Botley’s eyes light up in the dark with a choice of colours – turn off the lights and he dances to music. Your child can personalise him too, with included stickers and faceplates.
The set helps children learn STEM skills and consists of a remote programmer, detachable robot arms, 40 coding cards, six double-sided tiles, 27 obstacle-building pieces and a starter guide with coding challenges. As children become more confident with their coding skills, they'll unlock hidden gameplay for years of fun - not many of the best toys for 5 year olds can say that!
Read next: The best coding toys for learning through play.
11. Best travel toy for 5-year-olds: Yoto Mini Player
Price on writing: £60 | Buy now from Amazon
Age: 3 years+ | Batteries required: No - USB rechargeable | Educational objectives: Literacy and listening skills
What we like
Small, portable version of the original Yoto Play
Easy for young children to operate independently
Ability to record your own Yoto cards
What we don’t like
Accessories and cards sold separately and can be costly
Risk of losing cards due to small size
What Mumsnet users say:
“Yoto Mini. We have the original and love it so much I'm getting the Mini for travel.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user NameChange30)
“We love Yoto Mini. After eight months of using it so often, we bought another so the kids have one each. Absolutely no regrets.” (Tried, tested and approved by Mumsnet Yoto Mini tester)
Our verdict
If you're looking for the best toys for 5 year olds to take on holiday or a long journey, the Yoto Mini could easily become your new best friend. Wholesome, screen-free fun for your child, this small but robust audio player can entertain, educate and even help your child settle down to sleep without a fuss.
With a wide range of Yoto cards to choose from (sold separately), content includes everything from classic tales to Disney stories, as well as music, activities and more. You can even record your own stories using the Yoto Make Your Own cards, for a truly personalised experience.
We recommend getting the adventure jacket to go with the player, which comes with a handle wrist loop to ensure it doesn’t accidentally get lost or dropped.
Read our full Yoto Mini review
Read next: Toniebox vs Yoto Mini: which is the best screen-free audio player?
12. Best dinosaur toy for 5-year-olds: Jurassic World Animation Control ‘N Conquer Carnotaurus Toro
Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 4 years+ | Batteries required: Yes (3 x LR44 batteries included) | Educational objectives: Imaginative and creative play
What we like
Roars and chomps its jaws
Lots of fun extras
Encourages children’s imagination and helps develop motor skills
What we don’t like
Noisy
Some reviewers found the sound eventually stopped working (which may not be bad for parents!)
What Mumsnet users say
"My son has a good few Jurassic World toys... He plays with them regularly and they are really good quality. He is five next month." (Recommended by Mumsnet user bookishtartlet)
Our verdict
Inspired by the Jurassic World series, Camp Cretaceous, the Carnotaurus Toro, is a large figure which roars and chomps its jaws when it’s time to attack. Even if your child hasn’t seen the series, this is sure to be one of the best toys for 5 year olds who love dinosaurs. Children can tilt the tail up to move the head and twist it sideways to chomp down on figurines and other toys in its path. The dinosaur lets out a roar (be warned, it’s very loud) when you lift the tail or push the button on the back of the figure.
The body has realistic textures and moveable joints and comes with a booklet, a map and reusable stickers. You can also download the Jurassic World Facts app, where children can scan their dinosaur and watch it come to life to learn more about these fascinating prehistoric animals.
If out of your price range, check out our guide to the best dinosaur toys for kids of all ages for a more budget-friendly option.
Related: The best remote control cars, tried and tested by Mumsnetters and their kids
13. Best outdoor toy for 5-year-olds: Micro Scooters Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter
Price on writing: From £144 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age: 5 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Gross motor skills
What we like
Good age range for longevity
Performs well on bumpy ground
Foldable
What we don’t like
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“We’ve bought three different types of scooter from Micro Scooters over the years and every single one has been brilliant. Robust, long-lasting and doesn’t rattle (like lots of cheaper brands).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MeanMrMustardSeed)
Our verdict
For primary-aged children, a scooter can be an excellent, well-loved investment for riding to the park, to school and whizzing around the garden. So, if you’re due to buy your child a more age-appropriate scooter or if you’re looking to buy them their first set of wheels, then you can’t go far wrong with Micro Scooters Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter.
Though there are similar scooters on the market with a more attractive price tag, Micro Scooters are particularly popular with Mumsnet parents. The Maxi Deluxe scored exceptionally well when we conducted our own in-depth testing. Check out our guide to the best scooters to see the results for yourself.
One of the best toys for 5 year olds who love the outdoors, this micro scooter has three wheels and is tall and stable, yet light and speedy. It’s built to last years - from the age of five up to 12 - with high-end materials and mechanisms that go some way to justifying the hefty price tag.
Read next: Discover which Nintendo Switch game for kids Mumsnet users rated the highest.
14. Best wooden toy for 5-year-olds: JoJo Maman Bébé Picnic Basket
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from JoJo Maman Bébé
Key specs
Age: 3 years+ | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Imaginative and creative play, language and communication skills
What we like
More wooden food sets and toys available
Encourages pretend play
What we don’t like
Some users found that some parts broke off the basket and accessories
What Mumsnet users say
“My five-and-a-half-year-old still plays with that picnic set and loves it!” (Wise words from Mumsnetter Powerof4)
Our verdict
Imaginative play offers rich opportunities to develop communication and social skills. Five-year-olds especially love role-play, which is why we're recommending this gorgeous picnic set by JoJo Maman Bébé as one of the best toys for 5 year olds who love to use their imagination.
