‘Tis the season to make your shopping list!

When kids reach age 5, they’re in a transition phase from being a “little” kid to a “big” kid, and the toys in their playtime should reflect that. For kids at this milestone, we look for playthings that encourage creativity, more independent play, and further development of their physical and social skills.

From games and activity sets to toys featuring your 5 year old’s favorite characters, we’ve rounded up some of the most engaging, adventurous, and creative toys on the market to make sure playtime is fun.

Scroll down to see our top toys for 5 year olds, and for more of the top toys and gifts for kids of all ages, check out our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!


16-INCH TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES BIKE

This bike features custom Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem graphics on the frame, fork, chain guard, seat, and handlebar shield. It also comes with removable nunchucks for role-play action and removable and adjustable training wheels.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $98.00
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

PLIP KIT

Kids can create patterns, prisms, and sculptures by connecting the flexible arches, sticks, and X-shaped pieces. They can also pull the pieces apart to hear a satisfying popping sound.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.95
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

HOLOBRITE PIXIE LANTERN

Kids can interact digitally with pixie hologram Wren, then watch her emerge in doll form. After, they can continue to play with hologram Wren when she’s returned to the lantern.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • AA
  • Quantity:
  • 4

FLAT 2 FAST CARD RACERS

These racers transform from cards to cars with the press of a button, no pull back needed. The vehicles are portable and fit in a pocket or backpack.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

COOKEEZ MAKERY PANCAKE TREATZ

With this surprise toy experience, kids can squeeze the pancake batter onto the pan, flip it with the press of a button when it starts to sizzle, and reveal one of three collectible plush: Cocoa Pup, Blue Beary, and Strawberry Pankitty.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • LR44
  • Quantity:
  • 3

HATCHIMALS ALIVE MYSTERY HATCH

Kids can love, cuddle, tap, lift, and rock the egg to encourage their pet to hatch. When it glows rainbow and mist appears, the Pufficorn will hatch while singing “Hatchy Birthday.”

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • AA
  • Quantity:
  • 4

FINGERLINGS INTERACTIVE BABY AXOLOTL WITH INFLATABLE POOL

This interactive baby axolotl lights up and swims in the water. Inflate the included pool, fill it with water, and watch it go.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • LR44
  • Quantity:
  • 4

LITTLEST PET SHOP PLAYSET

Open the playset case to reveal four rooms, then place your pets at the top of the aviary tower or in the rotating aquarium and terrarium. Store everything inside the set for next time.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

YUMMILAND SMALL DOLL + LIP GLOSS

Each of these six dolls comes with base, color, and scent to mix together shimmery gloss! Take your doll and gloss on the go by attaching them to the included key chain. Each doll includes removable fashions and accessories.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99 each
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

CLASSIC TMNT PARTY CRUISER

This vintage-style vehicle is complete with lights and sounds. When kids press the wheels, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will pop out of the cruiser and say his unique catchphrase.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • AAA
  • Quantity:
  • 3

BOOKSY BOOKSHELF MONSTER COLLECTOR DISPLAY

The Booksy Bookshelf Monster Collector Display Set is the perfect way to begin a child’s Booksy collection, including 1 Monster Bookshelf, 1 Exclusive Booksy Figure, and 1 Unique Book for the young reader and collector. Each Booksy figure packs a tiny fully readable book! Layered with fun and playful illustrations, these unique stories create a…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.90
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

MINI BRANDS CREATE GARDEN CAPSULE

Fill a miniature garden with 18 possible orchids, succulents, and flowers. Each capsule features a plant to build and resin to add mini details like bugs and dew drops.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

5UP

Players take turns rolling the 5UP die and attempt to discard their tokens through strategic gameplay. The first to do so wins the game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

FRESH BEATS

This doll collection includes multicultural dolls representing ethnicities from all around the world. Themed around different music genres, each 10-inch doll features 11 points of articulation.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $17.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

MAGNA-TILES MICROMAGS 26-PIECE TRAVEL SET

MicroMAGS are smaller than normal Magna-Tiles and are perfect for on-the-go building. The metal tin packaging doubles as storage and a building-base.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS FIGBANDS SERIES 1 BLIND PACKS

Kids can accessorize their water bottles, wrists, backpacks, and more with Hello Kitty and Friends-themed FigBands! The blind bags include two mystery figures such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and more — there are 12 Series 1 styles to collect. The 2-in-1 figures will be available in stores this December.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

