Oh, how I love the age of Kindergarten and first grade. Five- and six-year-olds become wildly independent and can carry on conversations that make me feel like I’m chatting with a friend. Kids this age may attend an extended school day, and it is so super important they come home to some play. Now is our chance to hold on to the unstructured downtime. Play is lifelong! Here are the best creative toys for 5-7-year-olds to keep the play going long after grade school.
Big Kids Need Time to Play
I cannot say it enough. After a long school day, our children must come home and play. Let’s remind our big kids that what they touch can quickly become more creative and involve movement.
We need kids of all ages to continue the momentum from the type of play we have worked so hard to maintain during the early years.
We must remind our elementary children that they can learn through play and that home is safe to explore new ideas. Kindergarten is the new first grade, and it don’t get me started on what first looks like.
However, from all our research, we know that play is the most powerful way to grasp a new idea or extend an existing one. So, we must offer downtime for unstructured play at home.
Let’s get these big kids some toys they can look forward to coming home to after school!
Related: Want to inspire more play at home? These BIG KID activity cards are great!
Holiday Toy Guides
Welcome to the Days with Grey 2024-2025 holiday gift guide for kids. These toy lists are carefully curated to help you effortlessly make a gift selection you feel great about.
What are the best gifts?
Remember that putting ages on toys can sometimes put us in a box. Good toys for six-year-olds allow them to feel comfortable connecting to prior knowledge and encourage curiosity.
A good toy for any age matches their love of play. This may mean the arts, outdoor play, loose parts, pretend play, or rough and tumble play. Your child may also enjoy action figures, building sets, or educational toys about outer space. (P.S. Enjoying a favorite book also counts as play.)
You know your child best. If they are ready for it, go for it!
Toys are essential because they:
- Allow a child to create.
- Allow a child to be mindful of the team around them.
- Assist with self-control and focus.
- Encourage building, designing, and early engineering skills.
- Encourage cooperation.
- Expand a child’s vocabulary.
- Help a child retell a story and express emotional needs.
- Soothe anxiety and tension.
Do you see? You cannot get that deep with a worksheet or a video game (both have another place). We know this. To deepen our children’s understanding of life, we must allow them to use open-ended, hands-on toys.
We can do this with well-thought-out new toys and time to play.
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Toy List
Board Games for Big(ish) Kids
If you enjoy board games, I also have a more extensive list of board games for kids. Check it out, along with our favorite board games for older kids.
Super Mario Monopoly
Have you played Monopoly with your kids? Super Mario Monopoly was our introduction to Monopoly, and I am so happy we started here. It simplified the parts and pieces needed to advance players and purchase properties with only two coins. My boys also love the Mario Brothers, so this game was a winner as soon as they unwrapped it!
Tapple
Tapple is my favorite new game for 2024. Pick a category, set the timer, and see who can think of the most words that begin with the letter sound. You can play with or without the time and it will be great fun with relatives over the holiday.
Buildzi
Who knew you could play Tetris without a screen?! This game checks almost every box—it’s creative, has many problems to solve, can be played together or solo, and, as a parent of a certain age, the nostalgia factor makes me smile. You can combine these with additional sets or blocks for a new experience. Playing Buildzi is a great time and a creative way to build strong math skills.
The Genius Square
Another winner was suggested to us by a friend! Roll the dice and plug in the wooden circles. The goal is to fill in the missing spaces using the different puzzle pieces. Players can play this game alone or challenge a friend to see who can complete the puzzle in time. Genius Square is a fantastic board game for elementary-aged children and beyond to improve strategy and hand-eye coordination.
Ticket to Ride
A friend suggested this board game for my six and seven-year-olds to play. It has inspired lots of strategic thinking! The goal is to complete train routes by gathering cards of coordinating colors. We like to play this game before bedtime and get everyone involved. If you want a new board game for elementary-aged children, THIS IS IT!
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
It’s a fast-paced game for kids that follows a super fun sequence. Flip your card as you repeat the pattern. If it matches, be the first to slap the pile! It is so simple, yet so fun. My little guy loves this card game!
Tiki Toss
Invite friends to compete with this tiki toss. I love playing this on days at home and over the long holiday break. It’s a great game to introduce and play with relatives.
Cash Box
Okay, I have no idea which category the cash box fits into, so I added it to games. My seven-year-old loves his cash box to sort Pokemon cards, cash from grandparents, and trinkets. You will know if this is for your child. As you scan this list, you will say I need this under your breath.
Art Supplies and Creative Play
Switch-eroo Markers
Does anything beat a fresh pack of markers with a new sketchbook? I am going to say no. These color-changing markers are a big hit!
Scented Pens
Scented pencils and pens are another homerun with kids ages 5-7. They are the perfect gift for your little storyteller.
Pushpeel
This silicone fidget toy has been a winning way to calm down after a long school day. If you have a child who enjoys tactile sensory toys, add them to the cart!
Kids Knife Set
Do you have someone that enjoys helping in the kitchen? This is a great starter knife set.
Kids Kindle
We introduced the Kindle to the boys around seven. Their interest in reading took off (even if they weren’t fluent) because I could not keep up with the number of books they wanted to read or look through.
