Six is such a fun age for toys. Kids are becoming more independent, but they still have a wonderful ability to turn almost anything into a game.
After a long, full day of school, I want kids to come home and play. Not another worksheet. Not another activity I need to organize. And certainly not another iReady assignment. Just time to build, create, move, imagine, and figure things out.
I’ve pulled together the best toys for 5-7 year olds that have stood out to us over the years, plus a few new 2026 finds. You’ll find games, creative toys, STEM, building, and plenty of ways to get six-year-olds moving.
And most of all! I added a Gift Picker Guide to help you narrow down the perfect gift to match what your child (or whoever you’re buying for) enjoys.
Prefer an Amazon Shop Page? I have that too. Click here to go to my Amazon Shop Page for toys for 5-7-year-olds.
Big Kids Need Time to Play
I cannot say it enough: after a long school day, our children need to come home and play.
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As kids get older, the way they play changes. What they touch can quickly turn into something creative, silly, active, or completly unexpected. We need to keep that momentum going instead of letting play disappear as the school demands increase.
Our elementary school kids still need time to explore new ideas, make things, move their bodies, and simply figure things out. They can still learn through play, and their homes should be places where they have the freedom to do that.
Kindergarten is the new first grade, and don’t even get me started on what first grade looks like.
So let’s give our big kids some toys they can actually look forward to coming home to after a long school day. Here are some of my favorites.
New for 2026
You know it! This is one of the many reasons that I attend the New York Toy Fair. I get an insider look at what is new and upcoming, and I get to know toy brands in a more intimate way. So without further ado, let’s get to know my favorite picks for 2026.
New KidiZoom Camera
My older boys love making movies with the neighbors on the weekend, and this is where we started. It doesn’t make long-form videos, but it is a fun way to begin exploring making simple videos for young elementary kids. (Yes, it has a few games.)
Yoto Mini 4th Generation
Okay, Yoto. Take all my money. I will forever credit my dyslexic middle child’s vocabulary to carrying the Yoto all through the house and constantly listening to books. It has been an incredible tool for us.
Scratch Coding Cards
Does your little friend want to learn coding? Start with Scratch and this deck of cards. Kids can pick a card and use it to create simple animations they will be proud of.
Tin Can Phone
Just about anyone with a Tin Can Phone raves about how much they enjoy it. It is one of those toys that allows kids to develop communication and social skills without a device or screen. Connect it to your Internet to get started.
Feelin Cute
Feeling Cute is such a sweet game from Hootenanny. Here, kids can rate how cute the animal pictures are. This game isn’t new for 2026, but it’s new to us and deserves a spot front and center in our gift guides. (Not to mention that I had the privilege of meeting the owners, and they are incredible people.)
Mini Mahjer
Where are all my Mohjong fans?! This one is for you. (As if you haven’t already scoped this out.) One of the Days with Grey team members owns this (actually, she is a super fan and owns two) and uses it as a Breakfast Invitation with her boys.
Switch Pitch
The Switch Pitch is another new-to-us toy for 2026, and it makes the perfect gift for your child who doesn’t put down balls. It changes color as you toss, and keeps my boys entertained for a long time!
Modern American Girl Dolls
What if Molly lived in 2026? Well, the American Girl Dolls think she would look a lot like this! Check out Molly and the other friends we remember to see how they modernized them.
Quick Gift Picker
I get it. Sometimes you just need a quick nudge in the right direction to help you choose the best toy for your child’s interests. Me too. Use this to take me to my recommendations based on a child’s interests.
My best advice is to lean into the ways your child already enjoys playing. That toy will have more miles than the trendy toy the morning show tells you that your child needs. (No shame. But true.)
| For your child who enjoys… | Toy I recommend |
| Making things | ChompSaw |
| Building | Connetix Ball Run and Plus Plus Big |
| Moving | Nex Playground |
| Playing together | Mario Monopoly or Ticket to Ride |
| Figuring things out | Snap Circuits |
| Creating art | Switcheroo markers and a sketchbook |
| Quiet time | Pushpell |
Related: Want to inspire more play at home? These BIG KID activity cards are great!
TOYS FOR 2026
I put all of your holiday gift guides in one place. Search by age and category here.
Toys for 5-7 Year Olds
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Games and Puzzles
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
This was our very first family board game, and it was the perfect starter game. The coins are in 5- or 10-point amounts, which helps with skip counting. If you have a Mario fan, start with this game.
DogMan Game
How many times have I played this game, you ask? Too many. But that is because my younger two love it. A win for your Dog Man fan.
Game Cubes
This electronic game cube has nine different games that I enjoy too! Who knew following a sequence and repeating patterns would be so much fun?! My older boys still fight over- I mean, play- this.
Tapple
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 timer, and it’s great fun with relatives over the holidays.
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. Bonus: although my older boys don’t play the actual game anymore, the blocks come out in other ways in their play.
Pushpeel
This silicone fidget toy has proven to be 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!
Plip Charms
No doubt about it. My five-year-old self is all about these charm bracelets. They remind me so much of the charm necklaces we used to wear! Does anyone remember the name?
Minecraft UNO
Minecraft meets UNO. Done and done. No further comments.
Nex Playground
Are your kids begging to stay inside because of the cold? Get the Nex Playground to keep them active indoors as you catch a break. (But warning-you may want to play, too.)