Children can sit on the gingham picnic blanket and set up a feast for two with its wooden flask, cups and plates and serve sandwiches, fruit and cake for you both to enjoy. At five years old, children still get so much out of pretend play - they can use their new reading and writing skills to write a menu, add prices to the food or set up a teddy bear’s picnic.
Related: The best toy cars according to Mumsnetters.
15. Best Barbie toy for 5-year-old: Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse
Price on writing: £255 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Age: 3 years+ | Batteries required: Yes 3 x AA | Educational objectives: Imaginative and creative play, and communication and social skills
What we like
10 living areas a pool and a slide
Children can choose their own configurations
Encourages imaginative play
What we don’t like
Takes around an hour to assemble
Doesn’t come with a doll
Very big
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“Barbie Dream House. I resisted, but [my daughter] loves it!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter SweepTheHalls)
Our verdict
The Barbie Day to Night Dream House is the ultimate in doll houses. Standing 43 inches tall and 41 inches wide, it has three floors, 10 living areas, a pool and a slide. Even the puppies have their own play area and pool!
Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but if you've the space, the budget and the inclination, this is sure to be one of the best toys for 5 year olds (and, thanks to the recent Barbie movie, older fans as well!)
The fully furnished house has a working lift, a party room with a DJ booth, a balcony and a hammock swing, making it the perfect setting for all kinds of Barbie adventures. Your child can use their creative skills and decide where they want the grass, pool and slide to go from a choice of configurations. Realistic sound effects, songs and ambient lights complete the package, and there’s a host of accessories to play with, including beds, chairs, crockery and food.
Read next: Find the best unicorn toys and the top-ranking robot toys for 2023.
What kind of toys do 5-year-olds play with?
When choosing the best toys for 5 year olds, it's important to consider the following options:
Milestones
At age five, many changes are happening, but there are some key milestones to look out for. Your child is becoming more confident at dressing themselves, using buttons and zips, and learning to hop, skip, run and jump. Their balance and coordination has improved, and they’ll now know how to use knives and forks.
They enjoy playing with friends, wanting to share toys with them and make them happy. They’ll learn to count to 10, develop their language, and learn to read and write. You may also notice your five-year-old enjoys singing, acting and dancing.
It’s worth bearing these developments in mind when choosing the best toys for 5 year olds to find one that encourages new skills and social interaction, aiding their learning at school.
Interests
This is the most crucial factor. Think about what your child likes doing and what interests they have. Do they like being creative? Maybe they love building things? Or do they love dolls? The best toys for 5 year olds will cater to their interests but will provide plenty of entertainment. Avoid buying fad toys as children can grow bored of these quickly.
It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s age guidelines to ensure your chosen toy is not too young or old for them and is suitable for their development. This means the toy is more likely to be played with independently and won't be grown out of too quickly.
Safety
Check the materials – which tend to be plastic or wood - are sturdy and won’t break or splinter easily. Make sure any batteries are safely hidden away, and there are no loose parts that could cause a choking hazard.
Check the age suitability of the toy to make sure they can use it safely, and look out for the CE symbol, which shows that the toy meets all the relevant regulatory requirements.
How many toys should a 5-year-old have?
There’s no set amount. While it’s great for a child to have a variety of toys that cater to different interests and skills, that doesn’t mean you have to fill your house with every toy going. It’s thought that children who have too many toys get overwhelmed and easily distracted and can be far more creative when they have fewer toys to play with.
Instead, try to focus on buying toys that appeal to their interests and have longevity. Think about the amount of use they'll get, whether it is multi-use, can be passed on to a sibling or helps them learn various skills. If you have an extensive toy collection, try having a regular clear-out of any toys that are no longer played with or store some away to play with on rotation.
What alternative gifts can I give a five-year-old that aren't toys?
We've all faced the conundrum of buying a gift for a child who already has everything. So, here are a few alternative ideas to spark some inspiration:
Tickets to a show/event/day out
Children's magazine subscription
Gift card
Money for their savings account
Annual pass to an attraction
What to get a 5-year-old for Christmas?
It depends on how much you're looking to spend - toys like Dobble and the Galt Bubble Lab are great stocking fillers under £10. If you're looking to splash out for a main gift, we love the Micro Maxi Scooter, Barbie Dreamhouse and Yoto Mini Player. Great mid-range Christmas present options are the Playmobil Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine and the Hape Quadrilla Marble Run.
Read next: Amazon Fire 7 Kids vs Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids: Which is the best kids' tablet?
About the author
Writer and mum-of-two, Gemma, has over 15 years of experience writing for print and online publications covering issues surrounding parenting, health and lifestyle, as well as researching and writing in-depth product reviews for Mumsnet.
How we chose our recommendations
We've used our triple-check vetting system to put our list of the top 15 toys for five-year-olds through its paces to ensure all of our recommendations are honest, informative and relevant.
Parent recommendations
Our research began on the Mumsnet forums, where we studied threads looking for which toys were most-recommended and highly-rated by parents.
Expert opinion
We then vetted this list using expert opinion gleaned from magazines, like Good House Keeping and Mother & Baby, and retailers such as Argos, Amazon and Smyths Toys.
Verified customer reviews
Finally, we cross-referenced our shortlist using verified customer reviews to ensure that each toy met our high standards for performance.
Celebrated toys
This left us with our list of the top 15 toys for five-year-olds. All of which are recommended and highly rated by parents, loved by children and approved by experts.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.