Watercolor Paints for Kids
These paints make a list for several age groups because the benefits of playing with colors and creating from scratch never end. This set is a perennial favorite because it’s easy to store, has just the right color variety, and is a quality product at a friendly price.
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
If you’re familiar with my blog, all three boys love their Vtech point-and-shoot cameras. We don’t leave home without them. Now that my oldest is moving towards upper elementary school, he has graduated to this super fun, creative Creator Cam and can make short movies! The great thing about this toy is he can start with an effortless creation but learn the elements of movie-making and use the more advanced features as he discovers them. Get ready for your close-up!
Yoto Audio Player
This is an audio player without the noise of YouTube or the internet. Use the Yoto to listen to your child’s favorite podcasts, songs, and stories. The face also shows a digital clock and has an alarm clock. My six-year-old has NOT put this down.
Rainbow Loom
This Rainbow Loom was a HUGE hit with my neighborhood this summer. The kids would take the kit to the pool and design bracelets between jumping in. It makes a great kit for something to do when siblings are at practices and need something to do while they wait.
Beads Kit
Like the Rainbow Loom, this bead kit will encourage creating patterns, counting, engineering, and problem-solving, and you can find opportunities for all of them in a bead kit. Gift this early in the holiday season and give your big kid the tools to make gifts for their friends and loved ones!
Hey Clay Kit
This clay kit is similar to air-dry clay but more suited to children who focus on small details when creating. It will strengthen their hand muscles, improve fine motor skills, and allow them to enjoy time at home. This clay kit comes in 11 colors.
Air-Dry Clay
Like the bead kit, this material has endless possibilities for creating, problem-solving, and fun. Small hands can easily manipulate it out of the container, but you could also add some simple design tools—even cast-off playdough tools would work fine. The creation takes about three days to dry on your counter, and then kids can paint it. This is another excellent way for kids to make unique holiday gifts, toys, and decorations!
Scratch and Sketch Books
You can take these to go or use them for quiet time before bed. Scratch off the black to reveal a colorful surprise. My creative six-year-old always looks forward to a new variation when his book is complete.
Shrinky Dinks Jewelry Set
I used to BEG for Shrinky Dinks, and my mom would say, “But…what do you DO with them?” As a parent now, I get it. They are super fun to create, but then…you have shrunken-colored creations all over. Here is the solution! All the fun of Shrinky Dinks that you then make into jewelry, barrettes, or even keychains! It’s so fun for kids to make their wearable art, encouraging them to express themselves and experiment with color and style.
TinkerTar
I learned more about this one-string guitar from attending the New York Toy Fair. This guitar was designed by Brian Calhoun, who makes guitars for big-name singers. He wanted to build a guitar for kids that was more manageable to understand and feel successful in sticking with the instrument.
STEM Toys
GYRO WHEEL
These light-up spinning wheels are just as much fun as we remember. Young kids get a kick from spinning the wheel and watching it light up.
HotWheels Raceway
Need a WOW gift for your HotWheel kid? This is it! Say no more; this is the best.
Stunt Car
Stunt cars keep my kids entertained for so long! They can stay indoors or head outside to play. This is the perfect gift for your child who enjoys movement and thrills.
Connetix Ball Run
If you are ready to add to your collection, this ball run is better than a marble run! Kids create loops, twists, and turns; the magnetic tiles work well with other compatible brands.
Botley 2.0
If you are looking for a screen-free coding toy for your child, Botley 2.0 is it. With a few coding skills using lights and music, you can transform Botley into a train, police car, and more!
Space Rover
Another screen-free coding toy is Space Rover. I played with this at the New York Toy Fair and learned how children create a path for the rover by coding with the controls. Children watch as the rover follows the path they coded.
Snap Circuits
Warning: If you are anything like me, your kid is about to know much more about electricity than you ever wanted. As easy to use as LEGOs, Snap Circuits is a new world of experiments that range from simple to complex and encourage critical thinking at every turn. Snap Circuits are a big hit with my oldest.
Snap Circuits Arcade
This set is similar to the above, with more lights and whistles. It’s another fun starter set, and it’s another hit for tech-loving six-year-olds and older.
Super Mario Starter Course
Like I said – we love Mario around here, and I am all for a cool toy that takes the fun off the screen in an engaging way. This LEGO set lets you create an actual, working Super Mario level! It’s challenging enough for an early to mid-elementary schooler to enjoy on their own, but so much fun that I’m excited to play with them.
Crystal Growing Hedgehog
This hedgehog is a go-to gift for older kids. It’s like a chia pet but cuter, cooler, and faster. Kids make a simple mixture with water and the included solution, and a day later, crystals magically appear, and then your big kid has an adorable decor item for their room. Listed for ages 10-12, please judge what is best for your child.
Robbie White & Blue Xtrem Bots
You can control your robot with gestures and movements. We have this robot, and it is fun for all my boys to play with.
Geodes
My seven-year-old’s dream came true with this Geodes kit. He recently told me it was his favorite gift from last year. Children break open the rocks to see the crystals inside. Each kit has a variety of colors. Listed for ages 8+, please judge what is best for your child.