MONSTER HIGH HAUNTED HIGH SCHOOL PLAYSET

There are seven spooky areas for kids to play, including a dorm room and the creepateria. It includes multiple surprise transformations, interactive elements, and more than 35 accessories.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $174.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

DISNEY STITCH PUZZLES

There are six Stich-themed puzzles ranging from 49-500 pieces. Kids can put together 3D, circular, and XXL puzzles featuring Stitch and Angel.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-19.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

MIRACULOUS HERO SWITCH LADYBUG FASHION DOLL

With a press of a button, this fashion doll of the Miraculous hero switches into a new outfit. It comes with a matching mask for each outfit.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • AA
  • Quantity:
  • 2

CONNETIX 50-PIECE RAINBOW TRANSPORT PACK

This magnetic building set includes motion bases with real rubber wheels that kids can use to build trucks, trains, aircraft, ambulances, fire engines, forklifts, and more. This STEAM toy helps kids explore and identify shapes, colors, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $75.00
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

HYPERTILES

This construction toy is based on a mathematical shape called a hyperbolic paraboloid. Kids can link together the versatile shapesin an infinite number of flexible combinations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

NEX PLAYGROUND

Kids use active motions to play video games on this gaming console instead of a controller. It features more than 25 games with different themes, including sports, music, and some of kids’ favorite brands.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

L.O.L. SURPRISE! MERMAIDS! COLLECTION

Dive into new surprise dolls with this collection, which includes three types of Mermaids: Tots, Baby Sisters, and Tweens. Each doll collection features different surprises, including color-changing tails.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.99-14.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

NASA COLLECTION BY STOMP ROCKET

Kids can run, stomp, and blast off into space for hours of active play. This set includes the SLS Rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Saturn V Rocket alongside an adjustable launch stand.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

NICHOLE JACKLYNE TOP SLIMES COLOR MIXUP CASE

Kids can mix slime like Nichole Jacklyne with this kit of 12 compounds and three mix-ins, complete with a storage case. Each slime provides a unique sensory experience.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

BITZEE DISNEY

This interactive digital pet now features 30 Disney and Pixar characters to choose from. Fill the Star Meter to earn Wishing Stars, interact with familiar faces, unlock magical moments, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • AA
  • Quantity:
  • 3

HEROES OF GOO JIT ZU — HERO CREATOR

Pour in fillings, pump water into the body, and secure the head to create a gooey action figure that kids can stretch up to three times its original size.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

I SPY FLIP & FIND GAME

This seek-and-find matching game combines photographs, familiar object collections, and rhyming riddles to create quick-play brainteasing games.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

KINETIC SAND SQUISH MOTION

Kids can play with pink, yellow, and blue Kinetic Sand inside the case to make mesmerizing, moving sand creations. The set includes a crinkle cutter, a stamper tool, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

RIDING ARENA

Kids can prep their Schleich horses for a big show with this playset, which features obstacle accessories and flashcards with dressage movements and tasks to test.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski is the editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider. With more than a decade of industry experience, Ali is a trusted source for parents, gift-givers, manufacturers, retailers, and more on the latest trends and hottest products. Whether you’re shopping for the best toys for kids — or looking for the latest in geek culture and entertainment for yourself — Ali’s expertise has you covered. When she’s not building LEGO sets or unwinding with a puzzle, Ali is obsessing over the latest season of The Bachelor, scrolling through Gritty’s Twitter, or rewatching The West Wing (for the 100th time). She is also a self-proclaimed expert on the history and lore of the entire Bachelor franchise. Ali has been featured on TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, Yahoo Finance, Fox & Friends, HLN, The Weather Channel, ABC World News Now, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @hashtagtrendy.

archivearrow-chevron-downarrow-chevron-left-greyarrow-chevron-leftarrow-chevron-rightarrow-fatarrow-left-blackarrow-left-whitearrow-right-blackarrow-rightarrow-roundedbookscalendarcaret-downclose-whiteclosedocumenteditorial-archiveeyefacebook-squarefacebookfilesgifthamburgerheadinghearthomeinstagram-squareinstagramlatestlinkedin-squarelinkedinmailmedia-inquiresmessagenewsopen-boxpagination-leftpagination-rightpauseplayprintproduct-archiverecent-productssearchsharesort-filterspotifysunteamtiktoktime_purpletimetrendingtvtwitter-squaretwitterxyoutube