The Genius Square
Kids 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
SO much love for Ticket to Ride. 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!
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 for sorting Pokémon 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.
Build and Create
Schleich Eldrador Creatures
My youngest will find the Schleich collection at Barnes and Noble and sit there for an hour if I have the time. He goes full imaginary-play mode, and last year spent his birthday money on this Lava Monster. He loves it!
BRIO Remote Control Train
My MIL got these for my boys when they were five and six, and they were a huge, huge hit. If you have a little train engineer, this will bring the wooden track back out for more 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!
Lego Food Friends
LEGO has a few mini sets like this, and they are under $10. They make the perfect gift for birthday parties or a thoughtful addition for someone on your list.
ChompSaw
No regrets about purchasing the ChompSaw. My boys get a ton of use out of it. – Especially my nine-year-old. Lemonade stand? ChompSaw. Wearing a Spider-Man costume and needing a cardboard spider? ChompSaw. Random Saturday afternoon? ChompSaw. I don’t ask questions. I am just happy it gets so much use. lol
Minecraft Magnetic Cubes
If your child enjoys magnetic tiles, they will also enjoy these magnetic cubes. No need to be a Minecraft fan. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Kids Knife Set
Do you have someone who enjoys helping in the kitchen? This is a great starter knife set.
Rail Racers
Rail Racers now come in their own pack, without magnetic tiles. Yes. Sign me up. How many boxes are too many?!
LEGO Road Ramp
I mean. ADORABLE. Add to cart for my middle. I was sold at the hot dog car.
Rainbow Loom
This Rainbow Loom was a HUGE hit with my neighborhood this summer. The kids took the kit to the pool and designed bracelets between jumps. It makes an excellent kit for when siblings are at practices and need something to do while they wait.
Beads Kit
Like the Rainbow Loom, this bead kit encourages pattern creation, counting, engineering, and problem-solving, and you can find opportunities for all of these skills in a bead kit. Give 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 is more suitable for children who focus on small details when creating. It strengthens hand muscles, improves fine motor skills, and lets them spend quality 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 can also add simple design tools—even cast-off playdough tools work fine. The creation takes about three days to dry on your counter, and then the kids can paint it. This is another excellent way for kids to make unique holiday gifts, toys, and decorations!
DIY Bracelets
Melissa and Doug know kids’ toys. These DIY bracelets make perfect stocking stuffers, so your child has something to do over winter break.
Shrinky Dinks Jewelry Set
n! Take all those fun Shrinky Dinks and transform them 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 about this one-string guitar at 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 easier to understand and that helped them feel successful sticking with the instrument.
STEM and “How does that work?”
Moon in My Room
My oldest had this in his room for years and loved it! He would flick through the different phases after reading—a core memory from his early years.
Clixco
These are super fun for kids who like to fidget and explore creative ideas. They are well-made and snap together. This is the Clixco wheel kit.
HotWheels Raceway
Need a WOW gift for your Hot Wheels kid? This is it! Say no more; this is the best.
HotWheels Garage
I remember my oldest wanted this for his fifth birthday. I said no. My mom said yes. She was right. It was a hit and played with daily.
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 are compatible with other brands.
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.
Geodes
This Geodes kit made my seven-year-old’s dream come true. 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.
Get outside and move
Zelda Swords
My boys and the neighbors love this Zelda sword and play with it daily. They meet on the front lawn and battle.
TOSY Flying Disc
The days are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. So rather than trying to tuck everyone in before they are ready, head outside to play with this flying disc. It lights up!
Hover Soccer Ball
My youngest has just discovered that he enjoys soccer. And since he insists on having the soccer ball inside, we will switch to the hover soccer ball as soon as possible.
Sticky Dart Board
A sticky dart board on the back of your child’s bedroom door? Say less. It is 1992 again, and I am loving it.
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 outdoor play inspiration.
Over the Door Hoop
My then 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 burn off energy indoors.
Slingshot
A variation of the Rocket Copters is a traditional slingshot. Makes a fun stocking stuffer your child can use over the holiday break.
Climbing Dome
As the boys grow older, their energy level increases. (How could that be?) This climbing dome is a fantastic 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. The MIPS Brain Protection System integrates with the Roc Loc Sport Fit System for added protection in certain impacts, plus market-leading fit and comfort.
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 injury risk and maximizes 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.
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 independently, then challenge all their siblings and friends. By trying different combinations of running and jumping, kids can problem-solve and work toward greatness right in their backyard.
What toys do kindergarten and first graders like?
You know what I adore about this age? They are still so much a little kid, but they’re also finding ways for a more mature way of living to peek out. And simply put, five- to seven-year-olds enjoy toys that fit their interests.
For example, a child who really enjoyed wooden blocks in the early years will likely still build with those blocks. I would extend the play with a set of hollow blocks.
A child who enjoyed drawing and coloring in the early years may be ready to have their own sketchbook and a fresh pack of markers.
A child who has taken an interest in tinkering and putting toys together in the early years may want to explore a motorized gear set.
Why toys matter:
Again, put simply, toys…
- 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 their 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.
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 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.)
More Toys for Kids:
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about what your child enjoys doing. Rocket Copters are great for a child who 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. Set aside time each day for unstructured free play where your child takes the lead. Doing so allows children to work through thoughts, events in the day, and emotions.