Active Play
Zelda Swords
My boys and the neighbors love this Zelda sword and play with it daily. They meet on the front lawn and battle.
Rocket Copters
These are my son’s favorites! He brings them to soccer practice and spends countless amounts of time outside shooting the copters in the sky. Add these for your child who needs a little inspiration for outdoor play.
Over the Door Hoop
My seven-year-old asked for this hoop for his birthday and enjoyed tossing the ball in to make baskets. It is a fun way for him to practice his favorite sport and let energy out indoors.
Slingshot
A variation to the Rocket Copters is a traditional slingshot. Makes a fun stocking stuffer your child can use over the holiday break.
WOWmazing Giant Bubble Wand
Have a child that enjoys bubbles? This is the gift for them! This kit makes big and colorful giant bubbles. It’s an excellent toy for six-year-olds and older.
Climbing Dome
As the boys grow older, their energy level increases. (how could that be?) This climbing dome is a great way to build strength and coordination or sit and chat with friends in the backyard.
Micro Kickboard
These kickboards now fold! They’re easy to store, and the wheels have LED lights. They’re great for ages 5-12.
Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
With the time change, now is a time to brighten up your sidewalk night rides! These LED lights make great gifts.
Moon Ball
This Moon Ball is a lot of fun to play with! It bounces super high, and kids love testing its limits. This makes a fun gift that gives kids something to do after unwrapping. (wink, wink)
LED Light Up Bike Bell
Every bike needs a bell. Your child’s bike has a bell that lets others know they are biking and coming up close. Makes a great stocking stuffer for the holidays!
GIRO Youth Bike Helmet
Need a new bike helmet? We love the way the Giro youth bike helmet fits. This bike helmet has MIPS. MIPS Brain Protection System is integrated with the Roc Loc Sport Fit System for an added measure of protection in certain impacts, plus market-leading fit and comfort.
Bike Cup Holder
One more bike essential is a bike cup holder. My boys like to bike to their friends with a water bottle. Now they can bike more safely with both hands on the handlebars.
Count Clicker Counter
Sounds simple, but my boys love the tally counter. I included a six-pack, so you have a gift for your child and the next birthday party you attend! These make great toys for six-year-olds (and older).
FAUX BOW
What kid sees a bow and arrow and DOESN’T want to try it?! This Faux Bow reduces the injury potential and maximizes the fun, making it a budget-friendly way to try archery. It shoots pretty far once you get the hang of it, and we have had a lot of fun creating silly, safe targets out of leftover cardboard and craft supplies.
Ninja Line
Big kids are often over the swing sets and playhouses we were so excited to get when they were preschoolers, but that doesn’t mean the backyard adventures have to end. Let them be ninjas! This line is completely customizable and expandable to have a couple of elements or a whole backyard American Ninja Warrior episode.
Obuby Kids Walkie Talkie
We might be a digital society now, but walkie-talkies will ALWAYS be awesome. Age up a game of hide-and-seek, take them camping or hiking, or come up with a whole secret language—there are so many ways to have fun with these. I like this brand because they can take a beating, which is a huge plus, even for older kids.
Rocket Launcher
Power a rocket by jumping up and down? Yes, please. One kid can spend hours practicing this independently and then challenge all of their siblings and friends. By trying different combinations of running and jumping, kids can problem-solve and exercise themselves to greatness right in their backyard.
Swurfer Outdoor Swing
By the time my oldest was in elementary school, all he wanted to do on the swings was stand up, so I figured, why not just go with it? This swing is good quality, sturdy enough for a person up to 200 lbs to try, and engages almost every muscle in the body. I love that it extends the life of backyard swinging – and it’s okay for sitting on it and standing so that younger kids can get in on the fun, too.
BULZiBUCKET
This game is like the next generation of corn hole – plus, it’s waterproof and portable. It’s so much fun for everyday play and pool parties, the beach, the park; you name it. You can play it like a bean bag toss, or water polo, or even hacky-sack, and it’s just as fun for one person as for 10. This game is an excellent gift for the whole family!
What toys do six-year-olds like?
Once children hit kindergarten and first grade, their love for learning can soar or feel deflated by the high expectations.
Good, thoughtful toys for big kids remind children that they are intelligent, kind, and funny. The best toys offer a safe space to be themselves without social pressure.
When choosing a toy, we look for toys that remind children that being creative allows them to feel safe and learn more.
Let’s find toys without strict boundaries on what button to press to make it go.
Older kids must continue the momentum of open-ended play to develop the habits they need to thrive and enjoy being at home.
More Toys for Kids:
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about what your child enjoys doing. Rocket Copters are great for a child that loves being outside. Watercolor paints are fun for an artistic child. STEM learners love programmable robots.
Engage large muscles with the ninja course, running with the walkie-talkies, bike riding, and faux bows. Playing indoors with a family board game such as Monopoly and Snap Circuits is fun.
YES! Unstructured play and time to be bored are vital to child development. Dedicate a time each day to unstructured free play where your child takes the lead. Doing so allows children to work through thoughts, events in the day, and emotions.
